San Diego tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument, Pt. Loma Photo: Tony DiBona

Fashionable and waterproof—Vessi Women’s Weekend Chelsea

We’ve all been there. Maybe we were caught in a sudden raging rain storm or took the wrong step as we hiked near a creek. No matter how it happens, soaking wet sneakers can certainly put a damper on your day. And it’s even worse when it happens on a long-anticipated vacation.

San Diego is famous for its miles of white sandy beaches, but it also has its share of rocky, dramatic coastlines teeming with sea life. One of the most picturesque rock tide pools in the city is located in the Cabrillo National Monument in Pt. Loma. Here you can skip from rock to rock and explore the various sea creatures that call this wild and wet coastline home.

These men’s Vessi Stormburst shoes are true to their name, and keep your feet dry even if you slip on the tide pool rocks!

Our favorite footwear for this type of adventure is the VESSI 100% waterproof and breathable knit shoe (they are also vegan) which is ideal for mixed-weather vacations or, in this case, traipsing through rocky tide pools.

Attractive, comfortable and light-weight, this footwear will cover you in all scenarios, formal and recreational— including one that none of us look forward to—getting our feet wet!

@Vessi #Vessi #VessiAmbassador

IT’S A “SHOE IN” GOING THROUGH SECURITY WITH THESE INNOVATIVE SHOES

These stylish and practical slip on sneakers can make going through airport security a breeze.

Going through the security checkpoint at an airport can be a headache and a hassle. And YES, unless you have Global Entry you can make your way through security without removing your shoes. However, know that many airports in countries around the world still require you to remove your shoes when passing through security, even with Global Entry status.

Needless to say, trying to quickly remove and put your shoes back on can have you hobbling around and potentially forgetting important items in the process.

KIZIK SHOES are a stylish and perfect answer to this problem. They feature a patented heel design so all you have to do is slip your toes into the shoe and the heel will compress so your foot can slide all the way in. Then, once your foot is in, it will spring back into place securing your foot in the shoe. Sneakers are now as easy to put on as slides or flip flops. You can view videos of how the shoes work on the website.

THIS SIMPLE ACCESSORY CAN HELP YOU KEEP ORGANIZED—AND ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT MORE

“Get Organized” and enjoy your flight more with this ingenious product

If you travel as much as I do, you know how frustrating it is to find room in the airline pocket in front of you for all the accessories you need during your flight. That’s when the SERENITY ORGANIZERS TRAY ORGANIZER will be your new best traveling companion. Just slip it over the tray table and organize items like electronic devices, magazines, water bottles, sanitizer sprays, eyeglasses, snacks and more.

It’s also great for parents with kids! You’ll also enjoy knowing you have a clean surface to use. When you depart, the organizer magically transforms into a drawstring tote to pack up your items. The organizer is washable, so a quick laundry wash will get you ready for your next trip. Simple, but genius!

ANTIDOTE TO A LONG HOT SUMMER: WHISPERING WILLOW BODY OIL

After a long hot summer here in San Diego, my skin was showing signs of stress. So I was delighted to have been given the opportunity to sample the WHISPERING WILLOW body oil (both the lavender and eucalyptus & mint versions).

Smooth away dry skin with this natural body oil

I need to preface this review by saying that I only use and endorse natural products which are cruelty free. Whispering Willow definitely fills those criteria. The skin oil immediately soaks into my skin, without leaving a heavy oil feel, and I see a definite improvement almost immediately. The generous 4.5 ounce bottle, with an attached pump, will definitely provide skin relief for many weeks, if not longer.

These products are handcrafted by a small team in North Carolina, and the company donates 10% of their profits to charities each year.

STREAM2SEA, PROTECT YOUR SKIN—AND THE OCEAN

Know you are helping to protect the ocean when you use these biogradable products

In keeping with my love of natural and biogradable products, I was happy to try out some of the sustainable Stream2Sea products founded by Autumn Blum, a certified dive instructor and chemist with a mission to set a new and reigning standard for sustainable, ocean-safe body care products and sunscreens. Loving to swim in the ocean as I do, it’s a good feeling to know that my efforts to protect my skin from sun damage will not harm the ocean’s delicate ecosystem. I was happy to try out some of the sustainable STREAM2SEA products, founded by Autumn Blum, a certified dive instructor and chemist with a mission to set a new and reigning standard for sustainable, ocean-safe body care products and sunscreens.

Her Every Day Mineral Sunscreen is unique as it was formulated to become even more effective when it comes in contact with water. You can’t get any better than that!