Moustache and Beard Blog

Articles tagged as Leather (view all)

Be wealthy, regardless of your income

30 November, 2012 0 comments Leave a comment

Why do you have your handlebar moustache?

I have never met a man with a handlebar moustache who didn't have a story. There is a magnetic pull some describe as "nostalgia," others feel it is a mark of distinction that sets him apart from the crowd. For many it is the sign of self possession. For me, the moustache is an outward expression of an inward attitude toward life. Part of this attitude is enjoying the classic virtues and vices of masculinity.

The "good life" doesn't have to break the bank

Earlier this week I purchased a handmade coffee mug from a fellow entrepreneur at Momugs (no affiliation). When I saw it I knew I would own one. I loved that it was handmade, that every aspect of the design was on purpose, from the stamp on the bottom, to the colors, the dimple and the finger loop. This mug serves a practical function by keeping the coffee off my moustache and makes my desk look awesomer. This set me back about $30 including shipping. I've used it, I love it and I recommend it without reservation.

My desk blotter cost me about $100 and will last through my lifetime, my son's and probably his son's. On it I did the paperwork to incorporate this company, wrote my will and signed up to sponsor our girl in Rwanda. My wallet is also from Saddleback Leather (I do work here; however, this is not a paid referral). It is one of the most beautiful pieces of leather I've ever seen. It is full grain and starting to get an awesome patina. This wallet holds my identification, SD cards for my DSLR camera, an emergency snow scraper (I live in Michigan...), a Cardsharp pocket knife, a magnifying card and a metal mirror for my moustache. This wallet runs less than $50 and will also last beyond my lifetime.

Cigars don't have to cost a bajillion dollars to be enjoyable. One trick I've learned is to go to a reputable tobacco shop and ask the guy at the register for the most underrated cigars. You may end up smoking a new brand that hasn't been around long enough to get reviewed and is still cheap. You can also go with anything from the brands Acid or Macanudo. They may not be the fanciest out there, but they are consistent and hard to not enjoy. Of course, a good can of my moustache wax is an affordable luxury! I recommend getting a pair and clicking here.

Doing good is part of doing well

I know a few "rich" people. Counter to the cliche of the rich being greedy, they are generally pretty nice people. Even if you aren't rich yet, you can get the feeling of being a philanthropist through micro-lending sites like Kiva. My wife Jordon and I sponsor a child through Africa New Life and give a Rwandan child a real chance at life for about what it costs to buy a coffee everyday. I have been on the ground in Rwanda and these guys are the real deal.

In conclusion: be wealthy, no matter your income

Whether you have a bike, a dog and a moustache or you live in a big 5000 square foot house with a wrap-around porch, you can live the good life. Here is a tip: spend money on what you touch every day. With the exception of the cigars, all of what I have linked to you should touch every day. Tobacco is great, but everything in moderation! Moderation in everything except this: your sponsored child will touch you in that mushy spot in your heart where you want to make sure your life leaves a legacy.

Note: I have nothing against affiliate links (if they are declared) but none of these are affiliate links. I will always let you know if I ever use an affiliate link. Just letting you know in case you are curious :}

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The mementos we collect

05 September, 2012 0 comments Leave a comment

A clock, a leather case, a pipe and a wallet my dad made: mementos over the years that help me remember where I have been.


I mentioned in my Manifesto that I have collected mementos over the years that help me remember where I have been. This post explains the mementos on my Facebook background photo. I hope that through this site we will get to know one another. I will start by sharing a little bit about me.

The pipe I inherited from my dad. It's a Meerschaum pipe of a Sikh in a turban. The clay from the Meerschaum is really special because over the years it pulls in the tobacco and presents it to the surface making the carving come alive with character. As the smoker holds the pipe the oils from his hand transfer and that adds to the effect. This means a lot to me because I am adding to the patina my father started.

Have you ever thought about how amazing mechanical clocks and watches are? With less metal than I carry on my key chain, these machines can tell us the position of the Earth around its axis within a couple seconds. In one of those seconds my wife said "I do." In another I saved a life. In one second my son was born; in another second my father passed (represented by the hands on the clock in the photo above). With the exception of this photo time never stands still. Seconds fall over like dominoes that started before us and will keep falling us after we move on.

The tooled leather wallet was made by my dad who was a really talented leather worker. He used to volunteer at 4H (kind of like Boy Scouts for kids that already live in the woods) teaching leather work and I still have his tools in my toolbox. All of this sits atop a leather iPad case inscribed by the owner of Saddleback Leather (where I work during the day). What he said means a lot to me and I will keep it long after my iPad becomes just an expensive digital picture frame.

Do you have mementos you keep around you to remind you of your successes, failures, friends, family or steps along your path?

Need some awesome grooming supplies?

Get a Pair of Moustache Wax
Check out Wisdom and Initiative Beard Oil
Feast your eyes (and face) on these awesome Kent brand combs
Choose the best beard care kit for your needs!