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Every Single Thing a NASCAR Team Does During a Race Weekend

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I’m from about as North as American North gets, so understanding (much less appreciating) NASCAR was never been thing for me or really anyone I knew growing up. But I've been getting to know more fans of car racing, and seeing movies like Rush have slowly beenteaching me to appreciate the skills, mechanical inventiveness, and the energy that comes from a finely executed race. 

Popular Mechanics recently went behind the scenes to photograph Every Single Thing a NASCAR Team Does During A Race Weekend.   It's an impressive production, indeed. 

The mechanics live by an odd code of competition; the photographer was literallly told not to photograph the engine despite the fact that all the competitors work on their wheels side-by-side on race day. Apparently people keep their heads down and focus on what’s in front of them.

That said, the logistical requirements of the pit crew are mind-blowingly specific and the mechanics will do anything to intimidate each other. Such as publicly eating zipties...

Check it out for more details: Every Single Thing a NASCAR Team Does During A Race Weekend


Make This: A Leather Wallet from an Old Cowboy Boot

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It happens to me regularly. I'll be cruising down the aisles of a secondhand shop or antique market, and I'll stumble across a great pair of warm and worn cowboy boots. I'll do the mental exercise in my head... "Can I actually pull off a cowboy boot? And would I even wear them if I bought them?" I'll shuffle around a bit, and then commit to at least trying them on, and usually with that, the decision is made for me. They're always too small. I don't have particularly large feet, but for some reason, the best looking ones are always the wrong size. Either they shrink as they age, or - most likely - the ones that stay available are the ones that are too small for most people. Cause if they feet an average sized foot and only cost $15-20, I can't imagine they'd last very long in the store...

So next time, after I curse my 11 1/2s, I'ma do THIS with 'em instead.

This clever project comes from Alicia Jepsen, and its a great way to repurpose an unwearable boot. (I often see these sold as singles, not as pairs). No one is recommending tearing apart a perfectly good pair of boots, but when they're just to worn and beat up, this is an awesome way to give that leather a second life. 

Get the full how-to at PoppyTalk - DIY: How to Make a Wallet Out of an Old Cowboy Boot!

How to: Make DIY Rustic Masculine Candles

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How to make a reusable rustic candle. Photos: Gabriel Cabrera

Can't get into the floral smells and garish artwork of storebought candles? Nope, us either. So  we came up with our very own DIY version to make a reusable rustic candle that any guy can be proud to burn in his home. (Or log cabin?)

Scented candles can be quite expensive and usually super fragrant... which is totally fine if you're relaxing at the spa with cucumbers over your eyes. (We're not judging...) So, we suggest making your own affordable candles in a reusable container that can be filled up over and over. Light it up. 

How To Make a Reusable Rustic Candle

How to make a reusable homemade candle. Photos: Gabriel Cabrera

 
Materials:

  • Rustic mug or container (try an enamel mug designed for camping, or an old cup from the secondhand store)
  • A penny
  • Essential oil of your choice. We recommend: cinnamon, pine, cedar, or citronella (acts a mosquito repellent too!). NOTE: It's very important that you check that the oil is suitable for candle making as some oils can only be used for low-temp projects (e.g. soaps).
  • 1/2 a pound-ish of wax - For this project we used 24 candles from the dollar store. *See more details below.
  • Candle wick (you can buy one at your local craft store or you can use one from the melted candles).
  • A chopstick or wooden skewer
  • A bowl and a saucepan to make a double boiler.

* You can purchase wax at your local craft store, but it can be a bit pricey, at around $20 or more per pack. Instead, we went to the dollar store and bought a few packs of "emergency candles." For the amount needed for this project we spent around $4.00 USD.

How to make a reusable rustic candle


Make it:

1: Make a double boiler by placing a bowl over a pot with water (make sure the water's not touching the bowl). Bring water to a boil and reduce heat so it simmers.

2: Add wax/candles and let them melt. Add a few drops of the essential oil. Stir with a chopstick. 

3: While everything is melting - "glue" the penny to the candle wick by using a few drops of wax. Place the penny right in the center of the cup and tie a knot around the chopstick to keep it from moving.

How to make a reusable rustic candle

 
4: *Carefully* start pouring the hot, scented wax into the cup. Save a a bit of wax for any touch ups.

5: The wax will contract a bit while it cools down. If it shrinks too much around the edges, use the left over wax to fill up any holes.

6: Cut the excess wick and light it up!

How to make a rustic candle

 
TIPS:

  • Got wax on your clothing? No worries, just place a piece of newspaper on top of it and iron it on high heat. Once you get rid of it, rinse the spot in hot water.
  • Don't want to use a double boiler? Then buy microwaveable soy wax at the craft store. Nuke it and follow the same steps above.
  • NEVER heat the wax directly on the stove as it could ignite. Yikes!

And...that's it. Once the candle is consumed, refill it with more wax. That's another brand new candle for just a few bucks. Use it at home while reading, in the kitchen to get rid of strong smells, or to light your camp in the backcountry. 

 

This post was originally published in June 2013. We're sharing it again because it's camping season! 

How to Build a Better Barbecue

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created at: 08/26/2015

Fact: Food tastes better when enjoyed outside. It might not show up in a scientific journal, but all the anecdotal evidence supports the superior flavor of eating in the open air, whether it's a restaurant patio, your backyard deck, or a neighborhood block party. Also, fact: Food tastes better when enjoyed with people you like. That's why we teamed up with Food Should Taste Good to host our own barbecue right here in Portland, Oregon. Food Should Taste Good makes chips and snack crackers that are naturally simple, and made from the best quality ingredients. They bring sophisticated flavors to everyday snacking, and have been a staple in my home for years. 

created at: 08/26/2015

Our event was amazing, full of good times, good people, and great food. So I wanted to share some of lessons we learned from this awesome evening that you'll be able to apply to your next party. So, fill the coolers, light the grill, and let's hang out. 

