I came across these Whateverittakes.org bags at Urban Girl Accessories in San Diego. Whateverittakes.org gathers art works from all leaders in a variety of fields. Each ambassador donates a symbol of hope, a self portrait and a message of hope for the future. From wristbands to clothing, from tableware to cosmetics and footwear, each product is ethically produced and sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

From the balcony of my hotel room in San Diego I could see this cute little cafe/deli Spicy Pickle but wasn’t sure if it was worth checking out since there were so many great restaurants in the area. One day on the way out I decided to stop there to grab a quick bite to eat. I really liked the interior design and wall art as it had a vintage feel to it. Oh and I ordered the med sub. Definitely tasty.

I stumbled upon Babette Schwartz while in San Diego. Everything in this store was well designed or comical. They carried all sorts of items from knockknock.biz, fun tee shirts, unique stationery and Barack Obama dolls. This store was definitely a favorite of mine. Their website does not do this store justice. If you are ever in the area please go check it out.

When I was in La Jolla I stopped in Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, a store that could have been in the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. In fact they actually had that movie playing in the back of the store with theater seats with the candies from the movie surrounding it. I loved the sign of Powell’s and how they were hung throughout the store for Gelato, Check Out, etc. Of course I also loved the sweets, many of their packaging and the gelato.

It’s a great feeling when you two of the things you love so much come together all at once…great branding and great food! When I dine at a restaurant I want delicious food surrounded by a pleasant atmosphere (usually the interior being well designed representing the brand makes it even better!). When I went to Burger Lounge in San Diego it had both of these. I was surrounded by walls of enticing words about the food I was going to receive and was food was everything the walls said mouth watering, juicy and scrumptious just to name a few.

After my surf lesson in San Diego I went to the Surf Diva shop and discovered the Ando & Friends clothing line. I loved the design of their  logo, board shorts and tee shirts.

I’m not sure how I could forgot to mention this. Upon checking into the Doubletree hotel they greet you with a warm out of the oven delicious chocolate chip cookie. What a great way to be greeting after a long flight. I think this a great way to brand themselves not to mention the free wifi! You can even order this cookies during or after your stay. I would definitely stay at a Doubletree on my next vacation due to these small but significant things.

I went to the Whole Foods in San Diego in the Hillcrest and discovered Sweet Leaf Tea. I liked the packaging and the illustration of their logo. The way the product is placed on the wooden shelf it looks like the product belongs there as it blends in.

Urban Girl Accessories is just one the fun and trendy stores with beautiful designed items I came across in San Diego. When I first walked in to this store I felt like I was in someones living room. They had after from kitchen gadgets to one of a kind jewelry. Definitely a place to check out if you are in the San Diego area or online.

I will be in San Diego, California for the next week. I hope to have many
interesting things to post upon my return! Until then…