DESIGN FOR MEN

I am feeling especially thankful this Christmas as this is the first time ever that I am hosting family.  Yesterday,  a friend asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I quickly said, “nothing”.  And I thought to myself – hmm, it is uncommon for me to not list at least a couple of things.  And then it hit me, my family coming to visit DC is the best gift that I’ve received to date.

Wishing all of my readers, a holiday filled with cheer and the warmth of being surrounded by family…Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Watching the video on the new iPhone set to arrive just before my birthday on June 24th (pre-order or reserve June 15th).  While critics are skeptical about the new design and capabilities, I can’t help but be blown away by the innovation.   Here are some of the great new features:


- Engineered glass on the front display and the back panel
- 326 ppi retina display
- Super sleek and thinner design (the steel frame serves as structural shell and antenna, genius!)
- Video phone calls
- 5 megapixel camera
- 720p HD Video and video editing with iMovie
- Multitasking between apps and the ability to organize apps with folders (finally!)
- Ability to combine email accounts and organize messages by thread/subject
- Larger battery which means up to 40% more talk time


SIGN ME UP….check out the full video on Apple by clicking here.

Image from  Engadget

Check out these custom  Maurice Lacroix timepieces designed by three of the world’s most prolific designers.  Wallpaper* and Lacroix teamed up to find the designers  –  French designer Gwenaël Nicolas of  CURIOUSITY, multi-platform designer Arik Levy, and fashion designer Neil Barrett.  The watches are being auctioned on Wallpaper and the proceeds will go the charities of each designer’s choice.  Bidding on each watch starts at €4,250.  Click here to go to the article on Wallpaper.com and to bid on one of these beauties.

Raw and Essential

by Arik Levy

Five Continents

by Gwenaël Nicolas

Bonded Watch

by Neil Barrett

IMAGE CREDITS: All images from Wallpaper

Is your father a whiskey lover? Whiskey Stones by Teroforma may be the perfect gift for dad. These stones are great for enjoying a dram (1.25 ounce shot) of whiskey. Connoisseurs suggest that whiskey is best served neat (without ice).  Freezing these stones adds the cold without diluting your drink. Just don’t mistakenly swallow one. Yikes!

Available at RCKNDY, purchase the Whisky Stones for  $20 for 9 stones or the Whisk(e)y Lover set, which includes 6 stones and 2 Avva tumblers for $60.

For shoppers like myself that procrastinate – here are some great gifts that won’t break the bank and will make you appear to have planned in advance.

GADGETS FOR THE TECHIE

Vers Wood Speakers for iPhone or iPod (shown above).  For iPhone fanatics like myself – this hand-crafted wood sound system is a great addition to the home or  office.  Listen to tunes while the device charges.  My finish pick is walnut.  Available at nothingbutipod for $180.

Sony Party Shot (L) acts as a personal photographer.    So when your hosting a party you can actually be in the pictures.  The dock swivels and pans automatically taking photos by reading smiles in the room.  Available at Amazon for $150

Samsung HMX-RIO (R) This high def camcorder is compact and easy on the eyes.  Perfect if you and someone special are going on a vacation.  Available at ecost for $405

FOR THE GREEN GEEKS

Espresso Maker from Presso (L)  This sleek espresso maker made from recycled aluminum enables you to use the perfect amount of pressure every time (no electricity required).   Available at Home Tone for $140.

Power Smart Wall (R)  gauges how much energy you are using and comes with four outlets to hold all your electricity guzzlers.  Two shut down automatically when you turn off your device and two stay on all the time for your must-have appliances.  It is a great way to save energy!  Available at iGo for $30.

FOR THE SENTIMENTAL

Blurb Books Create a coffee table book with photos  from a special occasion.   You choose the layout, the binding and the fonts.  Not design savvy, no worries – the site is extremely user friendly.  Holiday shipping dates are available on the site to help you get it in time.   Gift cards are also available.  Available at Blurb, pricing starts at $15.

FOR THE KIDS

Kids are usually pretty vocal about what they want but here are a couple that can surprise those savvy suckers.

Frank Lloyd Wright Collection Lego Set (L) For the future architect or designer.  Frank Lloyd Wright and other architectural landmarks available are available at Lego.  Guggenheim Museum shown is $40.  Can I get one of these?

Twist Together Lamp (R) Ideal for the teens.  These LED light blocks can be assembled into a variety of different combinations. Available at Uncommon Goods for $100.

Ping Pong Set (left)  Great for traveling and also would make a great gift for an adult.  This Brodmann Blades Ping Pong set is excellently designed including paddles that slips over your hand and improves accuracy, control, and swing.  Available at aplusrstore for $100.