"Soon," says Tanner Guzy, "winter will be waning, and with it we’ll shed our cold weather uniform." The thaw is coming...some of us had a taste last week, until Titan came along and dumped plenty of fresh ice and snow. But, spring will happen, cause it happens every year (that's the way this works) and its time to switch up your everyday gear for the transition. 

Tanner continues, "It seems like just yesterday we were talking about making the jump from summer to fall, yet here we are. The reason these two seasonal transitions are the most difficult is because of the more drastic changes in the weather. Spring to summer is as easy as fall to winter – just do more or less of what you’re already doing and you’re set. However, the changeover from the more drastic seasons not only introduces a functional switch, but an emotional one – and a man’s clothing should reflect that. Just like the previous transition, there are a few key ideas to making this easier."

Read his five tips for making the transition smoothly, while still staying warm and dry, at Primer: 5 Ways to Transition from Winter to Spring

I'm sure I'm not alone in proclaiming: the BLT is a perfect sandwich. Not because it has bacon; many sandwiches have bacon. Rather, it's what it does with the bacon, playing it off of the other requisite parts: crunchy lettuce, a spread of tangy mayo, toasted but-not-too-crunchy bread, and the bright, acidic summer tomatoes.   

Summer tomatoes, that key ingredient that makes the sandwich more than the sum of its parts. Summer tomatoes, that are only available for about 12 weeks out of the year, reducing the BLT to a seasonal treat. Summer tomatoes, who simply taste nothing like the greenhouse-grown, gas ripened supermarket options available late fall-early summer.

But, those orange-y/pink paste tomatoes available year round don't have to sink your sandwich. With a little creativity, you can transform them into something BLT worthy, indeed. 

To do so, Not Without Salt recommends turning to your oven to do what the sun cannot - make your tomatoes sweet, tangy, and delicious. They say, "Rather than trying to wait for the flavor to magically develop with the aid of a brown paper bag, which would merely hint at the tomatoes I will be tasting in a few months, I decided these orange tomatoes needed several hours in a warm oven. There they concentrate into a sweet acidic bite that perfectly accompanies bacon and lettuce sandwiched in between two pieces of lightly toasted bread."

I'm convinced. Headed to the grocery store now. Get the full recipe and technique at Not Without Salt - B L (Slow-Roasted) T

I guess I should begin by saying that this is not a religious post, nor about theism or the lack thereof. It really isn't even about spirituality, though it could be if that's something you seek to cultivate. It I have my own relationship to those things, and I'm sure you do too. 

Rather, this is a reflection on personhood, on being a good man.   

Okay, with that said:   

Every year, I "participate" in the season of Lent. For me, I guess that means celebrating it through intentional actions. My dad always did it, and it's something I've carried with me into adulthood. Quick 101: Lent is the six weeks or so between Ash Wednesday and Easter and Passover. It's the reason for Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday, and has historically been a time of preparation and intentionality in the Christian Church. For contemporary Christians, it still has a lot of other meanings and and this post respects them and doesn't intend to take away from Lent's celebration or substitute self improvement for religious commitments. 

But, I think the early Church had it right: there's something that's good for us for treating a certain set of actions seasonally. In common culture, we do this all the time: New Year's Resolution, spring cleaning, summer breaks, vacation, personal retreats, specific holidays. Commonly, during Lent, it has become tradition to "give things up" - to fast or forgo luxuries...resulting in the reason for indulging on Mardi Gras - the day before it begins. (That's today. Please be safe, and do eat King Cake.)

And? It starts this week: Wednesday, March 5th specifically, and I invite everyone to join me and set some sort of personal goal for the next six weeks...between now and Easter It doesn't have to be "giving something up," though it could be. You could try to forgo a vice, or try a gluten-free or vegetarian diet once a week, or every day. You could fast for breakfast and lunch. You could stop eating desserts, or drinking soda, or going out to restaurants and commit to cooking at home.

Or, you could take something on rather than forgoing something. Something like a new exercise. A new home cleaning or organization ritual. You could spend money differently, or wake up a half hour earlier. You could meditate, or decide to participate in a new social group or organization. You could read a book a week, or commit to using that new foreign language app every day.

