Look - there's no shame in admitting it: we at ManMade love the holiday season. The lights, the smells, and, most importantly, the sounds. No, not the soft rock mall music or the umpteenth crooner cover filler track, but the good holiday songs. The ones that give you energy, make you feel festive, and happy that it's December.

And so, in 2015, we're sharing our ManMade Musical Advent Calendar, where we offer a new favorite holiday song every day, by bands you actually care about.       

Sunday, December 20th: "Little Drummer Boy" by The Dandy Warhols

Here in Portland, the Dandy Warhols annual Christmas spectacular is a big deal. Recently, Portland Monthly sought to answer, "Why Have the Dandy Warhols Become Synonymous With Christmas in Portland?" (In short: the band likes it.)

This version of "Little Drummer Boy," now more than twenty years old, sounds as fresh today as a when it came out, which was already three decades older even then. It's trippy, it's poppy, it's drone-y, it's festive, and one of the only versions of this song that actually works. (We like yours. too, Beck).

Ba ba ba ba ba > pa rum pum pum pum, forever. 

Check out all the songs in the ManMade Musical Advent Calendar here! 

Look - there's no shame in admitting it: we at ManMade love the holiday season. The lights, the smells, and, most importantly, the sounds. No, not the soft rock mall music or the umpteenth crooner cover filler track, but the good holiday songs. The ones that give you energy, make you feel festive, and happy that it's December.

And so, in 2015, we're sharing our ManMade Musical Advent Calendar, where we offer a new favorite holiday song every day, by bands you actually care about.       

Monday, December 21st: "We Three Kings" by Blondie

More than thirty years after the heyday of CBGB's, Blondie dropped this amped up take on "We Three Kings" in 2009. The best versions of this song play on the tunes minor key verse, major key chorus, and this one nails it with punk-y punches that remind you why these people got their start alongside the Ramones and Television and the Voidoids before heading into the disco of "Heart of Glass" and "Rapture."

And I have no problem watching a bunch of 65-year-olds hanging out in the winter woods wearing black leather jackets. That's jolly as $#%, man.

Check out all the songs in the ManMade Musical Advent Calendar here! 

For many of us, this is a big week. Start it off well with some serious inspiration.   I wish I could tell you more about this video and process, but my lack of German is limiting me. But I am seriously impressed with this guy's chisel technique. Can you imagine how sharp that bevel must be and how much control he's exerted to get shavings like that? They're thin enough to accomplish in a single pass, but still thick enough to stand on their own and maintain that shape. Pretty amazing. 

This came out in 2012, so you may have already seen it. If not, you'll be impressed. Even if it's not to your taste, it's always inspiring to watch a master craftsman at work. 

With so many moving parts in the shop, it takes quite a bit to keep it all running smooth. We keep a few key lubricants on the shelf to make sure there is a always an oil or grease close at hand when we need to get rid of that squeak, loosen a rusted tool, or just get something back to like new performance.   There are plenty of items in the shop that need a bit of routine lubricant to keep them running their best. Here is a look at what I keep on my shelf to keep everything moving.

1. 3 - In - 1 Oil - This standard use oil is great for anything that needs just a bit of lubricant. The lube is fairly viscous so it penetrates well into hinges, threads, and gears. Great protection against rust build up on metal parts. Get It Here $4.00 This also works well to keep metal drill bits cool and smooth when drilling into metal. 

2. WD-40 - Yes, of course this makes the list. I remember my grandpa had a can of this on his shelf in his garage, and we're sure yours did to. This solvent drives out moisture, helps unstick rusty parts, and just plain works. It's a very runny oil though, so watch out when applying to areas where drips can get messy. Get It Here $7.50 And don't put it on your bike chain. 

3. Dry Lubricant - This non-greasy product doesn't leave a residue that dust and grime can build up on. I use it on padlocks, door knob mechanisms, and interior hinges. While it won't last as long as the 3-In-1 lubricant, it's a lot less messy and makes it what I grab for anything over carpet or areas where I don't want to build-up grime. Get It Here $7.00

4.  General Purpose Grease - This is the grease I use in my hand pump grease gun. There are plenty of uses for this multi-purpose grease from trailer wheel bearings to a dab on gears or threaded rods. I go for a straight lithium or lithium complex grease with a 150 - 220 viscosity for general purpose use. Get It Here $12

5. Bit and Blade Lubricant - A while back, we wrote about cleaning your saw blades. I use BladeCote to give all my cutting edges a boost and it makes a noticeable difference in performance. If you work with wood, you need this lubricant. (I use Glide Cote for silky smooth surfaces).Get BladeCote Here $20 and GlideCote Here $25

The Tools - Most lubricants come in their own cans, but there are a few simple tools to have when you want to get the grease where it needs to go.

