Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Aaron's Favorite Things 2022

 

IWC Pilot's Watch Top Gun Edition "Lake Tahoe": Worn by Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton, & John Mayer, this limited edition watch was inspired by Top Gun (based in Nevada) pilots' view of Lake Tahoe's winter landscape and released to coincide with Top Gun Maverick's theatrical release.  The beautiful white ceramic casing, mesh rubber strap, and crystal clear black dial combine to make this the coolest sporting watch on the market.  Good luck finding one. IWC






Theragun Mini 2.0: I have the original Theragun Pro; it is huge and loud as a jackhammer.  The new Theragun Mini 2.0 is a fraction of the size and quiet; also, it charges using USB-C so you don't need to worry about losing the charger.  This unit is easy to travel with and always comes to the rescue for a sore neck or any persistent muscle ache.  $199


Cosori Air Fryer Max XL: I'm a horrible cook; embarrassing, but if there's a bbq at my house I typically ask someone else to man the grill.  Is there such a thing as cooking dyslexia? When my wife says "just keep an eye on it," or "you just need to check it," my eyes roll back in my head.  The Air Fryer is my grilling assistant and nails it every time.  Steak, chicken, pork chops, bacon, salmon, sweet potato fries are all perfect with a little crisp—just follow the mini cook book, hit some buttons and the rest is history. $125 


Purple Harmony Pillow: I really hope you don't buy this pillow; I don't want to hear from you telling me that you hate it—pillows are so personal.  However, I have four different testing pillows in my guest bedroom and people always ask me about this pillow.  Purple describes it as a layer of honeycomb-patterned grid surrounded by a supportive inner core of hypoallergenic ventilated latex offering cool comfort.  When my wife sends me to the guest bedroom for a "time-out," this is my pillow of choice.  Size, Standard/Medium: $134



Ugrette 2 Pack Butane Torch Lighter: There's something oddly satisfying about lighting candles and fires with these powerful little torches.  These do not come with butane, so make sure to purchase separately.  You can adjust the length of the torch from the bottom—release your inner pyro: $10  And, the butane: $6


DrainShroom Sink Snake: Save money and forget calling a plumber for clogged sinks and shower drains; this cable connects to your drill and does the job.  I recently sucked up a hairball the size of a dead rat out of my daughter's shower drain.  Just make sure to wear gloves and glasses as it gets a little messy: $15 


HOKA Clifton 8: I've been loyal to Brooks Adrenaline's for over twenty years.  They have always been my go to running (even though I don't run) shoe.  I kept noticing more and more HOKA's on my walk— seemed like everyone was replacing their old tried and trues with these ugly up and comers.  I literally went out and purchased a pair because I couldn't listen to my mother tell me how comfortable they were one more time.  I admit, Hokas are ugly, but oh wow, like walking on clouds!  Goodbye Asics, Nike, and Brooks—hello HOKA! Available in twenty colors: $140





HOKA Ora Recovery Slide: Yes, more ugly footwear.  Do not throw away your Rainbows and don't wear these out in public.  I keep these by the front door if I need something quick to throw on to walk my dog, pick up his mess, or run out and grab my Doordash.  These are really stable, cushiony, and you can even get way with a light jog. Available in eleven horrible colors: $40

Oofos Ooh Slide Sandal: Why another pair of ugly slides?  Because I could not decide.  The HOKAs and Oofos are neck and neck, however the Oofos are hands down the most comfortable, while the HOKAs are more utilitarian.  Same rules apply for these—don't make a habit of wearing these awful things in public.  These sandals were intended for post-running, but as I don't run, they're really for when I'm too lazy to lace up a shoe.  $60


Cozy Earth Plush Lounge Sock: One of the first things I do when fall hits and temperatures plummet is wrap my dogs in these warm, ultra comfy lounge socks.  Cozy Earth is one of my favorite companies and with over ten colors to choose from, you'll have a pair for every outfit.  $34


Cozy Earth Bamboo Stretch-Knit Pajama Pant: I throw these on my bed side table before I retire at night since I know they're the first thing I grab when I wake up.  Seriously, the most comfortable pajama pant you'll find.  Combine these pajamas with Uggs Scuff slipper $90, a Vince Pima cotton t-shirt ($65) and you may not leave the house. $74


