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My parents are not what I would call “high tech” — or really even any tech. My dad only recently started texting and my mom doesn’t own a computer, but they often run into technological quandaries despite their lack of gadgets — which means it often falls to me to help them out. It’s easy to grow impatient and frustrated when providing a little parental tech support, so I thought I’d round up some advice from people who have been there.

Product: Grovemade Maple Phone Dock Price: $99 Rating: Strong Recommend* Charging stations usually don’t impress me. I mean, what’s to be impressed by? Usually it’s a clock with a charger or a simple plastic dock. The Grovemade phone dock changed all that. It’s lovely, impressive, and weighty enough to do double duty as your secret weapon. Let’s start by talking about the weight of most docking stations.

Product: Stick N Find Price: $49.99 Rating: Recommend* For people who are constantly losing their Kindle, keys, pet, wallet, iPad, or any other important or expensive thing, the Stick N Find is bound to be your new favorite product. Want to page your wallet? Me too. Here’s how. The Stick N Find is easy to set up. Simply download the app, place the stickers (without the backing removed) right next to your phone, and pair them with your device.

Let me introduce you to my latest app obsession, Waterlogue. It’s a cool new app that lets you transform boring old photos from your phone into handsome watercolor images — and it’s very user-friendly, with an attractive interface. If you’re familiar with Instagram, you’ll have no problem becoming quickly acquainted with Waterlogue.

Soon Valentine’s Day will be upon us, and couples everywhere will be buying flowers and candy and jewelry and fragrances and all kinds of other silly novelties. But you know what says true love to me? Digital storage. And lots of it. Wondering what to get your honey that’s both practical and bound to save a major headache later? Gigs and Terabytes. Hear me out.

This past summer my husband and I were excited to learn that Verizon’s high-speed, fiber-optic, internet/phone/tv FiOS service had become available to our building and we were quick to sign up. Having suffered through many tedious cable and internet installations over the years, I was expecting pretty much the same rigamarole, but there were a few twists to the process you might want to know about if you’re on the brink of making the switch yourself.

If you’re looking for speakers that sound great, don’t take up a ton of space AND harken back to a simpler time, we’ve found five great new alternatives. The best part? They’re all bluetooth compatible. Here are five options for small spaces in need of beautiful audio: 1. Flatiron Vintage Speaker ($149): Restoration Hardware really rocks it with this one. It’s only 10 1/2 inches high, so it would look great on a bookshelf, desk or even on top of the fridge.

My method involved discarding most of the inserts for my DVDs, but if you’re attached to them, or if you have a tendency to resell DVDs, then I’ll also include a tip that will let you to keep those inserts near and dear. Materials list • Binders:Eames binders from Naked Binderhere’s a roundup of good-looking binders.

There’s no time like the present to clear your desk clutter if you haven’t already. Whenever I’m doing a complete uncluttering of my desk whether at work or at home, I also find it to be a great time to change the look as well. Cord control and keeping your tech off your desk and on a stand can be managed with a variety of fun, well-designed accessories. Here are my picks.Top Row1.

Name: Kristy Ahumada of Volatile Photography + her trusty assistant LeweyLocation: Petaluma, CaliforniaSize/Room: 11ft x 13ft bedroom + workspaceYears lived in: 26 years Kristy and I met 6 years ago when I was working in Petaluma. She was an aspiring photographer quickly building a great local clientele and reputation for her stunning imagery.