Keep Cool From Head to Toe

If the recent heat wave on the West Coast is any indicator, this summer may be a scorcher, but it’s hard to stay indoors when sunshine and fresh air are calling your name. Whether you’re eager to head outdoors for a casual pick-up game, or you’re determined not to let a little heat disrupt your outdoor workout routine, here are some pieces that will help keep you cool from head to toe:

Performance Train Cap

Performance Train Cap, Reebok, $18

A good athletic hat serves multiple purposes: keeping the sun off of your face and keeping hair and sweat out of your eyes. Look for a breathable hat with reflective panels like the Performance Train Cap by Reebok to keep you cool and visible during your workout. However, don’t assume that wearing a hat will absolve you from wearing sunscreen! You should still apply waterproof sunscreen on your face and other exposed parts of your body every two hours to avoid sun damage when exercising outside.

Azagra Running Tank Top

Asics Azagra Running Tank Top, Sports Authority, $42

We love this tank top’s unique perforated cutouts and sweat-wicking fabric. This well-ventilated tank top also provides a supportive shelf bra and UPF protection from the sun’s rays, making it perfect for outdoor activities like a game of kickball or leisurely jog.

Run Speed Short

Run Speed Short, Lululemon, $54

The Run Speed Short is one of Lululemon’s most popular items, and for good reason. Its 2 ½” inseam is short enough to keep you cool, without showing too much leg. Lightweight fabric, paired with a COOLMAX liner, wicks moisture away, while a convenient zipper pocket on the back of the waistband allows you to go hands-free during outdoor activity.

CoolMesh II Tab Back Socks

WrightSock CoolMesh II Tab-Back Socks, REI, $11

Fans of WrightSock’s CoolMesh sock series swear by its ability to wick moisture away even on the hottest of days. Don’t let the CoolMesh II’s double-layer design fool you — these socks are surprisingly light, and the layers absorb friction and moisture to prevent blisters. The high tab-back also prevents uncomfortable chafing along your heel and achilles.

New Year, New Resolutions

Now that the ball has dropped, bottles of bubbly popped and we’ve entered into the new year, it’s time to put our 2013 resolutions into action. And it’s easier (and more fun) than ever to keep them, thanks to the cool gadgets, gear and other goodies we’ve found—from stylish workout clothes to veggies delivered to your door. Happy 2013!

RESOLUTION: FIND TIME FOR FITNESS

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

The best motivation to get your butt to the gym? Investing in workout gear, such as Lululemon’s Pace Setter Running Skirt ($58, enjoy free shipping!) spun of light, moisture-wicking fabric with built-in shorts and an elastic hem so they stay put while jogging on the treadmill.

Gaiam Cardio Burn Yoga DVD, $11.95

On the days you can’t get to the yoga studio, pop in Gaiam’s Cardio Burn Yoga DVD ($11.98, use code 13NEWYEAR for an extra 20% off) with certified instructor Patricia Moreno to get your vinyasa on at home.

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Track your workouts with the Nike+ FuelBand ($149 from Nike), which measures everything from the number of steps you take to amount of calories burned. Download the mobile app and wirelessly share your progress with friends, too. (Bonus: it doubles as a cool-looking watch!)

RESOLUTION: LOOK MORE POLISHED

Clarisonic Mia, $119 at Sephora

Clarisonic Mia, $119 

Just a few small tweaks in your daily routine can make you look (and feel) more pulled-together. Get dewy, fresh-from-a-facial looking skin everyday with the Clarisonic Mia ($119 at Sephora, score free shipping) which helps minimize pores and cleanses so thoroughly, moisturizers and serums absorb more effectively. (We got one from Santa and our skin has never looked better!).

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $48

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $49

Clean, perfectly polished nails go a very long way. Treat yourself to a weekly mani-pedi at home with Deborah Lippmann’s Get Nailed manicure set ($49 at Nordstrom, get free shipping) complete with base coat, top, polish remover and two glossy lacquers.

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Always keep a pair of glittery earrings in your purse to add an instant dose of glamour on the go. Jeweled button styles, such as this pair by Kenneth Jay Lane ($56 with 30% off at Last Call by Neiman Marcus) lend just-right sparkle to everything from desk-to-dinner getups to your weekend uniform of skinnies and a tee.

RESOLUTION:  EAT MORE VEGGIES

Chef's Table, $89.95

Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable & Herb Box, $89.95

No time to hit the farmer’s market? Get a bounty of farm-fresh veggies delivered to your doorstep with Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable and Herb box ($89.95 per order, available at Gilt Taste), packed with peak-of-season produce, such as squash blossoms and baby cauliflower.

Breville Juicer, $149

Breville Juice Fountain Plus, $149.95

Save yourself $10 a day on green juice with Breville’s Juice Fountain Plus (on sale for $149.95 at Williams-Sonoma), considered the Bentley of at-home juicers for its powerful, 850-watt motor and easy-to-clean micromesh filter.

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $15

Dust off your pots and pans and get cooking with Maria Ella’s delicious new cookbook, The Modern Vegetarian ($15.30 on Amazon.com), packed with 120 mouthwatering meatless recipes, such as watermelon panzanella and lemongrass & sweet corn soup.

RESOLUTION: GET ORGANIZED!

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Stay on top of meetings, dinner dates and social soirees with Kate Spade New York’s 2013 daily agenda notebook ($38, take an extra 25% off sale items with code 25SALE). It also comes with extra sheets for jotting birthdays, restaurants and important addresses.

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

If your bathroom cabinets overflow with a messy mix of toiletries, here’s how to get organized: dump everything onto the floor and divide into categories (nail polishes, travel sizes, eye makeup, etc). Stow in the Container Store’s stackable plastic shoe boxes ($1.89 each), tuck away underneath the sink or linen closet and—voila!

Palm Beach Chic's Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Palm Beach Chic’s Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Avoid making a jumbled mess of your jewelry using Palm Beach Chic’s Elle lacquer jewelry box ($79 at One King’s Lane), complete with special compartments to keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings in pristine condition.