1. Grease Gun - Don't worry about getting fancy with battery or air powered models, a simple hand pump gun is all that is needed for routine work. Get a gun small enough to easily fit into tight spaces, with a hose long enough to reach in and plug into joint ports. Get it Here $25

2. Precision Oiler - This small pen-sized oiler fits in a chest pocket for a bit of focused oil in a portable package. I have a small plastic version that I have refilled with 3-in-1 about 4 times this year. I keep it in my top apron pocket most of the time. Get It Here $10

Here's a simple project to keep that gun clean and well organized:

If you've been on the site this December, you've probably noted our ManMade Musical Advent Calendar series, where we're sharing some of our favorite non-cheesy seasonal songs each day leading up to Christmas. 

This post began as one of those, scheduled for tomorrow. But by the time I got done stream-of-consciousness-ing all over the place, I realized I'd gone off into somewhere more than why I like this chord progression.

So, here's what I journaled down, and I'm sharing it today because perhaps it'll spark some discussion or ideas as we all sled downhill into this week. Or maybe I'm just a sap. Anyway, Happy Christmas. 

"There are Much Worse Things to Believe In" by Stephen Colbert and Elvis Costello

If you read ManMade with any regularity, you'll note: I'm no Grinch. Not a Scrooge in the slightest. I'm into it. A full-on believer in the spirit of the season. It took me a few years, but eventually I came around. Because this whole anti-Christmas thing that has taken off in the last twenty-five years? It's not a real cure for the schmaltz it was reacting to. It's just another version of commercialism feeding "counter culture" back to us for a profit.

Yes - Christmas is consumerist; it's tacky, and an opportunity for people to be horrible to each other and record more unnecessary covers of "Baby, It's Cold Outside." But my love of the holiday doesn't come from unexamined tradition. The truth is, after I was a few years past the years of childhood "auto-Christmas" – with its mile-long wish lists –  I really wasn't much for the whole thing. I didn't feel jolly. I spent my teens and most of my twenties sympathizing with the skeptics, frustrated with the crassness and sentimentality and all the bad things the pressure of the season did to the people I spent time with.

But, then, I aged a bit. I realized I was an adult who was able to do more than just react to cultural pressures and other people's bad habits. And when I really examined it, I decided Christmas is kinda what I'm all about. For a couple of weeks a year, people choose to live out meaningful rituals, whatever they are. They decorate their houses. They listen to music in their homes and cook special dinners. They send notes in the mail, and update folks on what's going on in their lives. They host parties. They make gifts for each other and buy each other treats and gather in song and good company. Those are the kind of values we try to promote on ManMade all year long.

So, I believe in a celebration of light during a season of darkness. I believe in taking this holiday back from those who have told us the only way to interact with the season is to reject it because we're too cool, or because the perfect snow-covered Christmas Eve isn't actually possible. (It isn't). I know it can be a sad season for many; it's a sad season for me, too. And I love "Fairytale of New York" – long the one acceptable seasonal tune of the anti crowd – as much as anyone.

But, the truth is: all the light and glitz and paper snowflakes make me feel real things; they make me present. It's not a distraction; it helps bring me back to the things I value most. I know it doesn't do that for everyone, and that's okay. Maybe it doesn't make you feel anything. I understand that. The Super Bowl and Fourth of July fireworks and all kinds of other cultural touchstones do nothing for me, so I get it. We all have our triggers.

But you can have joy without selling your soul and living into the candy-cane-coated rat race of Black Friday sales and mall music and the stress of trying to appear at four sets of in-laws at just the right time to the ultimate exhaustion of everyone. Maybe that's the actual miracle of the holidays. 

So, the song's a good one. The whole Colbert Christmas special has become my favorite holiday film the last few years, and this song, which ends the hour, sums up the tone of what Colbert does best. It's co-written by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, who wrote all the great recent songs from movies and award shows and musicals that made you think, "Oh, hey - that was super catchy." I'm a fan.

