Aaron's Favorite Things 2020

Sonos Move: While in New Jersey attending our friends' outdoor COVID pizza oven party, I was struck by the amazing sound quality of their speaker system.  Turns out, it was just this powerful, sleek, mobile speaker.  You can tie it into your other Sonos speakers and it rests nicely in its wired cradle when you're not mobile.  You can also enable the Sonos Move for voice activation services such as Amazon's "Alexa" or Google's "Hey Google." Take it camping, to the beach, or just drop it in your living room for the best mobile, pound for pound speaker on the market. $300-$400

Sig On Smith Pullover Aloha Shirt: I collected Aloha shirts and would pick one up during every Hawaiian vacation.  During my last visit, I asked a local and Punahou High School's most famous graduate since Barack Obama "what is the absolute best Aloha shirt?"  Hands down it was Sig On Smith, which operates only from 12-5 on Fridays on Oahu, but has a larger store in Hilo.  They recently opened a website so it's possible to buy online.  Unlike most Hawaiian shirts, which are cut for fat American tourists, these shirts are form fitting, old school classics with traditional patterns.  $120

Vuori Ponto Performance Pant: I feel like I've been wearing this pair of sweatpants for nine months straight.  In fact, I'm wearing them right now as I write this.  I read an article in the WSJ the other day about people getting "dressed up" to feel normal.  Sorry, I would be happy as a clam if I never again  had to wear shoes or button a top button.  These pants are obviously ridiculously comfortable and light weight.  Door Dash, Netflix and my Ponto pants—all good.  $84

Rhone Reign Short Sleeve: When Emperor Newsome allowed gyms to open back up in California, I was quick to sign up for my socially distanced, reservation only workouts.  Having been out for so long, I felt it necessary to replace my workout attire with all new digs, new start for the new normal.  After exhaustive research, I found the Rhone Reign and ordered three.  They're the only workout shirts I'll wear now.  Anti-Odor, moisture wicking technology, breathable and soft and supposedly each shirt contains real gold and silver particles–why not?  $47

Faherty Reserve Ideal Blazer: If you're like me, and still unwilling to dress up, this is the perfect compromise .  It looks nice enough for a formal outing, but is ridiculously comfortable.  I've attended a couple nice dinners during the pandemic and rather than wearing one of my nice Isaia blazers, I always picked the Faherty.  It's warmer than most blazers and is hands down the most comfortable sport coat on the market.  $498

Howler Bros Rodanthe Flannel: While killing time waiting for a table at The Western Cafe, one of my favorite breakfast spots in Bozeman, Montana (think Uncle Bill's for my MB friends), I stumbled into The Montana Supply Company and found this gem of a shirt.  It's in-between a flannel and a light jacket & best worn unbuttoned with a white t-shirt.  This flannel is light weight, super comfortable (that's the theme this year if you have not figured it out yet) and looks great with a pair of jeans.  $66-$89   

Allbirds: Keeping with the comfort theme, no company crafts more insanely comfortable wearables than Allbirds.  Tree Dashers: I don't run, but this is my go to gym shoe—like wearing a sock. $125  Tree Toppers: Hands down the most comfortable shoe in my closet—also has some crazy Ninja style sole. $115  Trino Tubers: Enough with the Crazy Socks, clean, no marks, warm and can be worn casually or to the office. $16  Trino Sprinters: After getting these, I threw out all my other low cut work out socks—you will do the same. $15 Just buy all of these and your feet will thank you.  

XtraTuf 15 IN Alaska Legacy Boot: Rainbows are to Southern California as XtraTufs are to Alaska.  After landing in Alaska with my college buddies, our first stop was to get outfitted with XtraTufs at Ketchikan's premier fishing supply store, Murray Pacific Supply. If you're off on a fishing expedition or just want to go jump in puddles with your kids, this Alaskan icon is a must. $145

Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handeld Vacuum: I was on my brother's boat cleaning up after participating in the Christmas Ship Parade of Boats when I ran across this compact, mobile handheld vacuum.  Small, but powerful, this handheld vacuum comes in very handy, particularly for cleaning up around litter boxes or for sucking the poison out of a snake bite.  Cat or dog hair on the couch, no problem.  Maybe not the most exciting gift to give or receive, but this powerful wand will pay dividends throughout the year.  $110

The Battery Organizer TBO 1531: Most people fear death, loss of wages, heights, etc.  Well, my big fear is not having the right battery at the right time.  As such, my house is absurdly stocked with all battery varietals, from the big D's (I like D's), AAA and even key fob batteries.  This unit has a nice, clear hinged cover, fits nicely in a drawer, holds 93 batteries and has a removable battery tester.  So, if you suffer from battery anxiety, this is the perfect gift for you.  $19

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle:  If you're sick and tired of worrying about stupid shit like not having enough batteries, then this is the book for you.  I actually have an Aaron's Favorite Spiritual Books List, which hovers around sixty, but you'll have to get to know me better before I share it with you.  Anyway, this book is meant to elicit a shift in consciousness from the constantly thinking about the past and future and centering yourself in the NOW.  Never has any literature been as efficient at effectuating this change—just ask my good friend Oprah.  I recommend reading maybe 4-5 pages of this book every morning and spend some time in contemplation.  When you finish this book you will be ready to walk to Catalina.  $11

