Before I moved to Los Angeles, I had to do a treacherous 1.5 hour commute each way to attend college in Westwood from Ventura. What a drive that was back then. My 4-cylinder, flat white, blue interior, Geo Prism, stock, no AC with a pull-out stereo I had invested in was my best friend. I remember the no AC thing vividly because the windows would be rolled down all the way an I could only hope I wasn’t stopped in traffic near Woodland Hills because it was always the warmest place in the valley.
I had CDs back then too. Remember those? Maybe an occasional cassette because my stereo still was able to play those too. That was the early 90s and now I do have AC, more cylinders, and Apple Music. I commute 25 miles each way or 50 miles a day roughly. If I need to be at work at 8am, I’m leaving at 6:30am and just making it. So, I guess, my commute back in the 90s was the same time spent but more mileage. Even when I lived in Los Angeles, to get anywhere, it was easily 25 minutes back then. Now that same commute of 8 miles takes 45 minutes in the city.
A couple years ago, I had bought a pair of white and gray lambskin driving gloves that I convinced myself I needed from a French quality luxury goods company and bought them. I had stored them and forgot about them then one bright and sunny day, as I was getting ready to leave for work, I grabbed them and put them on for my drive. It was instant comfort and they looked amazing! I felt “Pass the Grey Poupon” fancy and the sun wasn’t hitting my hands! What do you do on your commute?
What do I listen to while I commute? I’ve got 1-1.5 hours of time to myself. This is how I end up feeling productive:
- Get an Amazon Audible membership and download a book
- Listen to Apple Music
- Listen to Podcasts NPR has several that are interesting.
- Learn a language via Amazon Audible or Podcast
- Call your friends and family
- Make your appointments to the dentist and doctor
16 Items That Can Help You With Your Commute
Here’s my list of what you could incorporate into your daily commute to be comfortable and arrive in style.
#1 Lambskin Driving Gloves
Everyone living in sunny states should have these. Not only do they look cool, they protect your hands from sun damage, callousing, perspiration, and better handling of the steering wheel. I like the fingerless option as a fashion statement. Karl Lagerfeld would be proud. 100% Lambskin leather Available in full finger gloves and in men’s and women’s sizes. Under $40.
#2 Ray-Ban Aviator Classic Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a must. According to allaboutvision.com, “Polarized sunglasses can be helpful for driving, too, because they reduce glare-causing reflections from flat surfaces, such as the hoods of vehicles and light-colored pavement.” Aviators are classic and never go out of style. A great investment!
#3 Elbow Friend
If you drive the freeways and are sitting in traffic, chances are you lean your arm on your elbows. I certainly do and if there is little to no padding, try Elbow Friend and arrive in better shape. Reduce fatigue from pressure points Comes in a pair (2nd one can be used on center console). Different colors available and under $25
#4 Luxury Rosewood Handle Travel Umbrella
I always keep an umbrella in my car. I know it doesn’t rain much in sunny Southern California, but why not be prepared? I like this chic option with the rosewood handle. Under $25 and make in UK.
#5 V Cut Reversible Tassel Knitted Large Cape
I wear an oversized coat over my work clothing daily. You can wear something like this to be more cosy on the commute. Hang your suit jacket over a headrest coat hanger like the one I found below on Amazon.
#6 Steve Madden Women’s Beale Sneaker
I just bought these from TJ Maxx on Fallbrook. These are the most comfortable sneakers I have purchased in awhile. I like that they slip on and feel like little pillows on my feet while I’m driving. I put my heels on at work and walk to get lunch in these daily.
#7 Vichy Soleil Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Sunscreen is essential living in Southern California. I like this French brand, Vichy, because it isn’t greasy and you can get on Amazon or CVS. Put this on after your moisturizer and then wear your foundation over.
#8 Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen For Face and Body with Sunflower Extract
This super lightweight, ultra-moisturizing formula provides high-performance protection from UVA, UVB and IRA rays and defends skin from photoaging and dehydration. Plus, it’s made with natural extracts of citrus, basil and bois de rose, so you’ll leave that typical sunscreen smell behind. Tip: Designed to be flat and compact, we love slipping the smaller tubes into our workout pants, beach bag or ski jacket for easy access and quick reapplication.
#9 Seat Cushion With 3 Levels Cooling and 2 Levels Heating SL26A8 Cool and Heating Pad for Car Truck Home Office
Heating and cooling! If you don’t have it built into your car seats, make the investment in this accessory for your car, truck, or SUV. We all know cooling is a plus in our hot summers!
#10 Car Seat Cushion with 1.2inch Comfort Memory Foam, Car Seat Pad for Auto Car Supplies Office Chair by King Phenix (Black)
If your seat is giving you grief on the 405, consider this option of a memory foam seat cushion. Has high customer ratings on Amazon.
#11 YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler, Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated with MagSlider Lid
Yeti is a brand that you can find at outdoor stores like REI and is not inexpensive. You get what you pay for! I like this option and have placed it in my cart. I have a few I rotate between and find stainless keep your drink warmer or cooler.
#12 Cup Holder Phone Mount
My console is not phone friendly. I usually plug in my phone into the usb and throw onto my passenger seat. Not ideal, so a cup holder option is good instead of on your windshield. This one has two options-air vent or cup holder and is cost effective.
#13 Dual Dash Cam, VAVA Dual 1920x1080P FHD Front and Rear Dash Camera (2560x1440P Single Front) for Cars with Wi-Fi, Night Vision, Parking Mode, G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording
As I travel freeways frequently and the canyons, it realize having a camera would be a good idea. I just come into contact with so many vehicles and why not protect yourself with a dash cam? Remember, the burden of proof is with you when you make a claim or file a report with the police.
#14 Polarized Sun Visor Sunshade Extender for Car with Polycarbonate Lens, Anti-Glare Car Sun Visor Protects from Sun Glare, Snow Blindness, UV Rays, Universal for Cars, SUVs
If you don’t get sunglasses, then this is a great option that is polarized and will help that westerly late afternoon drive on the 101 when the sun is directly in your eyes. OUCH! My eyes just hurt thinking about that. Invest in protecting your eyes at all costs!
#15 Zone Tech Metal Headrest Car Hanger – Premium Quality Clothes Holder Travel Vehicle Jacket Suit Coat Hanger with Headrest Restraint Rods
Hang your jacket behind your seat effortlessly and elegantly. Also great for your work tote or purse. Place behind passenger seat side for easier access to your bag.
#16 Gulaki Car Diffuser Essential Oils – Multifunction Cool Mist Car Humidifier with 2 USB Port and 1 Car Charger Socket
Fits in the cup holder and comes with 2 USB ports. Functions as a diffuser for essential oils and a humidifier. Perfect for when it gets dry or those pesky Santa Ana’s! Your skin can be hydrated and your hair won’t be static-y. Around $20.
West SFV Lifestyle 
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