What I love about the movie is how magical living in New York City looks. Now that I’ve enjoyed it several times as an adult, I know it actually is. But the movie also shows this idyllic home outside the city that is a dream, too. I can never decide which one my heart loves most.

When I was in my 40s, I got to experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in real life for the first time. The best part was getting to go with my kids and have my whole family there, including my mom and my brother’s family. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.

A couple of years before that, I was lucky enough to spend some time in the city with my mom, my aunt, and my cousin. My cousin and I had a blast running around the city at night after our moms had gone back to the hotel. We even took a pedicab over to the Empire State Building.

More importantly, we went to Macy’s and headed straight to the top floor. When you get up that high, the escalator has wooden steps instead of metal, and the floor actually feels slanted. It feels like you’re stepping back into the original Macy’s.

When you get off, you’re transported to a different time and universe. It’s decorated for Christmas year-round, and every tree has a different theme. Right there, I got to live my California dream in New York City: a Christmas tree covered in all things beach and ocean. You’ve never seen so many beautiful ornaments.

Imagine my delight when I realized this year would be the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Macy’s has the most magical ornaments and other items commemorating this milestone. I have quite a few things in my cart, and I’m having to make my decisions carefully so I don’t bankrupt myself over this, lol.

They also have great sales. Even if you don’t love the parade or care about the commemorative items, you definitely need to check out their holiday decor. It’s honestly a step above! Macy’s also has such great cashmere and so many other things I love.

Shop my favorite Macy’s finds here.

Shop here

Grab all the cashmere!

Now we’re in October, but it’s 88° today. I’m seeing all the gorgeous fall things that I want, and yet I’m sitting here in shorts and a T-shirt.

So for this week, I’m keeping it simple and sharing with you the things that made it through the no-shopping rule, things that I’m eyeing for fall, and what I think are the best purchases that will last year after year.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting Southbaydreamin! ❤️

$35 cardigan I love this so much that I’m planning to grab the purple! I am not a fan of purple, but the muted shade is gorgeous!

Suede purse a must for fall & a steal at only $60!

Burgundy sweater so soft & cozy! Perfect for the season.

Back to my fav shampoo I’ve tried so many high-end brands &have decided to go back to this!

Favorite cashmere sweater this is the perfect oversized, cozy cashmere sweater. I be it in two colors!

Henley cashmere so pretty for something outside of a plain cashmere sweater.

Drifter sweater the perfect classic look that meets cozy & preppy!

Fall leather bag this designer makes the most gorgeous leather bags they are soft, supple & affordable.

Leather boots this boot is just screaming buy me! It is classic & cool at the same time. You’ll wear these year after year.

Ballet flat perfect for that casual look that needs just a tiny bit of elevation.

My favorite style of jeans I have these in several colors. They work with every body &are so comfortable when you have the extra middle weight because of menopause.

I have these in 3 prints camo, zebra & bandana prints are in my closet. They just released deer print which are in my cart. Comfy, cute & $16!

Speaking of family, there were years that we were constantly at either her house or mine, so we got to know each other’s families really well. My mom loved having us girls around. She treated us all the same & delighted in spending time with us. If you’re new here, my mom passed away almost 3 years ago. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever been through, but that’s a story for another time. This one is about chicken noodle soup.

Angie and I had spoken since my mom passed; she even sent a beautiful letter remembering my mom, but we had not seen each other in person. She asked how I was doing, and then we started reminiscing and telling stories. I asked her if she remembered my mom making homemade chicken noodle soup, which she served with a scoop of homemade mashed potatoes at the bottom of the bowl. Not only did she remember this, but she told me she makes it for her family all the time. Her kids absolutely love it and think it’s so cool because nobody else serves chicken noodle soup with mashed potatoes. I was so happy she made this tradition with her family because of my mom, but I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t done the same.

A couple of days later, I had a really good cry and thought about things I hadn’t done yet, like make that soup. My mom was such a great homemaker and I always thought I would be too. If I’m being honest, I thought I would be even better. But the truth is somewhere in the middle. A good cry has a way of cleansing you and I realized I had nothing to feel bad about. For one, there’s still plenty of time to make chicken noodle soup with mashed potatoes. And for two, I did other things that my mom didn’t do. I created new traditions for me and my family. I even made lentil soup before my mom did… and my daughter loves it!

As I thought about why I hadn’t made the soup, I realized my mom did what she wanted to do: she set an example for the many “daughters” she had simply through the way she loved her family. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a safe, loving home where your family is creating memories they will cherish. Just like Angie is doing with hers. My mom is looking down at all the “daughters” that were learning from her while she was just living her life & loving her people. She’s feeling proud of all of us and the families, traditions and memories we are creating.

