Keeping Time

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Apple Watch Gold There's no such thing as early — there's only late and on-time. What better way to stay punctual and organized than with the Apple Watch, set to release in early 2015. With features including a music player, a fitness tracker with heart-rate measurements, a communications device, and a virtual wallet, it's hard not to stay organized with this sleek smart watch. The Apple Watch will feature a variety of styles with prices starting at $349. My top pick? The Edition collection rendition in midnight blue and gold.

Resin + Wood

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Resin + wood. Could this be the perfect combination of design and function? Jo Nagasaka from Schemata Architecture created inspiring pieces made out of Douglas fir planks — peeled to highlight its unique grain variations — and colored epoxy resin. Nagasaka's streamlined silhouettes and modern color palette are right up my alley. I sense a DIY project in the near future . . .

Jo Nagasaka Resin Wood Table

Jo Nagasaka Architecture-Office-1

Staying Local With Tilden Reed

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Tilden Reed Tags The Bay Area is filled with talent. I recently came across an Oakland-based brand named Tilden Reed who creates extraordinary garments using materials like selvedge denim and waxed canvas. The brand uses a small-batch process and hand-drafted patterns to ensure each piece is made with the utmost quality and care — and it shows in their work. I recently purchased the Cone Mills Selvedge Canvas Clifton Apron in Raw Denim and am really impressed with the handiwork in every every stitch and detail. The apron features a lot of smartly-placed pockets and an adjustable neck strap. I use it for painting, but it could be used for any activity in your life that requires a little protection. In addition to aprons and weekender bags, Tilden Reed also designs clothes (tees and shirts) for men. I hope they create a women's line soon!

Tilden Reed Apron Picture

Tilden Reed Work Aprons

What's Your Sign?

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Minted Astology Art Gemini PosterI recently came across Minted, an online marketplace that sells incredible work from individual artists. This site is a great resource if you are looking to update your abode with some new artwork or simply looking for a unique gift idea. I love this watercolor astrology print by Annie Clark. The flash of gold adds just the right amount of spark against the diaphanous seafoam green background.

All Wrapped Up

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DIY Wrapping PaperI'm the type of person who enjoys wrapping gifts just as much as opening them. I decided to make my own gift wrap this year and all it took was a few rolls of kraft paper and acrylic paint. Such a fun and simple holiday project!

Directions: Roll out craft paper on a flat surface Splatter various paint colors on the paper (channel your inner Jackson Pollock!) Dry overnight

*After you finish wrapping the gift, complete the look with twine and a few sprigs of greenery for a modern-rustic touch!

The Next Level of Personalized Music

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Aether-SpeakerHere's something that's going to make you move and groove: the Aether Cone wi-fi speaker ($399). Dubbed the "thinking music player," the beautifully designed Aether Cone Speaker uses a complex algorithm to personalize  your playlists as you listen. The system currently streams music from Rdio which has a library of over 30 million songs. The Aether Cone Speaker takes voice commands and can airplay your music from existing streams (like Spotify). I am waiting for Aether to partner up with multiple streaming services before I invest in this product, but if you're open to listening to something new, this is it!

If You're Thirsty, It's Too Late!

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The perfect water vessel for your desk - the bkr 1 liter water bottle.  bkr 1 liter water bottle

No moisturizer can fix your skin like water can.

Drinking 3 liters of water throughout the day (the recommended amount) has always been a battle for me and I'm finally starting to realize the importance of staying hydrated. After reading several articles from everyday women about their "water transformation," I've renewed my vows to drink more water. Before and after photos are proof in itself — disappearing wrinkles, diminishing dark circles and just an overall healthier look. Staying hydrated helps you look and feel better. Common problems like headaches, migraines and lack of energy can be attributed to dehydration. Instead of taking drugs to combat these affects, just drink more water!

Staying hydrated has given me a massive boost in energy level. My 2:30 pm fatigue has pretty much disappeared. I haven't experienced any headaches, helping me stay more focused and efficient. I learned that it's better to drink water throughout the day and not just binge on a 3 liter water bender. (My sister was laughing at my protruding water belly. Not a good look!)

In the words of the great, Jerry Seinfeld, "If you're thirsty, it's too late"! So Drink UP!

Weather the Storm

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Senz-Original-UmbrellaThis is the most rain we've seen in the bay area in years! I'm one of those people who enjoy wet and gloomy weather, but one of my biggest pet peeves is a bad umbrella. You know, the ones that flip inside out with just the slightest wind gust. In comes the Senz umbrella to the rescue. Not only does it look good, but the asymmetrical shape  gives it a unique aerodynamic ability - it can withstand up to 60 mph winds! It's not cheap, but think of all the money you waste on those crappy ones you get at Walgreen's every season. Wet head no more, I'm sold!