Costello's an artist who's been very important to me since my own anti-Christmas years, so here, the message I get, without a wink or caveat, is: "we're all in this together. That can't be a bad thing." You can't stop it from coming, no way, no how, and that's what makes it so great. Don't forget, in some cultures, Santa Claus dips children in boiling hot oil. Christmas is big and weird and bizarre and, somehow, truly the most wonderful time of the year.

So...that's why I'm okay with Christmas. And there are much worse things to believe in.

Check out all the songs in the ManMade Musical Advent Calendar here. 

Look - there's no shame in admitting it: we at ManMade love the holiday season. The lights, the smells, and, most importantly, the sounds. No, not the soft rock mall music or the umpteenth crooner cover filler track, but the good holiday songs. The ones that give you energy, make you feel festive, and happy that it's December.

And so, in 2015, we're sharing our ManMade Musical Advent Calendar, where we offer a new favorite holiday song every day, by bands you actually care about.       

Tuesday, December 22nd: "Auld Lang Syne" by Andrew Bird/ "New Years Eve" by Tom Waits 

I can't pick between these two, so I'm sharing both. Strangely enough, they both highlight what a powerful earworm this tune actually is. Who knew you could get this stuck in your head?

First up, everyone's favorite whistler/violinist applies his signature style to turn this guy from its usual champagne-fueled toast status to something you wish would never stop. 

 Then, Tom Waits takes it back, mixing it among a hell of new melody, and reminding us all that the stroke of a clock really doesn't change much of anything. 

Both are real, both are true, and both are worth looping for an hour at a time.

Check out all the songs in the ManMade Musical Advent Calendar here! 

Behold Kaos Temple, the new collaboration between artist Okuda San Miguel and Red Bull to renovate this 100 year old church into a super cool skate park. The design overhaul including all of the ramps and paintings were completed in the course of 7 days (working 12 hour days) and it was inaugurated by professional skater Danny Leon.   

The Kaos Temple (also known as the Skate Church of La Llanera) is reminiscent of Okuda's other works with the unique use of geometrical designs and the solid, varying color palette. The park is now officially open to the public and is projected to become one of the new pilgrimage sites for skaters. 

See more photos at Airows.com.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has nearly tripled the world record box office receipts for a winter release so it's a little understandable that the fervor is spreading into so many aspects of the holidays. There have been some great yule log videos now over the years (check out Nick Offerman drinking Scotch for 45 minutes), but I've never seen one like this...   

Enjoy some holiday cheer this season while also vanquishing the Dark Side with the Five Hour Darth Vader Yule Log. 

;

If you're looking for a project to keep your hands busy while watching "Elf" on repeat and stuffing your face with candy canes, check out this DIY paper [rein]deer head. It's a cruelty free way to get that modern rustic cabin vibe to bring some seasonal cheer, or just to add some visual interest to any masculine space.   

Ashley Freeman made this video to show you how to put the whole thing together. She used this faceted deer head model from Instructables, and printed the whole thing on 100 lb. card stock paper. There's a bit of folding and cutting involved, but perhaps it'll give you something to focus on so you don't get triggered by your family or in-laws. 

Get the full set of links and details at Apartment Therapy: DIY 3D Paper Reindeer Head (Just in time for Christmas!)

Look - there's no shame in admitting it: we at ManMade love the holiday season. The lights, the smells, and, most importantly, the sounds. No, not the soft rock mall music or the umpteenth crooner cover filler track, but the good holiday songs. The ones that give you energy, make you feel festive, and happy that it's December.

And so, in 2015, we're sharing our ManMade Musical Advent Calendar, where we offer a new favorite holiday song every day, by bands you actually care about.       

Wednesday, December 23rd: "Merry Christmas from the Family" by Robert Earl Keen

This is one for those of you who, like me, grew up with blue collar Christmases. You know, the holiday celebrations that looks nothing less like Currier and Ives and a lot more like step-cousins you don't actually know and tacky sweaters and turtlenecks and every dish is made with cream of something soup and covered in either crushed crackers or potato chips. Much more Cousin Eddie than Clark Griswold.

The tune comes from Keen's 1994 "Gringo Honeymoon," which is a seriously good album and a must-know for any fan of roots music or songwriting. But it's become more of a live show favorite, so we're sharing one of those versions here.

