California Musing with Sarah Kretzu
Our California muse, Sarah Kretzu, knows that true West Coast enlightenment starts with knowing your freeways, perfecting your green juice order, and timing golden hour just right. If you know, you know. If not, consider this your crash course.
What’s your golden hour ritual?
My golden hour ritual includes: opening all the windows in my house, the feel of the ocean breeze, golden hour light pouring in, a crisp sparkling water with lime in hand (I have an obsession) and then a stroll down to the beach to catch the sunset. Watching the sunset never gets old.
What's one California cliché you fully lean into?
Growing up with parents themselves who are kind of a California cliché, I think most of the clichés are the norm for me (at least the positive ones!). My dad grew up surfing in Malibu in the 70’s and my mom is a health nut. A normal conversation includes chatting about what freeways we were on (straight out of the Californians SNL skit), I love green juices, salads, hiking and exercising, and June gloom is actually the worst! Honestly, I thought everywhere had June gloom in the summer until a few years ago.
What’s your version of a perfect 'rest day' in California?
I am a beach girl through and through, so a perfectly unbothered Sunday would include grabbing a coffee from my favorite coffee shop and taking an extra long walk on the beach (I’m talking 5 miles +). I absolutely love perusing the shops at the Brentwood Country Mart and my favorite way to end the day is grabbing takeout pizza from Gjelina!
Where’s the spot that makes you feel like you’re in a Nancy Meyers movie?
Laguna Beach always gives me cozy Nancy Meyers vibes!
What do you wear when you want to feel like the main character in your own California fantasy?
Honestly, when I want to feel my best, there’s nothing better than wearing the perfect fitting pair of worn-in vintage Levi’s and a white t-shirt. Truly the best.
What does ‘California Dreaming’ mean to you?
California Dreaming to me is more of a memory – the feeling of driving up PCH all the way to County Line with the top down on a warm summer day. The wind in your hair, good music on and not a worry in the world. It’s cliché but once you experience it, you’ll dream of it again and again.
Who’s your ultimate California muse?
California is the muse.
What’s one California habit you didn’t realize was weird until you left the state?
This isn’t necessarily a California habit but it’s something I’ve noticed about California transplants – no one from California calls California “Cali”. And also 65 degrees is freezing. You’ll find me in a jacket until it hits the mid 70s.
How do you stay grounded while living in a place known for having its head in the clouds?
I stay grounded by surrounding myself with good people, staying in my own lane, and always making time to escape to nature. I grew up in the mountains in a small town outside of San Luis Obispo, so nature makes me feel most at peace.
