Making an Adirondack Chair

The Adirondacks are synonymous with Summer in my family. Even more, we spent a few extra honeymoon days in the 'dacks following our weeklong adventure in Vermont. 

I was in Lake Placid and stopped at the wonderful little bookstore on main street. It was closing time and I saw Mary Twitchell's simple Easy-to-Build Adirondack Furniture book.  The shop keeper rung me up, took my $4 and smirked and said, "give me a call after you build your chair!" 

Okay, you sassy-pants bookstore guy - I did it! While it is the basic chair, I'm pretty proud of my first attempt. I think all-in-all it cost me about $55 in materials. I used pine and about 1/3  less screws than Mary suggested. It's pretty damn sturdy and what was better, the book was perfectly put and easy to follow. I took some artistic liberties on a few sections, but happy so far. Looking forward to diving into the intermediate version, and hell, maybe a foot stool. 

$55 Materials

$4 book

Pride = you can't put a price tag on that, baby.

Christmas 2020 at Longwood Gardens

 

Longwood Gardens is a magical plant paradise located in Kennett Square, PA. On a whim, one chilly December night, we decided to look up ticket prices and head over. Turns out if you think you're going to visit more than once a year, a membership makes the most sense! We did it - wow, I feel like a real adult. "Me?" "Why, yes, I am a fully-fledged botanical gardens member, at your service." In order to get the full effect, read that in a snobby accent of your choice. 

I know it's already 2021 and many have taken down the last hints of Christmas, but wanted to share a snapshot of a fun evening out. The light show and grounds were absolutely stunning. I cannot wait to see what the next season has to offer. 

Longwood Gardens - site

Mountain Biking | White Clay, DE

I've always had this place in the back of my mind. And it's taken years to finally get in my car and drive for 50 min over the border to Delaware and unpack my bike. Well worth the drive because this was some of the best singletrack I've ever been on, ever. Ever. Honestly I felt like I could pump around for ages and the only limiting factor would be hours of sunshine left and water packed. I even managed to sight some foxes during the ride. Can't wait to get back out there. 

Glen Onoko Falls

To ring in the new year it was decided a hiking trip was in the cards. Just about 90 minutes from Philadelphia is a quaint little town called Jim Thorpe. The Lehigh river runs through the town, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Glen Onoko Falls. There are a million websites and blogs out there telling you how best to travel to and thru the park, so I'll save the tips. The hike itself was unexpectedly challenging.  After parking the car, crossing underneath the bridge (hang a right when you decend the steps) and up the falls side of the trail first, I could feel my heart ticking rather quickly.  Some parts of the trail required being down on all fours, strategically picking foot holds, and maneuvering up alongside the humming waterfall. The trees, even in winter, were fabulous in the overcast and moody day. We opted to do the loop which would normally be around 3.5 miles, but we accidentally took the shortcut (2.7 mi) and missed the overlook at the top. Rookie mistake, but a reason to go back and enjoy it during another season!

ONNIT x MARVEL: Superhero Kettlebells & More

It's that time of year when everyone vows to get into the best shape of their lives.  I'm a huge fan of kettlebell workouts and the many, many different exercises you can do with one or a pair.  I just happened upon one of the greatest collaborations I have ever seen, Marvel and Onnit pair up to create some 'super' items for resolutioners regular people.  Check out the full line, here.  *Ahem, did I mention there are Captain America Barbell plates?????

Chocolate Muffins!

Well snowstorm Jonas has officially hit the city of Philadelphia and I'm seeking refuge inside.  The streets are covered in a little over a foot of snow and the wind is whipping.  I've braved the snowflakes a few times already today to get the dog outside and shovel out the sidewalk.

Could there be a more perfect day to stay inside, catch up on homework and bake tasty treats?  I think not.  So I thought to make a double batch of what I call "Grain Free Chocolate and Cranberry Protein Muffins."  I know, its a big name so you can just call them healthy-ish chocolate muffins.

Winter Gear Feature: Hats

Penfield Conway Melange Beanie Hat in Navy

WOOD WOOD Ribbed Beanie in Black

 

We are well into the month of January and it is finally time to don some grade-A winter gear.  Temperatures are dropping and you know you need something good to keep you warm when the winds are gusting.  If you've been a reader for some time, you know I'm a huge advocate for guys stuff, because, well, the quality is often more durable and built for wear and tear.  And it's cooler, there I said it.

