Billy Jealousy, CamelBak, Setton Farms, First Descents, Outdoor Tech, Alpinestars, Lululemon, Eagle Creek, Clarks-Norton, Smith Optics, Specialized
Part 1
Recent 2014 grads, ready to be married betrothals... or active dads--- the males that like to get ready with no fuss, fix things, appreciate the practical ---and the well designed…and/or go fast.
Have the kind of male in your household that keeps borrowing-on the sly, or not---beauty products meant for the other gender? Intro him to grooming goodies by
Billy Jealousy…a
to the point, line of facial scrubs, SPF+ 30 non-greasy moisturizer, hair taming pomades and an any-aging serum-made for guys - always…not the masculine -inverse version of
shrink it, pink it---which a lot of men's grooming selections, are.
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| clean packaging with clear functionalities-modern and "sharply tailored"…not fancy schmancy on the outside- but delivering quality scientifically sourced and nature approved grooming ingredients that are synergistic and a leaping level above mass market. Our BF (finally) gets his own facial/body scrub-a kind of product that every man will like over the regular bar of soap. Slightly gritty Adrenaline Junkie $24 can even work head to toe-imo…while the Assasin-a thicker exfoliating scrub with texture of our sugar based scrub-is great for rough spots like foot heels/elbows…the Combat Line® Moisturizer $38-is broad spectrum UVA/UVB blocking---and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin-and a little-maybe a nikel-quarter size-covers face. PLUS multi-tasker it is- packed with anti-oxidants via AcquaCell and Asthigel technologies for superior hydration without the grease. Oil free and paraben free too. The kind of product even an older guy without a grooming routine thing- will get used to using-given how 'popular' skin cancer has become. |
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on the right-the About Face Anti-Aging Serum is the product most likely to be borrowed by the feminine persuasion…with proven anti-aging glycolic acid and botanical extracts…PLUS we love the texture…2-3 pumps-applied…and it sinks right in to skin without leaving any film. MUD-upper left- is a very little needed hair tamer-kind of has the feel of taffy…take a dab, warm it up in palms/fingers…and run it through hair. Great frizz fighter-without weighing down hair and being sticky. Our guy shaves his head-so we got to try it our on our super long fine strands…and we barely needed a dime size. For more hold and to accentuate pieces, just use more.
MAJOR BONUS POINTS: PETA APPROVED
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For the grads or the newly linked up getting their own apartment-well, hallelujah to that…one practical gift-along with a bunch of shatterproof glassware…the smartly designed
water filter pitcher made by the hydration specialists,
Camelbak.
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| easy fill via a fill door, no collecting of water slowly dripping down…straight from the faucet through an opening in the top---can keep the lid on... the opening up top ez open…click to air tight, securely close... |
Why this qualifies as a gift---SIMPLE... everyone needs one..and imo this Camelbak offering is the best designed water filtering pitcher on the market-one can tell a ton of thought went into the features.
PS-spares the planet of yet more plastic bottled water leftovers wastefully clogging up the earth--- and saves $ too.
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| check out this double filter!!!! Outlet and inlet filter =Relay™ Fresh™Filter features double filter technology-activated charcoal removes chlorine and makes water taste great. HINT---place the top-with latches open- back on ---hold down top part and firmly shut/click side latch flaps…apply pressure---otherwise a latch might pop open…clicks shut. |
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| the spout-is smooth-no flipping piece -water flows perfectly evenly. Handle is rubberized-and ergonomically shaped---and the basic -lid-gasket are dishwasher safe…just rinse clean the filter periodically. BPA free…and the filter lasts about 4 months. |
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| on the left-our PUR water filter pitcher-is taller but holds same amount. Camelbak pitcher fits into various side door shelves---not a glammy gift but a necessary one. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond $36.99---replacement filters $11.99 |
Maybe it's genetic-but the guys in our family are fairly predictable in what is the most coveted gift for whenever---good quality coffee…and/or pistachio nuts. SO EASY.
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Vail Mountain Coffee+Tea Co. delivers another sort of legal Colorado origin-ed buzz…the caffeine kind. What we approve of---buying some light, medium or dark roasts and benefiting a great cause too-so WIN WIN. First Descents runs free climb/paddle/surf multi-day outdoor adventure programs for young cancer clients-and survivors-ages 18-35 years old…and no experience required either…or there's more challenging jaunts if one is…many locations are available-with several states offering up programs and far flung destinations like Patagonia, Costa Rico etc. Bravo!
