Ok it has been a while since I have posted. But I picked up a few new bad habits. First, audible Wall Street Journal and books. I can now stuff two books per week into my life. Second, I have learned about port wine. All make life good

GEO Trumper

Established in 1875, Geo F. Trumper is recognized as the finest traditional gentlemen's barber in London and is known throughout the world for its matchless range of gentlemen's fragrances and grooming products.

Ok I like this stuff because, when I was a child, I remember following my grandfather into his tailor's store.

Talk Like a Tailor

The blog entitled English Cut, is written by Thomas Mahon a Savile row tailor, (london).

The blog gives you the vocabulary to speak with tailors and understand their language. As well, you will get an idea of how these craftsmen do their work.

Mahon is very direct about the differences between what he does and off-the-rack crap that tends to cost allot more.

This guy sets out his standards for friends and tailors.

1. They have to be the best you can buy. World-class quality, without any doubt whatsoever.
2. They have to offer value for money, at the price point they're selling at. Cheap designer rubbish is not welcome.
3. They have to make their products in the United Kingdom, whenever possible.
4. We have to know them well, and like them as people. They have to be good souls with the proper attitude.

His also an advocate of the white shirt company -- a great sources of wonderful shirts. Their advertising appears to be aimed directly at men like me. I thought I was the only guy that like seeing a pretty woman barely clad in one of his dress shirts. Michelle Doherty (above) fits a pattern.

I suspect I am not that unique.

Getting Your Hair Cut

Renaldos and Avenda -- good places to get your hair cut.

They do an excellent job and keep you presentable.

Renaldo's is the in the process of moving.

They guy in the picture, is my neighbor. He works at Renaldo's.

Aveda Lifestyle Store
Rideau Centre
613.569.7724

Valor

In 1881 Don Valeriano López Lloret takes up the profession of chocolate maker and starts the activity that will later give rise to the present day company.

After the Civil War and with the intention of giving new life to the company, Don Pedro López Mayor takes charge and forms a partnership with his brother, Don Valeriano López.

Shortly they produce some of the best chocolate in the world.

Getting this stuff in Canada can be a challenge. But when I see it --- I get it!

Ice Breaker, not your average woolies

Icebreaker: I love the wide range of great colours and stylish, contemporary designs, with no in-your-face logos or branding; plus the fact that it’s all machine washable. Verdict: Ditch the shapeless fleece – Icebreaker is the way forward.

The Royall Family of Fragrances

Launched in 1961, these people gave my grandfather the opportunity to use Bay Rum fragrance.

Anthony Gaade, founder and first president of The Royall Family of Fragrances democratized sent. He said, “In the Royall Family Fragrance, we believe we have a truly unique range of prestigious gentlemen’s toiletries and grooming aids directed to discerning user and carrying the Bermuda message overseas." In reality, it meant that my grandfather (scrap iron merchant), his brother (textile factory owner) and rest, could have the distinct sent of the "washed" professions. Indeed, there was a time in this country, where the establishment held "upstarts in contempt" due to their smell, education, language, neighborhood and dress. This product took care of the first objection.

The packaging is really interesting. The bottles are of semi-hand-made glass from original clay molds with antimonial pewter-colored lead crown caps. Molded on each bottle is a crown and lime cluster with the words ROYALL LYME. Each bottle has the fragrnce name and crown in raised glass on the back with a distinctive colored label on the front. Each fragrance bottle is individually wrapped in fine parchment with a crown wax seal. These seals are made with the same wax used by the Bank of England.

I like the product because it reminds me of time when I sat on a large leather couch, listening older men's wisdom about markets, people and politics.