CALIFORNIA DREAMING

MY FAVORITE SEASON has finally arrived. Can you feel that enchanting autumn breeze sweeping through Marin County? It’s like nature’s invitation for us fashion enthusiasts to embark on a wardrobe journey in sync with the changing scenery. I love those warm, earthy shades, snuggly textures and oh-so-cozy layers that just scream fall. And as we sip on pumpkin spice lattes and plan our apple-picking adventures, our outfits offer the same kind of familiar pleasure. From plush sweaters to this season’s must-have boots — Marinites are total pros at embracing autumn trends with aplomb. I love to be out and about this time of year taking it all in.

Autumn is our time to find the right balance of sophistication and simplicity. To me, fall has always meant all things comfort, but here in Marin it’s also about coming together as a community. Think food and wine festivals, harvest in Wine Country, warm, comforting drinks and spreading kindness like confetti. As the season unfolds, a deeper connection takes root. We’re talking about

How can I become a better communicator when messaging new matches on dating apps?

Messaging new matches on dating apps should lead to conversations and dates, not endless messages. If you want to become a strategic communicator, follow these easy tips: don’t give out your phone number in the first message, personalize your opening message based on the other person’s profile, balance the length of your exchanges with theirs, offer to chat after a few messages, exchange phone numbers and schedule a convenient time to talk.

What’s the key to planning a fun first date?

You should’ve already spoken to each other on the phone before your date, so if you’re the one planning your first outing, you should have a general idea about what the other person likes. Most important is to pick a location that’s easy for your date to get to, in a public place and possibly a relatively short activity.

How can you set the stage for a good first date?

Make a physical and mental change before a date to set the mood. It is important to mentally get your head in the dating mindset. Start by dressing for the venue. Not too fancy, not too casual. Switch from day to date mode, even if the date is during the day. So, whether you change your outfit, take a few moments to relax, re-read their profile and start focusing on the fact that this could be your first and last date.

What should you do if there’s no chemistry on a first date?

Think about every first date as an opportunity. Even if there’s no chemistry, the person you just met can lead you to someone you do have chemistry with, maybe your future love. So make a good first impression, be generous with your time and attention by showing your date you value theirs, and stay open to new connections because they can come from where you least expect them.