I'll also confess to really liking this cover by Jill Sobule. Something about her version makes it feel a little more like these are actually my Christmas memories (I grew up very far from the Keen's Texas hill country), and my feelings of family. 

Either way (or the very many live covers by country bands available on YouTube), it's good songwriting, a powerful image, and just enough seasonal cheer. 

Check out all the songs in the ManMade Musical Advent Calendar here! 

Look - there's no shame in admitting it: we at ManMade love the holiday season. The lights, the smells, and, most importantly, the sounds. No, not the soft rock mall music or the umpteenth crooner cover filler track, but the good holiday songs. The ones that give you energy, make you feel festive, and happy that it's December.

And so, in 2015, we're sharing our ManMade Musical Advent Calendar, where we offer a new favorite holiday song every day, by bands you actually care about.       

Thursday, December 24th: "Silent Night/Lord, Can You Hear Me" by The Flaming Lips

When you get deep into the project of collecting modern Christmas music, you note a trend: the classic songs most often covered tend to be the slow, sadder, moodier options that convey the meaningful melancholy of the season. So, you get a whole lot of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"es and "Blue Christmas"es and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home"s. 

And, of course, you get a lot of "Silent Night"s. So many, in fact, that you stop being able to hear the distinction between them. They're all the same tempo, full of all the same whispers and slight vocal break on "all is bright."

And the, the right one comes along and it makes you feel as warm and welcome as when you sang all four verses plus the German one at the Christmas Eve candlelight service as kid, and all is well with the world again. And you really do want that baby to sleep in heavenly peace for as long as possible. 

For me, this is that version. Merry Christmas, ManMakers. 

Check out all the songs in the ManMade Musical Advent Calendar here

More than seventy years ago, folk singer and activist Woody Guthrie opened up his notebook to write down a set of "New Years Rulin's" his own self...complete with illustrations.    It's always fascinating to look behind the scenes at creative folk, and it's especially interesting to learn about the principles by which they tried to leave their lives...you know, stuff like "drink very scant if any," "read lots good books," and "don't get lonesome."

You can see the page from Woody's journal dated January 1st, 1943 at WoodyGuthrie.org, and Business Insider has the full list typed out here: 

Woody Guthrie Really Knew How To Do New Year's Resolutions 

The To Resolve Project is a different take on the New Year's Resolution: well-designed and inspiring creative mantras that give you a beautiful reminder everytime you switch on your smart phone or tablet. Whether you wanna read more, eat better, meet an exercise goal, or just be generally more creative and productive, you'll be good to go for the next fifty ringtone/wallpaper changes, at least.

Founder Chris Streger says, 

TO RESOLVE PROJECT is something that came about last year when I started talking new years resolutions with my girlfriend Fiancé Amy Kirby. You create a list, stuff it away in a drawer and it never sees the light of day till the year has passed. I decided to ask as many talented designers I knew (or didn't know) to create a resolution for the new year as an iPhone background. 

This year, To Resolve Project is back and more professional than ever. More templates, dedicated site, and even more artists. From now til the new year I will be posting designs as they come in, so check soon and check back often. Can't find one to fit your needs? Click here to download a template of choice and get your hands dirty on your own. 

No restrictions, so lets have some fun with it. Let's make 2012 one great year.

Get them all (for free!) at To Resolve Project.

[Thanks to Holiday Matinee for the link and top image collage]

I love discovering new cocktail recipes, and unique ways to coax different, unique flavors with classic spirits.

But, these days, discovering "new cocktails" on the internet usually means "new fandangled drinks that use a bunch of specialty liqueurs and spirits you don't have and aren't gonna buy a whole bottle of to try a new drink."

So, with that in mind, I decided to come up with five tasty, holiday-ish cocktails using stuff you can find in an average liquor cabinet. Of course, that varies from home to home, but these stick to spirits you've heard of, I promise. Plus, each features a bit of festive pomegranate flavor courtesy of our homemade grenadine recipe.

These'll work for Christmas, New Year's Eve, and, frankly speaking, Tuesday afternoons if you're feeling festive. These are all tested and approved recipes from the ManMade kitchens and friends...that was a fun day at the office.

Shall we?

