Top 10 must-have home gadgets to comfortably work from home

There are people who have always worked remotely and others who are discovering it now, during the pandemic. After overcoming the initial disorientation, smart working can be extremely productive. The question is is it that easy to work from home?

Yes, only if you choose the right "colleagues". Not real teammates to do meetings and coffee breaks with, but the very performing accessories that will make you feel in a perfectly soundproofed office even if you are actually at home.

Habits, equipment, comfort, are factors that positively or negatively affect productivity. So as mentioned above there is an absolutely need for specific gadgets that will help us work smoothly when we are in places other than our office.

To make the work experience even more pleasant we suggest a series of gadgets that will simplify your life, because they definitely did that for us!

Portable Monitor

It’s nice when they can be packed away at the end of the work week and is about the same size as the laptop. It’s also convenient if you’d like to work remotely from different locations without worrying about packing the large stand alone monitor. And the best part is, there’s only one wire to worry about!

barking and walking blue dog

This gadget is essential to entertain our little ones, especially during important meetings. It barks, it walks and little kids have a lot of fun chasing it around!

Laptop stand and keyboard

A great discovery made while working at home is to raise the laptop on an angled stand and connect with an external keyboard and mouse. Not only does this better replicate the desktop setup, but it brings aligns the laptop screen with the larger main screen so that cursor movement across the screens is more natural and easier to follow visually.

pods extenders

If you are looking into having a strong wi-fi signal reaching everywhere in the house, wi-fi pods extenders is what you need!

Bluetooth speakers

Great to enjoy music and nature sounds to work (and occasionally nap) by.

Dyson Fan

Purifying fans that clean an entire room properly, they capture ultrafine pollutants; and project cleaner air around the room. A real treat to cool your room and purify the air at the same time, an essential gadget for these warm days.

Blue light glasses

Blue light glasses are designed to filter out the blue light emitted by screens. The lenses protect your eyes from glare and can help reduce potential damage to your retina from prolonged exposure to blue light, such as the screen of a laptop.

LED Ring Light

Many of us are now working from home and when taking part in meetings and even attending job interviews via video conferencing apps like Zoom and Skype, ring lights turn dim makeshift office spaces into professional-looking work environments – making you look your best, rather than dialing in from what looks like a darkened closet! 

trampoline

Trampoline jumping is more than a fun way to play or exercise -- it provides multiple health benefits that promote mental and physical well-being. Jumping on a trampoline exercises the whole body and it also has the added benefit of improving agility and balance!

Ergonomic Cushion

If you're not feeling purchasing a state-of-the-art desk chair, grab an ergonomic cushion instead. It won't look as nice as some Dutch-designed masterpiece, but it will help the posture while seating down for many hours.  

Architecture Gems in California

The Bay Area architecture is not so well known for defining a particular architectural style, rather, with its interesting and inspiring variations of geography and topology and tumultuous history, San Francisco especially is known worldwide for its particular mix of Victorian and modern architecture.

Within its fascinating mix of styles, following is a list of our favorite buildings around the Bay Area and California!

Frank Lloyd Wright at 140 Maiden Lane

A true and hidden gem of San Francisco architecture is a Frank Lloyd Wright building at 140 Maiden Lane, just off Union Square.  It was designed in 1948 and features a small scale version of the spiral ramp gallery, which Frank Lloyd Wright famously incorporated into the design of New York City’s Guggenheim museum.  The building exterior is yellow brick and features a four tiered Romanesque arched entryway tunnel.  The interior fixtures and furnishings were all custom designed for the building using black walnut.  The original client V.C. Morris was a retailer of fine glass and silver, china, linens and art objects for the home.  The interior was significantly restored in 1979 by an art and antiques retailer named Xanadu.  The current tenant is the Neapolitan high-end menswear firm Isaia.

Find out more about the building architecture through this scanned catalogue describing the original architecture, including a floor plan.

Palace of Fine Arts

In 1915 when the Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) opened, it was a time of turmoil for the world and for the City of San Francisco. The City was just recovering from the terrible earthquake and fire of 1906. The nations of Europe were engaged in economic and political troubles that would lead to the start of World War I. Bernard R. Maybeck was chosen as architect for the Palace of Fine Arts. A student of the École des Beaux-Arts, his design reflects the impression of a Roman ruin. The inspiration for the Palace, with its soaring colonnade, grand rotunda, and carefully constructed pond, was meant to evoke quiet sadness and solemnity.