How to Design a Better Backyard Barbecue

created at: 08/26/2015

1. Always Play Music. Always. This goes for the whole process. Blare some high-energy tracks while you do your pre-party house cleaning, bring along some ear buds when you do the food and drink shopping, and definitely make sure there are tunes to match the tone of your party. 

But, at the event, don't forget - no one's going to be scrutinizing your song choices, and most backyard barbecues or block parties aren't known for killer dance-floor sessions. There's no need to spend time crafting the perfect playlist.

Our vote: find a couple of existing channels or playlists you like on Pandora, Spotify, or your favorite streaming service, and just play that. Or! Use iTunes to select your top 100 most played tracks, and copy those into a new playlist, deleting any that don't make sense. The last option (if you don't have a streaming wi-fi enabled speaker system): just tune into the oldies station on your radio boombox, and rock the classics all night. 

Then, keep the volume on low to medium; just loud enough for people to hear it, but not enough that it gets in the way of conversation. The music is there to give the space energy and keep things moving. Properly set, it'll do its job.

 

created at: 08/26/2015

2. There's Nothing Wrong with Burgers and Hot Dogs, If You Do It Right. They're a cookout staple for a reason - it's a great way to please a crowd, they make great vegan and vegetarian versions, and folks can customize them any way they like. But take a tip from the modern high/low food mashup movement, and outfit your dogs and burgers with some killer toppings. Lettuce and ketchup, sure, but instead of tomato slices, what about a slow-cooked tomato jam or a spicy pico de gallo? Make a cilantro-lime-onion relish instead of simple onion moons. Skip the dill medallions and opt for pickled carrots or peppers.  

For hot dogs, try giving them an international flair. Here are some fun combos:

  • kimchi, sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo
  • coleslaw and barbecue sauce
  • spicy corn relish and bacon
  • tzatziki with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint
  • chili, shredded cheddar, and diced yellow onions
  • cream cheese mixed with chopped olives, red onion, and scallions
  • refried beans, green chiles, and thinly sliced red cabbage
  • nacho cheese sauce and crushed up potato chips

 

created at: 08/26/2015

3. Pull in Your Local Favorite Products that Everyone Loves. You know those awesome local ingredients that give every city its own unique vibe? Have them at your event. Not only do they taste great and add a you-can-only-get-this-here feel to the meal, they make great conversation starters for guests who might not know each other yet. "Oh, hey. I'm Steve. Have you ever tried this roasted onion jam from that tavern on 7th? I love it; we keep it in the fridge and put it on everything..." See? Convos.

created at: 08/26/2015

For our event with Food Should Taste Good, I put together a list of my favorite local goods, sauces, and resources to create an awesome event with a Portland vibe. 

 created at: 08/26/2015

4. Let There Be [Lots of] Light No matter what space you're hosting in, it will improve with special lighting. That sounds like such a HGTV thing to say, but it's totally true. You want it to feel like a party, get some party lights.

Thankfully, they're really easy to come by. Most of the time, some simple string or cafe lights will do. Raid your holiday decoration box, and string 'em up wherever you can. Or, hit up IKEA or your local import store for good deals on paper lanterns with LEDs. This gives the space a festive feel, but also helps the event keep rocking well after the sun goes down. 

Then, whenever possible, get some open flame. It could be as simple as tea lights or candles, but, if you can, try some tiki torches, citronella bucket candles, or even a small campfire. These help keep away the bugs, and bring along all kinds of atmosphere. 

 

created at: 08/26/2015

5. Self. Serve. Drinks. Welcoming guests, operating the grill, introducing new people to each other, being generally engaging and telling funny anecdotes – those are some of the host's many important jobs. Serving drinks is not one of them. Whatever you're serving, set it up so your guests can get what they want when they need it. Put bottled and canned drinks in ice, and just direct folks where they are. If you don't have enough cooler space, you can use a plastic storage bin, a wheelbarrow, or other large secure space (um ... bathtub?). Or , you can premake batch cocktails and punches, and just let folks fill up their glasses as needed.

Whatever you're drinking, be sure to also include two things: pitchers or dispensers of ice water to keep everybody hydrated and safe, and somewhere to recycle empty bottles and cans, etc. There's no shame in just placing your recycling bin right there for everyone to use. Or, just lay out a couple paper grocery bags and ask your first guest to put their empties in there to set the trend. Everyone else will figure things out. 

 

created at: 08/26/2015

6. Chips and Dip, Baby. Chips and Dip. Chips are standard part of a backyard BBQ or block party. They're tasty, they're an easy way to feed a crowd, and folks come to expect them at an event.

Our vote is: yes, serve chips and dip, but serve some that actually taste good. Skip the greasy bowl of salty potato slices, and make the chip/dip component a thought-through part of the meal that actually compliments the rest of what's on the plate. Snacks and chips from Food Should Taste Good taste great, are made from real ingredients, and have a sophisticated flavor that satisfies the need for crunch. The variety they offer is amazing, and the different flavors make for a great base to get creative with the dips and toppings.

Here are two go-to recipes that'll be a hit with anyone, and can be made well in advance.

Roasted Poblano and Corn Salad with Shrimp
Serve with: Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips

Salad: 

  • 2 medium poblano chiles
  • 8 ears fresh corn (or 4 cups frozen)
  • 1 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, juices drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

To serve:

  • 1 pound cooked and cleaned medium shrimp
  • Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Chips

Roast the chiles over an open flame - either on your oven range or a grill. Alternatively, place them under the broiler. Roast for 5-8 minutes until skin is completely charred. Place in a cover dish to trap steam, and let cool for 10 minutes. Peel and seed the chiles.

