Welcome to InsideHook’s Staff Picks, a compendium of all the things our editors have been digging on recently.
Zinus Cooling Hybrid Gel Foam Mattress
Finally, my days (well, nights) of sweating through the night have come to an end. Zinus is like “resting in a pool AND on a cottonball,” and I couldn’t have said it better myself. To boot, ships right to your door in a matter of days for a price that’ll have you sleepin’ easy. — Shari Gab, New York Editor
1 fucking book by Mr. Bingo
I was first introduced to British illustrator/man of letters Mr. Bingo when he fanned viral flames for making the best Kickstarter promo video in the medium’s history. The project being Kickstarted: Hate Mail, aka personalized, inflammatory postcards sketched by Bingo and then delivered to funders’ mailboxes. He’s now collected those hilarious postcards in a “fucking book,” and you should buy it. — Walker Loetscher, Editor in Chief
Buck Mason Vintage Tri-Blend Curved Hem Tee
Buck Mason promises that this tee will resemble the worn-in feel of “shirts you’ve had since high school.” Only difference being this one doesn’t have “JV Tennis” scrawled across the chest. The Tri-Blend is an ask-questions-later gamer that’ll help begin the wardrobe reset your cluttered closet needs. — Tanner Garrity, Associate Editor
Leica DISTO E7100i 200ft Laser Distance Measure
As a professional amateur photographer, I will certainly never have the budget for a $10K Leica camera. But as a professional amateur handyman, it still feels cool to own a tape measure by the same makers … and at a fraction the cost. The pocket-friendly Leica laser measure has 1/16th-inch accuracy (half the width of a headphone jack) at up to 200 feet. It’s Bluetooth-enabled and comes with an app to generate sketches and floor plans off your measurements. — Athena Wisotsky, Senior Editor
Jamie Feinstein Design Hammered Brass Swiss Army Knife
It’s true, I did grow up with Jamie and thus am somewhat biased, but none can deny that this artfully dinted baby makes a badass (and useful!) key ring, plus this is my staff pick so deal with it. — Danny Agnew, Creative Director
Isaac Hayes Re-Issues
Newly remastered, 180-gram vinyl editions of three classic albums (Hot Buttered Soul, Shaft, Black Moses) from the soul legend. And a reminder why vinyl artwork was so much fun: The Black Moses record features a replica of the classic four-foot cross-shaped fold-out image of Hayes as Black Moses. — Kirk Miller, Managing Editor
Albam Colour Blocked Trail Parka
The ’90s revival is in full swing and while I’m hesitant to get on board, this parka from Albam Clothing immediately caught my eye. It’s got just the right amount of throwback vibes but with no visible logos. If you, too, are into the look but, like me, do not wish to completely ape the past, this one’s for you. — Michael Nolledo, Deputy Editor/Chicago Editor
Wolaco Fulton .75 Compression Pants
My New Year’s resolution was to expand my workout routine beyond the gym. It stuck, but at least 75% of the credit goes to these versatile 3/4-length compression pants. I wear them under a pair of shorts and go into cycling, yoga and HIIT classes knowing at the very least I’m dressed to assume whatever Draconian position the instructor demands (still had to ask how to unclip from the stationary bike, though). — Alex Lauer, Associate Editor
THE BEST THING WE DRANK THIS WEEK
Vodka gets a bad rap.
You need at least two bottles anytime people come over — one for martinis, and one for cocktails. Ergo: The new Ukrainian grain vodka Zirkova, available in two expressions. Zirkova One is your James Bond choice, and Zirkova Together is your mixer. We tried the vodkas in a martini, within a grapefruit-accented cocktail (see below) and an “improved” vodka tonic (replete with licorice stick). All worked incredibly well. Bonus: Being the first vodka with a 501(c)(3) charitable arm, ten percent of their gross revenue goes to social and charitable causes.
Juicy Lucy
1.5 oz Zirkova Together
.5 oz Aperol
.5 oz St Germain
1 oz Grapefruit
Combine all ingredients into canister and hard shake. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass and garnish with a large slice of grapefruit. (Developed by Yana Volfson, Beverage Director of Cosme and Atla)
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