I’m still recovering from my office potluck (send help and antacids), my parents roll into town next week, and Simi is exploding with Christmas events. From Wicked on Ice to a Little House on the Prairie cast reunion, I’ve somehow added all of it to my already-overstuffed calendar. Plus, a preview of next week’s Aldi finds — spoiler: unless you’re in the market for bedding or yet another phone charger, your wallet can relax.
This week, we’re slamming the brakes on Thanksgiving leftovers and flooring it straight into Christmas. I’m giving you the quick-and-dishy Thanksgiving recap, the scoop on Santa’s big arrival at Town Center, and a formal announcement: I’m fully, unapologetically in holiday mode. Plus — Rancho Simi swim lesson gift cards might just be the most practical stocking stuffer of the year.
Weekend events are stacked: the International Christmas Crèche, Redbirds Vision blanket drive, holiday open house at Strathern Historical Park, Wizard of Oz Junior, and… pup pics with Santa!
And Aldi? She delivered. Spa goodies, the hottest stocking stuffers for kids, cozy men’s PJs — basically a self-care sleigh ride down every aisle.
This week, we’re rolling from Thanksgiving prep straight into full-blown holiday mode in Simi Valley! The Town Center tree lighting may have been postponed, but the rescheduled event is stacked with performances, snow, characters, and the best Santa in the business. I’m giving you the inside scoop on our favorite photo spot (no ad, just love!) and how to snag their limited-time discount before November 30th.
I’m sharing my hot takes on sweet potatoes, the great stuffing debate in my household, and our long-standing tradition of watching a top-tier comfort movie if there ever was one.
We’re also talking turkey trots, Black Friday decor runs, and the holiday explosion that hits my house the moment the leftovers are in the fridge, and of course… Aldi finds!
Finally, I’m sending out a heartfelt Thanksgiving message with resources for anyone needing a warm meal or support this holiday season.
Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and let’s get festive—Simi style. Gobble gobble!
I’m coming right out of the gate with my opinions on the big question: is it festive spirit or seasonal sabotage to deck the halls before Thanksgiving?
I went to Aldi twice in one day… and came back slightly empty-handed.
Plus, details on this weekend’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Simi Valley Town Center!
This week I’ve got a quick recap of Halloween, an overview of upcoming Veterans Day events in Simi Valley, and some sad personal news.
I’ll wrap up with this week’s Aldi finds—where the advent calendars and holiday décor are already begging to “sleigh” my self-control.
This week’s episode is a cozy catch-up full of fall fun and big family changes.
I share my daughter’s playdate with a Pinterest-perfect mom, the latest can’t-miss Aldi finds (hello, Thanksgiving kitchen gadgets and festive throws!), and all the local Halloween happenings around Simi Valley—from Spookytown to the Street Fair to a haunted mobile house on wheels!
Plus, I get personal about welcoming my mother-in-law to town and transforming the guest room just in time for the holidays.
It’s a week of comfort, community, and a little bit of chaos—in the best way.
This weekend had all the makings of a fall story — a little history, a little hay, and a whole lot of pumpkins! From DAR and CAR gatherings to a sunny day at Underwood Family Farms, it felt like stepping right into autumn.
I’m sharing my hunt for the best (and cheapest) pumpkins, the adorable Christmas finds already popping up at Aldi, and a few more can’t-miss Halloween happenings around town.
Plus, a peek ahead to Strathern Historical Society’s Día de los Muertos celebration on October 26th — because the fall fun definitely isn’t over yet!
This week I’m recapping the Iceoplex Trunk or Treat (costumes, candy, and chaos, oh my!), plus breaking down local headlines — from an arrest in the Palisades fire to hate crime charges filed against five Simi teens.
We’ll lighten things up with some wholesome fall fun at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark… and, of course, a quick stroll through the latest Aldi finds!
This week on the pod: weekend vibes and a sigh of relief—my daughter’s Halloween costume woes are over!
I’ve got the scoop on five local trunk-or-treats you won’t want to miss!
Plus, Aldi’s dropping Squishmallow Halloween cuteness and the coziest fall clothes.
This week’s episode is a full plate: from my husband’s legendary BBQ to unpacking how stress and trauma shows up in our bodies and take a toll on us physically.
I’m navigating the never-ending “what do you want to be for Halloween?” loop with my kid, and wondering if I’m already burned out on football before Week 4.
We’ve also got a big win with Aldi Finds, plus a rundown of Junk in the Trunk, Serve Simi Day, and other fun fall events you won’t want to miss.
