It’s a Lifestyle

Living in the South Bay - September 2026

Here’s your copy for LIVING in the South Bay - September 2026

This is my favorite time of year when the days are still long but Earth begins to tilt and the light begins to shift. I just love it when school starts and the calendar fills up with family events and holiday plan. What are you going to be for Halloween? Where are you spending Thanksgiving? Will you be home for Christmas? Lots of memories ahead…

The top story is Retro Reload in Lomita. I have had so many comments about my post about the Retro Reload location being for sale. This is obviously a beloved store with a fiercely loyal clientele and I just want to dispel any rumors. Retro Reload is still open and in fact preparing their inventory for Halloween. Retro Reload carries high end vintage couture, fun flashy flair, and everyday fashion so if you have not shopped out Retro Reload in Lomita then you are truly missing out. They currently have their building on the market for sale so if you are an investor or are looking to invest in Downtown Lomita, do reach out. Retro Reload will move locations if the building sells but they are not going out of business.

PV Stables is beautiful, but it did not get a facelift. But you know what has had a facelift, Kelly’s Sandwiches in Rolling Hills Estates. Have you been to the new Kelly’s Sandwiches? It’s fantastic, great classic Americana deli with a country flair. I just love this spot and I try to introduce friends and people from outside the area to this off the beaten path gem. It’s been there for 30+ years and we hope it stays for 30 more with the new owner.

Now for the boring stuff, interest rates. These rates are a little dose of medicine for the economy. In the housing market in particular, we got ahead of our skis and these values are just so far out of reach for first time homebuyers now. The rates are working to slow down what has gotten away from us. So how do you get around the mortgage rates? Well there are ways. You can buy down the rate with a credit from the seller in escrow. You can increase your credit score, banks will give better rates to those with excellent credit. You can put more down and have a lower loan value. You can get an interest only loan. You can pay cash, then you have no loan. Depending on what your financials look like, there are ways to get that interest rate lower.

Best kids snacks for a family on the go?? Apples and cheese or apples and peanut butter provide sweetness, protein and quick calories for those kiddos. Smoothies with yogurt, fruit and nut butters give a quick boost and are easy to make and take with you. Bean and cheese tortillas can be make the night before, refrigerated and can be eaten on the fly. What are some snacks you like to make your kids? Share below!

This images was created using Runway AI.