Easy Ways to Enjoy the Sun More this Labor Day Weekend

Summer in San Diego is one of my favorite seasons. While it’s perfect year round (yes, we’re spoiled), summer is when people sit out on their patios, have barbecues and soak up the delicious sunshine. Growing up and living in San Diego, I am a verifiable sunshine addict and I always loved that last weekend of summer: Labor Day. In honor of this joyous end to the season, here are some of my favorite tips for soaking in that vitamin D.

  1. Get outside and into the water! Find something new ! I am a personal fan of sitting by the pool, kayaking and paddle boarding.
  2. Protect your hair! Too much sun can turn your hair dry and brittle and damage the color. Wear a hat and/or use a leave in conditioner with UV protection. Here are some of my favorite picks:
  3. Slather on that SPF! Going back to school or work is a lot less fun if you’ve been burned. My favorite sunscreen this summer is another pick from Sun Bum, their Original 30 SPF Lotion.I used it while I was in Arizona and I can honestly tell you, I have never found a better sunscreen. It’s my favorite because it doesn’t feel like sunscreen, but like a lotion. None of the oily mess I’ve experienced with so many alternatives! Plus this one is BPA & paraben free, vegan, and Made in the USA.
  4. Sunglasses- I haven’t always been good about this one, but as I’ve gotten older, my eyes have gotten more and more sensitive and I find myself buying more sunglasses. Try this pair from Maven in San Diego.

Sunglasses from Maven SD

Love that sun and embrace your Labor Day Weekend, but make sure to take breaks from the heat! No matter how you protect yourself, too much sun can be damaging!

If you enjoyed this post, I hope you’ll follow me on Bloglovin’!

Exfoliating with Trish McEvoy

Hello hello!

I am sitting here, close to but not in, a super sunny window that faces the sea, just dying to be outside in the sun. The sky is an epic shade of blue today and I can see the trees rustles in the ocean breeze, no rhyme intended.
And while I’m dying to be out in the water, I’m reminded of what I’m here to talk to you about! Sometimes exfoliators are a little harsh and sandy, so I tend to be pretty picky. One that I can recommend for sensitive skin is the Trish McEvoy’s Beta Hydroxy Pads Daily Exfoliator.
TM ep 07.jpg
These pads gently exfoliate your skin, so this is a perfect solution for people with more sensitive skin that don’t want a harsh exfoliating wash or have trouble with redness after exfoliating. This product is refreshing and easy to use on the daily. I swipe across my face and neck in the morning after cleansing and before makeup.
TM ep 06.jpg
However, I would like to include that this product doesn’t replace my cleansing exfoliator that I use once a week. It doesn’t quite have the exfoliating power I feel I need on a weekly basis, but it’s a good supplement for daily use without hurting my skin. I also love these when my skin is acting up. If I’m having an issue with a breakout or some problem spots, these are the perfect addition to my routine to help exfoliate the problem area without damaging the skin.
TM ep 03.jpg
So, while I recommend these for problem or sensitive skin, I’m not sure that I would invest in having them for the every day if your skin is generally normal. I keep them on hand for when I’m having skin issues or for convenience when I travel.
What’s your favorite exfoliator?

New Eats: Soda & Swine, San Diego

One of my favorite things to do is try a new restaurant and I am so lucky to live in San Diego where there’s always a new, surprising local restaurant for me to experience.

Sitting at the bar at Soda & Swine
Recently I got to try a great new-to-me restaurant while at Liberty Station in Point Loma called Soda & Swine. This open, mid-century style restaurant was such a surprise in the best possible way. The atmosphere is the perfect mix of fun and sophistication with a corn-hole game outside and  a custom-built, glass-topped Foosball table that actually spans the room and accommodates multiple games at once.
For starters, Soda & Swine has some amazing cocktail and snack options. We chose to go old school with gin and tonics because they actually carry my favorite California gin from St. George, which I previously posted about here. We also ordered their spiced crispy chickpeas. I could have eaten all of these by myself, but I grudgingly shared.
img_4094
Gin & Tonic at Soda & Swine with St George Gin

Soda & Swine actually specializes in meat balls and baking (they bake their own bread!), but they do have vegetarian and vegan meat-less ball options with different and unique sauces! I enjoyed the bovine (beef) slider with traditional marinara and soft fresh bread. My man got a meatball pot pie, which was just as amazing as it sounds with a flaky crust and filled with their mouthwatering pork meatballs!img_4098
I recommend sitting at the bar if you get the chance to go with just one other person; the bartenders are really great and can give you great suggestions!
PS: There’s also a location in North Park!