Welcome to the Friday 5!
Every Friday I will highlight 5 things I am currently loving. This can be anything from habits that are currently serving me, clothes, apps, people I am currently loving, podcasts, food, mom hacks and everything in between!
This week, I thought I would have my husband, Matt, provide the 5 things he is loving to help give you guys some Father’s Day gift inspiration.
Here’s What Matt is Currently Loving:
Pocket Knife
There was a time when just about every man carried a pocketknife. It was as essential as your wallet, cell phone and keys. It seems like these days there is only room for a COVID mask in people’s skinny jeans. Even if your partner already has a knife he or she likes, you cannot go wrong with getting them another one. I have one that I carry, keep one in my nightstand, have one in the center console of each of our vehicles and in my desk drawer. There are a ton of brands and options with each having their own place. My go-to, all-purpose knife is a Benchmade Griptilian. It is a little big for an everyday carry knife, but Benchmade makes great knives in all shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a lower price point but still good quality, try a Kershaw or SOG. You can never go wrong with the traditional Buck 110 or Case Trapper. If you are looking for something a little more custom, check out Winkler knives, and if you really want to splurge check out their axes.
Whiskey Glasses
It seems like everyone is into whiskey these days. I am by no means a whiskey expert. I enjoy drinking it, but when it comes to differentiating, I couldn’t tell you whether it is woody, nutty or floral. Similarly, I always assumed a glass is a glass. Then, my father-in-law bought me some Norlan glasses for Christmas/my birthday. I have a set of the Norlan Whiskey Glasses and a set of the Rauk Heavy Tumblers. Both are great, but I generally drink my whiskey on the rocks and the tumblers are fantastic. A whiskey connoisseur may tell you they can taste the notes better out of Norlan glasses. Maybe that is the case, but I just like the design and weight of them. I don’t feel like I will crack it if I squeeze it too hard. They are non-leaded crystal and each one weighs 1.1 pounds. They have a grey and black as well, but I like the traditional clear. If whiskey isn’t your thing, consider upgrading your wine glasses or regular dinner party glasses. There is a time and place for a Yeti, styrofome Sonic cup or Mardi Gras cup, but sometimes it is nice to drink out of a proper glass when you and your partner are having a cocktail before heading to a dinner party or at home celebrating a special event.
Battery Operated Leaf Blower
We have a backyard that we enjoy using and entertaining in. We also have a ton of trees, a dog that poops, pine straw mulch and grass clippings. I was always skeptical about battery operated tools. It just seemed like a corded drill or gas powered weed eater or blower were more powerful and reliable. After not properly winterizing my lawnmower, having to run up to the gas station because I didn’t realize I was out of gas or pulling on a cord 27 times to get something to finally start, I decided to give battery power another try. I have been converted. If the kids have a friend coming over to swim, I have friends coming over for poker night or we are grilling with the family, there is nothing easier than grabbing the blower and quickly blowing off the outdoor kitchen, driveway or patio. If you live on multiple acres or do this for a living, electric may not be for you, but for most of us living in suburbia, it gets the job done quickly and easily. I have a DeWalt blower because that’s what most of my tools are. However, there are plenty of great brands at all different price points. I outsourced my grass cutting a few years ago, but also consider electric weed eaters, edgers, trimmers and even lawnmowers. My dad went electric with his lawnmower a couple years ago and has never looked back.
Briefcase
When Rebecca and I were dating, she got me a Tumi briefcase. It was a big expenditure, and at first, I felt like it was crazy for her to spend that much on a briefcase. I am embarrassed to say that for the first few years I lived in Manhattan, I used the Dell laptop briefcase that came with my work computer. However, after almost ten years, I am still using the same briefcase and carry it in and out of work every day and it still looks great. My job doesn’t generally afford me the opportunity to completely check out, so when we go on vacation or day trips my briefcase comes along with me. I keep all kinds of stuff in it like my computer, every type of charger you could imagine (including a three-way splitter plug which has come in handy more times than once when the outlets at the airport are all taken), an umbrella, a battery back-up for my cell phone, extra headphones, sunglasses, pens, business cards, hat (you bald people understand), checkbook, playing cards, chapstick, small sunscreen, tissues, allergy medicine, travel toothbrush/toothpaste, COVID mask, mints/gum, etc. I guess it’s like your grandma’s purse that had everything imaginable in it. If you or your partner is more traditional (or a hipster), I am a big fan of a leather briefcase that only gets better with age. I have worked with people who have had the same leather briefcase for their entire 40-year career. Maxwell makes a sharp briefcase. If you or your partner don’t have a job that warrants a briefcase, consider a nice piece of luggage, a backpack, duffle or travel valise.
Belt
I will be the first to tell you not to take fashion tips from me. I will leave that to Rebecca. I grew up wearing Faded Glory and Payless Shoes. When I first moved to New York and had to wear a suit and tie every day, I borrowed some of my dad’s old skinny ties he used to wear in the 80’s. Everyone thought I was fashion forward when really; I was fashion ignorant. I have upgraded my wardrobe since, and a nice belt is a must have. You don’t realize what a difference a nice belt can make when it comes to pulling a suit together or upgrading a pair of jeans. I am a big fan of Torino’s belts, and if you can afford the alligator, you won’t be disappointed. If you are local to Mandeville or New Orleans, you can check them out at H.W. Rosenblum’s. In fact, check out his store for all sorts of high-end men’s fashion and accessories. Wally is one of the few people who still know what real customer service is.
As Rebecca likes to say, “I hope you found something helpful or inspiring in this week’s Friday Five!” She will have 5 new favorites to share with you next week, have an awesome weekend!