Why We Sleep: Like A New Earth, this book has the power to shift your perception of reality–that sleep may actually be more important than diet & exercise, yet it's never given priority.  This book will reshuffle your priorities and set you up for some long ZZZZ's.  $10  AutoSleep: This Apple IOS App tracks your total deep sleep, time, quality, heart beat and shows your interruptions, which I point out to my wife in the morning since it's always her fault. $0 Apple Watch Series 6: You don't need this if you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or 5, but you will want to upgrade if you have a Series 3 or below.  You will need this to track your nightly sleep. $399-$749

Insight Timer: After you full night's rest, read a couple pages of A New Earth and then open up Insight Timer for a good 15 minute meditation.  Join Gisele Bundchen or Russel Brand for some guided meditations, take a beginner's course, or simply set a custom mediation with interval bells.  Carve out a sliver of your morning for this practice and breeze through the day grounded and light. $0

Gesshin Kagekiyo 240MM Stainless Kiritsuke-Shaped Wa-Gyuto Knife: This all started with an article in the WSJ titled "Why Pay $24,000 for a Kitchen Kife?"  This article launched me down a rabbit hole searching for the absolute best kitchen knife; I reached out to my friend who lives in Japan and he gave me a couple options after correcting me, "It's called a sword, not a knife."  Ok, so I was looking for the best sword.  Unlike him, I don't work for a Hedge Fund and cannot spend $15,000 on a kitchen knife.  My wife stumbled upon a cool, Japanese, Los Angeles based knife store and picked this model out for my birthday.  The knife is insanely sharp and frankly a little scary, however, this is now the only knife, I mean sword I use in the kitchen.  Once you have this bad boy you'll never want to use anything else. Sorry to all my friends' kids selling Cutco, but I'm out.  $410

Dram Herbal Sparkling Water: Dram is to Dom Perignon as Topo Chico (next item) is to Moet Chandon. I found Dram when having lunch with my friends in Jackson Hole; I took one taste and it blew me away!  It's probably the most expensive sparkling water you can buy so I only use it for special occasions and serve it to guests in wine glasses.  My favorite flavors are "Cardamom & Black Tea" and "Lavender & Lemon Balm." $1.83/can 

 

Topo Chico Agua Mineral Sparkling Water: My daily sparkling water drink without doubt is Topo Chico.  There's some real mystical stories about Topo Chico including Aztec princesses and Kings and crazy healing properties.  This Mexican importer has been at it for 125 years 

and the legend continues to grow–the best tasting, most refreshing sparking water on the market.$1.22/bottle

RadRunner Plus: The RadRover 5 topped my Favorite Things List last year; this bike does not replace the RadRover, but is rather its companion; yes, this is the wife's e-bike.  We gave away all of our beach cruisers and now it's just his and her e-bikes.  I like this bike for my wife because it's much smaller and the huge step through makes the bike more manageable.  I recommend ordering the "Front-Mounted Basket" for storage and always schedule Velofix for assembly.  The only problem with this bike is that it's back ordered until March.  $1,699

Apple TV 4K: I finally ditched all of my Roku Ultra's in favor of the Apple TV 4K's.  If you have iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, basically, if you're in the Apple ecosystem, this is a no brainer.  The 4K HDR picture quality is amazing, the operating system is clean and the 4K screen savers are beautiful; I sometimes find myself just watching the screen savers, whether it's flying over London, Manhattan, Hong Kong of swimming under water with dolphins and jelly fish.  Apple TV also has Airplay, so you can stream anything from your iPhone, iPad or MacBook to the screen.  Unlike the Roku, Apple also has HBO Max and you can easily pop your AirPods to watch all the football you want without disturbing your wife.  $179

Elago R2 Slim Case: My biggest complaints with the Apple remote are the ease of misplacing and the the lack of backlit keys.  This cheap and tight fitting rubber case will keep the remote from sliding between the couch and the big rubber chin will help your fingers differentiate the top (trackpad) and bottom when it's dark.  I have yet to lose my remote since wrapping all my remotes with these cases and I also can easily tell top from bottom at night.  Put on your remote rubber and enjoy.  $10

YouTube TV: Now that you have an Apple TV you can ditch all of your Directv and cable boxes with YouTube TV.  I have threatened to leave DirecTV for three years, but after rigorous testing, I can finally and definitively say it's time to cut the cord.  Seriously, enough, just cut it.  I have an account with my entire family, one daughter uses it in New York and the other in Seattle; you can watch it wherever you go.  Your viewing grid is completely customizable and you can prioritize networks so you view your favorites first.  The only caveat to YouTubeTV is that you must have strong wifi in your house.  If you don't, time to upgrade your routers and invest in a good, quality mesh system.  $65/Mo.

Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones: I still love my AirPods Pros, however, they still fall out when I'm working out.  These are the only earphones I'll wear when working out; thanks to the custom and secure fitting ear hooks you can be assured they won't fall out no matter what exercise.  The Apple H1 Headphone chip syncs them perfectly in the Apple ecosystem, while nine hours of battery time will carry through you through several work outs and even some conference calls.  I also prefer how the ear tips don't jam into your ear canal like the AirPods Pros.  $250

CharJenPro AirFoams Pro: If you're like me and your AirPods Pros keep falling out, then this is the solution, the AirFoams Pro.  These are memory foam ear tips.  You don't have to get pink, but I included this picture so you get the picture.  Replace your original silicone ear tips with these memory foam tips and you'll notice a huge difference.  Remember to pinch the foam first and twist in place; the seal is way better and most important, they won't fall out! $20

All New MacBook Air with M1 Chip: Apple recently released the first laptops with their first chips designed specifically for the Mac.  These laptops are a game changer, offering 3.5 to 9 times faster speeds and 18 hours of battery life.  This computer also has no fan, but uses thermal technology so no more noise.  If you are a power user, you'll want the new MacBook Pro, but if you're a fuzzy like me, this is the best, light weight, portable, and now powerful computer you can buy. $999+

iPhone 12 Pro: Apple's first 5G phone is the first physical redesign in a couple years paying homage to the favorite design, the iPhone 5.  The 5G is awesome if you live in an area with coverage, the A14 Bionic chip rips and the ceramic shield screen has four times better drop performance.  This phone also incorporates Magsafe technology so you can add clip on accessories such as the leather wallet and Magsafe charge; the physical "clicking" and sound of attaching your accessories is very satisfying and confirms your connection.  If you're getting a new phone every two years, I highly recommend Apple's free annual upgrade program; the math with AppleCare makes sense.  $999+ 

Apple Magic Keyboard: If you own an iPad Pro or the new, 4th generation iPad Air, this keyboard is an absolute must.  The floating cantilever design allows smooth adjustments for the perfect viewing angle.  Most importantly and unlike the original iPad keyboard, the Magic Keyboard has a backlit keyboard and a trackpad, pushing the device closer to the laptop feel.  The keyboard has a USB-C port for passthrough charging and the magnetically attached cover protects both the front and back of your device.  $299

Apple Solo Loop watch bands: No more clasps!!!  Over the years, I've amassed an extensive collection of Apple Watch bands, but after trying the Loop, I have not touched the old bands.  I never surfed with my watch, because I was too afraid of the clasp coming undone; with the loop, I have no fear and always surf with my watch, which now counts my waves, calories burned, distance surfed and speed.  I recommend getting the regular loop for working out and the braided loop for every day.  $49+

Roku Streaming Stick +: This is the new and upgraded ROKU stick for HK/4K/HDR and is the best streaming stick for travel.  I have tried the Amazon Fire Stick and the new Google Chromecast with remote; this is the best.  I travel with two of these in my briefcase and setting these up in hotels is the first thing I do after check in.  Bring all your home entertainment including YoutubeTV wherever you go.  The best advantage this has over its competitors is its ability to draw power from the USB port on the back of your television vs trying to find an available power source, which can be hit or miss based on availability and distance.  $29

RAVPower 65W 4-Port Desktop Charging Station: After you've set up your Roku Streaming Stick + to the hotel television, your next order of business is to plug this 65W multipurpose charging station to the closest outlet next to your bed.  I had to lose all of my old chargers because they lacked USC-C, which seems to be the new standard for most electronic devices.  This charger uses GaN technology to maximize charging efficiency while reducing product size.  Also, the long cord is essential so you can keep your charging products close.  $43 

RONXS Electric Lighter: Take all your butane, lighter fluid fueled lighters and toss them.  From incense to candles, this is the new and only way to light anything in your house.  The flameless plasma technology looks like a mini Flex Capacitor in action, allowing you to light hard to reach candle wicks and is foolproof for windy outdoor environments.  I actually run around the house just lighting shit because it's so fun; the little electric crackling noise is easily satisfying.  Not as fun as shooting flies with the Bug-A-Salt (AFT15), but still a fun indoor activity. $18 

Hazel Hygiene: Art of Shaving Kit 4 Men: Shaving for me is now a meditation using these four elements: Start with pre-shave oil, then go old school with the brush and cream; close up with a the after shave balm/lotion and you're ready for your day.  $95  Therabreath Sparkling Mint: This alcohol free, cavity fighting, sparkling mint mouth wash is the best.  $9 Spongelle Men's Super Buffer: I hope you're still not using a bar of Irish Spring.  This sponge has soap built in and when you're done, you can still use the sponge with a couple pumps of Jack Black Turbo Wash (AFT15). $18  Degree Ultraclear Men's Antiperspirant: If I get one more recommendation for a natural deodorant that works.... They don't, you stink and you probably spent your "Summer of Love" hanging in CHAZ.  I like this antiperspirant because it does not leave white marks on my shirts, keeps me smelling good and has a great scent of cedar woods, orange & pineapple.  $5

Aaron's Favorite Things 2019

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.

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.

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.