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How to: Build This Modern Chair... Primarily From 2x4's

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I'm super stoked by this design. It's simple, looks good, and can be built by someone (unfortunately like me at the moment) who doesn't have access to a full woodshop but still has a hankering to design some of the furniture around me....   

It's a great weekend project that just includes a little time for letting the stain dry. Read the full directions from diycreators on Instructables.com and check out the video below.


Coffee Science: How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee at Home

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It's always a special day when a guy moves on from Folgers Crystals and a drip pot and steps up the homemade coffee game. And the truest of brew fans know that the way to get the most of their beans is via the pour over method, which helps to extract the most flavor.

Why? Nick Cho explains, 

Pourover coffee (unlike some other methods) continuously replenishes the liquid surrounding the coffee grounds with new, fresher water. This promotes a faster, more efficient brew. On the other hand, that fresh water also has a tendency to extract more from the surface layers of the grounds...

Pouring one stream of water, rather than a dozen or more little streams from a coffee-maker's shower head, results in a brewing environment that's a few degrees higher, just from reducing the surface temperature loss from those narrow water streams. Temperature and water quality affect the overall reaction rate of our little coffee chemistry set (hotter, cleaner water generally means faster).

So, since science is at play here, Nick dissects the specific equipment and techniques that will allow you to get the most from your pourover setup. It's a different way to think about making coffee, and requires an attention you might not be willing to give everyday, but when it's time for an extraordinary cup of homemade coffee, it's the way to go.

Coffee Science: How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee at Home [Serious Eats]

 

 

The Cocktail Every Man Should Be Drinking This Summer

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created at: 07/22/2014

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 summer, you should be drinking: a Daiquiri. 

Really? Really.

We don't know when the Daiquiri started to be associated with slushy bright red things served in fish bowls with umbrellas...probably sometime in the 70s, when the margarita fell to the same icy fate. Classically, a daiquiri is nothing more than rum, some sugar, and fresh lime, and it's a damn good drink for hot weather. 

Dale Degroff reports, in The Craft of the Cocktail

This Cuban classic gets its name from the town of the same name in the Oriente province. The recipe was created by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox and a Cuban engineer name Pagliuchi in the late nineteenth century. The talented barmen in Havana...further refined it. The Daiquri made its first appearance in the United States at the Army Navy Club in Washington, D.C., taken there from Cuba by Admiral Lucius Johnson. Today, you can [still] have a daiquiri in the Army Navy club's Daiquiri Lounge. 

The drink is essentially a 'rum sour' and follows a classic sour ratio. Here's the original recipe.

Classic Daiquiri 

  • 1 1/2 oz light rum (try the very affordable Flor de Caña)
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice.

 

Shake with ice and serve up in a chilled glass. 

 

created at: 07/22/2014

A Daiquiri was the well-publicized favorite cocktail of Ernest Hemingway, who apparently liked to double the rum and hold the sugar. He enjoyed his Daiquiris at the Floridita lounge in Havana, where they added a bit of fresh grapefruit and maraschino liqueur. This take was dubbed the Papa Doble - Papa's Double - but, in Hemingway's proportions, is a rather intense quaff. So, here's the standard Floridita Daquiri No. 3 as it was served to everyone else.

Papa Doble - Floridita Daquiri No. 3

  • 1 1/2 oz white rum
  • 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo
  • 3/4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup

 

Shake all ingredients with ice and serve up or in a glass filled with crushed ice. I only have 4 oz. cocktail/martini glasses, so with a bigger drink like this, I tend to enjoy it on the rocks. Plus, I like how the drink changes over time as the ice melts, and stays super cold throughout. Also, if you're on the fence about getting maraschino liqueur just for a drink like this, do it. It's a great addition to lots of mixed drinks, and will last in your home bar forever. 

 

Have you ever had a legit Daiquri? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Oh, and here's a nice social media-friendly image, all formatted up with text and such. Please feel free to Pin It or share with your friends.

created at: 07/22/2014 

Weekend Project: How to Make a Floating Wood Slab Bedside Table

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Nothing beats a big old chunk of wood. Fine joinery and glue-ups are great, but I'll take a solid slab any day. Sometimes, it's nice to be in awe of craftsmanship. But sometimes, it's nice to just be in awe of nature.   