The point here is: there's a reason this tradition occurs when it does. Spring is a time of change, of new things. We get to shake off the snow and think about who we want to be. And the concept of Lent has a built-in groove. Anyone can set a goal for a mere six weeks.

So, I hope you'll try something new this Lenten season, for whatever motivation that makes sense to you. This year, I have four goals: 

1. My wife and I will be resurrecting our "no spending" month we tried last October and take an intentional break from consumerism. We won't be buying any goods, any stuff. You can read about the rules and our experience with previous experiments here and here. 
2. Personally, I've decided to not drink any alcohol. I don't worry I have a problem, but I'm very interested to see how it will affect my health, my sleep, my mood, weight, etc. Lent seems like a good time to learn more about those things, and to let that go. (My wife will be giving up swearing.)
3. I have a few other health goals. I want to be able to do 100 pushups by Easter, and 35 pull-ups. I've set a few other specific cycling and fitness commitments.
4. I'll be following through on my commitment to reducing my stuff. I started that process last week, and I'll be continuing to simplify my life and home through a few specific steps and goals that I won't bore you with here. 

If you want to share what you'll be working on in the comments, I'd love to hear what you have in mind. Otherwise, I wish you good luck, and a happy spring. 

Best,
Chris

[Mardi Gras photo from Vintage Holiday]

A few days ago, I stabbed myself. By accident, I mean. A misplaced X-Acto knife rolled under some paper scraps, and I jammed my left index finger right into the tip of its blade. As I was applying my second Band-Aid, I recalled this item I'd seen on Pinterest earlier that day; essentially, a broom head, flipped upside down to stash tools and desk items. It's no longer for sale, but no worries, you can make your own in a snap. 

The trick, of course, lies in simply procuring the right materials. You're looking for a "shop brush" or a "hand broom." I had an old one I snagged from my grandfather's garage, but they can easily be found online or at a local independent hardware store. Here's a good one. (Perhaps your home improvement center carries them; mine doesn't). Or, you can find a replacement push broom head, or might even look in the cleaning aisle for an old fashioned natural bristle scrub brush. 

Whatever route you go, you can cut it to size, or cut off the handle, if desired. I'm keeping mine whole to maintain functionality as a broom. Two birds, one stone, no more cut fingers.

Each Wednesday, I post some of my favorite can't-miss links, images, and otherwise mindblowing goodies from across the web.

Bartholomäus Traubeck has hacked a turntable to "play" the tree rings in slices of wood like a record.    

Traubeck modified the turntable arm with a Playstation Eye Camera, which then inteprets the grain pattern to trigger a MIDI sequence on a software piano. So, no needles actually involved, but still, pretty sweet. 

Good read - The Benjamin Franklin Effect: The Surprising Psychology of How to Handle Haters 

Pinpoint your travels with the Cork Globe from SuckUK 

Venture capitalists are investing in Brooklyn Communal Cool: The Brand

A cool tutorial for creating faceted paper objects from 3D models

image

It's time to shake off the snow and head back outside. Whether you're a seasoned runner, or someone looking to start adding some jogging to your fitness routine, proper footwear is essential to preventing injury. 

Running shoes are different than regular sneakers or gyms shoes, and will give you the appropriate support (or lack thereof) to help you focus on your technique. It's important to note that the best running shoes are the ones that fit you, but here are five different types of shoes that are great to get started or to replace your current pair.

Check'em out:

1. Merrell Barefoot Running Shoes $89

This pair is actually a merge between a  street running and trail running shoe. It offers lots of comfort and protection for your feet without being heavy. If you love running through rugged trails or you love lightweight hiking in the summer, this pair is for you. 

2. ZEMgear Ninja Split Toe Shoes $59

Say what? Ninja? Cool. Even though you won't be able to fly through a bamboo forest, these will help your technique.  The split toe seems kinda weird, but hey, if it works it works. They're pretty subtle and not flashy - except for some reflective strips that will keep you safe at night.

3. Nike Running Shoes $70

 These are pretty standard running shoes, and you have probably seen them a lot in Pinterest. These Nike shoes are the "one fits all", meaning, they're comfy, they look good, and they offer great support, and they aren't crazy expensive. An extra added perk: you can wear them with your normal clothes for an overall sporty look. 

