A long time ago I posted a Putt Up Or Shut Up Rug Kit by a company called FLOR (roughly$8-$16, tile). However, I never took the time to really talk about what the company specializes in; affordable, sustainable, modern carpet tiles that are made in the U.S.A. Thanks to a recent posting and well executed example by my favorite home hackers, Apartment Therapy, I was reminded of how bachelor pad friendly these things really are. You can make a rug or landing or do wall-to-wall designs. The company (as well as Apartment Therapy) gives you great instructions on ideas and even offers a $6 sample pack which includes 3 large samples of your choice.  

Your invitation to save up to 70% on big name designers awaits…

Next time you head for the woods or a camping retreat, tuck a Light My Fire Firesteel ($9.50-$20) in your pocket and amaze your crew (and yourself) at your ability to start a campfire. Developed for the Swedish Department of Defense and adopted by several military groups, the Firesteel comes with a metal striker used to strike the Firesteel. The result is a 3000°C spark capable of lighting stoves or piles of tinder. Good for 3000 strikes and even works in wet conditions, the Firesteel needs to be atop your camping list.

Face it, the transition between winter to early spring brings plenty of work to be done outside and around the property. What you need is a good pair of worker’s gloves that can live up to the test but look equally as good in your back pocket once the job is done and the High Life is ready to be drank. A new company by the name of ELC Mens out of Denver brings American-made rugged gear to the table. Their 100 Days Collection (a new piece is released every 100 days) features limited runs of a denim jacket (with an included pocket knife), soft flannel, an organic henley and of course these Roper Gloves ($60) made of full grain cowhide and fleece lining. Each pair is hand tanned and shipped in a custom package, not bad for the $60 price tag.

Right now it seems like everone is jumpin’ on the white canvas sneaker bandwagon for spring. From J. Crew’s Jack Purcell’s to the Lo Re-issue PF Flyer to the original low cut chuck, its tough to find a pair that everyone else isn’t wearing. However, Tretorn’s T-56 ($55) caught my eye the other day and instead of ordering a pair (which I still might do) I thought I’d give everyone else a fair shot at a more unique pair of white sneakers. Big ups for the 1950’s history, bright green line and price.