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Gifted artisans
Not merely hobbyists, these artists are creating works that say something – and sell, too By Crystal Chow. Everybody appreciates art, but not everybody can create it. Lucky are those with a talent for fashioning beautiful things that others might covet — an exquisite mosaic sculpture, for instance, or a joyful watercolor. What’s different is [...]
Oh my dog!
What to give to your best friend and life companion? No, not him. How to pamper the pup who has it all By Stephanie Simons A paw-fect world The spaw at Sunnyvale’s Pooch Hotel serves up a stellar poochberry facial, massage, aromatherapy bath, conditioning, blow-dry and pawdicure. Also on the menu? Color touch-ups for graying [...]
The perfect present
Genius ideas for everyone on your list Don’t find yourself wandering a drugstore or warehouse aisle the night before a big holiday, wondering what to buy for Aunt Helen or your kid’s teacher or – worse – that special someone who makes your heart flutter. Plan ahead with our super suggestions for just about anyone. [...]
Living in a costco culture
Rich or poor, young or old, everyone shops there. Why is that? We all say it. “I’m making a Costco run.” It’s never a Safeway run or a Target run. But it’s always a “Costco run.” There’s a reason: No other store tests our patience…
Cocktails, anyone?
With their pops of color or bursts of glitter, cocktail rings are the ultimate statement pieces. Generally oversized, dramatic rings set with precious or semiprecious stones, they became popular during the 1940s and ’50s. Worn on the fourth finger of the right hand, or sometimes the index finger, they dazzle and delight…
What women want …in a car
We crave style, high-tech, performance, sure – but so much more. A look at what new cars offer. Back in 2004, Volvo assembled a team of female engineers and car designers to develop a concept car with features specifically for women…
Gifts for guys East Bay
These East Bay boutiques are cool bets for dapper dude-centric threads and accessories By Stephanie Simons True Perfect for: The streetwise suburbanite. Shopping scene: A spinoff of the original San Francisco locations, True stocks rogue beanies bearing the store’s signature logo, Casio G-Shock watches in an assortment of eye-catching colors and clothing with get-noticed sayings [...]
Gifts for guys Silicon Valley
Dapper-cool gifts for the men on your list By Stephanie Simons ‘Meier Lemon’ is a 4-carat emerald-cut Thai yellow sapphire in a pave of yellow sapphires, in 18K yellow gold. $10,500. Courtesy of Amy Layman Buskirk. Gemstone virtuoso Jewelry designer and gemologist John Meier has a passion for colored and phenomenal [...]
Do me a favor
Wedding keepsakes your guests will love By Crystal Chow The custom of bestowing wedding favors has been around at least five centuries, a delightful way to thank guests for sharing a couple’s most cherished day. Like every aspect of the modern nuptials, the keepsake choice is limited only by budget and imagination. The real standouts [...]
Winter whites
The enduring allure of pearls and diamonds By Janet Kim Paik For the modern woman, pearls possess the enduring qualities that are unapologetically classic and elegant. Whether worn as studs or as a strand, they have the power to transform an outfit to simple luxury. Add in diamonds, and the white duo makes a sparkling [...]