Bradbury Building

An iconic building in California is The Bradbury Building, built in 1893 in Central Los Angeles. The building was commissioned by Los Angeles gold-mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury and constructed by draftsman George H. Wyman from the original design by Summer Hunt. The decorative iron railings, marble staircases, open cage elevators and soaring atrium are iconic features of the building’s interior. The Bradbury Building was featured in the 1982 science fiction film Blade Runner, as the setting for the character J.F. Sebastian’s apartment, including the climatic rooftop scene with Rick Deckard played by Harrison Ford and Roy played by Rutger Hauer.

de Young Memorial Museum by Herzon de Meuron

The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum houses numerous collections, representing a variety of cultures from all over the world. The works of art in these collections go from the present day all the way back to the beginnings of human history. The museum is therefore not a homotopical site, defined by a homogeneous, self-contained approach to art, but rather a heterotypical site that is open and receptive to the artistic diversity of our planet.
The architecture of the new building seeks to communicate this diversity; it is an embodiment of the open-ended concept of art fostered by the museum. It expresses the distinctiveness of different cultures and, at the same time, it is a place of common ground, where diversity meets and intersects, where otherwise hidden kinships between divergent cultural forms become visible and tangible.

California Academy of Sciences by Renzo Piano

The California Academy of Sciences was founded in San Francisco in 1853. It is one of the most prestigious institutions in the US, and one of the few institutes of natural sciences in which public experience and scientific research occur at the same location. Combining exhibition space, education, conservation and research beneath one roof, the Academy also comprises natural history museum, aquarium and planetarium. The varied shapes of these different elements are expressed in the building’s roofline, which follows the form of its components. This “living roof” is covered with 1,700,000 selected autochthonous plants planted in specially conceived biodegradable coconut-fibre containers. The roof is flat at its perimeter and, like a natural landscape, becomes increasingly undulating as it moves away from the edge to form a series of domes of various sizes rising up from the roof plane.

16th Street Train Station in Oakland

It is a Beaux-Arts building designed by Jarvis Hunt, opened on August 1, 1912. The Station was featured in Western Architect that year. The Station served as the terminus for the trans-continental railway, the last Western stop. It was damaged in  the 1989 earthquake, but it’s still used today for event rentals.

8 Octavia Street by Stanley Saitowitz

This controversial residential building by Stanley Saitowitz is located in Hayes Valley. There’s no middle ground on this one, either you love it or hate it. The long thin mass of building floats above the street to make public commercial space at both ends. The buildings louvered fins on the residential units above the street level can change time of day and seasons, responding to the variation in climatic conditions to adjust the interiors. On this predominantly western façade, each occupant can modulate the sunlight and sound in their unit, controlling the temperature and re-drawing the exterior elevation as they do. The result is an ever changing look to the building as you exit the 101 Freeway, cross Market Street and enter Hayes Valley.

Marin County Civic Center by Frank Lloyd Wright

The Marin County Civic Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in San Rafael, California, United States. Intended to centralize thirteen dispersed Marin county departments, the Civic Center project encompassed an entire campus of civic structures and incorporated ideas from Wright’s Broadacre City scheme of the 1930s. The concrete Civic Center’s pink stucco walls, blue roof and scalloped balconies are distinctive. The interiors feature glass walls and are arranged around open atriums in order to promote the transparency that Wright felt governments should promote. Though Wright planned the atriums to be open to the sky, practical considerations saw barrel-vaulted skylights put in following Wright’s death.

Hearst Castle by Julia Morgan

Hearst Castle’s history begins in 1865, when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranchland. After his mother’s death in 1919, William Randolph Hearst inherited thousands of acres around San Simeon, and over time, he purchased more. The spread eventually encompassed about 250,000 acres. With architect Julia Morgan, Hearst conceived a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanted Hill.” By 1947, when Hearst had to leave the remote location because of his fragile health, the estate was still unfinished even though it comprised 165 rooms and 123 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways—all built to Hearst’s specifications and showcasing a legendary art collection.

César Pelli’s upcoming work on the Salesforce Tower will define San Francisco’s skyline. At 1,070 feet tall, the tower will be the highest in the city upon completion. Pelli’s superior design incorporates the newest sustainable practices, neighborhood development, and financial feasibility. CPA is also behind the Transbay Transit Center at the base of the Salesforce Tower. The Center is a $4.5 billion project dubbed the “Grand Central Station of the West.” Upon completion, it will be the main transit hub of the Bay Area and feature a 5.4-acre public park on the roof. Perhaps Pelli’s most recognizable work to date in San Francisco is the 2002 JPMorgan Chase Building on the border between South of Market and the Financial District.

The Stone House of John Marsh by Thomas Boyd

In a trail with stunning views of Mount Diablo and the east bay valley, there is an interesting stone house which has been unoccupied for a long time. While doing some research and came across its fascinating history. It is described as The Stone House of John Marsh and he was a well-known Doctor and Harvard Graduate in the area around 1850. It was designed by Architect Thomas Boyd of San Francisco. Mr. Marsh’s wife had passed away before completion of the mansion and he only got to live in the home three weeks before he was murdered! The house has been renovating in recent years so it looks much nicer than when it looked like a worn out shed.