4. New Balance Running Shoes $69

Unfortunately, these are much for looks, but this pair is probably the one that offers the most support - perfect if you suffer from shin splints, calf issues, or flat feet. You may look like a dad, but they'll keep you safe. 

5. Five Fingers Bikila $59

These guys have their fans, for sure. There have been many studies suggesting our traditional footwear is not the best for our posture, hence these alien 5 finger shoes that aim to make you walk/run as natural as possible.

So how often do you change your running shoes? If you have any favourites you want to recommend, let us know!

Winter is still here, but spring is just over the horizon. And with it, comes all sorts of reasons to get outside and explore. So, take advantageof these last few weeks by prepping yourself and your outdoor gear ready for all those adventures to come. 

Backpacker magazine has assembled ten projects that you can create in a weekend that'll pay off on the trail. There are gear-based projects, like creating your own sleeping bag liner or an alcohol stove, to creating a storage workbench for stashing and fixing your supplies, and a few projects dedicated to making the trip a bit more enjoyable, like my favorite: how to build a backcountry bar kit. 

I like how they put together a few staples, and then provide a drink recipe agenda to last during 3-4 night trip.

Backpacker's web site leaves something to be desired, but the tips and projects here are solid. Go check them out, and we'll see you out there:

Top 10 Indoor DIY Projects for Backpackers  

Top photo from the ManMadeDIY Instagram page. Come say hi!

When you think about it, a great bahn mi sandwich and a perfect taco are pretty similar: a small amount of super flavorful meat topped with crunchy veg, something spicy, and plenty of aromatic cilantro and lime, all wrapped up in a tender, toothsome baked starch thing that brings it all together. So, it comes as no surprise that I Am A Food Blog put the two together, yet I'm certainly glad they did.

The recipe consists of crispy carnitas (tacos) with some kewpie mayo and pate (banh mi), topped with quick pickled carrot and daikon and some scallions (banh mi), lime, cilantro and green chiles (both!) and wrapped in a corn tortilla (tacos).

While I haven't tried them out yet, these are going to the top of my list the next time we have friends over for dinner, especially since all the hard work can be done ahead of time.

Get the recipe at I Am A Food Blog: Banh Mi Taco Recipe 

Everyone likes finding an interesting new place to try, or a new dish to make their go-to. And it's fun and fine and interesting to read the major food magazine's restaurant issue, and keep track of all the exciting new places to check out next time you're in a certain city. But this list on the official Yelp blog is of a different sort. Rather than a top ten selected by critics, its a collection of the best rated restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and pubs on Yelp. How were they picked? The Yelp blog explains, "Engineers on Yelp’s data mining team used a technique based on the Wilson Score to compile a list of highly rated places to eat. This method takes into account both star rating and number of reviews to reveal which spots not only have top notch ratings, but also which are most popular in the Yelp community."

The results are mix of famed restaurants you've already heard about, hole-in-the-wall spots in metropolitan areas, and great roadside stops. The list is very California-heavy, likely due to Yelp's actual user base, but the results are still super interesting, and worthy of note. 

Yelp Data Reveals Top 100 Places to Eat: Bookmark These Babies Now!  

[Feature image and found via: Cool Material]

Weekend project? On a Thursday? Yep, and for two reasons: one, I'll be out of town tomorrow, doing a weekend intensive course and dive program to get my SCUBA certification. But two, and most importantly, this storage headboard project is exactly the sort of thing you could put together in a weekend. The project consists of a simple 2x4 frame that's built out from the wall, making a basic box with the three walls surrounding. Then, it's faced with some affordable cedar planking and a top, creating a nightstand-style shelf behind the bed with plenty of storage inside. 

This project was designed for a rather small bedroom, where the headboard takes up the entire wall. If yours if a bit larger, you could skin off the sides, but unless you're going to put something else on that wall, I say build it the full width of the room and really sell it as a focal point and a place to display your treasures. 

See the full step-by-step process and a timelapse of this build at Wood & Faulk: Wooden Crate Headboard

This is not a cucumber. It's....

Boom!   Artist Hikaru Cho, known for her stunningly detailed painting of textures on real world objects (previously here), applies her signature technique to edibles. 