Matt from Wood & Faulk came up with this clever way to showcase some live edge walnut slabs: floating bedside tables. They're attached to the wall with a bit of copper pipe and pocket screws, so they stay light while looking substantial at the same time. 

Nice, right? The biggest challenge is sourcing the wood. After that some measuring and sanding, a bit of pipe work, and you're off. Get the full how-to from Matt: 

Walnut Slab Bedside Tables[WoodandFaulk.com]

 

 

8 Under-The-Radar National Parks to Visit This Summer (and How)

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The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday next month so here are 8 of its lesser known, but no less breathtaking national parks to visit this summer. Complete with family friendly ideas and helpful tips, this guide is perfect for families that want to log some quality time in nature or for the more adventurous bachelor just looking some good wilderness away from pesky glampers.    Click here to see these 8 Amazing National Parks That Won’t Be Overrun By Families This Summer - via Fatherly.com.

What are some of your favorite out-of-the-way camping spots or national parks?

5 Warning Signs Your Morning Routine Is Broken (And How To Fix It)

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Morning CoffeeI’m pretty sure it’s just the season, but lately I’ve been in a perpetual rush. From the moment my feet hit the floor each morning, it seems I’m already late for life. It's a bit of overachieving, and just lot of seasonal activities that have left my life in a jumble.

It’s time to take back some control. Do you feel like this too? Read on.   

Here are our top five warning signs that your day just isn’t starting out right, along with ideas about how to get it back on track. 

created at: 07/11/20161. Hitting the snooze button – That wonderful, yet completely horrible snooze button. Delaying the inevitable has never been a good idea, so rolling over and delaying that day is just making a hard morning worse. Set a time to get up, and stick to it.

The Fix: Set multiple alarms, or put one out of reach so getting out of that warm bed has to happen. Also, maybe move up that bedtime to make sure you’re getting a solid 7-8 hours each night.

2. No quiet time – Ask just about anyone and they’ll agree: great brains are those that take time before the day begins to read, focus, pray, meditate, or do whatever it takes to start on the right track.

The Fix: Read the biography of someone who inspires you, like Teddy Roosevelt or Benjamin Franklin. Learn to meditate. 

Shaving

3. Rushing the shower/shaving routine – The morning grooming routine is essential for a successful day, because if you don’t feel like a million bucks, how can you hustle out there chasing it? It’s important to make sure that shower is long enough to get warm, awake, and squeaky clean.

The Fix: Grab some quality grooming products that feel good, smell great, and make that skin looking great. I’m a fan of a good badger-hair brush and safety razor.

Exercise4. Skipping exercise – I can tell when life is getting out of hand when my exercise routine takes a dive. It’s like my canary in the coal mine because it’s the first thing to get cut from my schedule. Of course, taking this out of my routine has the immediate effect of lower energy, focus, and overall health.

The Fix: Fit in at least a 20-minute routine to get the blood flowing. Try this - 5-minute stretch, 25 push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, repeat as necessary to fill the time.

5. Skipping breakfast – We’ve all heard it, but I’m going to throw it out there again – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s the meal that jump-starts your metabolism, and gives the energy needed to dominate that day. If I miss this meal, I’ll jump all over the nearest sugared snack within a few hours, which makes a hard day that much worse. Do yourself a favor and get something in your stomach before heading out that door.

The Fix: Some solid protein, carbs and natural sugars make the best kick-start, prep for the week with some fresh fruit like apples and bananas, boil a dozen hard-boiled eggs, and stock up on bagels for an easy, on-the-go breakfast; or wake up 10 minutes early and fry up some scrambled eggs with toast and jam.

 Getting back into the groove of a morning well done will take some time. Keep in mind that habits take time, so give it a few weeks before it's second nature again to wake up early and Carpe that Diem.

Eat This: 5 Authentic Cowboy Recipes to Make in a Cast Iron Skillet

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Cowboy StewThere is nothing like a long day of hiking or horseback riding to get you in the mood for some good, hearty eating. And so the American West's roving cattlemen and cross-country venturers created a long tradition of fantastic, simple meals meant to fill you up on the trail. So bust out that cast iron skillet and prepare yourself for some authentic cowboy eating.   

