For that well groomed man

No one ever thinks about the small things until you see them. I mean, who searches for a mani-pedi kit? Well, I guess this guy does. Keeping those claws well trimmed, your moustache under control, and what in the world happens to our eyebrows once we pass 50 years old? Sheesh, sometimes I don’t even need to wear a ball cap. I can recommend the finest for those who deserve the finest. Brooks Brothers. 

https://tinyurl.com/38nrmkp9

The Clock Clock

A Little backstory to this piece. We were in NY for my wife’s birthday, taking a casual stroll down 44th St. just east of 6th, when we came upon a nondescript building with a large brass wall placard that reads “The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen of the City of New York”. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. On another poster in a window was “Horological Society of New York”. Hmmm. Mechanics. Tradesman. Horology. I was all in. We enter an incredibly beautiful lobby, completely made of white alabaster. Stunning. Perfect. The guard greets us and is extremely friendly. When asked why I came in, I said I was curious about the Horological Society. “You’re in for a treat bud, follow me”. Up we go to the 4th floor and step inside a time machine of books, watches and all kinds of timepieces. We were greeted by the librarian, and we both noticed, at the same time, a stunning piece of art — a clock that is animated on the wall behind the clerk. When we asked about it, she referred to it as “The Clock Clock”. So, for those engineers out there or anyone who loves something mechanical that tells the time, I am happy to introduce you to the clock clock. Do yourself a favor and watch the animation. 

https://www.humanssince1982.com/en-us/products/clockclock-24-white

Ditch your doom scroller

Sometimes, we just need a break from our “smartphones”. Have you ever had a doom-scrolling session on Instagram and looked up an hour later, only to be shocked that the time had passed? I know I have. Oftentimes, we are so connected to our phones that we are not connected and “in the conversation” when spending time with friends or family. Not to mention, they are a huge distraction at work. Enter, the Light Phone. It’s a communication device, that’s it. No social media, no apps to download, no games to play. Simple connectivity when you need it. If ditching your smartphone is even a remote possibility, I would encourage you to read all about the Light phone.  

https://www.thelightphone.com/lightiii

Thermoworks - Remote Temperature Monitoring

RFX Wireless System. Pick up the starter kit. You can choose 1 to 4 probes with the starter kit which will also include the Gateway. Accurate down to less than 1 degree, you just insert the probe in what you are cooking and check your app on your phone. The gateway can read the probes up to 1,500 feet away! Equipped with an integrated magnet as well as a clip, you can set it down just about anywhere.

https://tinyurl.com/4ueh5dx9

Heart Rate Monitor

These monitors works great with all devices from your Peloton to your Apple Watch. If you want accurate heartrate telemetry during exercise, this is one to get.

https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/heart-rate-monitors/trackr-heart-rate-buy

Bombproof Dog ID Tag

Excellent name tags for your furry friends. These things are bomb proof. Check out the Apple AirTag holder to locate your dog if they are a runner and get out.

https://dogid.com/

 

Portable Powerbank

Anyone needing a little backup juice for their phone this one works on other devices as well including your Apple Watch. Too many features to list, check the product here.

https://ridge.com/products/magnetic-power-bank-matte-black

SONOS AUDIO

 

If you are not familiar with SONOS, you need to be. This gear just simply works and works very, very well. Looking for a complete Dolby Atmos solution for your TV? Get this setup. You won’t regret it for one moment. If you are looking for a whole-home system, SONOS has got you. Even if you currently have speakers that are hard-wired and powered by a receiver, move to the SONOS platform. IF your music collection lives physically, (vinyl, tape, reel-to-reel, CD, etc….) this system is still compatible. Every audio streaming service connects through your SONOS app. These folks continue to innovate, and wow, it simply impresses.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/ultimate-immersive-set-arc-ultra-sub-era-300-pair-black

Teenage Engineering

From time to time, I like to throw something in here that you have probably never heard of. If you are a music creator, then you have heard of Teenage Engineering. This is their portable radio OB-4. You can play just about any source through this speaker. But, it is more than a speaker. It will loop music, adjust speed of play up and down and has a terrestrial radio built in as well. I would buy it just because it is really freaking cool.

https://teenage.engineering/store/ob-4-gray

Cocktail Shaker

These shakers made by Elevated Craft work as described. The lid measures out your favorite recipe and the shaker is double walled so you won’t have to worry about a frozen mit when you are crushing ice during a shake.

https://tinyurl.com/ydd27jn3

Cocktail Shaker #2

Can you have more than one in your bar? Well heck yes! Why this one? Well, sometimes you just need something that looks really, really good sitting on your bar. Have a look at all of their barware. Sleek and minimal.

https://tinyurl.com/4cfpshvf

 

Must Have Cast Iron

You need this in your kitchen. Made in Fredericksburg. Too many uses to write about here. Trust me, get one. Immediately. Even works exceptionally well on induction stoves or on the grill.

https://www.fbgcastiron.com/collections/ironware/products/no-14-round-cast-iron-griddle

Pepper Cannon

Just like the name implies, this thing will pummel pepper corns and absolutely dumps milled pepper like none other. VERY adjustable grind range. Milled out of aerospace grade aluminum. If you get the big one, might as well get the travel mill while you are at it. I don’t know anything about their salt grinder however, would imagine it is the same incredible quality and produces an excellent salt finish.

https://mannkitchen.com/products/the-original-pepper-cannon-pepper-mill

 

Give yourself a jump.

All of us should have one of these in our vehicles. I know I do! Portable jump starter that packs a punch.

https://tinyurl.com/4zvrf7f8

The Grail Knife

 

If you are a knife guy and don’t know who Jared Oeser is, google him. I was able to procure a F22 Kickstop which is an Oeser design with Lee Williams kickstop made by REATE knives. So, it isn’t a REAL Oeser made knife but dang, it is a sweet blade. I hate to show the real ones to y’all since they are as rare as hens teeth. Don’t ask how much they cost, it doesn’t matter. If you have the chance to buy one, do it. Don’t hesitate. You CAN find them if you do some digging, track Ebay.

https://oeserknives.com/welcome#j-oeser-custom-knives

Boost Bikes!!!

 

Many of y’all who know me, don’t know my ‘story’. Part of my story is that while in college, all my friends worked in food service. I can’t, I don’t have the aptitude to deal with idiots and snot rags. So, I worked in a bicycle shop. By the time I graduated from college, 3.5 years into the bicycle world, I was the head mechanic. I love bicycles and have too many. I guess. Is there such a thing? So, let me  put in a good word for boost bikes or electric assist bikes. They are awesome! Folks like to say they are cheater bikers. Haters gotta hate. Use as much battery assist as you want or use none. Either way, they are a load of fun and yes, you can get a great workout in or just cruise and enjoy our over 100 miles of paved trailways in San Antonio. In my opinion, TREK is the leader. The ONLY drawback is that they are heavy(er) and take a little effort to mount on a bicycle carrier. Boy, are they worth it. Get some panniers from OrtLeib and use it for running errands.

https://tinyurl.com/498vz9m5

And now, the bags, for the bike.

 

Buy crap and you get crap. Germans don’t know how to produce crap, I am convinced. These bags last forever and can deal with any weather. You can’t go wrong with this brand. There are no disappointments here, at all. I keep buying them for myself and for presents. No one has ever complained that they suck. Because, well, they don’t.

https://us.ortlieb.com/products/back-roller?variant=45082293895346

Knife Honing Rod

 

This should be a staple in anyone’s kitchen. MUCH better than your traditional steel sharpening stick. Mind you, these are designed to touch up an already sharp blade. If your blade is dull, you need to have it professionally sharpened or spend a few hours honing it with the right stones to achieve a mirror edge. I warn all visitors to my house that if they pick up one of my knives, handle it WITH CARE. They will all cut you, easily.

https://www.macknife.com/collections/honing-rods/products/mac-10-1-2-black-ceramic-honing-rod-with-grooves-srb-104

The perfect kitchen knife set.

Most of you are familiar with Benchmade knives. Did you know that they make incredible kitchen knives? Well, they do. And you want a set. You just can’t have too many knives in the kitchen.  Start here, have fun. Oh yeah, Lifesharp warranty as well.

https://www.benchmade.com/products/4000-02

Another knife?

Oh yes. For certain. Sometimes just because something costs a ton of money does not mean that it is worth it. Oftentimes you can even find something that is inexpensive and performs like it costs a lot. Below is a serrated blade from Milk Street that you need to own. This one is a winner.

https://store.177milkstreet.com/collections/knives/products/milk-street-serrated-kitchin-tan