Combine the chiles with the remaining ingredients and allow flavors to come together. When ready to serve, add shrimp to salad and serve with chips.

created at: 08/26/2015

Grilled Portabello with Mango Salsa
Serve with: Food Should Taste Good The Works! Tortilla Chips

Mango Salsa:

  • 2 ripe mangos, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe tomato, seeded and diced
  • 1 small jalepeño, ribs and seeds removed, diced
  • 3/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Grilled Portabellos

  • 3 portabello mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine salsa ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Mix the garlic, oil, and herbs together and add the mushrooms. Marinate for 1-4 hours. Preheat a grill to high, or stack hot coals on one side of the grill. Grill over high heat, flipping occassionally, for 10-12 minutes. 

Cut the mushrooms into small triangles that will fill on the chips. Serve each The Works! Chip with a wedge of mushroom and spoonful of the salsa. 

 

 created at: 08/26/2015

7. Seek Out High Quality, Affordable Ingredients. Try to make your budget work for you. Hosting an event can add up, so seek out ingredients and dishes that offer a lot of bang-for-the-buck flavors: low price, taste awesome. Your goal is make people feel full, happy, and a little indulgent, and that's easy to accomplish without breaking the bank.

How? Look for flavorful produce that's in season. In summer, sweet corn is a no-brainer. At only 25-50¢ an ear, it's a whole lotta seasonal flavor for the price. Hot chiles and peppers are super affordable, and provide lots of kick and color for just pennies. All year round, sweet potatoes and carrots are priced reasonably, and you can do a lot with them. Fresh herbs transform any dish, and are affordable, especially those sold in bunches like cilantro, parsley, dill, etc. (Those little plastic boxes are way overpriced).

And I'm putting in a final good word for cabbage. Yep, cabbage. It comes in at one or two dollars a head, and it's super easy to prep. Keep it raw, and finely slice some red cabbage with some grated carrot and onion, and dress it up anyway you like: cilantro and lime, sesame seeds and peanuts, etc... It's a great, simple, and colorful salad that you can prep way ahead of time, and keep everyone happy. 

 

created at: 08/26/2015

8. Don't Worry About Having Enough Seats. Sure, put out every chair you own. If you can sit on it and pick it up, employ it at your get-together. And ask your friends to bring some along. But, you have what you have, and chairs encourage people to sit down and stay put in one place. Parties are all about movement and conversation, so there's nothing wrong with having folks on their feet, leaning against walls, squatting down to chat, etc.  Don't let seating prevent you from throwing a great bash. Good times are rarely had while seated. 

 

created at: 08/26/2015

9. Make Everything Ahead of Time. Yeah, you can finish some stuff on the grill, but the great thing about party food is it can all be done in advance. Whip up all your dips ahead of time, so you only need to serve up the chips to finish things off. If you're serving hot food, use a warm oven (170°) and aluminum foil keep things ready to go. Aluminum trays filled with ice will keep things cool.

 

created at: 08/26/2015

10. Prep Your House for Guests. Pick up, but don't scrub your house spotless. It's going to get chaotic with dishes and foot traffic before the evening is over. Instead, make sure your home is set up to welcome people. Make signs pointing to the bathroom. Make sure there's enough toilet paper, and that your hand soap dispenser is filled. Put out some extra hand towels. If you don't normally store your plunger next to the toilet, consider making it available for guests.

created at: 08/26/2015

Be sure there's a small trash can in the bathroom (lined with a bag), and bigger spots for trash and recycling near the food table. Print up a few signs with the wi-fi password, and include a hashtag for the event to encourage people to capture the good times. Keep the fire extinguisher handy, as well as a broom and dustpan, so an embarrassed guest doesn't have to ask you to help them clean up that plate they dropped (they will). 

Lastly, the golden rule of hosting any event: Get more ice than you think you need. You'll never regret it.

created at: 08/26/2015

 

A little care, a little intention, some great food and ingredients, and you and your friends will have a seriously good time. 

Cheers!

 

 

This ManMade post was sponsored by Food Should Taste Good, makers of high-quality snacks that are made with real ingredients. They're gluten and GMO free, with zero trans fats and no cholesterol. Thanks for supporting the brands that support ManMade. 

All photos by Margaret Jacobsen

created at: 08/26/2015

 

 

ManMade Essential Toolbox: In Praise of the High-Quality Screwdriver Set

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Each week in 2015, ManMade is sharing our picks for the essential tools we think every creative guy and DIYer needs. We've selected useful, long-lasting tools to help you accomplish a variety of projects, solve problems, and live a hands-on lifestyle that allows you to interact with and make the things you use every day. 

created at: 08/26/2015

Let's be clear: I'm not here to share the basics of what a screwdriver is, or what it can do. Its purpose is clear. It's right there in the name.

Nor is it important to discuss all the different varieties of tasks it can perform. Because it can't do much.  If you use them properly, they're not a paint can opener. They're not a punch, or a chisel, or a pry bar. They do two things: tighten hardware, and loosen hardware. 

Instead, I will say this: a high-quality set of wood handled screwdrivers are a true joy to use. They are comfortable, practical, and extremely efficient. They inspire me to use them regularly (instead of reaching for a drill or impact driver), and provide the kind of control you need to drive precision hardware. Are they necessary for building a house or screwing on your new license plate? No. But if you, like me, take on a variety of creative and household projects that require a large variety of hardware, a really, really nice set of screwdrivers are worth having, and worth the price. $5.00 - $7.00 is not too much for a tool that will last lifetimes.

created at: 08/26/2015

What Makes for a Super Nice Screwdriver?