Can you guess what this one is?

See more at Visual News [via Colossal]

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While this crazy weather makes up its mind, here's a few solid options to help you stay stylish during this transitional season. 

Most of us up north are still wearing parkas, and it doesn't seem like we'll be busting out our swimming shorts anytime soon. Between March and May the weather is pretty crazy: one day it's nice and sunny, the next it's cold and rainy with some crazy hail storms in between. And though it may not be as wild where you as as it is here, you should still take note of these basics which you'll be able to wear almost all year long.

1. Canvas pants

Pardon our language, but, frankly, this style of pants is the sh*t this time of year. They are comfy without looking slouchy,but you can still dress them up. If it's raining/snowing you can wear them with a pair of boots (roll the cuffs a bit) and as soon as the sun comes out you can put on your favorite kicks on.

2. A classic-fit button-down shirt with a pattern

You gotta have at least one button-down shirt in your closet that doesn't fit into "the basics" category. By adding this staple piece you can dress up and still remain comfortable. Choose patterns in neutral colors so you add a bit of playfulness to your look without going overboard. Something in the realm of denim works too, as long as it's not too cowboy-ish.

3. A pair of modern-vintage kicks

Sneakers are it right now. You can totally take advantage of this trend and season by looking awesome and staying comfy. Choose a pair that has pops of color but isn't too busy. Something grey or black does the trick. New Balance has quite a few of these "dressy" sneakers, and so does Nike.

4. A functional water-resistant backpack

With a backpack like this you can go from biking through spring showers to hiking in the summer, and going for hot chocolate next winter. Water-resistant polyester is great and durable, and waxed-canvas looks awesome and is also durable but requires a bit more care (you may need to re-wax it at some point). Add some color to your choice to keep your look vibrant and fresh.

5. A neutral or solid color pullover

A pullover is a must-have! You should always have one at hand for when the temperature drops unexpectedly and also to add a casual spin to any dress up outfits (e.g. wearing it with a shirt underneath). Choosing a neutral palette will keep it classy and versatile.

6. A few fun, yet adult, socks

The times when you could wear gym socks with any outfit are over. The only reason why you should wear gym socks is because - well, you guess it - you are going to the gym! A modern stylish man should have at least a few socks that are not solid and dark Adding a bit of detail can take an outfit to a whole new level. They don't have to be flashy! Just a bit fun. If you're a dare devil and it's warm enough you can roll up your pants a bit and show the world your patterns!

Oh! And always try to think of these pieces as "investments" - meaning, if you're going to spend money on them, do your research and make sure they are good quality and that you're going to be comfortable wearing them. Nothing beats a stylish, confident guy with a killer look. 

95% of the time, a tool box is overkill. Whether taking some items to help a friend with a project, or just working on something in my own home two floors above my basement shop, the act of dragging out the toolbox, selecting the items from the pegboard and arranging them appropriately, and then lugging the whole thing around is simply unnecessary. 

That's why I love this super simple tool roll project. It's made of heavy duty fabric, so it's strong enough to protect your edges and your hands, while still being super light and easy to move around. Way better than taking an armful of screwdrivers and files and mallets. Just grab this in one hand and your trusty cordless drill/driver in the other, and go. 

This would also make a great way to organize the specific tools for a given type of project: metal working in one, leather tools in another, art/illustration in a third, etc.

Everything folds up tightly, allow you to store a surprising amount of hand tools on a single shelf.

Get the full how-to from ADintheStudio: How to make a tool roll - bring your hand tools with you anywhere! [Instructables.com] 

Some guys have their go-to libation: no matter the time, no matter the place, they want this beer or that drink, and the matter really isn't up for discussion. Others are constantly switching up their poisons, perusing the menu for familiar flavors, taking the advice of the bartender, or simply having what everyone else at the table ordered.

Then, there's the rest of us; those that I describe as the seasonal explorers, who take different chunks of time to learn about a certain style of beer, a region of wine, or a family of cocktails. They never order the same glass twice, because the goal isn't reliability, it's the adventure of comparing a variety of options to learn about what goes into the Platonic ideal of said glass-filler.    

For these people, allow ManMade to suggest - this March, you should be drinking: an Irish Coffee. 

