RadPower RadRover Electric Bike: Chain rusting, dust collecting, my old beach cruiser sat dormant for over three years. The daunting hill separating the beach from my house was too much. So, when I saw a guy effortlessly zip up that same hill on this new hybrid bike, I had to have it. Now, my car sits idle on the street and the Radrover is my main source of transportation. Make sure to pay extra for professional installation and get the Fremont Pannier Bag for storage.
Jura Z6: If I composed an All Time Favorite Things List, this would be a finalist. The first thing (technically 3rd after peeing and using an eyelid scrub—see below) I do every morning is fire up this compact coffee miracle. I love the smell & touch of real coffee beans; it reminds me of the movie “Amelie” when Audrey received joy from running her hands through a big vat of beans. I recommend ordering a 2lb bag of “Ethical Beach Coffee Superdark” from Amazon. You can make two cups at once and the LED screen is customizable. I also advise purchasing a separate milk frother.
Kinto Travel Tumbler 500ML: Fill up this Japanese designed, modern thermos with your Jura Z6 coffee and be on your way. I specifically like the textured finish (except stainless), and the big mouth, which allows your nose in to the smell the coffee; if you can’t smell it, you’re not really tasting it. I rarely waste Starbucks or Peet’s cups anymore, as I’m always traveling with this in my backpack. Save the environment and enjoy hot coffee all day.
Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket: I sleep like a baby, my wife, not so much. So, when someone suggested a weighted blanket as a potential sleep aid, I thought why not. The blanket quickly earned a spot in our house, but not in the bedroom. It’s too hot for all night sleeping, but throw it on the couch and you’ll never want to leave. Like you’re back in the womb (not that I remember), the weighted blanket envelops and comforts you.
Tablift Universal Tablet Stand: On the couch, cocooned in my weighted blanket, I’m ready for my iPad or Kindle, but God forbid I use any effort in this relaxed state. Alas, the Tablift, or as my wife and I call it, “The Spider.” I purchased this for me, but my wife stole it day one and never gave it back. She uses it for her Kindle, while I primarily use it for my iPad Pro. It folds up nicely for travel, and it’s the best for a good Netflix binge. Our bed, with two cats, a dog and two deployed Tablifts is quite a sight.
All-New Kindle Oasis: This is the top-of-the-line Kindle with adjustable warm light for your eyes, a bigger 7” inch screen, more than twice the LED’s than the next best model (12 vs 5), an ergonomic design for comfortably holding in one hand, and water resistance so you can enjoy at the pool. Drop this in your Tablift or take it to the beach, you can literally read whatever, whenever or wherever with your Kindle.
Away Travel’s “The Backpack”: Don’t worry, my favorite backpack is still Louis Vuitton’s “The Michael,” but this backpack does not require a second mortgage and proved its mettle on my Portugal vacation. This backpack is moderately priced, utilitarian, and has all the necessary niches for all your travel gear and gadgets. I particularly love the secret passport sleeve hidden behind the back luggage strap. If you have (which you should) the Away Bigger Carry-On, the backpack also slips nicely over the handle to stack your luggage.
Bose Noise Cancelling 700 Headphones: I’m literally lying next to my brother on a lounge chair in Zihuatanejo (“Where the ocean has no memories” -Red) while he boisterously yaps on his phone. Bose 700’s to the rescue! I throw these on, start up my Hazels Musicals Spotify playlist (available upon request) and pump out Favorite Things. Bam! If George Costanza only had these headphones when he yearned for “Serenity Now.” The ear cups are now touch sensitive—double tap on the side to instantly stop and resume media, answer or hang up on calls, swipe/down to increase/decrease volume, or even activate Alexa or Google Assistant. The next time you’re on a plane and see an infant headed down the aisle, you may still say a little prayer, but this time, it’s that you didn’t forget your Bose 700’s.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky: “Pino remembered her telling him that she didn’t believe much in the future, that she tried to live moment by moment, looking for reasons to be grateful, trying to create her own happiness and grace, and to use them as a means to a good life in the present and not a goal to be achieved some other day.” That quote sums up the book for me and boy am I grateful that a good friend recommended this wonderful read, based on a true, coming-of-age, WWII story. Unsurprisingly, this novel is in production starring Spider-Man’s Tom Holland. So, get out and read this book before Hollywood ruins the story like they did with Unbroken.