Simple: unplated, precision ground tips, and shanks formed and hardened from high quality steel. That's it. The custom hollow-grinding of these tool tips creates minimally small tolerances that won't damage hardware. This isn't an enormous deal when driving a box of new screws, but is of paramount importance when working with existing hardware, especially those related to original or antique pieces of value (think furniture, cabinet hinges, etc). 

The best screwdrivers tend to come from woodworking shops, or those intended for gunsmithing, which requires precision hardware placement, mechanics, and mounting. I'm not a gun owner or user, but the quality of these tools is undeniable. The steel is hardened to high standards to prevent twisting, chipping, or rolling over, and, on the slotted drivers, have a square shanked blade that can be grasped with a wrench. 

Wooden handles provide a comfortable user experience, and prevent slipping when your hands are covered in machine oil, or sweat from working on a hot day.

created at: 08/26/2015

Another big benefit to a high-quality screwdriver: the length of their shank increases as the driving tip gets larger. This keeps the torque and pressure appropriate for the hardware size, and makes hand driving much easier. 

 

created at: 08/26/2015

Which Screwdrivers Should You Get? 

Lastly, this: There is no tool I use more than a screwdriver. For small household tasks like changing lightbulbs to hanging a picture or window blinds to fixing a rattling cabinet. For full-on built-from-scratch furniture projects. For repairing, fixing, and setting up my guitars. For fine-tuning my bicycle. For keeping my sewing machine and table saw (and everything in between) in good working order. For my wife to use for her jewelry making and other creative tasks.

I don't know if I use them everyday, but I use one five days a week, for sure. They are, guaranteed, the tool I most commonly go out to my garage shop to get, and the space they leave behind on my pegboard is, by far, the most empty. To me, that means it's worth getting a set that I love, can trust for all the variety of tasks, and that are a pleasure and inspiring to use. Even looking at these photographs writing this up makes me want to go out in the garage and make stuff. Can you say that about a rubber-handled, plated driver made from cheap steel in China? 

Maybe you don't rush out and replace every one you own right now. Maybe you wait until you've got a gift card, or you ask for a set for your birthday. Maybe you treat yourself when you're about to take on a big project. But once you've paid $40 for them, you can pass them along to your grandkids' grandkids. That's a worthwhile investment to me.

created at: 08/26/2015

ManMade Recommended: 

 

 

 

5 Simple Beginning Leather Projects to Help Grow Your Craft

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Leather Tool CaseA few weeks back we talked about some of the basic, essential tools for getting started in leatherworking. Once you're set up, its time to put them into practice. Here are a few projects to hone those skills, and end up with some great practical pieces you can use everyday   Each of these is a great starting place to help walk through the first steps of the hobby.

Passport Cover

1. Hand-Sewn Passport Cover - I don't travel enough to make this something I need. However, the few times I pull out that passport I already feel like a jet-setting fool, so why not feel like it in style. This project uses leather glue, layout and cutting, and plenty of hand stitching.

Leather Cup Holder

2. Mason Jar Mug Holder - I've got a few mugs in the cabinet that I really love. Thick walled and heavy duty, they are the perfect match to cold drinks on the patio. This project is a simple holder with handle to keep the liquid party colder longer. I love the crossed stitching and styled handle, so much potential for customizing each one.

Leather Roll-Up Case
3. Leather Tool Roll-Up Case - We all have plenty of tools that need a home. This simple project adds in a sewing machine if you're so inclined, but hand stitching is still a respectable way to go.

4. Leather Cord Wranglers - Keep your headphones, charging/syncing, and USB cables under control with this simple taco-style leather organizer.

5. DIY Leather Valet Tray- Keep all your daily carry items in the same place each night in this simple but stylish catch-all tray. Looks great on your dresser, night stand, or hall table. 

How to Build a French Cleat Organizing System for Your Workshop

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created at: 08/27/2015 A well organized shop is a productive shop. But we all know that as our skills and interests grow and change and our projects vary, its nice to be able to switch out grab-able tools and organization systems to meet the needs of what we're currently working on.   

Linn from Darbin Orvar definitely understood the benefit of a flexible system, so she sought to fill up an open space above an auxilary bench with a row of french cleats. This allows her to house all her tools and clamps and accessories on the same mounting system, providing complete interchangeability for however she wants to position things. It's like pegboard, but stronger and much more flexible.

Check it out in the video below:

Read more from Linn at her site, Darbin Orvar,  and watch more awesome videos at her YouTube channel

If You're a Man that Uses Hair Product, Please Read This.

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created at: 08/27/2015

First, apologies to the young man who stood in front of me at the post office yesterday. He was trying, but not trying too hard. He was going for a slightly updated classic New England collegiate look: blue button down oxford, dark green chinos, killer brown leather boots, 60s inspired glasses. His hair was parted pretty traditionally, the kind of clipper/scissor combo cut you can get at any modern barbershop. He didn't ask to inspire an article about hair product.    Maybe he was having an off day. We all have them. We apply the goo when your hair's a little too damp, or get a little too much on our fingers and just rub it in anyway. But, his whole head was just screaming "I put stuff in my hair today. You can see it, right?"

Don't be that guy. Don't let product misuse ruin your whole thing. You don't want people to see it. For a natural look, follow these simple techniques, and get on with your day. 

 

1) Don't start in the front. This was post office guy's crucial mistake. Looking right at him, you could see exactly how his hair ended up that way. He put a big dollop on his fingers, and ran them straight through the front of his hairline, right along the scalp, cementing the path of travel of his hand for the rest of the day. 

This puts all the product at the bottom of your hair folical, giving that spike-y bang look that should be left to 1997 high school freshman. 

Instead: Place product across your fingers, and rub it around a little to distribute evenly. Then, work your way from the back to the front, spreading the product from the base of your head to to the ends of your hair, working along your part. This gives your hair actual structure, not just weight. 

