A Quick Get-Away to The Bay Area- What I Wore
We just got back from 3 glorious days in the Bay Area. It was not a spur-of-the-moment trip, but it was a spur-of-the-moment packing job which is very unlike me. I’m usually extremely organized to the point of being too organized. This time I tossed things in a small bag in ten minutes and jumped in the car. Here’s what I wore for 3 days in the Bay Area.
We left early Friday to get a jump on the weekend traffic. After checking in, we drove up to the lookout above the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a magnificent spot to watch the city lights come on as the fog rolls through the gate.
It’s a magical site and always very windy so I knew enough to pack a silk scarf to cover my hair. The stronger the wind, the more my hair breaks so a scarf is always a good idea.
I wore denim on denim and was so glad to have the jacket. The Bay Area has natural air conditioning that we don’t get inland and I knew it would get chilly. I’d briefly considered packing a cashmere wrap, but the wind can go right through those so the denim was perfect.
The following day was sunny and warm. We had lunch with my sister-in-law, played several rounds of cards, and wandered around Sausalito.
After tanking up on tea and pastries at the Firehouse Coffee shop we headed over to Muir Woods.
There aren’t many tourists this year so the forest is quieter than usual, which to my mind, makes it more breathtaking than ever.
By the time we got to the forest parking lot, my feet were beginning to swell so I swapped into these metallic sneakers which are the widest ones I own and super comfy. My white jeans got dusty but they’re stain-resistant so I didn’t worry about them. I swapped my tote for this convertible crossbody bag to keep my hands free.
After a few hours, we drove down the coast to Half Moon Bay and had dinner at a small fish restaurant on the dock. The fog was getting very thick at that point so I hauled on my trusty denim jacket and wrapped the scarf at my throat. The Bay Area is made up of micro-climates so you need to pack with layers and be prepared for it to change quickly.
The following morning we just sat on a bluff and watched the waves crash for hours.
After several hours we drove down to the beach and walked the shoreline. I debated about wearing my metallic sneakers in the sand but they were fine!
After several hours we headed over to meet our friends…which was the purpose of this whole trip. Our dinner group has been getting together several times a year for over 30 years. We’ve been through it all together and I could not love them more. These are the kind of friends you can’t replace. Zoom calls are nice but they can’t replace a hug.
This year has been hard on everyone, some more than others. You may remember that my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer last summer and had a lobe of his left lung removed. And he’s far from alone. Lung cancer has touched our group in a profound way.
Our friend Bonnie, whose home we met at, beat her own stage 3B lung cancer in 2004. In the years since she’s become one of the foremost advocates for lung cancer patients and co-founder of the largest lung cancer foundation in the world. Her foundation funds research into drugs to battle this awful disease but her main efforts are to educate patients and give them hope.
She’s written this amazing book, The Living Room, which shares powerful stories ofĀ 22 people who have beaten cancer and are not only surviving, they’re thriving thanks to the array of new treatments and therapies that have changed the face of lung cancer.
The Living Room is also the name of a virtual support group that is live-streamed internationally on the third Tuesday of every month where lung cancer patients find hope and learn that a diagnosis of lung cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence.
Of the 5 families in our dinner group, 4 have been touched by lung cancer. Younger and younger people are being diagnosed every day who never smoked a day in their life so we need to educate ourselves and this book is a perfect place to start. All proceeds from “The Living Room” will go directly to research and patient services.
Has lung cancer touched your life?
What a great get-away and your clothing was perfect! I took note as someday I hope to visit there and this gives me ideas of how to dress!
I am sorry that so many in your group got sick, could it be from air pollution? Living in Dallas, our air is frequently bad. It worries me, but I try to focus on what I can to help such as driving less.
I will turn 68 next Monday and am grateful for every day that I have.
Many things cause lung cancer including radon which is naturally occurring in soils. Often it just seems to come down to bad luck.
I love your trip notes and pictures everything looked beautiful. Do the small purses ever go on sale?
