Aaron's Favorite Things 2023

 

Jura Z10 Diamond White: This machine and my Toto Washlet ($1,091) battle it out for the #1 & #2 spots on my all-time Favorite Things list.  First off, the new diamond white finish looks amazing—more like kitchen artwork than an appliance.  The grinder is quieter so you don't wake up the neighborhood, the programmable display allows you to customize your favorites on the home screen, and of course, the coffee is outstanding. $3,899

Vivace Coffee Beans: David Schomer is a freak, a coffee savant and mentor to nearly all of the world's top roasters and barista's.  He even gave a Ted Talk on his history and perfecting the process, from bean to cup.  It may be a little on the pricey side after shipping, but treat yourself to a batch and you won't be disappointed—opt for the higher blends, such as the Ugandan Ekende.  $22

Reviver Digital License Plate: This digital license plate came installed on my new car and I love it!  I will never own another car without one and no doubt it's the future.  No more annual registration stickers, the plate updates automatically, and you can also customize messages below your plate number as often as you'd like.  If you're in CA, AZ, or MI, get yours now. $599

Fanttik X8 APEX: This hand-held air pump inflates anything; I love it because you pre-set your PSI, so no more under or over inflating.  This is great for all your bicycles, balls, and I keep it in my car for emergencies. Please note that this unit only charges using a 5V power supply (you probably have one sitting in a drawer). $79

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Finally switched from my normal Apple Watch to the Ultra—huge difference!  The two most noticeable upgrades are the battery life (72 hrs) and the screen size. You can fit so much information on your Home Screen.  This watch is a must if you're into working out and it's great for hiking & water sports.  $799

Varsity Headwear Baseball Cap: Two Norwegian brothers set out to create the perfect baseball cap.  They did it.  I know this is a little Kendall Roy from Succession, but there is a time and place for a nice ball cap.  I stumbled upon this brand at Bergdorf Goodman's in NYC and also found them at Le Bon Marche in Paris.  They come in various materials including wool, linen, and of course cotton.  If you want to wear a nice outfit with a hat, this is your best option. $80-$135

K-Way Le VRAI 3.0 Claude Rain Coat: This was another Paris find—compact, colorful rain jacket that folds up into its own pocket to create a functional fanny pack.  I keep this folded up in the back of my car and it always comes in handy.  $98-$130

Vuori Kore Short: I hate to admit this, but I love this short so much I cleared out my old workout shorts and bought this short in five different colors.  It's the perfect length, has built in underwear, and is comfortable and breathable for any type of gym workout.  $68 

Vuori Strato Tech Tee: Just like with the shorts, clear out your workout drawer because once you work out in one of these shirts, everything else feels like smothering sand paper.  Lightest, softest, most breathable workout shirt out there. $54

Vans UltraRange EXO Shoe: Now that you're all decked out in your Vuori workout gear, you'll need some agile kicks for the treadmill and bench.  Having just watched Fast Times at Ridgemont High, I feel extra compelled to rock Vans.  This was a XMas gift last year from my Son-In-Law and they did not disappoint.  They are so light and comfortable and make for a hipper workout alternative than Nikes, Brooks, or Hokas, etc. $90

Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 EX: If you've read Shoe Dog, you're familiar with Phil Knight and this Nike predecessor.  I was visiting the Onitsuka store in Bangkok and was overwhelmed with the variety of cool designs; I almost walked out with three pairs.  My wife gave me this pair for XMas last year and it's one of my favorites. $130

Haflinger Wool Slippers: During the late fall and winter, this pair of cozy, warm, cork & wool slippers is always stationed next to my front door.  I slip these on when I need to take the dog outside potty, getting out of the cold ocean after a surf, or walking to yoga.  Don't worry, I have not gone for the Portland barista look, I don't rock a man-bun, but I do like warm dogs when it's cold outside. This German company's origins date back to 1898.  $160

Munich Moebius: A group of eight of us were strolling around old town Barcelona when we stumbled upon the Munich store. Suffice to say, all of us walked out with a pair.  This Barcelona-based company produces some very cool, colorful, comfortable shoes.  I have this high top in two colors and always get compliments. $130

Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner: Now that you have all these new shoes with white rails, you'll need to keep them clean.  Dirty sneakers make my left eye twitch, so I'm always cleaning my sneakers with this classic formula and brush. $22

Wisdom of the Ages by Wayne Dyer: This book is a powerful collection and brief, insightful analysis of 60 of the world's greatest thinkers, including Buddha, Michelangelo, Rumi, Whitman, Jesus, Dickinson, Emerson, Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, and many others.  Wayne Dyer takes the best teachings from the best Masters and offers suggestions for applying their knowledge into our daily lives. $15

Fishwife Classic Smoky Trio: You either like smoked fish or you don’t.  If you do, order up this colorful trio of smoked salmon, tuna, and trout.  Instead of a boring tuna fish sandwich, mix things up by mixing some mayonnaise with this smoky fish on bread.  The packaging is so cool and makes for a nice gift when visiting a friend’s home. $33

Meater Plus Wireless Thermometer: I hate when my wife just tells me to “eyeball it."  I’m not programmed that way—I need precise measurements, times, etc.  The Meater takes the guess work out and allows you to cook meat perfectly.  It syncs with your phone, and alerts you when your ideal temperature is reached.  $80

Graza "Sizzle & Drizzle" Olive Oil: My interest in olive oil was piqued as my wife and I just completed a live, Whole Foods produced, online olive oil tasting class—who would have thought orange slices with olive oil and cinnamon were the bomb. These olive oils pass all the expert tests and are always within reach on my kitchen counter. Sizzle is for cooking and Drizzle is for eating—squeezing rather than pouring your olive oil is a game changer.  You can buy this dynamic duo at Whole Foods or online. $38  

Auto Registration & Insurance Holder: "Insurance and registration please." Words nobody wants to hear, but when you get lit up, it's nice knowing you're ready.  This is a simple holder with one side holding your insurance & the other your registration.  Hand this to the Police Officer and he may be so impressed he lets you off with a warning. You will receive a pack of four for only $8.

TaskRabbit: Someone suggested this app when I was in a jam and needed 10 LCD's hung in a couple hours.  I jumped on this app and there were two UCLA Engineering students that showed up hours later and completed the task—so impressed. I've used the app for electrical, plumbing, and random handy man style tasks.  Each Tasker is rated so you can get comfortable with their experience. TaskRabbit

PushHealth: I was in the Hudson Valley for Christmas and came down with a horrible sinus infection.  Based on my history, I knew antibiotics were the only course.  I jumped on the PushHealth app and had a prescription ready at Walgreens within the hour.  I like this because I have the same Dr. at all times—a former Navy Seal and a Chicago-based ER physician.  He always gets back to me promptly and will let me know if my symptoms require a physical Dr. visit.  There's no fees unless they write a scrip. Great having your own private doctor on call.  PushHealth 

Mark Cuban CostPlus Drugs: If you have any recurring prescriptions fulfilled by the legacy pharmacies, I encourage you to check out this site.  I was shocked by the discounts and saved almost 90% off what I was paying. In addition to the savings, getting your prescriptions mailed to you is so convenient. CostPlus

Withlocals: I was in Chiang Mai Thailand and wanted to hit the night markets and experience all the different foods.  I detest group tours and private tours arranged through your hotel are usually $$$.  So, a friend turned me on to this app, which matches you with a local for your desired activity.  My wife and I met our "Local" and we had one of our best nights out in Thailand; our local had everything wired, showed us where to eat, what to order, where to sit, and we thoroughly enjoyed her guidance and company.  Withlocals

Hazel Hygiene: Duke Cannon Bloody Knuckles: If you look at your hands and the image of your Grandfather comes to mind, buy this now. Dry, cracked hands (Joe) are nasty. $8  Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream with SPF 30: Ok, so this is really expensive, but once you've had Mohs Surgery on your face, you'll pay anything for the best, daily moisturizer with Broad Spectrum protection. $71  Olaplex No 4 & No 5 Shampoo & Conditioner: Again, pretty expensive, but so worth it—smell and texture is the best, only use a little. $60  Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: I hate messy, thick, white sunscreen on my face, especially if I have stubble.  This face sunscreen is clear, so perfect if you have any facial hair. $38