 

created at: 08/27/20152. You can always add more. Most modern products (at least the ones you should be using) are designed to increase styling ability, not to cement an existing style in place. Don't grab and spread everything you need in one go. 

Instead: use all your fingers to add the product in light coats to cover just stuff above your crown. Unless you have long hair, you can probably leave the sides alone. Then, with your hands still sticky, pull it everywhichway until its where you want it.


3. Apply first, style second.  If you have short hair that's slightly longer on the top (the classic men's cut), don't try to set that slightly mussed look in from the beginning.

Instead: following rules number one and two, lightly and evenly apply to you hair, and roughly style it. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes, then break up any clumps, pull it up and out, and get the mess. It's never going to be perfect in one go. Concentrate on getting the stuff in there first, and then finalize the look in the mirror after a few minutes, or in the rearview on the way to your night out. 

 

 

 


Make This: DIY Pocket Notebook from a Beer Case

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DIY Pocket Notebook6 pack cases - we all have a few of those around, the remnants of a night with friends and now the perfect cover for your pocket notebook.   I always feel a bit bad about throwing out those artfully crafted 6 pack holders from my favorite craft brewery. I also use plenty of small notebooks at work and play so they tend to get ragged pretty fast without a nice cover.The Tools

This simple tutorial has just a few steps to turn a stack of paper and a 6 pack into a few  notebooks that show off a bit of your good taste in beer to your friends. Take a look at the tutorial here.

Happy [on the] Trails: Three Gourmet Backpacking Desserts for Your Next Hike

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After a long day hiking, there are few things more exciting than the promise of a good hearty meal and dessert. Now, sitting in the comfort of your home, you might be thinking that trail mix will be fine, but get out on that trail and you’ll start craving some sweeter fair. To solve this problem, jdorenbos has compiled three stand-out recipes: Turtle Rice Pudding, Orange Mango Angel Food Cake, and a Lemon Berry Parfait (seen above).


Each dessert recipes comes with two preparation guides, one for home and one that can be made on-the-go. See all the recipes here.

Weekend Project: Make These DIY Copper Tiki Torches (with Some Mid-Century Modern Pizzazz)

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Tiki torches are hit or miss for me. They can be tacky and, but if done right they can class up the aesthetic of your summer barbecue in a whole new way. The design is as simple to make as the aesthetic is clean. And now Homemade-Modern has this how-to video to walk you through the process.   

The instructions are simple and the copper can be constructed in two ways, one of which is soldering and is a fantastic gateway to the medium. Check out the video above and click here for the instructions, or adapt your own method and throw a whiskey bottle on top

Decoding the Secret Language of Street Signs and Fonts

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Words words words, as the Bard said. All around us and packed with meaning despite the fact that many of us never stop to think about the other design aspects of the world around us. But that's where this little city exploration tour from Quartz comes in to unpack the hidden meaning behind everyday street signs. 

The guide in this case is Alexander Tochilovsky, an adjunct professor of design and typography at the Cooper Union School of Art in New York. Check out the video below and get a new perspective on cities' histories.

(Can't see the video? Try this link)

 

Make It: Simple and Stylish Leather Smartphone Flip Wallet

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If you're more of a minimalist with your daily carry items, and prefer to keep everything in one front or jacket pocket, check out this leather smartphone flip wallet project from Attila from High on Glue. 

The project is built around a simple design with layered pockets, but throws in some serious style points by adding contrast stitching and dyed edges. The tutorial has lots of helpful step-by-step photos, so even if you're not an accomplished leather working, with the right tools, you could easily take this one on. 

Get the full how-to from High on Glue - Leatherwork Tutorial: How to make a leather iPhone Flip Wallet

The Tallest Mountain in the United States is Getting Its Name Back

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President Obama is visiting Alaska today, and before he leaves, he'll have renamed a mountain. The tallest peak in the United States, with a summit elevation of 20,237 ft, has been officially known in the United States as Mount McKinley since 1917, after having been dubbed that by gold prospectors in the late 1890s who wished to promote their favorite presidential candidate.    

This week, the mountain will be officially designated Denali, meaning "the great one" in the Athabaskan languages of the Alaska Natives who live there, and the name that locals have used for the peak for centuries.   

There's a whole big political debate surrounding the issue, include many decades of efforts to return the mountain to its original name, which have been thwarted by Ohio lawmakers, where President McKinley was born.  You can read more here. 

As someone who lived in Ohio for 30 years and now who daily, at least when it's clear out, gets to gaze an ancient, epic peak which, for hundreds of years, was known as Wy'east before it ended up with a rather uninspiring moniker named after some British admiral who never even visited the place, I'm completely fascinated by this whole process. Names don't make mountains less beautiful, but stories and traditions certainly do.  

Read more at Gear Patrol: The Mountain Formerly Known as McKinley

How to: DIY Dining Table for a Crowd from Reclaimed Wood

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created at: 08/31/2015

A simple but functional DIY table for eight, made from reclaimed materials loaded with character? What's not to love?    

This project comes from Manda at The Merrythought, and it's impressive how much design can come from such simple materials. This is certainly not the first time someone on the internet has screwed some boards together and placed them on some premade hairpin legs, but its execution is excellent. It's a really nice example of how proper selection of materials and attention to detail and scale can turn a good idea into a great project. 

Read about the whole process at The Merrythought: DIY Reclaimed Wood Table


19 Seriously Stylish and Complex Control Panels that Will Make You Want to Flip All the Switches

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Back before we had the intuitive computer interfaces we have today, the men in the control booths had to rely on looming control panels full of switches, levers, buttons, and all sorts of intimidating and archaic devices. The physical industrial design had to be both wholly practical (in a lot of cases) and as user-friendly as possible, resulting in a wealth of unique control panels.   