The Paramount Theatre by Timothy L. Pflueger

Oakland’s Paramount Theatre is one of the finest remaining examples of Art Deco design in the United States. Designed by renowned San Francisco architect Timothy L. Pflueger and completed in late 1931, it was one of the first Depression-era buildings to incorporate and integrate the work of numerous creative artists into its architecture and is particularly noteworthy for its successful orchestration of the various artistic disciplines into an original and harmonious whole.

Want to dine out? We have got some tips!

After these long months of quarantine, San Francisco and the Bay Area are ready to start fresh!

Of course, carefully following the safety guidelines and social distancing restrictions but making small steps towards a new normality, starting with the reopening of shops, hairdressers, nail salons and restaurants. While people can slowly return to gain possession of their city, always equipped with a face mask and hand sanitizer, we have all been growing the desire of dining out. And finally, we can! Certainly not with all the freedom we were used to: there are several rules and guidelines to be respected if dining out, otherwise the risk is to bring the curve of infections up again.

For now, the rule is that only outdoor restaurants, able to maintain 6 feet of distance between tables, can reopen. Restaurant owners have arranged wood and metal structures on the streets to allow guests to enjoy a delicious meal during these warm evenings, while being safe and socially distant from each other. The result? Our city’s streets are full of colors, lights, people conversing, and delicious smells, and it almost looks like Europe! Among the other things, September’s weather is on our favor, with evenings that have almost the flavor of summer.

Yes, but... which outdoor restaurants are open? A question that is far from obvious, since not all the restaurants have reopened immediately after the lockdown, either because they do not have the spatial requirements or because they are not able to, financially.

So, here is a list of our favorite 12 outdoor restaurants where you can eat alone or in the company of your loved ones. The best reward for all those months spent cooking: now it's time to sit down and let yourself be pampered...

Hidden Gems of San Francisco and the Bay Area

San Francisco and the Bay Area have many famous sites that are worth a visit, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, Oracle Park, and Lombard Street, Alcatraz and many more in East and South Bay.

But there is much more worth to be seen, and here are some of San Francisco and Bay Area best hidden gems according to us!

HIDDEN GARDEN STEPS

San Francisco

Hidden Garden Steps in the Inner Sunset District of San Francisco; part of 16th Avenue, between Kirkham Street and Lawton Street.  The mosaic tile work is truly extraordinary and the stair angles about two thirds of the way up, so the upper portion is still yet another discovery when climbing.  A hardy climb but you will want to linger at each section to study the detail, or do it the cheating way by walking backwards (holding the handrail of course) from the top.  This stair is on the hillside leading up to Grandview Park, on its own a hidden gem, providing 360 views of the western half of the SF.  Also nearby is another stunning mosaic tiled stairway, confusingly called the 16th Ave Tiled Steps, but actually a portion of Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Ave.  This one is longer and better known, but I like Hidden Garden Steps better for being more shaded and having the change in direction.  This trio of gems can be accessed from the N Judah Muni line, with the closest stop being 15th & Judah.

 

Hacienda de las Flores

Moraga

The San Francisco firm of Bakewell and Veihe designed the Spanish ranch style single story house, built in 1916, with three bedrooms, oak floors, and tile roof with the main entrance off Moraga Road. The house was originally built to house orphaned boys, but could no longer be sustained after the crash of 1929. The estate occupied a total of 32 acres. Timbers from the original house are still in today’s Fireside Room.

 

COIT TOWER’S SECOND FLOOR

San Francisco

For decades, the entire second floor of the iconic Coit Tower—the white column that’s been a beacon atop Telegraph Hill since it was completed in 1933—went unseen by the public. While many visitors have seen the famed Depression-era murals on the first floor, or decades, the delicate secco frescos on the second floor of the building has been closed off—until now.

Source: hoodline

 

The Vulcan Stairs

San Francisco

The Vulcan Stairs are a 2 block stretch of stairs in Eureka Valley that start on Ord Street and take you up to Levant Street.

The gardens, impeccably maintained by the people who live on it, are magnificent and in places resemble a jungle. Following in the tradition of quirky architecture, the houses on Vulcan Steps are unique and reflect the eclectic tastes of people who live on the steps.

 

KAISER PARK

Oakland

Inspired by the rooftop garden at Rockefeller Center in New York City, the garden opened in 1960 as the first “true” post-war rooftop garden in the United States. The design includes a large reflecting pool with numerous small fountains, a wooden bridge, undulating lawns and an extensive plant palette.

 

Ardoise Bistro

San Francisco

l’Ardoise Bistro located in SF’s Duboce Triangle. This charming corner bistro feels like a small off the beaten path restaurant somewhere in less traveled Arrondissement in Paris. Terrific food and service. Currently serving dinner outside along treelined Noe Street. Check out the Wednesday farmers market at Noe and Market before heading to dinner.