Stanley The Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler 40 OZ: The Wall Street Journal claimed this water bottle is a "desktop trophy" with a huge social media following and a 150,000 customer waiting list.  Aside from all the hoopla and gorilla marketing, this water bottle really delivers.  I cashed in all my Hydroflasks and have moved to team Stanley.  I particularly like the handle, solid straw, and tapered base, which allows it to fit in your car's cupholders.  If you can pay up an extra $10, get the "Soft Matte" finish. Available in seven colors: $50

NutriDyn Fruits & Greens: I'm a periodic fad dieter, so I thought I'd try out a certified nutritionist last year to see if I could reclaim some sanity to my eating habits.  Like anything, it worked for a while until I succumbed to my Jeni's ice cream addiction. Regardless, my biggest takeaway was the importance of pounding water throughout the day; when I'm doing this I'm rarely hungry.  However, water is boring and the Nutridyn Fruits & Greens is healthy with powerful antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics, superfoods, fiber and turns your water into a a coveted beverage.  Available in nine flavors (I like: Pink Lemonade, Grape, & Strawberry Kiwi—you will need to enter Nurse Practitioner Code: 702952): $45


The Five-Minute Journal: My buddy dropped this off for my birthday; I started the next day and have not missed a day.  Designed with proven psychological methods, this journal cultivates gratitude, mindfulness and is the best way to start and end your day.  "The unexamined life is not worth living" -Socrates $29


Scheider Slider Memo XB Ballpoint Pen: Now that you're journaling every morning and night, you'll need some outstanding pens for your gratitude lists.  I have these littered throughout my house; when a guest writes with it, they typically look up and remark, "I love this pen."  Pack of ten: $24


THE WEEK: "I need to stay informed." Do you really?  Seriously, if you eliminated all forms of news consumption for one week, would you survive?  Not only would you survive, your mental health would increase exponentially.  I love this physical magazine because it highlights every major news topic and provides terse analysis from all sides.  It also provides review aggregation for everything coming up the following week, including: arts, books, theatre, film, television, food & drink, and consumer products.  1-Year subscription $129

Opopop: This company's mission is to "liberate you from boring popcorn."  Mission accomplished!  Opopop comes with a special microwave popping bowl and offers unique and fun flavors, such as: Pickle, Chedapeno, Cinnalicious, Salted Umami, Fancy Butter, and Vanilla Cake Pop.  $45


Seaside Market World Famous Tri-Tip:
I first experienced this Tri-Tip at Thanksgiving dinner in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, home of one of Southern California's most well-known niche markets.  After taking one bite I nearly dropped to a knee, experiencing a serious food orgasm.  This Tri-tip is affectionately known throughout So Cal as "Cardiff Crack."  Just be really careful when you cook it and use a meat thermometer (I cooked it for half the time suggested and it was still a little overdone).  Get the original, Bergundy Pepper flavor: $110


Jeni's Ice Cream: Speaking of crack, this is hands down the best store-bought ice cream one can find.  Founded in in Columbus, Ohio by James Beard Award winner Jenni Britton, this ice cream has a uniquely smooth texture with a buttercream body. Currently offering over forty-two one-of-a-kind flavors—don't miss the Bramleberry Crisp or Watermelon Taffy: $12 


Ka'Chava: After you hit your bottom sucking down pints of Jeni's ice cream, you're ready for a reset. Ka'Chava is a silky smooth plant based protein meal replacement shake and does not taste like your typical chalky alternative.  Add water, ice cubes, throw in your Vitamix, and you're ready to roll.  Kachava claims to combine all the Superfoods and nutrients into a single, ready-to-go-meal.  Probably all a big marketing scam, but for now, I'm drinking the Kool Aid: $60 


Hazel Hygiene: NeilMed Sinus Rinse Kit: Every sinus-related visit to the ENT Dr. ends of up with a NeilMed Sinus rinse recommendation.  I've come to rather enjoy the salt flush and it's helped eliminate my sinus infections and allergies.  $23 GO Mouthwash Mint Packets: These are great to keep in your backpack or car for a quick gargle and refresh. $15 Dr. Collins Perio Toothbrush: Don't throw out your Sonicare, as this is a great alternative for a natural brush—ultra-soft and super slim tapered polyester toothbrush. $9 Perioe Himalayan Pink Salt Toothpaste: Squeeze some pink salt toothpaste on your new Perio toothbrush and when you're done, you'll feel like you just walked out of the dentist's office. $6