From the Apollo Guidance Computer Control System to a variety of nuclear power plants to deep sea divers, these 19 photographs from Popular Mechanics were selected more or less for their awesome factor and how much they'll make you want to start flipping random switches. 

 

Great Cooking is All About Good Technique and Ingredients. Here are Two Solid, Standby Recipes to Win Dinner Every Time

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Two recipes that highlight quality ingredients and essential techniques.
By the time you're thirty, there are a few things you really should know how to do, like fixing a flat tire, fixing a leaky faucet ... and fixing a meal. You don’t have to be an amazing cook, but every man definitely needs some standbys to pull out when guests are coming around. A dish or two he knows well, with ingredients and techniques he understands.

created at: 08/19/2015 To share our picks, we teamed up with Murphy-Goode Winery, who are enjoying their 30th anniversary this year. We chatted with their winemaker, David Ready Jr., to come up with two go-to dishes that pair easily with Murphy-Goode's classic backyard wines, one white and one red, that you count on to be a hit with any guest. 

 

created at: 08/19/2015

 

Grill-Smoked Glazed Pork Chops

Think of this as your go-to recipe when you want to eat outside, or bring the flavors of summer to a cold, dark winter evening. Serve with a bold red "cookout" wine like the Murphy-Goode Liars' Dice Zinfandel.

Prep Time: Start 1-3 days ahead if possible; if not, they'll still be great. 
Cook Time: 2 ½ hours total, 45 minutes active

Meat:

  • 2 cups apple wood (or similar) chips
  • 2-4x bone-in pork chops, 1 1/2-2" thick
  • Kosher salt and black pepper 

Glaze (yields about 1 ½ cup):

  • 1 cup apricot jam or jelly
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • ½ dried thyme
  • Water as needed

 

This recipe has two skills that transfer well to other meals – smoking and glazing on the grill. Adding a light, smoky flavor imparts a rugged dimension to the meal, and a depth to otherwise lean pork. Layering a glaze at the end adds a succulent finish and texture. 

Fresh Raw Pork Loin Curing

Choosing the Meat – If you can get them, always grill with a bone-in cut (chops, loins). Smoking meat can dry out the cuts due to the long cooking time, so start with thicker cuts of meat (about 1 ½ - 2" thick). If you don’t see thick cuts in the case, ask the butcher to cut a few fresh from the loin. They'll be happy to oblige.

 

Salted Curing Pork

The Dry Curing Process – Pork is an ideal meat for "salting" (also known as dry brining), which flavors the meat Add a healthy layer of salt to both surfaces, and place uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-3 days. When it's time to cook, take the meat out and pat dry, brushing away any extra salt. Any seasonings or flavor added after this step shouldn’t contain salt, as it can overpower the meat. You can always add more. 

 

Soaked Applewood Smoking Chips

Smoking on a Gas Grill – Just because you own a gas grill doesn’t mean the hearty flavor of smoking is out of reach. I’ve used a few different methods to add smoke to my grilling adventures on a gas grill, including fancy smoke boxes. But, the easiest method is just a simple foil packet (or foil pan) packed with soaked fruitwood chips.

To prepare the package, soak some apple, cherry, or similar fruit tree chips in a bowl of warm water for at least 45 minutes (or up to 3 hours). Once the chips are soaked, take a doubled up piece of foil about 12” wide and place 2 cups of drained chips in the middle in a wide strip. Fold up the ends, and fold each side over loosely. Poke 4-5 slits with a knife on the top to help the smoke escape. Take the entire packet and place on the grill over medium-high heat for about 45-60 minutes before adding the meat. Don’t expose the packet directly to the flame, as it will burn up and lose all the chips. The goal is to get a sustained smoke that will last for hours, so let it heat up slowly.

The same technique can be applied to a charcoal grill. You can scatter the soaked wood chips directly on the hot coals. 

Seasoned Cured Pork Loins

Smoking the Meat – The key to a good smoked meal is to take things slow, so the smoked flavor has time to penetrate before it hits final temperature. The grill should stay about 225- 250 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 2 hours until the meat is 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. The cook time will vary so check often to avoid overcooking.

The best way to get smoke going without overheating the grill is to place the smoke packet on one side with the heat, and place the meat on the opposite side, without direct heat underneath, known as two-zone cooking. Flip the meat once or twice, and check the temperature every 15 minutes to make sure the grill heat stays consistent.

 

Apricot Glazed Pork Loin

Adding a Glaze – Glazing meat is a great way to add a final layer of savory flavor. To make the glaze, mix together a fruit jam or jelly like apricot (or peach) with just abit of oil, water, and additional flavorings like herbs or chili powder. The goal is a mixture that’s thick enough to stay on the meat without running off, but thin enough to spread well (think BBQ sauce). 

Sliced Applewood Pork Loins
Once the meat has reached an internal temperature of 130° F, place the chops over direct heat medium and apply a thick layer of the glaze. Let the glaze cook for about 5 minutes, flip the meat, and repeat. Cook to an internal temperature of 140° F. Then, remove the meat from the heat and let it rest wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. During this time, carry over heat will take the final temp to 145° F. 

 

Fish Tacos

For our white wine recipe, we're going with some amazing fish tacos. They're simple to prepare but big on flavor, and go great with refreshing, light white wine like Murphy-Goode's Fumé Sauvignon Blanc. created at: 08/19/2015

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 20 min

I don't remember the first time I tried fish tacos, but I certainly remember the best I've ever had. We were in Baja, Mexico, and after a long day on the water, we watched the sunset with a bottle of wine and two plates piled high with cilantro-laden tacos and plenty of laughter. These days, it’s still one of my favorite meals to share with good friends. One of the best parts of a taco spread is the ability for everyone to customize the meal, and it keeps the host with his guests, without spending too much time in the kitchen. Pair it with a well-chilled bottle of white for a relaxing meal everyone will remember.

