Just Accept Apple’s Absolute Dominance In Your Life

Bring earplugs along when you travel

I just completed a long plane trip, and the absolutely must-have travel accessory is high-quality ear plugs. I have ones that are moulded to my ears and they block out almost all the aeroplane noise, so I slept like a baby the whole flight. Well, not like the baby that was crying in the seat next to me.

Joel Kahn, Senior Video Producer

Add a new podcast into your rotation

I’ve been enjoying the Unspooled podcast with comedian Paul Scheer and film critic Amy Nicholson. I’ve long been a fan of Scheer’s comedy, but this podcast is a more serious examination of AFI’s top 100 movies of all time, and he and Nicholson are a great team: They review the films, add historical context, and interview people involved in making them.

It’s just an all-around enjoyable podcast to listen to while commuting or getting ready for work in the morning. I’d recommend starting with a movie you know already, such as The Wizard of Oz and Titanic.

Alicia Adamczyk, Staff Writer

Help your cat be marginally less of a jerk

If it is not too late: My upgrade was getting a Feliway diffuser, which emits the pheromone cats use to mark their safe space. My cat is now 78 per cent less of a jerk. Still a jerk (because cat), but nicer and cuddlier and not peeing on my bed.

Claire Lower, Food & Beverage Editor

Just give in to Apple Pay

At the risk of sounding like a shill, I have capitulated to Apple Pay and it’s pretty great. No taking your credit card out to pay for groceries, no signing, no receipts. I hadn’t fully processed that you don’t have to open the Wallet app to pay. It really feels like the future – payment via retina scan can’t be far off.

Melissa Kirsch, Editor-In-Chief

And just give in to paying for iCloud storage

I’ve been antsy about losing photos and texts from my phone recently, since it’s been “too full” and hadn’t backed up to iCloud for 39 weeks. Yesterday I finally caved in to paying $1.49/month for 10 times as much storage space, and the peace of mind is absolutely worth it.

Virginia K. Smith, Managing Editor

Find joy in the baking failures of others

I started watching Nailed It, and I learned a few things: I love shows where everyone can laugh at themselves, I appreciate shows that break the fourth wall (hi Wes), and you always – always – have to grease your pan when you’re baking a cake. Also, toothpick test it, people. Come on!

David Murphy, Senior Tech Editor

Embrace maximalism in your accessories

I bought a bigger purse. You can keep trying to minimise your stuff (unsuccessfully), or you can give up and feel great about it. Also, I love the new handbag smell.

Michelle Woo, Parenting Editor