Emporium

Anker's iPhone 12/13 wireless power bank is magnetic — both literally and stylistically, as the MagSafe charger comes in colors like Lilac Purple and Buds Green. Plus, it features a built-in, foldable kickstand so you can keep your phone at eye level while you're charging up. This is the best in-the-home or -office charger I’ve ever used.

If you want a phone case that you can call your own, these bad boys are fully customizable, offering plenty of color, type and layout options — and they'll help your phone survive a drop of nearly ten feet. Bonus: They are partially made from other upcycled phone cases.

It's hard to find earbuds that offer aesthetic appeal, excellent noise cancellation (or hybrid noise cancellation if you need to let in some of the outside world), a long battery life, and also work well when you do need to take a call. M&D's ceramic and stainless steel buds offer all of the above … in multiple styles.

Prefer (or need) an actual plug to charge up your device? Or maybe you just want to get up to working speed really, really quickly? This modest-sized but rugged-as-hell dual-port charger (with a folding plug) can take your phone from dead to 60% in 30 minutes.

If you don’t have a boo or bestie to tackle your problem spots, do knot fear. Try the Theragun: It comes in all shapes and sizes, and doesn’t sound like a jet taking off like other personal massagers, which can be quite loud. Or connect the device to an accompanying app that comes with tons of pre-loaded routines.

Short for Total Resistance eXercise, this at-home suspension trainer comes in handy when you paradoxically don’t have the strength to get to the gym. A full-body workout that targets muscles both large and small, and a setup that packs away when it’s not in use.

Meditation apps have exploded in popularity over the past few years — a rare case of our phones being utilized for meaningful, healthy activity (in addition to Wondercade, of course). Of all the options, Headspace, with its huge archive of meditations for folks at all levels — beginner to Zen Master — is the best.

This thing is great. It revolutionizes workouts with its wide selection of programs, live classes and the brilliant computer that knows when to increase and decrease resistance.

Super lightweight, and with nine(!) pockets, Calpak’s Luka Duffle is a perfectly-sized bag for a jaunt of the weekend variety. It’s also got a shoe compartment to keep your kicks separate, and a water bottle pocket, making it great option for the gym, too.

If you’re a Tetris fan, you’re probably a visual-spatial virtuoso. Use travel cubes like this to channel that flair for fitting forms just-so into packing for a trip. (Up to you if you want to listen to 8-bit Russian music while doing so.)

The Aviator Carry-On Plus from Paravel is a great brand for its commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, but also because…look at it! It’s extremely handsome, in a way that’s understated but will still help it stand out at the baggage claim. 

Are you familiar with compression socks? They sound astronaut-esque. And they are made for high altitudes — just ones not as high as full-on zero-gravity. They fight fatigue and swelling, and boost blood flow in your legs during long-haul flights. Oh, they’re also comfortable AF.

See? It’s super easy to completely refresh your style sense with just one key piece. Speaking of key items, you almost certainly own one (or more) already. And wear it (them) with regularity: the scarf. The way you wear yours can take you from functional to fab. Meh to marvelous. Warm to wow. (You’re welcome.) So, in search of the be-all, end-all way to rock your scarf, I chatted with Christina Elliott, a London-based stylist at Drake’s, a posh British menswear maker I absolutely adore. She has two methods for you — one a tying, the other a drape. Both of them, she explains, combine practicality (they keep you warm!) and fashion, too (they make you look posh!). Please imagine the below instructions spoken in a brilliant British accent. — NPH

How to tie

1. Fold or roll the scarf along the length. Put over the head so the two lengths are equal.
2. Cross over and pull the top length under and through the gap left at the top.
3. Gently pull to tighten the knot. For a firmer knot, repeat step 3 and tighten.

How to Drape

1. Place the scarf over the head.
2. Throw one half of the scarf over the opposite shoulder.
3. Try mixing up the lengths of each side to show off any embroidery or logos you’d like.

Hi, Wondercaders. I'm Sam Spector, Neil's stylist, here to share a little fashion advice.

Let me start with a backstory.

One day not too long ago, I had an epiphany that I was finally an adult. It wasn’t about filing my taxes or even getting married (I love you, Glenn!). Rather, it was a decision that from that day hence, all of my sweaters would be cashmere.

