2018 All New iPad Pro 12.9”: I loved my original iPad Pro, but the new 2018 model is like jumping from the iPhone 7+ to the iPhone X; noticeable improvements include: FaceID, Apple Pencil magnetic attachment, smaller footprint, small bezels, and a better keyboard attachment. The iPad is good for productivity and amazing for digital newspapers, email, internet browsing and Netflix binging. Don’t forget to get the Smart Keyboard Folio and all-new Apple Pencil.
Apple Watch Series 4: Like the new iPad, the Apple Watch Series 4 is a substantial upgrade and biggest iterative jump from the original. The most compelling reason to upgrade is the substantial increase in screen area without increasing the watch’s size. The 35% increase in usable screen area, an EKG monitor, improved cellular strength & volume are huge updates. If you have Apple AirPods and Apple Watch, there’s really no reason to bring your phone on a run or gym workout.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010: If you’re looking for something a little nicer than an Apple Watch, then look no further than the most beautiful, sporty, refined, and understated watch ever made—the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Patek Philippe is the world’s most prestigious, and last family-owned Geneva luxury watch manufacturer. Since 1839, Patek has produced the most valuable time pieces ever made—their watches are truly long-term investments. Just remember, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
Louis Vuitton “The Michael” Backpack: Specifically, this is the Louis Vuitton Onyx Damier Infini Leather Michael NM Backpack. I started observing briefcase replacement backpacks at airports last year. The Wall Street Journal validated this trend with the article, “The Backpacks Are Coming: Why Execs are Ditching Their Briefcases.” This backpack is understated for Louis Vuitton and is big enough for your essentials, including a laptop slot and compartment for business cards, keys, pens and checkbook. The most important benefit of the business backpack is freeing up your hand for a cup of coffee.
Away Luggage "The Bigger Carry-On": Now that you've blown a mortgage payment on a fancy backpack, it's time to come down to earth for a reasonable and functional carry-on. Founded by former Warby Parker executives, Away Luggage is ubiquitous, basically taking over the luggage industry. Airlines are very strict now; if your carry-on is larger than 22"x14"x9", there's a good chance your bag is getting checked. I replaced my 23" Tumi with this bag and couldn't be happier; it keeps me from over packing, has great wheels, includes a lifetime warranty and is a great deal at $245.
All-new Amazon Echo Show: The new Echo Show should be the heart and soul of your kitchen. An amazing redesign adds an incredible speaker, better microphone, and a huge, beautiful screen. Add an Echo Spot as your bedside alarm clock and Echo Dots to your other rooms for a fully connected house. I use this for step-by-step cooking recipes, audible control of Sonos system, multiple named timers, and grocery, shopping and handyman lists. Watch GMA with your linked Hulu account, do a morning meditation with Headspace or have Audible read your book—the growing list of skills crushes the competition.
Amazon Smart Plug: "Clap On, Clap Off....." You get it, and that's pretty much what this smart plug does. I have these set up in a couple, inconvenient areas of my house. "Alexa, turn on living room lamps." Using one of your Alexa devices, you can control pretty much any household device. My only critique is the unit's thickness, which can push out furniture to an undesirable level. Other than that, it's easy to set up and fun to use.
TheraGun G2PRO Professional Massager: I first saw this at one of my daughter's volleyball tournaments; the team was passing it around, relieving sore shoulders and cramping thighs. This is an industrial strength massager and guaranteed to release any nagging knot. Multiple attachments for treating all symptoms and a nice carrying case make traveling easy. Sore tennis elbow, neck or back, just tell your wife or husband to grab the TheraGun and go to work. Save money on physical therapy and grab a TheraGun.
Gooloo Jump Starter Kit: "Do you have jumper cables?" "So sorry, I don't." "Hey, do you by chance have jumper cables?" "No, sorry." "Can I get a jump?" "YES!!!!!!!" I can finally say yes! This is a small, portable jumper set that works without your car. All you do is charge it via usb, and it's ready to go. It comes in a compact carrying case; keep in under your seat or in the trunk and you'll always be ready to lend a helping hand.