Educated by Tara Westover: Like Beneath A Scarlet Sky, Educated is another unbelievably true, coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of a worthy education—a change in perspective and the will to change it. Raised by survivalists in the Idaho mountains, Tara was 17 before entering her first classroom. With no informal or formal education, her quest for knowledge was ravenous and she secretly read (had to hide from her father) absolutely everything she could find. This passion finally lifts her from her isolated life of junkyards and herbal remedies to... You’ll have to read to find out what happens to this brave, amazing young woman.
Velvet Howard Whisper Crew Neck Classic Tee: I probably have over fifty shirts in my t-shirt drawer. However, when I open that drawer, I’m always picking the same four shirts, my monochromatic (white, black, & navy) Velvet shirts. They are light weight, match any pant and are the most comfortable t-shirts I own. I’ve never thought about it, but I guess I have a daily uniform: Velvet T-shirt, AG Jeans & a pair of VEJA shoes. Speaking of...
AG Jeans “The Tellis”: First off, never buy a pair of jeans online; there are too many nuances to a good fit. Also, this jean fits my body but may not fit yours. I love these jeans for the slim, yet not too tight fit, deep pockets, and lengthy gate (distance from the top of the waist band to the bottom of your package). These jeans come in numerous washes, colors, sizes and are ridiculously comfortable.
Cashmere Zipper Hoodie: Pick the brand and price point in your comfort zone; you can buy NADAAM on the low end to Lora Piani on the high end. Is there a difference? Yes, you get what you pay for when it comes to cashmere. I have NADAAM and Lora Piani and it’s like comparing cotton to silk. Other brands to consider are Derek Rose (pictured here), Naked, and possible the best bang for your buck without jeopardizing quality is the Saks branded cashmere hoodie. With the Velvet Tee, AG jeans, VEJA shoes & the cashmere hoodies, you are now ready to head out on the town!
Parajumpers Jackets: I was sifting through jackets in a Park City ski shop and fell in love with this brand. I have the actual jacket pictured here, which is the Super Lightweight UGO Puffer; it is the softest and most comfortable puffer ever made. I am obsessed with this Italian brand and want every make and model. Parajumpers was inspired by a chance meeting between an Italian designer and a serving member of the 210th Rescue Squadron in an ill-famed, Anchorage Alaska bar. The 210th is an Alaskan, highly trained squadron for extreme rescues in the wildest, most remote and hostile corners of the Globe. If you’re looking for a high-end, cold weather jacket, look no further.
Marmol Radziner Brass Incense Burner: Designed and handmade with natural brass in Los Angeles, this beautiful and weighty incense burner is a morning highlight. This miniature work of art was not surprisingly designed by two leading Southern California architects (Leo Marmol & Ron Radziner). I can’t think of a better way to start your morning meditation than lighting incense from this simple, timeless & modern work of art.
iPhone 11 Pro: It’s time to pay the Apple Tax. Quit fighting the upgrade and just bite the bullet. You would have an argument the last five years, but Apple has finally given me two compelling reasons to not even question upgrading: 1) battery life - 4 hours longer and 2) Night Mode pictures. This new phone almost always gets me to bed without a charge and the triple lense camera includes telephoto, wide and ultra wide lenses. The new Night Mode feature finally produces amazing low light pictures without using a flash.
AirPods Pro: Even if you don’t buy the new iPhone 11 Pro, the AirPods Pro are a must. If you have old AirPods, just throw them in the trash or give them to your kids. These are night and day better than the original; they are smaller, provide noise cancellation, and most importantly, will not fall out of your ears.
Eleven Madison Park: I was watching a Netflix series titled 7 Days Out when I ran across an episode titled Eleven Madison Park. It had just won “World’s Best Restaurant” and the owners celebrated by gutting the restaurant and starting over. So intrigued, I booked months out for my birthday and ultimately enjoyed the best dining experience of my life. Owned by a Cornell Hotelie (my daughter is one so I’m biased), this 3 Michelin Star restaurant is gorgeous, the food is otherworldly, and the staff is a well-tuned orchestra (I was served by two Cornell Hotelies).