Humans have been using cashmere for thousands of years. Derived from the soft hairs of a goat native to the Himalayas, it positively exudes luxury, and can be made into a variety of apparel and accessories. But it can also be … inscrutable. Have you ever wondered whether expensive cashmere is worth splurging on, or whether a heavily discounted price is too good to be true? Allow me to offer some insight.

For a good starter piece, it’s tough to beat a sweater from Uniqlo. The $100 price point might raise some “how can cashmere be so affordable?” eyebrows, but according to the brand’s R&D department, the company sources their cashmere from the same place as some of the more expensive brands. While other factors lead to the quality of a finished piece, it does make you wonder if paying $1,000 (if not more) for a Loro Piana sweater is actually worth it.

My personal opinion about luxury pieces and price tags comes down to a single word: quality. Are you getting something truly special? Is it gorgeous and well crafted? Will it last a long time — both from a durability and wearability factor? Do you love it? If so, then go for it! A few expensive pieces are great if you can afford them, and mixing and matching them with more affordable options to achieve the look you’re going for is the way to go. 

Lastly, let me leave you with a pro tip. When it comes to cleaning your cashmere, despite most labels saying “dry-clean only,” experts insist that it’s best to hand wash. In a clean sink, use lukewarm water and a gentle detergent, and turn your pieces inside out as you gently wash. Then lie flat on a towel to dry. I know this sounds a bit intimidating … I feel a little shock of terror every time I submerge my garments into the kitchen sink, but the method works, and all of my cashmere pieces — some more than 10 years old — look and feel great. 

Here are a few of my favorite (cashmere) things.

Uniqlo Cashmere Knitted Beanie | $29.90
There is nothing worse than an itchy hat on a day that you absolutely need to wear one.

Wills Cashmere Socks | $49
Is $50 is expensive for a pair of socks? Obviously. But it’s more than reasonable for an unexpected, luxe gift for anyone on your shopping list (including yourself).

Neiman Marcus Cashmere Sweater | $225 ($100 off!)
With its dense — and thus, warm — weave, this is a great buy.

Ami Paris Recycled Cashmere Rollneck Sweater | $645
Ami is a hot brand of the moment and the turtleneck is back, so it’s natural to marry the two into a luxe cashmere garment.

The Elder Statesman Tie-Dyed Cashmere Throw Pillow | $995
I love everything from The Elder Statesman. Their sweaters are luxurious and extraordinarily soft — resting your head on this pillow would be like sleeping on a cloud.

Naadam Cashmere Sweatpants | $195
Who wouldn’t want to lounge around the home or enjoy a long-haul flight in a cashmere sweatpant?

Morgan Lane Sleepy Lids Cashmere Mask Set | $198
For the ladies or the gents, why not have some fun with your cashmere?

Brunello Cucinelli Double Cashmere Throw | $1,595
As I noted earlier, my approach on splurge items is simple: Spend your hard-earned money on pieces that you use frequently and last a lifetime. I bought this throw years ago and it remains one of my favorite purchases ever! It’s so soft and so comfortable and so worth it.

If you’re wondering whether you can add a little booze to your hot chocolate, we’re here to assure you that A) yes, you can, and B) you should consider mezcal.

“We’ve tried our hot chocolate with different spirits like rum, brandy, tequila and bourbon, and mezcal came on top every time,” says Tarek Debira, owner of Brooklyn cocktail den Bohemian Bar. “Mezcal’s smokiness works great with chocolate, and the texture, spices and earthiness complement each other.”

The other secret ingredient is Madeira, a fortified wine. “That brings a layer of complexity and flavors, like caramel, hazelnut, orange peel and burnt sugar,” Debira says. 

If you want a spirit-free version, the base of Bohemian’s Dulce Besos drink works equally well on its own, or with N/A Ritual Tequila Alternative subbed in for the hooch. Debira uses a 70% cacao Belgian chocolate that he melts in house, as well as 100% cacao powder to add body. Then he spices it with cinnamon sticks and cayenne pepper.

And if you want to take things a step further in the experimental direction, Tim Wiggins of St. Louis’s highly acclaimed Lazy Tiger has a flip take on Mexican Hot Chocolate that utilizes the lesser-known agave spirit raicilla.