I recently had a lumpectomy and everything did come out very good but still need chemo pill for a couple of years. I was very blessed I have no family history it was just time for mammogram so it was only stage 1. It amazes me how many people you meet with the same problems.
They do occasionally go on sale. If you sign up for their emails youāll be notified when they do
We are also in a dinner group, 5 couples total, for over 30 years. One got breast cancer and another cancer in the colon but otherwise everyone is extremely healthy. How nice you are all so close and there for each other. That is what life is all about!
My sister in law has stage 4 liver cancer. Thor dread disease affects so many families. She is so cheerful and although she lost her hair from chemo, she doesnāt let it bother her. I feel like she might go into remission with that wonderful attitude.
Really chic and cute outfits. The hat and scarf looks so good on you. You look like grace Kelly in a scarf. I look like the washer woman in those old movies.
Sending prayers for your sister-in-law. Hope and prayer can do many many things!!
First of all, extending complete recovery wishes to your husband and friends that have been inflicted with lung cancer. (Sadly six years ago, my eldest sister passed away from it as was already in stage three when diagnosed.)
As to your trip; so glad that you had a wonderful time and the weather you describe sounds similar to what we have been experiencing (like today for example). Noticed your tote bag however those that you linked are not available to Canadians. (Sad face — though managed to purchase two casual canvas cross body bags vie an Etsy vendor (in Texas) so am pleased about that as many of our stores are still closed.) -Brenda-
I am so sorry to hear about your sister, Brenda! Early detection is so important.
Thanks for sharing such a gorgeous trip Jennifer.My husband I went to Muir Woods last year and it was just lovely and Sausalito is a real getaway. We just had dear friends for dineer and we all were very emotional to see each other and hug each other. What a year! Happy week:)
Yes, we hugged long and hard!! It felt so wonderful!!
Sometimes short, spontaneous trips are the best! Youāve shown great options with just a few things in your suitcase.
Hopefully, catching up with friends was good medicine. I am a four year breast cancer survivor, and donāt know that I could have made it this far without support from family and friends. I have often thought that loved ones of patients have special and difficult challenges. Somehow as the patient I feel more in control.
I am including my best wishes and prayers for a return to health for your husband and comfort for you.
Thank you, Susan. Sending prayers and positive thoughts for your continued good health! XX
Very nice post, really enjoyed it. Btw, your hair looks great! Are you doing anything new to your hair?
Same old routine, wash, dry, spray with dry shampoo and finish with a spritz of hairspray:)
Loved your 10 min. bag.
All outfits were adorable, comfortable and classy. Hope you had a great time. š
What an awesome trip and you looked lovely as usual! Our family has not experienced lung cancer but I’ve been a breast cancer survivor for 7 years now. Hard to find someone who hasn’t been affected by cancer. Glad your husband is doing well.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts for your continuing clear health Rose! XX
Thank you for this mini vacation blog post for us to have a vicarious experience with you. How do you keep your hat on, especially in windy conditions? I love wearing hats, but it seems I’m always holding them on with one hand. Also, I really enjoyed the joint video on skincare. Hope all continues healthy for your friends and family. I’ve noted Bonnie’s book. Thank you.
If it’s windy, I clamp my hand on my hat too. That’s why I’m wearing a scarf above the Golden Gate Bridge because a hat would never stay on:)
A lovely post. Both you and your husband look great. Itās nice to have long standing friends seeing each other through thick and thin. God bless us everyone and may we see the daily miracles in our life. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Nancy! Seeing the miracles and counting our blessings is what keeps hope alive.
Hi Jennifer. I loved reading about your trip. Here in Southwestern Ontario, we are just starting to emerge from lockdown, so such trips are not permitted yet. At least I can get vicarious pleasure from the trips of others! I love the belt you are wearing, but, when I tried to order it, I discovered that Banana Republic Canada does not carry that item and the US stores don’t ship to Canada. It’s the same situation with Nordstrom which has such great merchandise available in the US. So frustrating…
I do not have lung cancer, but I do have breast cancer that has metastasized to my lungs and liver. I have a great oncologist who is treating me with the best options available, but the cancer is slowing winning the battle. I am trying to be mindful and stay in the current moment, a strategy that works sometimes, but not always.
