staycation

Computer History Museum in Mountain View

 in General Fashion  tagged casual style / outfits / staycation by

pictured: 1st photo: computer advertised in the 1969 Neiman Marcus Christmas Wish Book. It was touted as a way to store recipes. 2nd photo: earrings / pink scarf / black long sleeve tee / nail polish / bucket bag / wide leg jeans / sneakers /

Have you visited the Computer History Museum in Mountain View? I can’t believe this was my first time going! It has been there for years!

The Computer History Museum in Mountain View is much larger than I pictured it to be. It houses the history of technology going back to counting systems. It was fascinating! I enjoyed seeing ancient technology as well as modern day tech, and of course, anything related to the fashion industry! Love that!

As you can see in the first photo, computers were marketed to housewives as far back as 1969. Who knew? Of course, Neiman Marcus would be ahead of the curve, offering the ideal personal home computer for storing recipes! Apparently, it even had a cutting board! Amazing!

Below is a photo of how punch cards were used in textiles to make perfect patterns on a loom. Who knew punch cards were used in the fashion industry? Love that!

Of course, sneakers are always using technology to help athletes perform better. I even wrote a term paper in college about sneaker technology, of course, that had more to do with air, gel and pumps than actually connecting to a computer or device. Apparently, they tried out a version using a chip which connected to your iPod. Is there still a version still around? This was fascinating.

In addition to fashion, there were examples of tech throughout history, as well as gaming. I was a bit wistful when I saw the Atari and Pac Man displays. Those were the days! haha

There is even a section about the dot boom and dot bust at the end of the museum. I was a bit conflicted seeing something I lived through in a museum. Trying to tell myself I am not old, I am not old, I am not old. Yikes!

So, if you are local, or visiting Silicon Valley, this is a must-see! Be sure to head over to Mountain View and visit the Computer History Museum. Loved it!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland

 in General Fashion  tagged beach / casual style / outfits / staycation / winter 2025 by

wearing: black long sleeve tee / mocha scarf / nail polish / wide leg jeans / bucket bag / sneakers /

Earlier this month we enjoyed a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It is always fun to go in the winter because the boardwalk is decorated for the holiday season, and it is a lot less crowded than during the summer months. The only drawback is that half of the rides are closed, but we had fun and filled up our day anyway!

The weather was mild and I was able to wear a long sleeve tee with a scarf and leave my sweatshirt in the car. These sneakers were comfy and helped me last throughout the day; and keep up with my kids! haha

We enjoyed the mini golf, which is where this cute little turtle was located. Of course, we indulged in boardwalk food and went on the bumper cars. Fun!

If you are looking for a great pair of wide leg jeans, these are on sale! They also come in standard sizing, plus sizes, petite, and tall sizes. Love that! I am wearing petite.

In case you are local, I highly recommend heading to the boardwalk before the summer crowds! Love!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Muir Woods family hike

 in Fitness  tagged family / hiking / lifestyle / outdoor fitness / outfits / staycation by

wearing: blue tee / backpack (old, also love this one) / black belt / jeans / nail polish / statement earrings / hiking boots (old, also love this pair) /

If you are local to the San Francisco Bay Area, there is a good chance you have visited Muir Woods at some point in your life. If not, what are you waiting for? People from around the world make it a point to visit Muir Woods when they travel to San Francisco, so definitely make sure it gets on your to do list!

Muir Woods is filled with old growth redwood trees, many of which have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. There have also been historical events which occurred at Muir Woods such as when the UN met in San Francisco to get organized, they visited Muir Woods and even took a picture!

Since Muir Woods is such a popular destination, a reservation system has been put in place for visitors. I have to admit, I love the reservation system. I remember when you just showed up on a whim. The parking lot would be gridlock and there would be way too many people on the trails. With the reservation system, traffic is controlled, and the trails are not crowded. It really is better for the environment as well as the overall experience. Love it!

Speaking of the trails, there is a trail for every hiking level at Muir Woods. You can walk along the flat trail and learn about the history of the park, or you can wander onto one of the many trails which take your through the park. We found a trail which was moderately challenging and took two hours to complete.

You can learn more about Muir Woods and make reservations at GoMuirWoods.com. Be sure to print your tickets at home, there isn’t any cell service at Muir Woods.

I recommend getting an early morning reservation to beat the summer heat. This will clear up your afternoon so you can explore Marin County, or head back into the city to play tourist.

Enjoy your visit and also bring a water bottle, wear hiking boots, and watch for ticks.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy