Manly Cologne
I don’t recall what specifically peaked my interest in cologne, but I do recall thinking that I ought to know more about it. I can remember my Dad’s bathroom smelling like CK Obsession, and found myself thinking that my bathroom did not smell nearly as manly. I found a website called basenotes, which is a wealth of knowledge on the topic. I did some reading, and then posted in the forum, stating my desires, and asking for recommendations. I said I liked lime, sage, rum, and tobacco. That I was looking for a traditional masculine scent. I researched the recommendations given and used the search function on the site that allows searches by notes, and purchased small bottles of the fragrances shown above.
Royal Lime – This is what I was using on rare occasion before reading basenotes. They sell it at Brooks Brothers. I like the smell, but it just doesn’t last. (poor sillage, apparently the scent game has its own patois)
Aramis – I found this using the search function. It has sage, but really nothing else I was looking for. However, it is an old scent, 1965, and many reviews spoke of how masculine it is. I was worried the sandalwood would be overpowering. To me, sandalwood smells like the cologne middle school boys wore back in my day, which was terrible and applied liberally. My dad says sandalwood smells like the inside of an uber. Aramis is how I imagine the most interesting man in the world smells. The first day I tried this, I went shooting. Having some Aramis on my wrists, and cordite on my hands made for a very manly scent. I like Aramis, but my criticism is that it does not last nearly as long as many of the others.
Perry Ellis America – I found this one via the search function, and my interest was pure marketing. It is made using scents indigenous to North America. It is pleasant, but the sandalwood is prominent, and therefore, it smells like a middle school locker room to me.
Burberry London – I was hesitant to try this one. Many reviewers seemed to think it was feminine. I think it smells sophisticated. Its scent brings to mind a wealthy man, being fitted for a suit on savile row, or the smell of a businessman walking by you at the ritz.
Guerlain Homme – This was my favorite until the scent I describe next arrived. The interwebs says it has a woody mojito smell. I don’t disagree, but its so complex and interesting I don’t think that description really does it justice. Its also fairly subtle, but lasting. I may get a full size bottle of this one.
Aramis Havana – The name sold this one to me. This is a fairly new scent (’94), but by the same company as the ’65. When I read the description, I was even more sold. Tobacco (obviously), bay rum, all spice, and many others. As a cigar smoker, I was skeptical that a tobacco scent could be subtle, sophisticated, and balanced. This scent really surprised me. After wearing it for an extended period, there is a lot of vanilla. I’m not really a huge fan of the vanilla scent, but it would seem most people are, as of the time of this post, a lot of people on the basenotes forum are going craycray banan-ay for Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille.
I’m going to try not to fall too far down the rabbit hole on this one. Not only is there a ton to know, and a plethora of options, you can even make your own cologne. It looks fun, but the last thing I need is another hobby (especially an sedentary one).
by rsiv withWarning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Fixing my work truck’s clear coat, watching paint dry, Casa Magna
In about 2010 or 11 I asked my uncle to start looking for a truck for me. I only had a coupe sports car, which wasn’t ideal for hunting, camping, home ownership, or really anything other than spirited driving. My uncle has a bunch of classic cars, and lives in a part of WV that has a much greater selection of trucks than can be found where I live. My dream truck was a gen 3 K1500. I wanted a black one, preferably an ’87, as it was the first year for fuel injection. I don’t think Riggins drove an 87, but essentially, I was looking for something like this (last one is for the ladies/CW):
After about a year of looking, but not being able to find anything in my price range that was in decent shape, I ended up buying my uncle’s old work truck. Its a 97 Chevy 4×4, with a crew cab, which was a custom conversion option done by Centurion. I’ll probably do a full post on it in the future. When I bought it, the clear coat was peeling off the top of the rear driver side pillar. Rain got into it, made the separation bigger, then it froze, got even bigger, etc. Eventually I was left with what you see below. I figured it was time to do something. I waited for the first good span of clear days on the weather report, and got to work.
Its an old truck, with a lot of dings and scrapes, so I really just wanted to arrest the problem, not put lipstick on the pig (though I do like the way she looks, perfectly worn). I took a screwdriver to the peeling parts, then sanded the bare paint. Then I put painters’ tape on the glass and parts I didn’t want to cover in clear coat.
I intended to only do the one pillar, but also found some potential problems on the other side, so I taped up some more. I couldn’t resist the man-work selfie.
Once I had a coat on, it was time to watch some paint dry. It was a mild day after a long winter. I decided to pass the time with a Casa Magna Colorado Torito. Very earthy, and lots of pepper. I bought a few Casa Magnas back when it won cigar of the year. I bought them in the winning size. I found the cigar to be delicious, but it was just too strong for me. This smaller version was enjoyable for me, but still fairly strong. Its strength is about my limit. It wasn’t quite as good as I remember, but I can’t say if that was due to the size difference, or perhaps time, or its popularity causing quality to decrease. In any event, it was a good stick. I didn’t buy more than one, and I don’t think I will buy another anytime soon (see what the experts think about it).
I did literally watch some paint dry. However, what you don’t see if the two days it took me to give it several coats. The finished product doesn’t look too bad. The base coat bubbled up for some reason. When I sanded, the bubbles broke, and left a bunch of silver circles. I don’t mind the look, I just hope the clearcoat sticks. If the paint keeps the clearcoat from being damaged further, I’ll consider this project as a success. I think the paint (link below) was about $30, and I already had the painters’ tape.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043B7UQY/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
by rsiv withWarning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
The Deli at Nourish Market
We used to go to Kennedy’s natural foods all the time for a sandwich. When they changed ownership, I’m not sure why, but it fell off our radar. I remembered it for some reason the other day, and we got some takeout. Its now called Nourish Market.
Let me first say that I don’t know much about health food. I eat fried food, southern food, mcdonalds, etc. So while sprouted multigrain bread does sound better than normal bread, I’m not sure by how much or even why.
I used to be a big fan of their tuna salad sandwich, so I got that. The wife got a black bean burger (vegetarian). Neither of us are even slightly vegetarian, but we are open to good food. Both sandwiches were very good. I’d get both again. They taste great, and I like to think I’m eating at least slightly healthier and more responsibly/locally than usual.
Now for the fun part. I saw on their website that they have local kombucha on tap, and more options than anywhere around. I’d never had kombucha, but there is not much I’ve not heard of, given the strange predilections of my health conscious friends that are into things like paleo, perching, barefoot running, and other things I’m sure I’ve incorrectly identified and will hear about later. Back to the kombucha. We got an original, and a fruit flavored one. The original was as described on wikipedia: slightly effervescent tea, with a mild vinegar flavor. The fruit one tasted like pure carbonated vinegar. I kept an open mind, and drank a whole one, but I’m not sure I would again. Lets just say it was an experience.
If you like health food, or just want a really good sandwich, check out Nourish Market.
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Me Day
I had a pretty stressful week the week before last. I decided to take a me day. I reaggravated an old rowing injury, and had a sore back, so I decided to pop a few muscle relaxers and advil, and start my day at NMTI right down the road from me in Falls Church City. NMTI is a massage school that offers massages from current students for $35 an hour. Its a great deal, and the worst massage I’ve ever had there was still good. More often than not, the massage is excellent. Its very easy to schedule your massage online.
After the massage, I stopped in palm beach tan to get some color.
After tanning, I swung by my parents house for a soak. I poured a little Talisker Storm, and put some jazz on my portable speakers.
After the hot tub, I quickly got into the sauna to dry off and stay warm (notice the snow on the ground).
In the evening, I took the metro in DC to meet a friend at Old Ebbit Grill for the orca platter (half off during happy hour). We also got a bottle of rose bubbly. A couple at the next table asked what we were celebrating (assuming we were together).
We ended the evening at Shelly’s Back Room. Had some nice cigars, and a few glasses of Blanton’s (only 9 bucks a glass, about the cheapest place to have Blantons out).
