family

Natural Bridges State Beach sea arch

 in General Fashion  tagged beach / family / santa cruz / staycation by

Natural Bridges State Beach is a small park in Santa Cruz; just north of the famous boardwalk area. This beach area is a jem if you love both the beach and easy hiking trails. In addition to a clean, sandy beach which is mostly flat and easy to enjoy, there are short trails behind the beach where you can hike before relaxing by the ocean.

In addition to a beautiful beach for relaxing, and hiking trails for a little exercise, there is a very fabulous sea arch! This sea arch is one of three natural bridges left at the beach. Around 1900, there were three arches, the farthest arch collapsed in the early part of the 1900’s. Until 1980, the first arch, which connected the middle arch to the mainland, collapsed in a storm. If you are local, and old enough to remember, you may have seen it! Perhaps it’s in the background of one of your family photos!

Alas, there is only one arch left; so if you are local, or plan to travel to the Santa Cruz area, definitely visit the beach so you can see the beautiful arch in person; before it’s gone too! Unfortunately due to erosion, these sea arches don’t last forever.

So of course, I had to take a touristy photo in front it; just for memories of course 🙂

Our family visited Natural Bridges State Beach over the weekend, and enjoyed a relaxing day by the ocean. We wore sweats, and brought blankets, to stay cozy in the cool, 50 to 60 degree weather. It was a nice day of book reading, and picnicking by the sea.

Sometimes the beach is nice when it’s a cold day; it does not always need to be a sunbathing and swimming type of occasion. Relaxing with the sound of the ocean is a great way to enjoy the coast during the spring and fall months. I love it!

Shop my fall beach day outfit (pants are sold out, linked to similar styles)

Do you enjoy the beach in cooler weather? What are favorite cool weather, beach activities?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Family day at the Pumpkin Patch

 in General Fashion  tagged casual style / fall 2020 / family / outfits by

wearing: mask / lapis and gold earrings / stripe top / snake buckle belt / fall nail polish / lapis bead bracelet / gold link cuff / handbag / light wash patchwork jeans (under $40!) / water resistant lug sold boots /

Fall is here! This year, seeing the pumpkin patch open was thrilling! Normally we wait until a week before Halloween to visit the pumpkin patch. Our goal has always been to buy pumpkins to carve for Halloween. This year, Halloween is going to be much smaller since we aren’t allowed to trick or treat, and the kids cannot attend their normal Halloween gatherings. Therefore, the pumpkin patch took on a new meaning for me this year; decorate for fall.

Despite the ninety-degree weather out there right now, fall is here. So, to get into the spirit, I’ve been stocking up on any pumpkin food at the market I can find. I also invested in a new fall wreath for the front door, and bought pumpkins early to decorate the front door! I have to admit, I love the fall decor! Oh, and I also bought those mini gourds and pumpkins to decorate my kitchen table. Yes, I am overboard for fall this year. haha, don’t hate!

We didn’t spend a long time at the pumpkin patch this year, since we are trying to stay safe and not get sick. We were there just long enough to pick out some really cute pumpkins for the front door, which will get carved a few days before Halloween, and snap a few quick pictures! After all, is it really fall if you don’t take a picture with a pumpkin? Cheesy-yes, necessary-also yes!

Are you heading out to the pumpkin patch this year? Do you usually buy pumpkins to decorate for fall, or are you looking for future jack-o-lanturns?

I hope you are having a fabulous fall season. Oh, and if you are looking for a good laugh, I fell into, then had trouble getting out of, a giant chair. Kudos to my son for capturing my fall. You can see it below.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

History San Jose

 in General Fashion / Travel  tagged family / outfits / san jose / staycation / summer 2020 by

One of San Jose’s best kept secrets is History San Jose park. This mini, historical town features buildings which were saved from demolition, and brought here to recreate San Jose’s early days as an American town.

The buildings all have some sort of special meaning to local history. They were lived in by people who helped settle the area, or they were businesses which were a first in the area. Such as the first candy shop owned by the O’Brien Family pictured below. (apologies for the reflection, I took this photo through the window since the building was closed.)

The park is often used for events, picnics, and corporate parties. Some of the buildings are normally open to the public, and serve as mini-museums which tell their story, and how it fits into local history.

Of course right now, since we are partly shut-down due to the pandemic, only the outdoor areas are open. We will have to go back when things open back up in order to show the kids the inside exhibitions.

History San Jose is a beautiful park to spend some time walking around, and learning about local history. If you are local to the Bay Area, I highly recommend checking it out. There is free parking right in front-but it is limited. So arrive early. Otherwise, there is a fee lot a few feet away from the entrance. If you are traveling to the area, be sure to check it out, and learn about our early days!

Shop my fitness look:

Have you visited History San Jose? What did you think? You can learn more on their website here.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy