I use a PC simulator. If I'm planning a flight somewhere and the
weather looks uncertain, I will do the actual flight on the sim with
crosswinds and low ceilings, including the missed approach with hold.

I always file IFR on cross country flights except where the conditions
are good VFR and IFR involves a long detour (kgyy-kluk for example).
I had also been doing IPCs every 6 months but now my instructor has
relocated so I will probably need to use a pilot friend to fly safety
pilot with me.