FROM TRAVEL ITEMS TO SKIN CARE, READ ABOUT MY MOST RECENT FINDS

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!

 










JOANNE'S FEBRUARY JEWELRY TIPS

February is the month of love. I have two favorite items I simply fell in love with recently I’d like to share with my readers.

RINGS OF LOVE

In December 2019, right before Covid lifted its ugly head, my husband and I had the opportunity to sail with Viking Cruises from Athens to Rome, with a memorable stop in Israel. We toured Jerusalem and smaller towns, marveling at the ancient history and architectural wonders we found there.

One thing I noticed as we window-shopped through the region was the exquisite gold jewelry available from local artists. I vowed if I ever returned to Israel, I would buy anniversary rings for my husband and me. And wedding bands for our grandchildren as a special gift for when they marry.

Jewish Wedding band.JPG

But I actually don’t have to wait for my next Israel trip. By chance, I discovered a USA-based jewelry designer, Andrew Litwin, who specializes in creating the same type of intricate jewelry we marveled at on our trip. I especially loved his beautiful wedding bands, based on the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the Alef, meaning “one.”

You can’t get more romantic than this. Happy Valentine’s Day!


NEVER LOSE AN EARRING AGAIN—REALLY!

I wish I could count how many pierced earrings I’ve lost over the years because the backs failed on me, including the precious earrings my husband gave me as a wedding gift many years ago. Sometime during our first dance, I lost one of his mother’s antique earrings from Italy he gave me to wear that day, thanks to a weak earring back that came loose. I never recovered it.

Earring backs.jpg

I was recently introduced to Chrysmela, the world’s most secure earring back, and I can vouch for the fact that these backs will protect your earrings through all sorts of activities, including swimming, showering, work outs, and the list goes on. The backs automatically fit, lock and lift all types of earrings.

Made in the same high-tech factories in Japan that manufacture smartphone camera parts, Chrysmela’s patented technology uses three micro ball bearings to securely lock your earrings into place. They are available in platinum, 24K gold and rose gold.

I tested them out thoroughly, and they get my complete endorsement.


Disclaimer:  Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.

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