BUFFALO STEW

Buffalo meat was originally a large part of the American West that eventually passed out of favor as the lust for buffalo hides wreaked havoc on the population. Now, thanks to the breeding efforts of American conservationists, bison (and bison burgers, etc.) have had an incredible resurgence in modern America. This classic, simple recipe must be tried.

 

  • 1 stalk of celery, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2-3 carrots, diced
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes
  • 2 lbs buffalo meat, cut into 1" cubes
  • 1 gallon water, or mixture of broth and water
  • 2 lbs waxy red potatoes (not russets)
  • 1 cup barely

 

Use a Dutch oven or a cast iron skillet + oven safe stock pot.
Brown the meat until seared, about 3 minutes. Add onions and carrots and cook for 5 minutes more. Transfer to a stew pot or Dutch oven, and add water, potatoes, celery, stewed tomatoes, and barley, cook an additional 5 minutes. Place the pan, covered, in a 400° oven and bake under barley is tender, about 30 minutes.

 

HARDTACK

HardtackI know, I know, modern crackers have come a long way since hardtack, but you can't have a list of cowboy recipes without including it. Probably the most recognizable staple of the Old West, hardtack is the food that crops up in nearly every pulp novel or historical textbook – but I think very few modern men have ever tried it. From what I understand, it's flavor can be...um, quite the test of manhood. Below is a simple recipe calibrated for an oven, although here is a more extensive recipe from Wikihow.com

Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup water

Combine the flour and water, and knead until smooth. Roll the dough flat until  1/4" thick. Cut biscuits with a drinking glass or biscuit cutter, or slice into 2 x 4" rectangles. Poke holes into each biscuit with a fork. Place on two cast iron skillets (or halve and repeat) and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400° F for 30-40 minutes, until very hard and dry. Enjoy (?)

 

SOURDOUGH CORNBREAD

Sourdough biscuits were a solid step up from the hardtack situation and are still a huge part of modern American cuisine in certain areas. This recipe (as well as the link for sourdough starter) is from an 1800's newspaper and reprinted here.

  • 1 cup starter.
  • Enough cornmeal to make a beatable batter
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • ¼ cup warm melted butter, or fat
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Mix starter, cornmeal, milk, eggs and stir thoroughly in large bowl. Stir in melted butter, salt and soda. Pour into a 10 inch greased frying pan or Dutch oven, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

 

SONOFABITCH STEW

Sonofabitch StewSonofabitch Stew (also known as rascal stew, sonofagun stew) is perhaps the most unique staple of the cowboy heyday. Comprised of a whole bunch of meat cuts we rarely eat today, it was a supposedly a very tasty dish. The necessary "marrow gut" – the passage between stomachs leading to the abomasum– was only to be taken from a young calf that had yet to be weaned and was considered one of the key ingredients that gave the stew its famously delicious flavor. The stew was also briefly called Cleveland Stew in dishonor of President Grover Cleveland's displacement of cowboys in the Cherokee Strip. The following recipe is from Art of Manliness, although there are a number of variations on the internet. 

  • 2 pounds of lean beef
  • Half a calf heart
  • 1 ½ pounds of calf liver
  • 1 set sweetbreads (that’s the thymus gland for you city slickers)
  • 1 set of brains
  • 1 set of marrow gut
  • Salt, pepper to taste
  • Louisiana hot sauce

Visit the Art of Manliness to see how to bring the stew together. Hint: it involves a lot of simmering. 


FRIED CAMP APPLES

created at: 11/02/2014Every hearty meal on the trail deserves a quality desert, and these fried apples are a fantastic way to end the evening. 

Ingredients: apples,  lard or bacon drippings, brown sugar, ground cinnamon,

Slice the apples horizontally - peel, core, and all - about 1/2" inch thick.  Heat a layer of drippings in a cast iron skillet,  and add the apples in a single layer, turning frequently until golden brown but not completely stewed.  Serve hot, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. And since you're not on the range, some vanilla ice cream is nice. 