Arsenic Sauce - For consumption with a three-decker toadstool sandwich

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz. homemade grenadine
• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3 dashes angostura bitters
• Soda water
• Garnish: Lemon twist, wedge, or pomegranate arils

Combine the first five ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake until cold. Strain into an iced highball glass, and top with soda water. Add garnish. Best consumed through a thirty-nine and a half foot straw.

Sparkling Pomegrita - Makes two cocktails; perfect for New Year's, especially with appetizers, and a great way to make less expensive sparkling wines more enjoyable. To make for a crowd, multiply by six, and use a whole bottle of sparkling wine.

• 2 oz. silver tequila
• 1 oz. Cointreau or Gran Marnier
• 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz. homemade grenadine
• Sparkling white wine - try a cava from Spain

Combine the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and grenadine in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into two iced and salted martini glasses, and top with 2 oz. sparkling wine.

Salty Old Saint Nicholas - Lean your glass this way, you dear old man!

• 1 1/2 oz. vodka or gin
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. homemade grenadine
• 3 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• 5 dashes angostura or orange bitters

Shake the ingredients and strain into a highball glass filled with ice, and whisper what you'll bring to me.

You'll Shoot Your Rye Out - It's like a Manhattan, but there are BB guns involved.

• 2 oz. rye whiskey or blended bourbon
• 1/2 oz. sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz. homemade grenadine

Pour the ingredients over ice, and stir 50 times. Yes, since there are non-spirits, tradtion says to shake it, but the grenadine is heavy enough to make this work, and the texture is amazing. Garnish with a fake icicle that you worked up to explain your broken glasses

Lasso the Moon - a bit of prep, but worth every second. Consume while wearing bathrooms and singing "Buffalo Girls." Swallow two of these, and the moon will definitely all dissolve, see... and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair.

Prepare the festive salt by mixing 3 parts coarse salt to 1 part brown sugar, 1 part sweet paprika, and 1 part ground ancho chile powder. (Don't worry, it's not spicy) Make as much as you want: you'll want to keep this stuff around.

• 2 oz. tequila - blanco or añejo
• 1 oz. Cointreau
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz. homemade grenadine

Shake the ingredients with ice, then pour into a glass rimmed with lime juice and festive salt.

If you're a coffee snob/connoisseur, you know about Blue Bottle Coffee (check out the Wikipedia article on third wave coffee for an entertaining drop down the rabbit hole), and you know that they're known for their insanely specific guidelines to how they make their coffee. We're talking about measuring temperatures to fractions of degrees and using a digital scale to get an exact weight - to a tenth of a gram - for each shot.    

And now, here is the best How To guide from Michael Phillips, Director of Training at Blue Bottle and the 2010 World Barista Champion showing you exactly how you ought to make a world class cappuccino. 

This week last year, I was writing about my 2015 goals. Looking back, I ticked plenty of things off my list. At the same time, I missed completely on a few big goals, specifically the outdoor side of things. Here's a new approach to set up this next year right.   One of the reasons I missed out there, was a lack of planning. The season changed so fast and I didn't plan ahead, so when it was time to get out, life had already filled in the schedule and I missed out on the opportunities. So, this year my list looks a bit different because I'm planning it out. Here's the next 12 months and what I'm planning to do when it's time.  

January: Hunker Down - The start of the year is right in the middle of winter, so plan on doing something interesting that doesn't fight against the cold. Since you're likely going to be inside due to bad weather, tackle something big, but fun. Organize and update a room, try an outdoor sport like snowshoeing, take up a hobby that will keep you close to the fireplace. Definitely don't start a fitness goal this month. The gyms are packed with people who will last until about Valentine's day, and it's miserable to run in the cold.

February: Family Month - This is the month where you should connect with family. It's been a few months since Christmas so you haven’t talked much and it will be 6 more if you're not careful. Make a plan to grab coffee, go to a movie, or just talk on the phone a bit. As far as my kids go, I'm planning a trip to Disneyland with the girls, so connecting and family is the prime focus for the month. With that in mind, don't expect to tackle any large projects, they should have been done in January.

March: Now Get Fit - Now is the time to start that 90-day journey to feeling great and looking even better. With the weather getting a bit warmer, the days getting longer, and the gyms almost empty. I plan on running a few races in the fall, so here is the prime time to start sweating. I have been working out in the garage most of the winter, but will be switching from strength training to endurance running outside now that the weather is more enjoyable at sunrise.