Sauce:

  • 1 tsp dill seed
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin           
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp capers, minced
  • .5 oz (1 lime) fresh lime juice
  • 1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced

Tacos:

  • soft corn tortillas
  • 2 lbs fish fillet (Cod, Snapper) (go for ½ lbs per person)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp grown cumin
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 head red cabbage (chopped thinly)
  • 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

Avocado Salsa:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup diced red onion, rinsed under cold water for 20 seconds
  • 1 lime
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp Bay Seasoning

Seasoned Grilled Fish for Tacos

Choosing the Meat – Snapper is a light, flaky fish that falls apart easily and doesn’t have a strong seafood flavor. Grill in foil or bake it. This fish takes the seasoning well and cooks fast. Cod is a more solid filet with a more pronounced “fishy” aroma, but in a good way. (They are fish tacos, after all). It holds up well for grilling and frying, but the texture can get a bit rubbery if overcooked. Choose 4-6” fillets for best results. Fish is best fresh, but frozen fillets will do in a pinch.

Sauce Ingredients

Preparing the Sauce – First, mince the jalapeño and capers. Then mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl (dill seed, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano) to integrate well. In a separate bowl, add all other ingredients until blended well.

Sauce Before The Mixing Add the dry ingredients into the mix and lightly blend together. Be careful not to over-blend, as the sauce can go from creamy to runny in a blink.

 

Preparing the Fish Tacos

Preparing the Fish – Rinse the fish and pat dry, then place in the middle of foil. Fold up the ends and add seasoning (lime juice, cumin, bay seasoning, garlic and butter). This can also be done up to one day before, but place fish and seasonings in a Ziploc bag and place in the refrigerator until ready to cook, and then transfer to foil.

Fish on the Grill

Cooking the Fish – After everything is prepared, take the foil-wrapped fish and put it on a grill heated to about 350° F. The key is to cook it fast to an internal temperature of 145° F, which should be easily flaked with a fork (about 20 minutes). Bonus for the grill - it keeps the heat and smells outside.

Another easy method if it’s a bit cold or wet outside, is to bake the fish for about 20-25 minutes in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This method comes out a bit softer with less of the flaked goodness that the grill provides, but the taste is still perfect for loading up the tortilla. The last technique, in my book, is frying the fish with a battered coating. This method is a bit time-consuming, but the flavor is bold and the texture crunchy, and the likelihood of leftovers is close to zero. Whichever method you choose to cook the fish, the toppings will stay the same. So, try it out, and see which method you like best. 

Chopping the Cabbage

 Preparing the Toppings – I like all my toppings to be finely shredded, but not too that they lose their texture. This is finger food, so being able to load up the taco means keeping most toppings large enough to easily manage.

Chopping Cilantro Chop up the cabbage, cilantro, onions, and avocado. Section out the cabbage and cilantro into separate bowls and mix the remaining ingredients together.

AVacado Lime Salsa

We make an avocado-cilantro salsa that adds a nice zip of lime. It has the crunchy bitterness of fresh red onion that holds up well with large chunks of buttery avocado. Add together the onion, avocado, cumin and ½ cup of the cilantro in a single bowl and loosely mix; season with salt to taste. While chopping everything up, the tortillas can be heated in a moist towel on the side of the grill (not on direct heat). Toss them in a cast iron pan to keep them from burning (or throw them in the microwave).

Finished Grilled Fish Tacos

 A few notes:

  • This sauce is great on almost anything. Try it with grilled vegetables, chicken, or even baked potatoes.
  • If you want to add more heat, add 1-2 canned chipotles and 1 tsp adobo sauce to the mix. 
  • The best way to reheat corn tortillas for a crowd: wrap them by the dozen in one damp paper towel. Slide the stacks into a one gallon ziptop bag, and place, unsealed, in the microwave. Microwave for 1:30 per dozen at 75% power. Store in a clean tea towel or basket. 

Serving up Fish Tacos

 

 Both of these recipes work great during this late summer/early fall season, when its still nice to eat outside. But really, they're simply delicious, and an awesome option any time you want some great wine, great food, and great friends. 

Cheers.

 

 

created at: 08/19/2015

This post was sponsored by Murphy-Goode Winery. Thanks for supporting the sponsors who support ManMade! 

 

 

Build This: Make a DIY Wooden 3D Pantograph

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I've seen a few of these interesting contraptions over the past few years, and really had no idea what they did. All I understood was that it created a copy of something at a smaller or larger ratio. Today I came on a plan to build a trim-router based pantograph that looks simple enough to tackle.  

Mattias over at Woodgears came up with a great design and walks through the steps of construction really cleanly and even offers a set of downloadable plans for an exact copy (for a price). His plan also allows for 1/3 and 1/2 ratio copies and a depth dimension for 3D copies. Finished Pantograph

Take a look as the plan here and if you're interested enough make it a weekend project!

 

How to Clean Your Entire House in 45 Minutes: A Modern Man's Guide

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Your bachelor pad. Your family home. That apartment with all the architectural detail and the amazing view. Wherever you live, houses get messy. And they stay that way, until you clean them. When your plans to let someone inside ends up happening before your hopes of getting your home back to normal, then it's time to clean it. Quickly. 

created at: 09/02/2015

You don't have the time to deep clean and scrub, so make the little bit you have count. If you're smart and focused, you can pull it off in the running time of your favorite record.    

45:00 - Pick a music album (or playlist) you know and love.  Not Ramones-length short, but no double LPs here either. An average 12-14 song album that you can sing along to and not focus on. Your house will be clean by the time the secret bonus track comes on. 