This pick is, of course, inspired by St. Patrick's Day next Monday, though we suspect most who'll be celebrating will do so this weekend. But, it's also a fantastic option for this season in general. March is often wet, sogging, and just cold enough that warm drinks still make sense. 

Of course, this drink requires that you actually enjoy drinking coffee, and, for that matter, enjoy drinking whiskey. But, perhaps if either or neither really made sense to you, this would be a great way to learn.

These are great for the weekend, but be careful if you enjoy them at nighttime. There are plenty of high-quality decaffeinated beans out there, and I can't think of a better use for them than here. 

The ManMade Irish Coffee: 

• 2 oz. Irish Whiskey - try Bushmills Black Bush, Tullamore Dew Special Reserve, or Jameson 12 Year (though no one here will get mad at you for subbing Canadian whiskey, blended Scotch, or even a Kentucky Bourbon)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 5-6 oz. freshly brewed coffee
• Optional: unsweetened whipped cream (the old fashioned heavy cream in a bowl with a whisk kind)

Pour the whiskey and sugar in a warmed mug, and top with hot coffee. Stir to dissolve, and finish with whipped cream, if using. (We don't usually go the whipped cream route, but it's a great way to impress guests or a special someone. Up to you.)

Cheers! Or, rather... Sláinte!

Each Wednesday, I post some of my favorite can't-miss links, images, and otherwise mindblowing goodies from across the web.

Creative duo Caitlin Levin and Henry Hargreaves created this series of food maps inspired by their own passion for travel. Each state or country's border is filled with foods that represent their agricultural or food manufacturing industry. 

I just wish there were a little more info about what each food items actually is. See more at Hargreaves and Levin. [via JunkCulture] 

This clever ad suggests how folks get around in Woodstock, KY. Silly, but fun. 

The Creative Freedom Guide seems worth a look.

Nashville-based artist Herb Williams likes to work in crayons...

A case for the before AND after dinner drink at Valet. 

Spring is just around the corner...kinda. While we're waiting a little longer to get seeds in the ground, here's a fun indoor project to prep for the season.    

Intimate Weddings created this easy tutorial that'll keep your herbs and veg nice and organized...by which I mean, remind you what you've planted. Go to the market to get your pick out your seeds and make them in advance so that when all this snowy gunk is gone you can get to work right away.

Like all the other tutorials we love, this one requires a few tools:

• Rubber mallet or hammer
• Stamping set
• Silver spoons or any other type of metal plaque that's soft enough to stamp
• Permanent marker
• Piece of scrap wood or work bench

They've chosen some rather fancy spoons, but there's no reason you couldn't opt for a plainer style for a more masculine look

Honestly, there's nothing like growing your own food. For some reason everything tastes THAT much better when you harvest it yourself, in a way it's a DIY salad from beginning to end! Even your food is DIYed! (You're awesome).

Get the full set of instructions and step-by-step photos on Intimate Weddings

I hate starting blog posts this way, but I'ma exercise my one or two a year: I freaking love this idea.    Researchers at MIT have discovered a new water filter: no charcoal, chlorine, screens, or ceramics involved. 

It's a stick. Specifically, a stick of white pine. 

Of course, it's one of those slap your forehead sort of thing. Of course some tree xylem could do this; it's what it's evolved to do: "The xylem has membranes with pores and other mechanisms by which bubbles are prevented from easily spreading and flowing in the xylem tissue." Turns out, those bubble stopped are exactly the right size to keep out bacteria like e.coli. 

Sure, this is interesting to the home experimenter and even the survivalist, but this could be enormous for rural areas around the world who still don't have access to clean water. (How have we not figured that out yet.) We'd still need to account for protozoa and other nasties, but four liters a day is something. 

Exciting, yes, but some are still skeptical. "Robert Jackson, an environmental expert at Stanford University, points out that at least as it stands now, the system doesn't do a good enough job at filtering out bacteria. He wrote in an email that filtering out almost all of the nasty bacteria is certainly helpful, 'but when you can have hundreds of thousands, even millions, of them in a drop of water, you don't want to rely on something with 99 percent efficiency. In a survival or short-term situation this could work,' he wrote. 'As a longer-term or global solution to the billion people on Earth without access to clean water, call me skeptical.' 