 

HONORABLE MENTION: The Old Confederacy Receipt Book of 1863.

Confederate Receipt Book

If you're interested in the cross-section of history and cooking, this document is an incredible find. Hidden gems abound, like this slapjack recipe (Take flour, little sugar and water, mix with or without a little yeast, the latter better if at hand, mix into paste, and fry the same as fritters in clean fat) or this sure-fire headache remedy (One teaspoonful of pulverized charcoal and one-third of a teaspoonful of soda mixed in very warm water). Also included are step-by-step instructions for candlemaking/soapmaking, beer brewing, and "fire balls for fuel" -making. 

 

10 Survivalist Movies Every Guy Should See

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Man against Nature is considered one of the oldest three stories in human history, and there's a good reason why it's stayed around so long. As story fodder it's perfect since we get to see characters pushed to the fringe of their wits and capabilities as they fight to survive. This story carries over to some truly great movies, and here are the Top 10 from Cool Material.   I'm a big fan of many of the movies on this list, and once you make it through them I suggest you check out our 7 Winter-Themed Movies Every Man Should See (over half of which are quality survival films). 

Check out the list at Cool Material: 10 Survivalist Movies Every Guy Should See


How to Turn Any Alcoholic Beverage into Summer's Tastiest Popsicles

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No one's gonna argue against either the sheer joy or the benefits of a cooling, delicious popsicle during these blazing summer months. But though tasty, the straightforward punch of frozen juice and, most likely, lots and lots of sugar, can be a little one note, certainly to the adult palette. So this summer, up the flavor and complexity (and age of consumption) by making your own boozy popsicles, with any alcohol or spirit you like. 

The trick with making these is that, well, alcohol doesn't freeze. So, you can't just toss in a bunch of spirits and juice and fruit and hope for the best. So, Lifehacker offers a little math to guarantee good results, no matter the recipe. 

To make an alcoholic ice pop that won’t slush out the moment you remove it from the mold, you’re going to want to aim for an overall ABV of 8%. Some beers fall under this threshold, so you are free to freeze those as is, but you’ll need to do a bit of math when working with the stronger stuff. Luckily, it is very easy math. Using the basic dilution formula that you may have learned in chemistry class, we can quickly find how much booze we can add to our popsicles:

C1V1=C2V2

where “C” stands for “concentration” and “V” stands for volume.

They then tell you what to do with that info, how to solve for various spirits and mixers, and then provide some solid recipes to get you started. It's a boozeful, math-filled good time, and we're definitely making some this summer.

Check it out: How to Turn Any Alcohol You Like Into Tasty Frozen Popsicles[Lifehacker.com]

15 Things My Father Taught Me

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My youngest brother recently flew across the country to visit me for a couple days and I found myself faced with that periodic question of what values or cool things I wanted to impart to him. The reality is that it's unbelievably easy to just go through life without putting intention into the relationships around us, particularly those who look up to us in ways we don't even realize. So I'm always fascinated when I come across articles where men talk about the things that older mentor figures in their lives taught them, whether that figure was a father, friend, or Uncle John...    

Which is why I was so happy to come across this piece entitled "15 Things My Father Taught Me" from the editors at Popular Mechanics. Check out for some good reading and gather some good ideas you may want to pass on to youngsters yourself. 

Let us know what things your father figures taught you that you appreciate or that have always stuck with you. I'd even be interested to know what things you wish you'd been told that you never were. 

How to Travel Like a Pro: Tips from Anthony Bourdain

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created at: 09/24/2014

The author, host, and chef Anthony Bourdain reckons he's been away from home for about 250 days a year, for the past decade. If you're familiar with his adventure food and travel properties like The Getaway and No Reservations, you can see how it happens.   Esquire.com figured that with all that experience, Bourdain might have some solid tips for travel, and they've shared his tips for everything from what to wear, to what to pack, to whether to eat or drink on the plane, and then what to do once you've arrived in a new place. 

There's actually a surprising number of tips here. I especially like the perfect travel shoes (Clarks Desert Boots) and his interesting tip to get the best recommendations from locals...by claiming you've had the best _____, and eliciting their critical remarks and suggestions. Don't know if I have the guts to do it, but I bet it works. 