This week I’m on my way back from DAR Fall Council weekend and I’m energized for more activities in advance of America 250!
I’m sharing my unpopular fall girl opinions (pumpkin spice lovers, brace yourselves).
Plus, Aldi just dropped some fresh gear you’re going to want to snag.
The local calendar is filling fast with fun fall events you won’t want to miss.
Cozy up, because fall is officially here—even if I’m not sipping the PSL.
After a two-week hiatus, I’m back with the baker’s dozen (13th) episode!
I’m serving up hometown love this week, and reminding everyone why Simi Valley is actually pretty sweet—if you just step outside and taste it, because some haters on Nextdoor would rather sit inside and type than actually go out and see it.
Plus, fall is creeping in and you know what that means: new Aldi finds worth cozying up to!
Let’s catch up, Simi!
This week I’m revving it up with highlights from the Rigs & Relics show at Simi Town Center, easing into that slow fade of summer, and jumping straight into the new Aldi finds that are giving big autumn energy.
From shiny rides to cozy vibes, it’s all about cruising into the next season!
This week:
Ventura County finally says goodbye to a roadside tech relic.
Simi Town Center is the place to be between National Night Out and a trip to the movies… plus the upcoming Rigs and Relics car show.
The Aldi Finds are spooky and sweet this week!
My bold plan to enter a competition at next year’s Ventura County Fair.
I’m fresh off a day at the Ventura County Fair: sun, snacks, and just the right amount of chaos!
Big updates on what’s happening at Simi Town Center and some movement at the old Madera Brewing Co. location.
And as for this week’s Aldi finds… let’s just say, not every week’s a home run—but I still found a couple things worth grabbing. Let’s get into it!
This week I’ve got a cold, a raspy voice, and some thoughts about the Ventura County Fair. From fried food highs to questionable ride choices, I break down what’s worth your ticket.
Plus, Aldi’s back at it with more back to school finds and some self-care items that might make me feel a little better.
It’s a slightly sniffly, mildly salty, fair-season catch-up you don’t want to miss!
Let’s dive into peak summer chaos: from the uninvited guest who made itself at home in my backyard (spoiler: I did not handle it well), to keeping cool in the Rancho Simi pool.
This episode’s spotlight is on the Iceoplex—Simi’s coolest hidden gem, where you can escape the heat and pretend you’re in a winter wonderland, even in July!
This week also brings the return of the Dallas Cowboys training camp in Oxnard! Are you ready for some football?
Of course I discuss Aldi Finds - back to campus and a sneaky li’l Disney drop are coming up this week!
Stuck in the dog days of summer? I’m here to help you squeeze some sparkle out of the slow season (because Prime Week sure didn’t). This episode is all about making your own fun when it’s hot, boring, and nothing exciting seems to be happening. Whether you’re a local, a homebody, or just trying to make the most of a sleepy summer, this one’s for you.
This week, I cover a deeply upsetting event: the tragic home explosion that occurred Thursday morning in my neighborhood. It was a shocking moment for our community, and I’ll talk about my own experience, and what’s been reported so far.
We’ll also touch on the Fourth of July fireworks show at Rancho Simi Community Park—a much-anticipated event that brought families out to celebrate, despite the heavy tone in town.
Plus, I’ll lighten things up with a few Aldi finds, including two viral dupes, and we’ll look ahead to some good local fun next weekend.
My weekend full of FOMO, and my bedroom mini-project success.
This upcoming Aldi Find for kids just might outshine the fireworks.
We’ve got so many events in and around the 805 this weekend to get your freedom on! Pancakes, parades, home run derbies, car shows, concerts, and more fireworks shows to light up the night than you can shake a sparkler at!
I can barely contain my excitement for this Independence Day extravaganza! 🇺🇸🎆🦅🎆
EVENT LINKS:
https://starspangledsimi.com/
https://janssmarketplace.com/events/4th-of-july-fireworks-spectacular-2/
https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1737/4th-of-July-Street-Fair-Pushem-Pullem-Pa
www.4thofjulyinojai.com
https://www.crpd.org/events/fourth-of-july-activities/
www.oxnarddowntowners.org/event-details/fourth-of-july-at-heritage-square-the-gamble-band-the-soul-revival-band
https://moorparkca.gov/578/3rd-of-July-Fireworks-Extravaganza
https://www.reaganfoundation.org/events/annual-4th-of-july-celebration-2025
https://cityofcamarillo.org/visitors/attractions/fireworks.php
https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/4th-of-july-family-parade-2025/
https://tinyurl.com/MysticOceanAdventures