 

Camera Obscura

San Francisco

This tiny museum known as the ‘Giant Camera’ is on the grounds of the historic Cliff House and features a working camera obscura, which reflects images of the beach front outside. It also houses a small collection of holograms.

 

Lands End Labyrinth

San Francisco

Hidden on the western end of San Francisco is Land’s End park, a gem of a spot with tons of coastal trails, one of which leads to the secret Land’s End Labyrinth. There is a stone Labyrinth on the edge of a cliff with beautiful a view of the Golden Gate Bridge to one side and the endless Pacific ocean to the west.

 

Marshall Beach

San Francisco

Marshall Beach is a long narrow secluded beach that stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge south to North Baker Beach. Because of the seclusion below steep cliffs it is one of the best-known clothing-optional beaches in San Francisco

 

Lyon Steps

San Francisco

Just being at the summit of these steps is a mystical Zen experience truly difficult to describe. The feeling of the sky and air where you are standing is amazing. And, spread out before you are fabulous views of the Palace of Fine Arts Dome, the blue San Francisco Bay, and a fog shrouded sky beyond. To the west is the Presidio forest and to the east are amazing old Pacific Heights mansions with their manicured lawns and many balconies

 

Battery Spencer overlook

San Francisco

Battery Spencer overlook on the northside of the Golden Gate bridge. This viewpoint provides a jaw-dropping vista of the famous bridge, as well as a lot of military history from the area.

 

Yoda Statue

San Francisco

A 26″ life-sized Yoda bronze statue guards the entrance to Lucasfilms Headquarters. Inside the lobby stands a big 6’6″ Darth Vader. Star Wars pilgrims are allowed inside during regular weekday working hours to see Darth up close along with a nice collection of other Star Wars artifacts.

 

Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground

Mt. Tamalpais

Get in on a little secret that lies just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Let us introduce you to the elusive Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground in Marin. On Mt. Tamalpais, just to the north of the city, there are a group of wooden structures that date back to the 1940s.

The passion of hiking: our tips of the best trails in the Bay Area & Tahoe

Hiking means walking for hours in the midst of nature! And by nature, is intended woods, sea, mountains and so on.

All you need is a backpack, comfortable shoes, useful tools for "survival" (water bottle, sunscreen, snacks,etc…) an enthusiastic attitude and you will be ready to venture into an almost mystical experience! It takes willpower and a bit of training, as some trails may require more effort, so you can choose the one that best suits your physical condition and needs. In short, there is something for all tastes and all ages!

 

5 REASONS WHY HIKING IS WORTHWHILE:

  1. CONTACT WITH NATURE: Hikes in close contact with Mother Earth allow us to breathe clean air and truly fall in love with our planet. Yes, because nature is pure spectacle and our eyes, lungs and soul will be filled with well-being and surprise.

  2. COLORS, SMELLS, SILENCE: The green of the moss, the yellow of the lichen, the transparency of the water, the brown of the earth, the blue of the sky and millions of other shades we do not even know the existence.

  3. PHYSICAL BENEFITS: Hiking is a sport in all respects and can increase in intensity. It is also an outdoor exercise practiced while breathing clear air!

  4. BENEFITS ON A PSYCHIC LEVEL: While hiking we release nervous tension by transforming anxiety and stress into joy, quiet and serenity!

  5. GET TO KNOW NEW PLACES: Beautiful places and views created by nature are all around us. During each hike you will discover something new and incredibly beautiful!

Since we are very passionate about hiking here are some suggestions from our very favorite hikes in the Bay Area and Tahoe!

Name of trail: hike to Alamere Falls

Length: 8.4 mile loop trail

Start point: Palomarian Trailhead

Unique feature: the hike ends to a beautiful and rare waterfall (tidefall), plummeting 40ft until it reaches the ocean.

Name of trail: Stream, Mill and French Trail Loop

Length: 4.2 mile loop trail

Start point: West-Ridge trail

Unique feature: beautiful redwoods & ladybugs!

Name of trail: Dipsea, Steep Ravine, and Matt Davis Loop

Length: 6.7 mile loop trail

Start point: Stinson beach

Unique feature: hike from the Pacific Ocean all the way up to The Muir Woods Visitor Center. There area spectacular ocean views, rushing creeks, and pretty waterfalls

Name of trail: Lake Genevieve and Crag Lake

Length: 10-mile roundtrip

Start point: Meeks Bay Trailhead

Unique feature: The trail goes through Desolation Wilderness to two beautiful alpine lakes, Lake Genevieve and Crag Lake

Name of trail: Dipsea trail

Length: 9.7 miles

Start point: Mill Valley

Unique feature: 688 steps within the first mile of the trail

Name of trail: Dick’s Lake Trail

Length: 15.8 miles

Start point: Glen Alpine

Unique feature: Camping is allowed by Dick Lake