April:  Venture Out - This is the month to start venturing outdoors like a bear sluggishly leaving his winter cave. Plan a weekend day trip somewhere close but challenging like an alpine lake or local waterfall. There's probably time for a few evening hikes as the weather gets warm, everything is green, and there's actually time after work to get out and play.  There are over 50 waterfalls in my area that are all swelling with spring snowmelt at this time which is prime time to enjoy the view.

May: Home Time - As the weather turns predictably warm, it's time to focus on that backyard oasis. Plan some time to tackle a big backyard project followed by some weekend BBQs with friends. I will probably be installing a covered patio, firepit seating, and an outdoor kitchen area if the budget allows. This is also the month to take a breath, I'm planning on getting up early enough to get about a half hour of time to focus on personal development every day this month.

June: Get Away - Time for a road trip. Plan a weekend away starting with a half day on Friday and getting done late Sunday night. The key to a great road trip is a loose destination, and a few ideas of where to explore along the way. For example, I'll be planning a quick brewery trip up to Bend, Oregon this month. Along the way I'll catch Klamath Falls, and Crater Lake National Park. That's the plan, broad but specific enough to really turn into something great.

July: Holiday Connections - For this month, plan no projects. It's time to focus on friends, fire-pits, and family. This is the time to enjoy the 4th of July right. My town has sunrise pancake breakfasts, rodeos, river floats, parades, ice cream socials, and plenty of other events to explore with a few friends and the family. We'll also be taking some kayak trips on the weekends, and day hikes to get out of the heat.

August: Develop Yourself - Use this month to learn something new that will develop your skills. Take the time to get the application squared away for the fall classes, buy the books and materials, do what you need to get on the path to learn something you don't know yet. I have a few classes slated for the fall, and I can't wait to get started.

September:  Vacation - Ahh! Summer is done and it's time to take a last great escape. Plan for a long week off somewhere new and exciting. Last year we went somewhere tropical, but this time around it will be somewhere a bit closer to home. I plan to find some time next to a river with a view.

October: Project Month - The last chance to get something done before the busy holiday months. This is the time to focus on the inside projects in the shop, or something that will keep you busy in the warm, dry shop. I generally take this month to start my big winter projects that I chip away at until spring, so I'm planning on getting a few small pieces finished and out then getting all set for a big furniture build.

November: Develop Yourself - I usually dedicate this month to taking a breath, and starting in on some personal development again. The mornings are dark and cold so waking up early gives me time to start the day right and to get into some good habits again. Last year I started working out everyday, eating better, and I read about 5 books. Next year I plan on doing more of the same.

December: Hibernate - With a full month of holidays ahead, I like to take December off from anything but relaxing with family. I absolutely love this season with the kids, and plan plenty of time for making it a month they really love. At the same time, it's a great time to get ready for the new year with some solid time with family and friends to get you filled up and excited about another great year ahead.

What plans do you have for an exceptional new year?

Are you still feeling the lingering of the Christmas spirit? Keep it going by crafting some carpentry tools dating back beyond the first century. This DIY guide takes your old plywood remains and an old circular saw blade to combine them into a custom and sturdy hand plane.   

You'll save good money by making this yourself instead of purchasing one; the one potential downside to keep in mind though is that a recycled saw blade won't be as hard as a commercial one so you'll likely have to sharpen it more often. All in all, it's an easy project that'll give you greater tool options in the future. 

Click here for the guide at Instructables.com. 

A new year brings new opportunities to continue to grow. You don't have to tackle every item. Just pickfive that resonate with you, and see what good you can do.   

1. Stop texting and driving. Once and for all. No communication is worth the potential consequences.

2. Give up one social media channel. We vote Twitter.

3. Wake up 30 minutes earlier every day. Use that time to begin your day with something you're proud of.

4. Quit drinking during the weekdays. Alcohol shouldn't be a means to get through the week; it's a way to celebrate it coming to an end.

5. Learn to meditate. Nobody regrets doing this. And anyone who knows how always wishes they could do it more.

6. Send one physical letter or postcard a month. Instant replies are overrated. 

7. Get a new plant. And don't kill it. 

8. Drink more water. Every day.

9. Work at it until you can do a hundred pushups. Then work to do a hundred more.

10. Start a project or commitment that scares you. This is when you learn most.

11. Learn one parlor trick, and use it only when the time is right. Juggling, sleight-of-hand, mind reading trick... They're not always impressive, but always worth knowing.