“I think agave spirits work so well with hot chocolate because of their earthy, ‘green’ herbaceous quality,” he tells us. “The bitter and sweetness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the floral and citrus tones of agave, especially raicilla.”

Interestingly, Wiggins’s Whisper Cup cocktail also eliminates the chocolate (and the hot!). “We use vermouth, bitters and protein from a whole egg to mimic chocolate without actually using any chocolate in the cocktail,” he says. “It's sort of like making an Espresso Martini without coffee, but it's wild how well it works. The Angostura Vallet provides the bitter sweetness that mimics the chocolate while the vermouth adds the milky softness.”

While this drink definitely doesn’t work in a spirit-free version, Wiggins has a quick hack to jazz up any mug of cocoa. “Use a whole egg shaken into the hot chocolate — it’s a really cool way to add mad texture and depth to a non-alcoholic hot chocolate cocktail.”

Hi, it's David, subbing in for my husband. Let me pose a question: Is there anything more generous than an invite to someone’s home?

The question is rhetorical, but if you need closure on that query, the answer is no.

Whether you’ve been asked over to someone's house for a meal, a party or a weekend stay, they’ve extended the warmest of offers. You, in turn, can repay their kindness — and set yourself up for a great visit (and the prospect of future visits!) — by being a conscientious, generous guest. 

Today, I’m going to tell you how. Where your grandparents might’ve told you to mind your Ps and Qs, I’m suggesting you embrace the Ps and Ps: presents and presence.

Presents

Nearly everyone has given or received flowers or candles as a host gift. Are they overdone? A little. And with good reason: they’re lovely! But with just a bit of thought, you can really elevate them to something special.

Before buying a candle for someone, think about that someone. Do they wear a fragrance? If so, they clearly love that scent; see if you can find a candle to match it. Do they live by the beach? Get a beach-scented candle! In a rustic cabin? Gift them a pine-scented candle. Did they honeymoon on the Cote d’Azur? A lavender-scented candle will remind them of their amazing trip. As for flowers, go the extra mile by bringing them in a vase. Flowers delivered in paper or cellophane wrapping require work — the recipient has to get a vase, cut the stems and leaves, fill said vase and put it out. And they have to do it immediately, lest the flowers start to wilt. A present should be a treat, not work.

If you really want to wow your host, consider more personable presents. If they’ve invited you over, they like you. So share a bit of you.

Presence

This is where great guests are made. Participate! Pitch in! Share in the work — and joys — of a meal or weekend together. 

Picking up after yourself (and your family — especially if your husband leaves his things everywhere, all the time)? Obvious. What’s less obvious, is to what extent. A couple of years ago I proudly did all the dishes at a friend’s house, and then watched them empty and reload the dishwasher. I point this out not to mock anyone, but to illustrate that people have systems. Comfort levels. Hey, it’s their place — their rules! Inquire about them and respect them.

For example: As a chef, the kitchen is not only where I work, it’s my happy place. When I have friends over and they volunteer to help me cook, I’m super appreciative. And while I do like to keep core tasks like sauteing, grilling, etc. for myself — I know how I like things done in the cooking department  — I’m crazy grateful when guests ask to help out with things like peeling veggies, chopping herbs, making drinks, setting the table, drying dishes…I’m not comfortable asking for help, but absolutely LOVE receiving it..!

Finally, one last set of tips for those lucky enough to score an extended invitation — a long weekend or holiday visit. Do all the little things you might not even do in your own home. Make your bed every morning. Don’t leave your dirty clothes on the bedroom floor, put them in a closet or your travel bag. Wipe down bathroom sinks. Re-fold hand towels. Re-arrange chairs. Pick up drinking glasses. Don’t leave iPhones, iPads, chargers and earbuds scattered about. (Okay, that one was written directly for you, Neil. Stop reading over my shoulder!) And this may be the best, most host-appreciated tip of all: On the morning of your last day together, before you’ve even had coffee, take a minute to strip your bed. Gather up the sheets and pillowcases and bring them to the washer/dryer or laundry room. Ask your host if you can run a load. Then clarify that you’re talking about laundry. Yeah I did. Go that extra mile and you’ll be invited back again and again.