Anthony Bourdain: How to Travel [Esquire.com]

 

 

You Need A Solid Kitchen Knife: How To Choose The Right One

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KnifeA dull knife makes everything a bit harder, and when it comes to mastering that meal a sharp edge really makes all the difference. Here's how to pick a knife that will up your culinary chops immediately.  

1. Size Matters - The right size blade is important to the performance of a knife. Too small and it won't provide the leverage and heft to push through tough foods, but too large is just bulky and hard to work accurately with. Try a few sizes and see what feels right for your hand. Likely it will be about a 7-9" blade.Knife Blade

2. Steel Matters - The carbon content of a blade can make a big difference in how well the knife keeps an edge. Look for a high carbon stainless steel blade, as the carbon content helps the blade hold an edge longer then cheaper stainless steel. Stamped blades are cheaper than forged, but the forging process yields a harder metal so go for the forged if you can swing it.

3. Fit Matters - A certain handle might be completely confortable for one person and just not fit right for another. The handle is very personal on a knife, so get your hands on as many as possible to get a good idea of the right feel.Knife

4. Balance Matters - A well-made knife should have a very central balance point, with the fulcrum resting on the index finger. This helps to make sure the cutting action is smooth and fluid without too much hefting of the handle.Knife

5. Craftsmanship Matters - The thickness of the steel, and how it attaches to the handle is very important. Look for a nice thick full-length tang on the knife. The tang is the metal that extends into the handle. It looks like a backbone extending from the blade through to the end of the handle. This one-piece construction gives more control, and a much more secure attachment point for the handle. Watch out for blades that only extend about halfway into the handle, or that don't have the exposed tang at all and are just inserted into the handle.

Now that you know what to look for, go out there and find a good blade so you at least look like you know what you're doing the next time you whip up a gourmet meal in that kitchen.

Make This: Build A DIY Hammock Stand This Weekend

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Hammock StandAh, the hammock. My best summer naps happen swinging gracefully in its embrace. But what happens when the trees are too far apart or no where to be found? You build this stand and start napping as soon as it's complete.

Hammock StandThis simple hammock stand can be made for about $40 worth of materials, but still looks good enough to blend right in. Made from simple home improvement supplies, the hardest part will be figuring out which part of the backyard you want to set it up in.

Another great part about a hammock stand is the ability to move it around a bit, so you can choose sun or shade or any combo in between. hammock stand

Take a look at all the steps to make your own here, and start seizing these beautiful summer days by laying down and catching some needed Z's.

How to: Pack the Perfect Overnight Bag for a Weekend Away

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Weekend Drive Gear

This time of year, I almost always find myself looking for a reason to drive.  There's something exceptional about the spring foliage, misty weather, and changing of the seasons. I like to keep a simple bag of gear packed up in case my wanderings turn into an overnight trek.   

1. Polarized Sunglasses

Having a set of polarized sunglasses makes the road easier to see, and the fall colors really pop. Polarized glasses take the edge off of glare, and also block out the UV rays. This means by the end of a long day, my eyes feel less tired and strained. The polarization seems to shed a layer off the surface of water, so it becomes more detailed and fish don’t tend to blend in. The reason I love my Switch lenses is twofold, first they are exceptionally clear, light, and look good. Second, they have magnetic interchangeable lenses that are easy to swap out for different light conditions. I have a set of blue polarized and some low-light amber lenses to match the weather.

Messenger Bag

 2. A Nice Warm Blanket

This time of year is always about warm days and cooler nights. Having a great blanket is always a good idea. A Roadside picnic, impromptu bonfire, or just getting close while watching the sunset is always a bit easier under a warm blanket. Stay away from woven blankets since they tend to pick up stickers and grass more so than a solid fabric.

3. Messenger Bag

My STM messenger bag is one of my favorite weekend bags, it’s big enough for the essentials with a few tech pockets but still has the classic brushed poly fabric that feels more classic than trendy. It’s a great carry-on piece with space for a laptop and magazines as well.

created at: 11/17/2014

4. Vintage Chrome Flask

Keeping a little nip close at hand generally seems like a good idea. Finding a quality spirit while on the road is a hassle, so bringing some along for a nightcap avoids the need to suffer through a thimble of rotgut. My flask has been around since it was legal to fill it so the dents, scratches, and general character really hold a lot of memories for me. Taking it along on any adventure I'm on is just second nature.