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Seriously-the best gift one of our bro's ever got-a 10lb bag of pistachios…so to vary it up…these fairly new to the market chewy pistachio bites…by SETTON FARMS- (who also retail the plain ole') make great gift equivalents of a tasty stocking stuffer.
The bites…which take about 3-5 of- to devour…are fresh pistachio nuts -livened up with nutritious, tangy cranberries-just the right balance of textures and sweet/salty, Delish…we took a picture of our sample-and devoured it all in about 20 minutes! Widely available…
stores are no dummies… including
Amazon $5.99/6 pack---
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| new- SETTON FARMS-2 packs…and fyi, gluten-dairy-GMO FREE--- |
For the men that need tunes-all the time, wherever --packing a big wall of sound too!!!!!
There are a lot of portable/durable/wireless/outdoor sound devices on the market-but coolness factors in gobs- go to these nifty functioning designs by
Outdoor Tech® (check out the logo-fun,
NON?).
"Re-invent" the boombox--- with the all new rugged, shockproof and water resistant 2.2lb Big Turtle Shell® delivering sounds via Bluetooth 4.0 technology---and BOOM BOOM BOOM= 110 decibels of "auditory bliss." Impressively-one charge has the tunes rockin' for 16 hours…with a stream range of 30+ feet.
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| AVOID the boom-get these…another Outdoor Tech gadget...Hi Fi Wireless headphones---TUIS-with integrated hinges…$149.95 |
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| multiple color options too…great for traveling-has 3.5mm Aux jack- as well as Bluetooth enabled…A MUST for couples - if musical tastes differ |
For the guy on the go or moving to another locale…the
Eagle Creek Adventure collection of luggage is cleverly and durably designed for whatever jaunt awaits…backed by a NO MATTER WHAT™ guarantee. New for summer-the Adventure Pop Top Carry-On… that converts from a wheeled under seat tote (collapse the handle)… expanding to a full sized carry-on-and if wanted…a wheeler too... via 2 way access: top and front zipper to main compartments,
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| Full size...other features-lockable zippers secure main compartment, front zip organizer pocket w/ electronic, pen slots+key fob, roomy ez access main compartment, and like this-an elasticized back slip panel for securely stacking on wheeled luggage. $235 |
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3 colors options -underseat size...
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Sleek looking backpacks ---fulfill different needs than the hardcore expedition overnighters needed for outdoor trails. One of the best looking haulers with multi-functionalities black clad urbanites would approve of-is
surprise surprise…conjured up by Lululemon…known for its women's apparel of yoga centric separates but with a premium athletic collection for guys too.
Maybe that company should re-think the name for the X\Ys chromosome types...
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| Cruiser Backpack--with-molded hard compartment for sunglasses or electronics, side lots for water bottles, padded back+straps-left one mesh compartment for phone $118 |
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| plenty of interior organizer slots side open |
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| good size for work /gym with interior wet/dry pocket+ padded pocket for laptop/notebook |
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| l/s-super soft feel |
WHAT ELSE: in charcoal greys and black-Lululemon's color palette for guys is decidedly masculine…and the logo is unobtrusive. These work-out pieces can easily double as casual wear…and as with the female separates…are smartly designed (flat seams, no chafing, sweat wicking, four way stretch, ez clean-pre-shrunk so no surprises) and empowered with high performance textile treatments…like X-Static® anti-odor control and built in UPF+.
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| Ascent Pant $128 great touch-role up pants when biking-reflective pops revealed, hidden zipped pocket for valuables, stretchy durable material-moisture wicking, drapes well with athletic fit. Regular+tall sizes |
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| Tank |
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| interior wicks away sweat |
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| sides are woven to vent heat |
For the man on the move-fast-moving…Italian chic mixed with macho man motorcycle attributes…we bet guys will love these non-leather modern looking jackets made by
Alpinestars as much as we did when we first eye-balled. THEN discover---the details brilliantly executed …clearly by those who ride high powered two wheelers in all kinds of weather. And probably at fast mphs worthy of a speedy tickets …anywhere. Hot hot hot. What a great line! (No worries-female equivalent styles).