12. Get rid of your CDs.Finally. iTunes match is only $25/year

13. Don't buy anything for a month. See what you're not missing.

14. Take a walk during the workday. Moving changes your brain. In the best way possible. 

15. Think about the coolest thing your uncle ever did for you. Do that for your nieces and nephews.

16. Read your local alternative weekly every week. Your city is probably amazing. Find out why.

17. Quit doing that one thing where spouse or roommate is constantly requesting change. There's a reason they're asking.

18. Find a new place to volunteer. Then actually talk to the community where you're interacting.

19. When your family asks how your day at work went, tell them the good things that happened. Don't start off the conversation by complaining. Be honest, but don't be a drag. If you need to process something from work, that can happen after the initial "welcome home"

20. Go see more live music. It will energize you. It always does.

21. Play more games. Board games. Catch. Crossword puzzles. Pickup kickball. Cross-town scavenger hunts. Be okay with not winning.

22. Find balance and health in your sex life. Whatever your current situation. If you don't know what that means right now, it's worth thinking about more.

23. Take a class. Do the homework. Learn the skills. Interact with the others who registered.

24. Do a clothing closet purge. Toss out anything that doesn't make you feel like yourself.

25. Finally try to understand jazz. Or classic Broadway musicals. Or Opera. Or why Adele can sell so many records.

26. If you know you messed up, say you're sorry. Apologizing doesn't mean that you lost the argument. It means you're an adult.

27. Compliment people. Every day. Looking for the good things and work well done is a nice way to view the world.

28. Set up a monthly schedule to maintain your investment goods. Condition your boots. Clean and lubricate your bike chain. Scrub your cookware until its shiny. If you do things on the regular, then they're always ready to go.

29. Stop drinking soda. You really won't miss it. 

30. Say "Yes" you wouldn't normally say "Yes" to. See what happens.

31. Say "No" you wouldn't normally say "No" to. See what happens.

32. Quit checking your email first thing in the morning. No one wins when you do this. Certainly not your inner peace.

33. If you want to be happy, the key is practicing humility and gratitude. There, you will find joy in what you have, not what you want.

34. Pick a band or musician that you know you're supposed to love but never resonated with you. Listen to them exclusively for three days. Find out what you're missing. I'll see you in a week, Pink Floyd.

35. Contribute the max amount to your Roth IRA. If you don't have one yet, this is the year to open one. Give your 65-year-old self a little help.

36. Ask someone else more about who they are. Find out what your colleague's wife's name is, or which neighborhood the guy from the coffee shop lives in. Remember those details, and use them to make real connections.

37. Remember, leadership doesn't make others into followers. It transforms them, too, into people who will change the world.

38. Always have two books on your nightstand. One fiction, one non.

39. Become a pocket knife guy. Man, those things are useful. 

40. Reach out to that one guy from high school or college whom you've been wondering how he's doing. Actually find out.

Happy New Year, ManMakers.

To upgrade a boring windowsill, why not add a bit of character with a layer of something special like copper. Adding a layer of this warm material is unique, simple, and will age well for years to come.   The first time I installed new windowsills, I was amazed at the instant difference. They add so much character to the window and can even a bit of functionality by widening the surface. So if you have a few in you house that just need some help, this copper upgrade is a great project to upgrade your space.

One of the hardest parts of this project is finding stock copper sheeting large enough for the windowsill, but if you can find the materials it will be well worth the effort. Take a look at the whole article here.

Have you upgraded your windowsills? We'd love to see the finished project!

Looking for a way to stay prepared no matter what? This survival credit card case is a good start to being the guy everyone knows is ready for anything.   There are a few things I always like to keep close, but at the same time it is a pain to carry around a bunch of small pieces. This simple case has about a dozen everyday tools and will hold up to 4 cards. Carved from a single block of titanium, it's light but strong enough to stand up to daily abuse.

Tools include a pen, waterproof matches and fire-steel, compass, iodine for drinking water, a whistle, knife, and hex screwdrivers. The spring-loaded card holder keeps the cards secure but easily accessed so it's perfect to keep just the essentials close.

Take a look at the Kickstarter campaign here, backing starts at about $100.