What a great day. I’m not sure how I’ll be able to top it.
by rsiv with
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Interior Design, VA (&WV) Getaways
Two of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been are right here in the VA, WV area, The Homestead, and The Greenbrier. Since its the week of VDAY, and this isn’t intended to be a full blown review or comparison, I’ll keep mostly to the aesthetics.
(Credit, this interior design blog, how apropos (more beautiful pics after the jump))
(photo credit, and more great style) Next, how do you even pick just one photo of The Greenbrier?
For more information on The Greenbrier’s original interior designer, Dorothy Draper, check out the Greenbrier’s take, and grab the coffee table book we have (authored by the The Greenbrier’s current designer).
So how much do my wife and I love America’s great resorts? We got married at The Homestead, and The Greenbrier inspired the design of our own home.
My wife picked the colors, and chose wallpaper made by Carleton Varney. Shes also responsible for the built-ins, dental, chair rails, decorations, plants, and all the Mackenzie-Childs. However, I will admit that the smaller flower arrangements were done by yours truly. The best part? I spray painted the mason jars, bought the flowers, and added the quail and pheasant feathers my buddies and I brought back from a hunting trip, and gave each of my fellow hunters their own arrangement for VDay last year. They were as embarrassed as I was, so it was a great success.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/travel/graphics/resortschart.pdf
by rsiv withWarning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Valentine’s Day
VDay is only a week away. If you haven’t already, its time to make some reservations, and buy a gift. I recommend an etsy shop with Appalachian inspired jewelry, run by a Virginia Tech grad:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/12POLE
I’d imagine the ladies already have things handled, but just in case, for a last minute gift hit the ABC store and grab a bottle of Elmer T Lee (bourbon), or Laphroaig (scotch). I, personally, always like more brown sauce, ammo, cigars, etc. If you hit the cigar store, but don’t know what to buy, my first recommendation is to ask his buddies what he likes, but my second is something by Arturo Fuente. If the shopkeeper has anything in the Hemingway line, you’re golden.
Y’all have a good one.
by rsiv with
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet
Shopaholic
I probably enjoy amazon prime a little too much. That said, I’ve bought several things in the last few months I’d recommend to my friends. Here are a few:
BBQ and Tailgate:
Weber wood chunks (cheaper than at my home depot)
Pork Rub (I’ve used this at our latest annual whole hog roast (best pig in 9(?) years), on the WSM on ribs, and on a pork butt for pulled pork. I love it, some think its a little salty.)
EZ UP tailgate shelters (I have a 10×20 Eclipse II for the house (love it), and just got, but haven’t tried out the Vantage. Its not tailgate season right now, but we did just use one for the smoker competition.)
The Cabin:
Fiskars axes (My Dad needed a new maul for the house. I use the 36 inch one at the cabin. Light and gets the job done. Make sure you order the axe you need for the job you need done ((splitting, chopping, etc)).
Red Cross emergency lights (I have at least one of these in all the main rooms of my house. Lots of people have plans for home defense (guns, pepper spray, etc.), but that can be dangerous if you can’t see whats going on. These keep enough light to see whats going on, while not being too bright to sleep (your sensitivity may vary).
Icebreaker longjohns (I have both the 200 and 260 weight. I’ve used them skiing, hunting, in Montreal in -45 windchill, etc. Highly recommended.)
Personal Items:
Old Spice Original Deodorant (17% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly ((19% is about as high as it gets for non-prescription)) great smell, classic.)
Less drowsy Dramamine (Off-brand, but compare the price per pill with the tube you can buy at the pharmacy. Insane value. If you’re prone to motion sickness, and especially if you’re prone but try not to let it hold you back, how can you afford not to buy one?)
Professional garment brush (I was having trouble keeping a velvet blazer looking fresh, and was watching Downton Abbey…don’t judge. It works wonders on normal suits as well.)
by rsiv with
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
Warning: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable in /home/bonviv6/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-comment-query.php on line 405
no comments yet