My grandma Millie was a child of the Great Depression who grew up to become a passionate, daily-dumpster-diving Californian. She clearly succeeded at brainwashing me from a young age. Oh, the thrill I get when I see the word free! Shivers run down my spine.
But then you have my European-influenced mother who has instilled in me a taste for the finer things in life, and a killer eye for style. Some have called this a dangerously amazing combination.
The irony was thick when I married a man with a scavenger bird surname: Buzzard. Justin and I are 17 years into marriage and have three sons.
I started Simply SV to help people flourish in expensive, exhausting Silicon Valley. When I looked around, I saw too many people merely surviving here. Why just get by when you could thrive? You really can have the good life—right here, right now—without breaking the bank. I’m here to tell you about places to go, things to do, deals and opportunities to seize, adventures to take, and fresh ideas that can simplify and enrich your life.
To get started, explore my blog, subscribe to my future articles, and catch up with me on Instagram and Facebook. I also manage a Swiss Chalet inspired cabin in Arnold, Ca — the closest snow to the Bay Area; I’d love to host you! If you’re a local business or individual who wants to work with me, send me a message. I’ve helped many businesses grow their visibility and customer base, and I’ve coached many busy people on how to achieve the good life (on less).
My parents grew up amongst the apricot orchards of Los Altos and Cupertino, making me a rare 2nd generation native of the Santa Clara Valley. In 2002, I graduated from Georgetown University with a major in French, minors in business and art. Over the years, I’ve lived up and down the Peninsula: San Francisco, Belmont, San Carlos, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Saratoga, with a final landing spot in the Rose Garden neighborhood of San Jose, where we bought our forever home in 2019 (it just became a San Jose Historic Landmark—phew, what a process that was and well worth every ounce of work).
Coming soon: We’re planning a home renovation (on less, of course) and I’m eager to uncover the treasures and histories of downtown San Jose.
Join me on this journey! Let me be your guide to living an interesting, money-saving, playful, creative, and adventurous life.