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Valley Girl at Heart

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Chain’s Pop-Up at Westfield Topanga

Posted on September 7, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Local Events | Tags: Canoga Park, Chain at the Mall, Eat at Chain, Topanga Social, Westfield Topanga | 9 Comments

Chain Wall - Eat at Chain

Chain is a pop-up restaurant concept conceived by actor B.J.Novak (The Devil Wears Prada 2). Driven by his love for chain restaurants, Novak partnered with Chef Tim Hollingsworth to create gourmet versions of fast-food classics. Last December, I attended Chain’s Holiday House where they had festive drinks from Dutch Bros, potato pancakes from Heinz, bone marrow burgers, ice cream cones from Friendly's, and more! My first ever Chain … [Read more...]

Meet Anna Vocino – CEO and Founder of Eat Happy Kitchen

Posted on March 30, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Reviews | Tags: Anna Vocino, clean‑label food brand, Eat Happy Kitchen, pasta sauces | 8 Comments

Anna Vocino - headshot

Earlier this month, I met Anna Vocino at Expo West. Anna is the CEO and Founder of Eat Happy Kitchen, one of the fastest‑growing women‑owned clean‑label food brands in the country. As I approached the Eat Happy Kitchen booth, I made a beeline for the pasta sauces! I cook pasta for my family at least once a week, so I couldn’t resist. The arrabbiata sauce is so tasty! Eat Happy Kitchen also makes seasonings: Taco Dust, Salt Dust, … [Read more...]

Highlights from Natural Products Expo West 2026

Posted on March 23, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Local Events | Tags: Awake Chocolates, Eat Happy Kitchen, Expo West, Matter Compostable, Mezete | 11 Comments

Anaheim Convention Center

Earlier this month, I attended Natural Products Expo West. It was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Expo West is the world’s largest trade show dedicated to the natural, organic, and healthy products industry. The conference is spread across four days and although I was only able to attend one day, I made the most of it! Below are the highlights that caught my eye and taste buds too! Mightylicious Mightylicious is a … [Read more...]

Springtime Staycation at Courtyard by Marriott Marina del Rey

Posted on March 16, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Reviews | Tags: Brizo Bar and Restaurant, Courtyard by Marriott Marina del Rey, KazuNori, Marina del Rey, Ultimate Escape Rooms | 7 Comments

View from Courtyard by Marriott MDR

Earlier this month, my husband and I went on a weekend getaway to Marina del Rey. We’ve been experiencing a heatwave in the Valley, so we wanted to escape the heat and soak up the ocean air. We checked into a local hidden gem that just celebrated its fifth anniversary. Courtyard by Marriott Marina del Rey is located on the marina and has breathtaking views and a restaurant that serves up mouthwatering meals. (More on the food from Brizo … [Read more...]

Black Angus Steakhouse – Visit Ventura

Posted on January 26, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Reviews | Tags: Black Angus Steakhouse Ventura, steakhouses in Ventura, Ventura restaurants, Visit Ventura | 11 Comments

Black Angus - Ventura signage

A few weekends ago, my family and I headed out to Ventura for a fantastic lunch at Black Angus Steakhouse. You might remember me mentioning their grand re-opening back in November, and now that the holiday rush has finally settled, it felt like the perfect time to treat my parents to a meal there. Even though it’s a 45-minute drive from the Valley, that crisp beach air and coastal breeze make every mile worth it. We started out with … [Read more...]

My 2026 Word of the Year – Evolve

Posted on January 22, 2026 | Filed Under: Food, Misc, Mommy Stuff | Tags: Evolve, physical therapy, Safe Catch Tuna, Word of the Year | 3 Comments

Word of the Year - 2026 - Evolve

I finally decided on my Word of the Year. I know that we are more than halfway through January, but it took me a while to decide. I initially leaned toward "healing journey," but the word I’ve officially chosen is Evolve. To evolve is to change and develop gradually, which is what I am hoping to do both physically and mentally. Last October, I had a procedure on my hand that left me unable to grip things. So, I started physical therapy to … [Read more...]

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