Learn (and listen) to more at NPR's Shots blog: To Clean Drinking Water, All You Need Is A Stick

There are a couple of great small companies making wooden sunglasses - most awesomely Shwood - but I love this DIY tutorial from Norwegian maker Sabladask. His frames are made from walnut, and he ordered replacement lenses and snagged the hinges from a cheap pair of existing plastic glasses. 

He offers a pattern for use with a CNC cutting machine, but you could cut yours with a bandsaw, jigsaw, scroll saw, or even a hand-powered coping saw.

A labor of love, for sure, but I think its worth it. The look is awesome, and you'd learn a lot from the build and shaping process. Or, if you've got access to a CNC or even a laser cutter, this could go pretty quickly.

Check out the tutorial and snag the patterns at Instructables: Wooden sunglasses 

Do me a favor this weekend: skip the green beer. Please. But, while you're not drinking that silliness, do try some Irish Whiskey. Often overlook by bourbon and Scotch drinkers, the Irish whiskey tradition is as old as it is varied. In fact, they kinda invented it.    Irish whiskeys are made from both malted and unmalted barley, which contributes to its unique flavor profile. They're often distilled three times, giving the whiskey a lighter flavor compared to Scotch, and the styles are varied: "single pot still", "single malt", "single grain", "blended", etc. 

Like with most spirits, you can spend a fortune, but you don't have to. With that in mind, here are five favorites under $30. Of course, you can opt for the most popular Irish whiskey - Jameson - and there's nothing wrong with it. It's kinda like Jack Daniels or Budweiser or Glenlivet - they're well known for a reason. These picks are intended to stretch your palette a bit without breaking the bank. Sláinte!

1. Bushmills Black Bush - $28.99 - This blend only costs about $6.00 more than the standard Bushmills, and I think it's worth the upgrade, especially if you're drinking it neat with a small splash of water to open it up. Mostly malt and aged in sherry casks. Very good. 

2. Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey - $23.99 - Another solid blend. Very smooth and sweet, with a grain flavor that's a great introduction to the flavor of pot still whiskey. Kilbeggan is the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland.

3. Tyrconnell Single Malt - $29.99 - A great option for trying an Irish Single Malt at an affordable price. Tyrconnell was a legendary racing horse who won at 100:1 odds. Also distilled at Kilbeggan. 

4. Tullamore Dew - $21.00 - An excellent value at just over a Jackson. It's green label reads "the Legendary Irish Whiskey" and features the signature of Daniel E. Williams, the master distiller in the late 19th century who perfected the recipe. A great option to bring to share with friends.

5. Powers Gold Label - $23.00 - This is the one I'd order if I were at a bar. More character than Jameson, and likely costs a few dollars less. Would work will as the shot half of a Boilermaker, and would complement bitter or yeasty beers well. 

Do you have a favorite Irish whiskey? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Also, check out the ManMade roundup of affordable favorites of all styles of whiskey:

The Best Affordable Whiskey: 6 Top Shelf Bottles Under $40

If you've spent any amount of time on the DIY or design blogosphere, you've likely seen plenty of these vintage camper rehab projects, where an old shabby Airstream or bus becomes some usable live/work/travel space for some enterprising young individuals ready to go on an adventure.   This camper re-do is one of those, but I think it stands out for a few reasons: one, the conversion process was incredibly inexpensive. The total was only about $2500, and the effort involved mostly heavy cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, and plenty of clever reuse of the existing structure, rather than a full gutting and rebuild. Two, I especially love the very smart inclusion of an air mattress which sits on the old dining nook and can easily be removed. And three, relatedly, this camper serves multiple purposes: you can sleep/work/look awesome and stylishly brave on Instagram, but it also serves as a place to hold pop-up shops for its owner, a vintage clothing retailer. 

Admittedly, the new vibe is a bit feminine with its kilm pattern and fuzzy textures. But that makes sense, of course, since its owner is a woman. The point here, at least for me, is how far you can go with these things with a couple cans of paint and primer and some clever reuse of existing features and found/thrifted materials. 

See the full makeover at DesignSponge: BEFORE & AFTER: A 1950S CAMPER GETS A STYLISH OVERHAUL