 5. Merino Wool Layer

I’m a fan of merino wool. It’s soft, durable, and provides some good insulation without bulking up too much. The benefit of the merino wool is the finer size of the materials, resulting in a much finer weave, with all the benefits of traditional wool. Look for some great shirts at Smartwool, Ibex, and Woolx.

Sanuk Casa Barco Shoes

 6. Comfortable Shoes

I've been wearing Sanuk shoes for a few years now and I have become a fan of the style, and lightweight materials. They are the most comfortable travel shoes I own. The canvas exterior is durable enough to hold up to my abuse, and I almost forget I’m wearing them within minutes of slipping them on.

 7. Personal Journal

Don’t forget to bring along something to gather those thoughts. One of my favorite parts of taking a drive is the fact that I have time to gather my thoughts. The very activity compels you to think, plan, and dream. So it’s no wonder that what I would call my most essential tool I have my journal.  A few years ago I was given the gift of a very nice Moleskine journal, and it’s been close to me ever since (well, it’s been filled by now, but the new one has been).

So take a few minutes to gather up your own essential kit, and let me know what it looks like. Then start planning a last minute escape to enjoy some of those amazing places close to your home.

 8Clothes and the Rest - You know what you wear. Just grab enough for a few days, and don't overthink it. We recommend wool socks here, which wick moisture and dry quickly, and an extra pair is highly recommended. Grab a few shirts, a single pair of pants, and get out there.

Oh, and throwing in a microfiber pack towel is never a bad idea. Especially in summer. 

 

Upgrade Your Grilling Game with These 8 Amazing Homemade BBQ Sauces

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Blueberry BBQ SauceWith grilling season in full force, I thought it was time to expand a bit from my well-used staple tomato/vinegar/brown-sugar BBQ sauce. 


With a list like this, there's no reason to be grilling with a store-bought sauce. Most will take about an hour total to make, and it will last for a few weeks in the refrigerator. So take the time to make something special and you'll be set for a great time behind the grill.Sriracha Bourbon Barbecue Sauce1. Sriracha Bourbon Barbecue Sauce - There are plenty of reasons to love the ubiquitous Sriracha, and here's another one. Combine bourbon's hearty sweetness with a heathy portion of spice for something you can mix with ribs, pulled pork, or even slathered on a side of chicken.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce2. Alabama White BBQ Sauce - Not the typical sauce, but if you're looking for something a bit more creamy, this may be your pick. The sauce has a helping of vinegar and horseradish so expect a bit of tang and spice mixed in.

3. Smokey Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Mustard BBQ Sauce4. Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce - It may be just me, but I think mustard improved just about anything. Take a healthy dose of mustard and add in some sweet, spice, and a bit of Worchestershire sauce for something off the traditional path but still bound to be amazing.

5. Pineapple Brown Sugar BBQ SauceFireball Sauce

6. Fireball Apple Butter BBQ Sauce - Apple Butter adds the sweetness and the kick of cinnamon fireball for a sauce that will keep up the kick right through to a nightcap around the fire-pit.

Blueberry Sauce7. Blueberry BBQ Sauce - For a full-on kick of sweet, this blueberry sauce still has the spice to hold up well on your grilled meats. I love to color this adds to the meal, and with a hearty consistency, it will coat the meat well when the heat turns up.

Spicy Sauces8. Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño BBQ Sauce - Rounding out this list is a solid twist on the classic BBQ staple. Adding in some smoked Jalapeño gives it a toasty heat that compliments thick cuts.

So, now you have no excuse to forego the handcrafted sauce, so go ahead and whip one up with weekend.


How to: Build a Rustic Cedar Hot Tub for Under $1,000

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 Alyssa and Jesse run their own homestead deep in the mountains of Idaho after moving off the grid and blogging about their every endeavor on their blog Pure Living For Life. They're DIYer's with a penny-pinching mindset that keeps them on the lookout for great projects at little cost, which is how I ended up coming across this Rustic Cedar Hot Tub Built  for Under $1,000...    