44:00 - Fill up the sink with hot soapy water. Or, if you have a dishwasher, make sure it's empty with the racks pulled out. You're gonna need somewhere to place all the  dirty plates and coffee mugs lying around all over the house. 

created at: 09/02/2015

42:00 - Start in the Bedroom. 

  • Pick up all your laundry and put it in the hamper. Don't worry about emptying pockets or removing belts or turning socks right side out - just get it off the floor. If your hampers are overflowing, place items in laundry baskets and put them in the most hidden corner of your room. 
  • Pick up any books and magazines and stack them neatly. Clean off dressers and side tables. Close all dresser drawers, making sure there's no little pieces of sock or t-shirt sticking out of the closure. 
  • Make your bed like you mean it. Arrange pillows neatly. 

38:00 - Begin the bathroom and kitchen. You can't make the whole thing spotless, so focus on the areas that need the most help. Use time and the power of the cleaners to your advantage. 

  • Put your toiletries and daily use items away and where they belong. Hang up towels.
  • Then spray the hard surfaces with bathroom cleaner. Get the sink, faucet, outside of the toilet, and the bottom of the tub or shower. You can use the shower curtain or doors to your advantage. Just clean the outside. (Unless you know someone will be using it. Then spray away.)
  • Fill the toilet bowl with toilet cleaner, getting as high up as possible (that's where the real crud lives). 
  • Spray cleanser on the kitchen surfaces: stovetop, counters, and any sticky spots on the floor. 

32:00 - Tackle the Living Room. 

  • Deal with the surfaces: clean off the coffee table, entertainment cabinet, side tables etc. Stack books and magazines and place remote on top. 
  • Fold blankets, then smooth cushions and neatly arrange pillows. It sounds fussy, but it's amazing what a difference it will make.
  • Roll up any cables or cords, close and store your laptop, and turn on all lamps. 
  • Embrace the stack. If you don't have time to put things where they belong, place them on top of each other from largest to smallest. It might not look like an display of objets d'art, but it'll look like you intentionally put them there. Which you did. 

25:00 - Finish the bathroom. 

  • Wipe down all the surfaces that have been soaking.
  • Clean the toilet insides with a toilet brush. You cannot scrub too hard.
  • Use an antibacterial wipe to clean the outside of the toilet and the area around the bowl. Don't get that stuff on your good sponge.
  • Use a wet paper towel to clean the floor, wiping up all the hairs and beard trimmings and other goodies that end up in cracks and crevasses. 
  • Replace the hand towel your guest will use, and light a candle if you have one. 
  • Essential #1: Empty the bathroom trash so no one sees your dirty q-tips and other unmentionables.
  • Essential #2: Clean the mirror with glass cleaner and a paper towel. YOU MAY NOT SKIP THIS. It takes 90 seconds, and getting all those toothpaste splashes and water drops off the mirror is the single most important thing you can do to make your bathroom look clean. 
  • Use the glass-cleaner towel to polish the sink, faucets, or other metal fixtures. It's the sparkle that counts.

17:30 - Kitchen It Up. 

  • You're still singing along right? This is what keeps you sane.
  • Wipe down all the surfaces you sprayed before, including counters and cooktops. Get all the crumbs and coffee grounds and salt and stuff out of the corners and edges.
  • Wipe off the front of microwaves, toaster ovens, refrigerators, etc. If you have stainless steel appliances, use those little wipes intended for the stainless. Those things are &#*%ing magical. 
  • Deal with the dishes. Like faster than you've ever dealt with dishes before. Food-encrusted plates and dirty glasses are what makes your house look gross. Figure it out. Don't get obsessive, just get it done. 
  • Finish by wiping out the sink and polishing the faucet. See: bathroom. 

created at: 09/02/2015

5:00 - Sweep the [floor], Johnny. 

  • Bust out the vacuum and do all carpets and rugs. If you don't have much time left, focus on the paths from the door to the sofa, bed, and the bathroom. Those not only will be the dirtiest, but are the places your guests will see.
  • If your vacuum can handle it, use the hard floor setting to do the kitchen, baths, or any tile/wood floors. If not, bust out the broom and work quick. Make several little piles and then come around with the dustpan at the end to finish up.
  • You probably don't have time to mop, so use an antibacterial wipe or two to scrub up grimy or sticky spots and remove built-up crud. A wet Swiffer thing will also get it done fast. 
  • Use any extra time to dust hard surfaces in the living and bedroom. 

Done.

 

 

Skill Builder: How to Get Started In Screenprinting

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Screen PrintingWe all come in contact with screenprinted goods every day... there's a good chance you're wearing something screenprinted right now. It's is an impressive way to personalize just about anything you can think of, and it's really not that hard to start. Here are a few starter kits to help start down the road to making your own art and customizing everything you can get your hands on.   DIY Print Shop Kit

1. This first kit looks like a great value when just getting started. It comes with enough supplies to learn how to do it right. Quality on this t-shirt kit looks to be very good. $199Screen Printing Kit

2. Blick's kit is quite a bit more expensive but includes more supplies so after averaging that out it may still be worth the money. Still, it's a big hurdle to get into the hobby. $475

Amazon Screen Printing Kit

3. Amazon has a small starter kit without the lever action tool for tabletop printing. This affordable kit is a good starting point, but it is probably worth the extra coin to get the lever action for t-shirts and other fabric items. $99

4. Here's an assemble-it-yourself post that gets you started for around $75 (note: those are 2007 prices). This a la cart method allows you to get exactly what you need, and nothing you don't.

Here's a look at an inspirational screenprint overview from a guy who really knows the craft:

No matter how you start, there's plenty of creativity in the process and I can't wait to hear about the projects you're making with this new-found skill-set.

 

 

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