I am really enjoying the Instagram series that you and the other women are providing. I was glad you hit on the topics of rosacea and scent-free products. You all seem to have such fun putting the videos together.
Iām so very sorry to read about your cancer, Barb. Sending prayers, hugs, and positive thoughts your way! I found this belt at Joe Fresh which looks very similar. Xx
Prayers for you, Barb.
So sorry for your illness. Prayers for you always šš»šš»
Barb – sending you warm wishes, hugs, and hope. I can only imagine your efforts to stay positive and in the moment. My good friend was diagnosed in 2013 with Stage 3 advanced localized anal cancer, involvement in one lymph node, and has been in remission since 2016. If you are able to listen to U.S. podcasts in Canada, search out Happier (Gretchen Rubin). It’s broadcast each Wednesday. I decided to go back and start at the beginning, sometimes bingeing 2 or 3 episodes per day. It’s both helpful and inspiring.
Jennifer, so enjoyed your travel photos. We have just ended a stay at home order in Ontario. The province is slowly re-opening in stages. We do miss our travel. Seeing your smile and beautiful photos is encouraging. Happy you have such wonderful friends to share life with. Friends are the icing on the cake.
They truly are!
As an only child, lung cancer has devastated my life. I have met few couples that shared the great love that my parents had for each other. Both died from lung cancer is their 60s (young!) Treatment has advanced in the years since their deaths, but we still need education and continued research. Thank you for your platform and making others aware.
Thatās devastating. Iām so sorry, Deborah. Sending hugs
Looks like an amazing trip! Great to see life returning to some normalcy.
Sending well wishes your husbandās way.
Thank you, Karen
I enjoyed reading about your trip to the Bay Area, until I read about all the others in your group who’ve suffered through yet beat lung cancer. (I did know that your husband endured this in 2020).š I did not realize so many women experience this form of cancer until I did further reading…..
I pray that your group of friends stays healthy going forward.
I’ll look for the book…..
It is news to me that lung cancer is survivable. That has not been the case for the people in my life who had it. So glad that others can benefit from life-extending treatments now.
Are the Rothy Sneakers comfortable and do they fit TTS. They are so cute.
Theyāre comfortable but do not stretch so if youāre between sizes you have to order up! I love that theyāre machine washable.
So glad you got to go on a trip, Jennifer! My dad had lung cancer and I wish he had looked for stories of hope. I believe an optimistic, hopeful outlook makes a huge difference. He looks good in your pictures.
Iām sorry to hear that, Pam. Modern treatments have come a very long way.
I’m so sorry that lung cancer is so prevalent in your group of friends.
Lung cancer hasn’t touched my life, but I have recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and am in for surgery next week. Unfortunately ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed in the early stages, so by the time it’s discovered, it usually has spread to other areas. I will be having very invasive surgery to remove everything down there (and I do mean everything) as well as part of my stomach and possibly bowels. Then after 2 months of recovery from the surgery, I will have 6 months of chemotherapy.
We are just starting to come out of lockdown here, so I can’t even see (or hug) many of my friends and family just yet.
I’m looking forward to next summer when hopefully I will be able to travel a bit and get back to somewhat of a normal life.
Yvonne, prayers and positive thoughts for you. May your surgery, chemo, and recovery go well and restore you to full health! Hugs!
Iām so sorry, Yvonne. Iām sending many prayers, positive thoughts, and hugs to you. XX
Yvonne, I am sorry sorry that you have this trial. Sending you a virtual hug. Be gentle with yourself.
God Bless you and watch over you during this difficult time in your life. May God also watch over and guide the hands of your surgeon next week. Prayers and best wishes I am sending your way Yvonne