 According to the Alyssa, the hardest part of building the hot tub was finding enough cedar boards at an affordable price that were knot-free, although you could easily swap out for a cheaper lumber yourself. The hot tub is then powered by wood and fire so you'll be able to save on that electric bill while impressing your friends with your rustic sensibilities especially in the winter months. 

 Click here to get started or check out the first of their video series below:

The Man Behind The Brand: 10 Things You Never Knew About Eddie Bauer

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Eddie Bauer Sports StoreYou've probably heard of Eddie Bauer's outdoor gear, but do you know about the man behind those outdoor products? The company put together 10 little known facts about the founder, and they're as impressive as you would expect.   I don't think that Eddie expected his outdoor company to become one of the most established in the country, but after reading about the many aspects of his life I'm sure not surprised.

Eddie Bauer Hunting

Read all about this amazing man's life on their website here.

Flavor Tube: 5 Killer Food Videos You Have to Watch This Week

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HarissaIf you love good food, these videos are for you. Take a look at the artisan side of New York food - everything from diners-style doughnuts to Tibetan fare - and if weren't already hungry for something seriously tasty, you will be. Take a look.

These are a stunning example of what exceptional people are doing with everyday food, shot by Brooklyn-based filmmaker, Liza de Guia and her production group, SkeeterNYC.The secret ingredient across the board? is A love for what they do, and the adventure that comes from trying making something people fall in love with.

1. NYC Vendy Awards - Desi Food Truck

2. White Mustache Small Batch Yogurt - 

3. Naughty Treats: Custard Grenades - 

4. Good Water Farms Greens - 

5. The Sweetness and the Heatness -

With a culinary line-up like this, it's definitely time to up that home game. What do you plan to do to make your daily fare a bit more tasty?

How to: The Easy Way to Remove Pencil Marks from Your Woodworking Projects

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Saws are exciting, and chisels and hand planes look really great on top of your workbench. But if you ask me, the number one most-important, guaranteed tool I use on every single project is: the No. 2 pencil.

created at: 07/19/2016

It's essential for everything from sketching to measuring to layout and marking parts, and its "easy to remove" nature makes it perfect for seeing now, disappearing later. Except, have you ever actually tried to remove pencil from wood before applying a finish?   

Erasers did not get the memo that they should work on wood. Using sandpaper is time consuming and results in creating dents and valleys, potentially ruining veneer on something like plywood. I've heard that nail polish remover (acetone) works, but I've never had much success with it. What actually works as a liquid eraser is...

created at: 07/19/2016

Denatured alcohol. Sold in hardware stores and home centers with the paint and wood stains, it's only about $6-8 a can. As long as you keep the top on it to prevent it from evaporating, it will last forever.

created at: 07/19/2016

To use it to remove pencil marks, simply place some on clean rag, and apply it to the wood. It's not a simple wipe-away process; you'll have to rub a bit and create some friction. So, just concentrate on one small area at a time. 

created at: 07/19/2016

But, in a couple of seconds, the pencil marks will disappear, and after a minute or so, the alcohol will evaporate. If you do have a little ghosting left, then you can take a couple swipes with some 220-grit sandpaper to clean everything up.

created at: 07/19/2016

Done. Moving on to the next step in your project...

 

 

We Will Never Get Tired of Watching These Hand-Lettering Videos

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PenmanshipAh, the art of writing. Handwritten notes are always the classiest way to correspond, but here are a few people that take it up a notch with some of the most amazing calligraphy you'll ever see.   Jake Weidmann - This master Penman explains the art and science of penmanship. 

Seb Lester's Best Hand Drawn Lettering - Interesting penmanship doesn't come easy. But here are some amazing pieces by Seb Lester compacted into easy-to-follow clips.

Take a look at that funky pen and his other favorite tools here.

Seb Lester's Famous Logos by Hand - The skill and control it takes to make these logos reflects hours of practice and then a few more hours along the way. What are you doing with your time?

Now everything else may look a bit more like chicken scratch compared to these videos, so grab a pen and see what you can do with a bit of practice.

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