California Fall ~ Feels and Finds

Family life in my favorite Southern California Season: Fall

Even though I am from Southern California—where “summer” and “slightly cooler summer” are basically the only two seasons—I can’t shake my love of seasonal traditions and holidays.

Maybe it’s the influence of my mom, a lifelong schoolteacher in Los Angeles, who made every month feel like a celebration in her classroom and at home, but I find myself planning our family calendar around rhythms of the year.

This month, our family is…

🏡 Staying Local but Making it Special

Travel is lovely, but with teenagers at home, a new school year beginning, and a busy season ahead, staycations are my secret weapon. We’re exploring easy day trips—like Coronado Island for a boat trip, San Clemente for shopping, or fishing at Lake San Marcos. Packing a cooler with drinks and snacks (homemade or from my Amazon favorites) keeps things simple and personalized for everyone's likes.

My husband bought me the Free People Movement version for my birthday, but there is a nearly identical one on Amazon for a fraction of the price. Link below👇

👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristincruz/list/2CEJ66PATOJOX?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_6BV319QAHNX63R86PJA1

👗 Wearing the Everyday-Elevated

My SoCal style is definitely relaxed, but lately as I've gotten older, I try to keep things polished. I want to be an example for my kids, and I realized that I represent my family when I interact with the outside world. You'd be surprised how easy it can be if you clear out the clutter, add a few affordable staples, and create some go-to great outfits. Think: airy tops, breathable fabrics (a must in humid beach weather), and sandals that can handle everything from the coffee run to a dinner out. It helps that SoCal cities are very casual along the coast, but I think these outfits would work just about anywhere right now.

🍴 Eating in Season

Our kitchen leans heavily on fresh, family-friendly meals. I only have 4 people in the house but they all have different tastes, and honestly- different needs. The last few weeks, we’ve been rotating Greek-inspired chicken sheet-pan dinners (less cleanup = more sanity) and experimenting with exotic fruits that give me tropical vacation vibes right here at home.

🎬 Reading & Watching Together

Family movie nights are sacred here. As fall creeps in, we’ll be pulling out the cozy throws and choosing classics that remind us of simpler times. I’ve also been stacking my nightstand with books by women I admire—writers who inspire me as I work on my own upcoming projects.