📝 Editor’s Note
We are expecting our second child any day now. Another son subjected to the misery of Carolina Panthers fandom forced upon him.
In honor of baby #2 on the way, I wanted to share this short ‘new dads’ guide. I put this guide together when my first son, Johnny, was born. I had no idea what to expect in the hospital, so I made notes to pass along to other new dads.
Huge shout out to all those incredible mothers who do the actual heavy lifting!
Without further ado….
Why Hal?
Hal is a good friend from grad school and always the life of the party. He embodies the “work hard, play hard” lifestyle. Weekends, weddings, reunions are always better when Hal is around.
Follow Hal on Instagram @halinahandbasket.
Self-Description
I'm a Midwesterner by nature, a Coloradan by residence, a hopeless Notre Dame and Duke fan, a singer and piano player, a former gay news anchor, a current gay consultant - and I'm almost always on the go
Hal’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Content
I've been getting The New Yorker weekly for the past several years, and it's become a cherished part of my week. The magazine has a lovely mix of short blurbs about the cultural goings on in New York (and elsewhere), as well as some truly distinctive long form non-fiction journalism, media reviews, and a fiction piece. There's even a crossword (which I usually skip). I gave my dad a subscription last Christmas, and have been pleasantly surprised at how frequently we've traded texts about the stories we're reading. Truly can't recommend it highly enough.
Product
I've been on well over 100 flights this year, and I'm embarrassed to say that I wasn't using a rollerboard until very recently. It took Virgin Atlantic losing my luggage after a trip abroad to get me to splurge on an Away bag, which has since become an absolute godsend. The 'bigger carry on' sized option usually fits in the overhead, the wheels roll like a dream, and I get the added bonus of walking around the airport feeling like I own the place. I thought I was being edgy by buying it in Olive, but immediately found out that 4 close friends also own that color. So maybe don't get that one.
Well-Being
Nah.
Watch
In the midst of this summer's "Barbenheimer" blitz (yes I saw both, back to back, in costume, and I wouldn't have it any other way) I almost missed what became one of my favorite movies of the year. "Theater Camp" is a hilarious romp through a fictitious summer camp in upstate New York. And lucky for you (and me, who has returned to it several times since seeing in the theater) it's streaming on Hulu. At a quick 93 minutes, it's guaranteed to make me laugh out loud.
Food & Drink
Après at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, CO
One of my favorite winter hobbies is going on ski trips. But who am I kidding - after about an hour on the slopes I'm more than ready to be done. Après culture is much more my speed, and there are way too many favorite spots to choose from. I'd be remiss, though, if I didn't recommend après at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, CO. Every Saturday in the winter there's a DJ spinning great tunes, an outrageous crowd, and some of the most expensive Coors Lights that money can buy. Even so, the experience is unrivaled, and it's one of the most fun places to party with friends after a day (or an hour?) on the slopes. I might even skip the skiing bit next time and head straight there...
Gifting
“Ronnukkah” from the Ask Ronna Podcast
Gifting has always been something I've struggled with - I was raised in a "utilitarian gifting" household where gifts were given because someone needed them, not out of a desire to simply surprise and delight. One of my favorite podcasts, Ask Ronna (with Ronna and Bryan) presents a 2-episode "Ronnukkah" each November which always introduces me to some unique and thoughtful items for loved ones, just in time for the holiday season.
Travel
The Perry Lane Hotel (Savannah, GA)
As a consultant I've remained loyal to Marriott, often skipping more interesting boutique hotel options in my clients' cities for the chance at earning some more sweet, sweet Bonvoy points. How, then, to spend these spoils? A splurge at the St. Regis Maldives? An alpine getaway at the Ritz Bachelor Gulch (see above)? Sure, these are great options, but I was recently reminded of a hidden gem in the Bonvoy network. The Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah is one of the most remarkable Marriott properties I've encountered - and in the right season point redemptions aren't too bad. There are three bars on site, and a complimentary custom cocktail each day at 5 PM for guests. Plus, it's walkable to all the cuteness of Savannah. What's not to love?
Plug
If you need a retail consultant, call me.
Want to get in touch with Hal?
“Hit me on insta @halinahandbasket - I'm a fun follow I swear”
P.S. I am looking to put together a Holiday Gift guide. Do you have any gift suggestions? Also - if anyone has products or services they sell let me know. It would be great to create a list from ‘readers’, especially if you’d be open to providing a discount.