Disney+: Probably the best $70 I’ve ever spent. I would pay that much just to stream The Mandalorian—my favorite Star Wars content since the original series. This show also gives us the world phenom, The Child, aka Baby Yoda. From Snow White to Frozen, Disney+ offers every Disney movie ever produced and all major Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars & National Geographic productions. Order, you must.
Hazel Hygiene: OCuSOFT Lid Scrubs: This is like the DudeWipe for your eyelids; it’s the second thing I do every morning—helps wake me up and clears the all the nasty sleep crust. Quip Travel Toothbrush: Don’t throw out your Sonicare, but when you travel, save valuable toiletry cargo space with the Quip Travel Toothbrush—it’s compact and runs forever on a AAA battery. Simplehuman Foam Sensor Pump: I made my wife replace all our soap dispensers with these; thick foam dispensed with a wave of the hand. Also, buy your foam cartridges from Nest (Grapefruit is the best). Listerine Ready! Tabs: Chew fast and hard, swoosh around, swallow and go plant a big, wet one on your honey.
Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket: I sleep like a baby, my wife, not so much. So, when someone suggested a weighted blanket as a potential sleep aid, I thought why not. The blanket quickly earned a spot in our house, but not in the bedroom. It’s too hot for all night sleeping, but throw it on the couch and you’ll never want to leave. Like you’re back in the womb (not that I remember), the weighted blanket envelops and comforts you.
Tablift Universal Tablet Stand: On the couch, cocooned in my weighted blanket, I’m ready for my iPad or Kindle, but God forbid I use any effort in this relaxed state. Alas, the Tablift, or as my wife and I call it, “The Spider.” I purchased this for me, but my wife stole it day one and never gave it back. She uses it for her Kindle, while I primarily use it for my iPad Pro. It folds up nicely for travel, and it’s the best for a good Netflix binge. Our bed, with two cats, a dog and two deployed Tablifts is quite a sight.
All-New Kindle Oasis: This is the top-of-the-line Kindle with adjustable warm light for your eyes, a bigger 7” inch screen, more than twice the LED’s than the next best model (12 vs 5), an ergonomic design for comfortably holding in one hand, and water resistance so you can enjoy at the pool. Drop this in your Tablift or take it to the beach, you can literally read whatever, whenever or wherever with your Kindle.
Away Travel’s “The Backpack”: Don’t worry, my favorite backpack is still Louis Vuitton’s “The Michael,” but this backpack does not require a second mortgage and proved its mettle on my Portugal vacation. This backpack is moderately priced, utilitarian, and has all the necessary niches for all your travel gear and gadgets. I particularly love the secret passport sleeve hidden behind the back luggage strap. If you have (which you should) the Away Bigger Carry-On, the backpack also slips nicely over the handle to stack your luggage.
Bose Noise Cancelling 700 Headphones: I’m literally lying next to my brother on a lounge chair in Zihuatanejo (“Where the ocean has no memories” -Red) while he boisterously yaps on his phone. Bose 700’s to the rescue! I throw these on, start up my Hazels Musicals Spotify playlist (available upon request) and pump out Favorite Things. Bam! If George Costanza only had these headphones when he yearned for “Serenity Now.” The ear cups are now touch sensitive—double tap on the side to instantly stop and resume media, answer or hang up on calls, swipe/down to increase/decrease volume, or even activate Alexa or Google Assistant. The next time you’re on a plane and see an infant headed down the aisle, you may still say a little prayer, but this time, it’s that you didn’t forget your Bose 700’s.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky: “Pino remembered her telling him that she didn’t believe much in the future, that she tried to live moment by moment, looking for reasons to be grateful, trying to create her own happiness and grace, and to use them as a means to a good life in the present and not a goal to be achieved some other day.” That quote sums up the book for me and boy am I grateful that a good friend recommended this wonderful read, based on a true, coming-of-age, WWII story. Unsurprisingly, this novel is in production starring Spider-Man’s Tom Holland. So, get out and read this book before Hollywood ruins the story like they did with Unbroken.