Figs Pisco Basic Scrub Pants: I have had a pair of UCSF scrub pants since college. I finally wore through them after much patching over the years. So, when I saw these come across my Insta feed, I had to give them a try. Think of these as utilitarian pajama pants. They are perfect for lounging around the house, have pockets for your phone and can even be worn to run out for a quick errand. If you catch me at home, there's a good chance I'll be in my scrubs.
Derek Rose Underwear Shirt: Specifically, this is the Basel Stretch Micro Modal Jersey. Put this on with your scrub pants, and you will definitely be the most comfortable dude on the block. I wear this as a sleep shirt; after you wear this to bed, you'll never want to sleep in anything else. Now that your tops and bottoms are comfy, time to slip on a pair of Allbird slippers.
Allbirds Wool Loungers: After your Allbirds Wool Runners, this should be your next Allbirds purchase. I wear these at home as slippers and sometimes if I run out for a quick errand. They are soooo comfortbable and keep my dogs warm. You can also wash them in the washing machine if they get dirty. The soft, superfine New Zealand Merino wool is second to none.
Air Jordan III: "Sometimes I dream that he is me, you've got to see that's how I dream to be....." Am I the only one who remembers the Gatorade Michael Jordan commercial? Nostalgia—putting on my Jordan's transports me back to high school. Every middle-aged man should have at least one pair of Jordan's—pick your year and stick with it. They are surprisingly comfortable and look great with jeans. Treat your Jordan's with kid gloves and keep them clean.
Madson of America Fairway Sunglasses: I'm sick of dropping $250 for a polarized pair of Maui Jims. First off, everyone needs a sporting pair of sunglasses—these are great for golf, the beach, sporting events and other outdoor activities. For only $65, you will get a light weight, quality pair of California-made, polarized sunglasses. Save money on your sporting pair and splurge on a nice pair of Persols to wear with your suit.
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: I feel like this book shot me into outer space, and I now look down at earth and my existence with a different perspective. I probably could have stopped at 30% and been content; the beginning is fascinating and explains so much—including how we won out vs six other distinct hominid species. Could "gossip" play a part in the evolution of consciousness? If we were at one point in the middle of the food chain, what happened? This is one of Bill Gates' top recommended books of the year.
The Plant Paradox: I was in Palm Springs dressing for a banquet when I found myself unable to zip and button my suit pants—I had reached a bottom. Soon after, I ran across Kelly Clarkson's GMA interview discussing dropping thirty seven pounds following the Plant Paradox. I decided to give it a shot and followed it religiously for six weeks. I lost seventeen pounds and found myself at my high school weight for the first time since, well, high school! I highly recommend buying the Plant Paradox Cookbook to go with the book—I still refer to the cookbook almost daily.
Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade: If you are cooking from the Plant Paradox Cookbook, you will use the Vitamix every day. I throw pretty much the same thing in this blender every morning: spinach, Romain, mint, 1/2 an avocado, stevia, 5 cubes of ice, water, and one squeezed lemon - best and healthiest breakfast shake ever. This is the most amazing blender I've ever owned and is a true workhorse.
ToiletTree Fogless Shower Mirror: I've owned several "fogless" shower mirrors in the past, but they eventually always fogged up. This mirror is a new invention—the mirror slides off the base, and you fill the container behind the mirror with your hot shower water. The water warms the mirror and prevents it from fogging. I've had this mirror for over six months and no fog! It also comes with a little squeeze to wipe off any residual water drops.
Hazel Hygiene: Harry's Razor: I like the Hermes orange handle, but without the crazy price. Great razor, blades and travel case. Harry's Post-Shave Balm: I've tried several post-shave balms, and this is no doubt the best—cooling and fresh. Brickell Purifying Charcoal Face Wash: Smells great and something about washing my face with charcoal makes me feel ultra clean. Brickell Daily Essential Face Moisturizer: This is the closer—the best way to end the bathroom ritual—fresh and amazing but not overpowering scent.