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| Available now LANCE 3L jacket (Rideout Collection) $399.95 that ---imo-remove the padded protection-wear just about anywhere-really well designed. Weather tough, waterproof breathable membrane seamed sealed outer shell…with water resistant zippers-w/ ez grab zip docks and lie flat PU Ridges, reflective zones and color piping-front, back and sides, extended back for no reveal. Velcro cuffs-keep wind out. In Blue and black too. Sizes Small-4XL. |
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| Removable CE certified Bio Armor shoulder (and elbow) protection. FYI :CE is a Euro based certification system |
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| mid insulated 130 gram thermal layer-l/s -removable…the mesh liner for incorporating the CE certified shoulder+elbow protectors-removable too |
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| pit zips (underarm vents)-btw grab zippers when on the move..two in the back too |
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| Convenient pockets ---ez access exterior arm pocket for wallets…pre-curved sleeves construction w/ Velcro® volume control system |
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| another chest pocket... |
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hardcore ... CE certified Level 1 Bio Armor BIONIC AIR back protector-dual density honeycomb…reverse pictured below… insert available as accessory…impact protection for all kinds of weather. Available now $79.95 |
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| contours to match natural curve of back |
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| Adjustable storm helmet compatible hood with built-in visor-attaches Velcro® fastener…inner head and to keep it in place. |
And for the rider that still wears leather boots…that is so old school Easy Rider-ioconic-but not protective and not weather savvy.
We think---get him these waterproof kicks that are street wearing good too... by the same company,
Alpine Stars.
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| durable, abrasion resistant, TPU lateral ankle brace protection, breathable lining, side entry opening/closure system-Velcro® closure |
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| high module TPU injected shin guard, calf protector, shift pad, +toe slider-improved shock protection+durability |
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| air vents on heel counter-improved confort |
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| exclusive compound rubber promotes feel and grip, water dispersion+durability. CE certified |
Men that are maybe more Ducati-BMW than Harley Davidson-Honda-rev the engines' men…complete the beauty with the stunners by Clarks-Norton.
FYI:
CLARKS footwear---has lately been collaborating with some very interesting companies …we swooned over the selections made in cahoots with
NORTON-a premier UK based motorcycle/apparel/footwear/accessories company…as seen at the Fall 2014 preview. Most gorgeous biker boots ever…hand burnished leathers, OrthoLite footbeds, stitched welted construction…wow!
One style is currently
out-of-stock on the UK site…but look for these amazing boots to deliver late summer. HINT: Buy them up-limited editions will sell…think gift certificate for now.
For movers on self-propelled two wheelers…SMITH OPTICS- revolutionized the impact helmet market for bikers/mountain riders with the cutting edge
Koyroyd® -(lightweight, strong, energy absorbing-30% more, breathable-venting game changer that's recyclable for future products) + EPS materials + Aerocore™construction for increased airflow and better climate conditions for the head.
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in Cypress Camo- the available now FOREFRONT $220-in sizes S-M-L-295 grams -integrates with goggles, sunglasses -POV cameras…w/ Lightweight AEROCORETM In-Mold Construction, Ventilated Protection Featuring Patented Koroyd® Material, Integrated Skeletal Structure and Carbon Fiber Reinforcements + VaporFitTM Adjustable Fit System, Adjustable / Removable Visor, Integrated Camera & Light Mount, 21 vents, X-Static anti odor/bacterial, AirEvac goggle VentilationPerformance Lining, Goggle Retention Strap Included
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Serious road bikers are all about velocity-and wouldn't dream of wearing anything that creates air drag. For that guy with the body to rock Spandex-or not…
Specialized - makes a massive slew of pro-worthy road/tri bikes, mountain bikes, gear, accessories and apparel/footwear---AND came up with a handy, drag free way to hydrate…a bib-with a stretchy back that holds a water bottle (fill with ice-cools you down too), gel packs etc…SMART!
SWAT(Storage, Water, Air, Tool). Placed perfectly for grabbing essentials without changing aerodynamic position.
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| shorts are over the black bib-but can see stretchy+roomy-5 integrated pockets |
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| Attributes…UPF+ 50 moisture wicking VaporRise fabric, engineered Body Geometry chamois |
PART 2
FYI: CLARKS footwear---has lately been collaborating with some very interesting companies …we swooned over the selections made in cahoots with NORTON-a premier UK based motorcycle/apparel/footwear/accessories company…as seen at the Fall 2014 preview. Most gorgeous biker boots ever…hand burnished leathers, OrthoLite footbeds, stitched welted construction…wow!
One style is currently out-of-stock on the UK site…but look for these amazing boots to deliver late summer. HINT: Buy them up-limited editions will sell…think gift certificate for now.