Educated by Tara Westover: Like Beneath A Scarlet Sky, Educated is another unbelievably true, coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of a worthy education—a change in perspective and the will to change it. Raised by survivalists in the Idaho mountains, Tara was 17 before entering her first classroom. With no informal or formal education, her quest for knowledge was ravenous and she secretly read (had to hide from her father) absolutely everything she could find. This passion finally lifts her from her isolated life of junkyards and herbal remedies to... You’ll have to read to find out what happens to this brave, amazing young woman.
Velvet Howard Whisper Crew Neck Classic Tee: I probably have over fifty shirts in my t-shirt drawer. However, when I open that drawer, I’m always picking the same four shirts, my monochromatic (white, black, & navy) Velvet shirts. They are light weight, match any pant and are the most comfortable t-shirts I own. I’ve never thought about it, but I guess I have a daily uniform: Velvet T-shirt, AG Jeans & a pair of VEJA shoes. Speaking of...
AG Jeans “The Tellis”: First off, never buy a pair of jeans online; there are too many nuances to a good fit. Also, this jean fits my body but may not fit yours. I love these jeans for the slim, yet not too tight fit, deep pockets, and lengthy gate (distance from the top of the waist band to the bottom of your package). These jeans come in numerous washes, colors, sizes and are ridiculously comfortable.
VEJA Shoes: Cool, stylish tennis shoes are taking over the casual dress look; VEJA is a great alternative to your loafers. Founded by two childhood friends, VEJA is an eco-conscious, French company worn by the Royals, Meagan & Harry, and more importantly, me. VEJA manufactures in Brazil, with organic cotton, wild rubber and recycled polyester fabrics. The shoes are reasonably priced with an enormous online selection. With three pair, they are my automatic selection for a stylish look.
Cashmere Zipper Hoodie: Pick the brand and price point in your comfort zone; you can buy NADAAM on the low end to Lora Piani on the high end. Is there a difference? Yes, you get what you pay for when it comes to cashmere. I have NADAAM and Lora Piani and it’s like comparing cotton to silk. Other brands to consider are Derek Rose (pictured here), Naked, and possible the best bang for your buck without jeopardizing quality is the Saks branded cashmere hoodie. With the Velvet Tee, AG jeans, VEJA shoes & the cashmere hoodies, you are now ready to head out on the town!
Parajumpers Jackets: I was sifting through jackets in a Park City ski shop and fell in love with this brand. I have the actual jacket pictured here, which is the Super Lightweight UGO Puffer; it is the softest and most comfortable puffer ever made. I am obsessed with this Italian brand and want every make and model. Parajumpers was inspired by a chance meeting between an Italian designer and a serving member of the 210th Rescue Squadron in an ill-famed, Anchorage Alaska bar. The 210th is an Alaskan, highly trained squadron for extreme rescues in the wildest, most remote and hostile corners of the Globe. If you’re looking for a high-end, cold weather jacket, look no further.
iPhone 11 Pro: It’s time to pay the Apple Tax. Quit fighting the upgrade and just bite the bullet. You would have an argument the last five years, but Apple has finally given me two compelling reasons to not even question upgrading: 1) battery life - 4 hours longer and 2) Night Mode pictures. This new phone almost always gets me to bed without a charge and the triple lense camera includes telephoto, wide and ultra wide lenses. The new Night Mode feature finally produces amazing low light pictures without using a flash.
AirPods Pro: Even if you don’t buy the new iPhone 11 Pro, the AirPods Pro are a must. If you have old AirPods, just throw them in the trash or give them to your kids. These are night and day better than the original; they are smaller, provide noise cancellation, and most importantly, will not fall out of your ears.
Hazel Hygiene: OCuSOFT Lid Scrubs: This is like the DudeWipe for your eyelids; it’s the second thing I do every morning—helps wake me up and clears the all the nasty sleep crust. Quip Travel Toothbrush: Don’t throw out your Sonicare, but when you travel, save valuable toiletry cargo space with the Quip Travel Toothbrush—it’s compact and runs forever on a AAA battery. Simplehuman Foam Sensor Pump: I made my wife replace all our soap dispensers with these; thick foam dispensed with a wave of the hand. Also, buy your foam cartridges from Nest (Grapefruit is the best). Listerine Ready! Tabs: Chew fast and hard, swoosh around, swallow and go plant a big, wet one on your honey.