I’m planning to make chicken noodle soup this year with mashed potatoes for my family but if I don’t, it’s OK, I’ll give myself grace because my story is not over yet.

Progress is always a good thing, right? Well, I’ve been thinking about our phones and social media a lot lately. Social media makes my work possible, so I’m grateful. But there’s a rub… I find my work days take much longer because of the constant distractions. When I’m not actually on my feet filming, I can conveniently use this little thing in my hand to work. The problem is, I’m finding more and more that “work” gets sidelined by all the other flashy stuff wanting my attention.

So what am I doing about it? Getting really strict with my time and boundaries. But honestly, it’s so hard! There’s a little device I’ve considered buying to lock me out of my phone. How ridiculous is that? I’m a grown adult that doesn’t have addiction issues with anything, and yet…

I don’t want to become the woman who locks herself out of her

phone, but I also don’t love that I’ve seriously considered it. I think what I’m really craving is a little more quiet—time to think, notice things, read, write, and let my brain do its thing without being interrupted every five minutes.

I love creating content. I love putting together an outfit, making a video, finding something I think you’ll love, and sharing it with you. That part isn’t going anywhere. I just think I’m craving another place to connect with you that feels a little slower and gives me room to talk about more than what I’m wearing.

I actually thought about starting a Substack a year ago. What stopped me was fear and self-doubt. Do I have anything to offer? Everyone is already seeing enough of me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk about fashion, and while there will be some of that, I knew I wanted a place to write about my thoughts. Take me back to something that feels more analog. As I mentioned last week, I’m using a paper calendar again. It’s the only thing that works to keep me organized, so maybe writing more will work my brain in a different way that I’ve been missing.

The past couple of weeks, I’ve been reading other people’s Substacks, and I’m loving it. It’s a slower pace, less noise, and more thought. Plenty of the things I’ve read have resonated with me and made me think about interesting stuff.

I feel myself gravitating more toward this kind of space. Places where I feel more human, more connected, and actually more inspired. I think this is a small but powerful step in the right direction.

And I’m still a little scared writing this. I don’t want you to unfollow me and throw your phone away. I’m still going to make the videos, share the clothes I love, and do all the things that brought us together in the first place. But here, I hope we can slow down a little, talk about some other things, and maybe give ourselves a little more room to think.

If you choose to spend a little of your time here with me, I’m forever grateful.

XO,

Tricia

A few of last week’s best sellers, in case you missed them:

Fav Jeans

Zebra

https://liketk.it/6nz3U

As we enter our 50s, this is interesting to contemplate, not all of us have kids that are school aged, or are living at home. But either way you look at it there is something about that fresh start that just feels good. Remember how it felt to get your back to school supplies and you’re back to school clothes even if it was still 100° out. Well, I did just that and bought a calendar this year that started in August. So if you are feeling like after a summer of fun in the sun & vacations, you’re ready for new adventures, then join me in creating our new year starting now.

The first thing that I’m doing is getting back to my fitness routine. It’s so easy to let it go over summer. I am back to lifting weights 3x a week & using my walking pad the other days. When I’m exercising I really do feel better. Not just physically, but mentally — it makes a big difference for me. Weight-wise? Not so much, those extra pounds I’ve gained through menopause are hard to budge!

Which leads us to clothes! Fall is the time for jeans & there is a reason that I wear the most comfortable ones I can find. Being 10 pounds over what I’ve been most of my life is frustrating, but I’m shopping for the body I have now, not the one I used to have. I’ll link my top 3 for fall right here!

My favorite Meg

Most affordable

Ultra soft old school

Exploring my own backyard. The other day my husband & I went to a little trail by the coast. It was not that long, but the beauty was unmatched. It’s free to get outside & explore. And honestly, this is the perfect weather for it. You might even find yourself falling in love with your life again.

Lastly, a house reset & decorating. My mom decorated her house so cute for every holiday, including Halloween. I don’t think she did this when I was a kid, but taking my kids to her house was such a treat. I don’t have grandkids yet, but both my kids are living at home, 26 & 19, for probably the last time I’ll have them both here together. So I’ve decided this year those decorations are going up! The torch has been passed.

I’ll end with this: We had the hottest week ever here this week & I could not keep up with my exercise etc. My sleep was impacted, but unforeseen things happen no matter what time of year. I’m ready to embrace this Era & season. Let’s go!

P.S. I’ll be here every Sunday, sharing a little bit of what I’m loving, what I’m wearing, what I’m doing & what I’m figuring out along the way. Think of it as something to read with your Sunday morning coffee (or while your husband is watching football 😉). I’ll also keep the links from the week right here so you don’t have to go searching for them.

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