Posts Written by Vic Arkoff

In the 1800s, Benedictine monks created a pleasantly bitter elixir of herbs thought to possess therapeutic properties. It became known as Averna when Salvatore Averna acquired the recipe and won approval from King Umberto I, the liqueur’s first superfan. Two centuries later, the timeless Italian ritual of drinking Amaro Averna remains.

Ever wish clown-shoes could pass as streetwear? Larger-than-life DJ, designer, and funny guy Kerwin Frost believes more is more, so designed big-ass shoes that look five sizes bigger than their actual size. Superstuffed sneakers are padded to fit the wearer’s foot but look like classic adidas Superstars with a glandular issue.

The handsome Grab & Go Dog Leash Bag by Spruce Pup keeps all your dog-walking essentials ready 24/7. The handled main pouch has compartments for human stuff and a zippered pocket for dog treats. The outside has a phone sleeve, key clip, belt clip, poop bag access, and a G-hook bottle opener on the leash.

You’re the captain now. Show ‘em who’s boss in power meetings with one of these statement pieces on your lapel. Whether your spirit animal is a tiger, panther, elephant, or monkey, these ersatz medals of honor establish your dominance with a roar. Hand embroidered and beaded, they’re commissioned by Gold Bug Gallery.

Feeling good without feeling tipsy is the aim of alcohol-free Three Spirit. Nightcap, Livener, and Social Elixir botanical drinks are designed to reduce stress, improve mood, and make imbibers feel more social. Ingredients like cacao, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and green tea come from plants used in remedies for centuries.

Vinyl album sales in the US have increased every year since 2007, but what’s behind the record resurgence? The documentary Vinyl Nation explores the diverse demographics of today’s record fans, how record stores connect a passionate community, and the still-fervent debate of whether vinyl does sound best.

Fun bum fact: In many EU countries, it’s illegal to have a bidet-less bathroom – they’re more hygienic than regular toilets and save water and TP. The easy-to-install Fluidmaster Soft Spa 9500 Bidet seat is extra kind to your behind with controls for water temperature and pressure, seat heat, dryer, deodorizer, and nightlight.

The puffy, reversible, water-resistant Adventure Blanket from Cascade Mountain Tech has become our cozy buddy for camping, beaching, event-going, and RV bedding. Made of machine-washable nylon rip-stop, it’s big enough for two (70” x 60”) and has thumb loops so you can wrap up while keeping your hands free.

You’ve seen the memes, now see the whole collection of Steven Rhodes’ parody children’s book covers. My Little Occult Book Club features the funniest of his paranormal fakes – including Caring for Your Hell Hound and Necromancy for Beginners – characterized by deviously cheerful illustrations with a 1970s vibe.

Best of Show. Best of Class. Double Gold… Mezcal Amaras Cupreata keeps collecting top international medals. Proving that there’s a biodiversity of agaves yielding a wide range of flavors, Cupreata strikes gold by focusing on the distinct herbaceous notes from wild agaves harvested from the high-altitude slopes of Guerrero, Mexico.

We’re always looking for affordable, portable, and stowable fitness solutions. The TRX Bandit is a hero that makes resistance band training more effective. Its ergonomically designed handles snap onto strength bands (four are included) so users can grip better and focus on form. Includes a seven-day trial to TRX Training Club.

Bottled in Michigan, American Liquor Co. Vodka is blended like whisky. Every budget bottle mixes vodkas made from four classic ingredients – wheat, rye, potato, and corn – from American distilleries: Middle West Spirits, Stumpy Spirits, Yahara Bay, Grand Traverse Distillery, Valentine Distilling, and Proof Artisan Distillers.

Four Roses’ Kentucky distillery combines two mash-bills with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 distinct bourbon recipes. Once they’ve matured, they blend four of these for gold-medal-winning Four Roses Small Batch, a mellow 90-proof spirit to serve straight-up, on the rocks, or in a flavorful cocktail like The Sweet & Spicy.

Nolan Cooley is a surfer, skateboarder, and artist who defies preconceived notions about living with autism. Skullcandy commissioned Cooley’s colorful artwork for the “Sound Without Boundaries” program and these limited-edition Hesh Evo Headphones. The wireless cans have Tile finding tech and 36-hour battery life.

Lighten up with Cascade Mountain Tech’s carbon fiber trekking poles. They weigh just 5.6 ounces each – 30% less than standard poles. Their sturdy shafts have a quick-lock mechanism for easy height adjustment and collapse into an easily portable 30” – or 26.4” disassembled. Includes four sets of tips for four seasons of use.

Hang this cute critter on your keyring or backpack, and you’ll always be ready to bug out. The BugLit micro flashlight is a handy task light with a carabiner and bendy legs to point the light where you need it. The rechargeable light has four modes and is bright enough to illuminate up to 50 feet.