I picked out my three favorite hats from a designer menswear company you will love, Infinities. Up top I'm wearing the ultra soft and warm Penfield Conway Melange hat in Navy.  It is super soft and a classic hat for winter time.  The WOOD WOOD hat in the second picture is 100% Merino Wool and really durable.  It will block out the wind and keep your head nice and warm, and it's on sale!  The third hat that I really like is the WIP Carhartt Classic Watch Tab hat.  It's big, soft, and really warm when you need the extra insulation.  You're going to need a good hat this winter, so why not take my word for it?  

What is your favorite gear for Winter?

Paris For New Years

For my birthday (which passed and was in October), I was gifted with the most extraordinary gift ever!  An 8 day trip to Paris!  I can hardly believe it and I'm a little freaked because I forget all of my French lessons from college, but OH MY GOD guys, I'm going to Paris!

Apart from North American destinations and S.Korea, I've never been anywhere else abroad!  So I'm asking all of you to chime in and tell me what I absolutely have to see off the beaten path.  Because, I of course, plan on doing all the nerdy but necessary tourist things as well.  I'll be staying in an AirBnb near the Louvre for reference.  Gotta plan ahead!

EDIT**
The  horrifying events that have occurred in the French capital are nearly unimaginable.  My heart absolutely bleeds for all those effected by these terrible acts of violence.  Shaken to the bone.  My prayers and thoughts are with them.

Cycling #RoundUp: Winter and Night Riding

Be seen and heard during your next adventure aboard your trusty steed.  A couple great gadgets here to alert drivers of your presence on the road. The Proviz jacket has amazing reflective qualities at night, check out the link below to see it in action.  Not too steeply priced for a waterproof cycling shell either.

1. Japanese Brass Bell - $19.90
2. Fly6 Rear Light and Camera - $249.00
3. Proviz Cycling Jacket - $139.99
4. Defeet High-Vis Socks - $17.00
5. Defeet High-Vis Glove Liners - $15.00
6. Cateye Front Light - $17.25
7. Nite Ize SpokeLit - $8.00

Arctic Swell - Surfing the Ends of the Earth

In keeping the icy theme going here on the blog, here's another epic video of photographer Chris Burkard and Professional Surfers Patrick Millin, Brett Barley, and Chadd Konig braving sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic Circle to get the perfect shot of an amazing ride.  

Another amazing surf-themed video that'll give you goosebumps. here

What sports are you into during the colder months?

Beer Review (40): Jubelale by Deschutes Brewery

Brewery: Deschutes Brewery Beer: Winter Warmer/Strong Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 89 Abv: 6.7%

Ah, winter warmers, the perfectly spiced brew to get you through the holiday season with LOTS of cheer.  This is the first time trying the Jubelale by Deschutes Brewery.  It had a nice dark rum and amber colored pour with a tan head.  Lightly spiced, medium hop and nicely flavored.  Caramel, bread, nutmeg and a touch of vanilla.  Grab a six pack for Christmas afternoon.

Winter Warmer #RoundUp

A great winter ensemble starts with the most reliable outerwear.  That's why I've put together a #RoundUp with some of the highest quality gear on the market to keep you warm and dry through what the
Old Farmer's Almanac is forecasting--another long, cold, and snowy winter.  

The key is to start with a jacket that you can be sure will keep your core warm and snug.  Fjallraven makes it easy with their array of winter jackets that have been tested in some of the harshest environments.  Yep, and their pretty good looking pieces too.  

Apart from the jacket, the second most important part of the ensemble is definitely what goes on the feet.  Smart wool socks and a solid pair of waterproof boots.  You just can't skimp on this part.  Get something reliable with classic styling and a good guarantee.  This is something you can spend a lot on now and keep forever.
Try the LL Bean boots, they're timeless and indestructible.  

1. Fjallraven - Greenland No.1 Down Jacket
2. Harris Tweed - Men's Gloves
3. Fjallraven - Yupik Parka
4. Filson - Wool Seattle Shirt 

5. LL Bean - Men's Maine Hunting Shoes, 10"
6. LL Bean - Men's 10" Shearling Boots

7. Fjallraven - Viso Beanie

8. Outlier - M-Back Climbers
9. Tretorn - Gärde Stövel Vinter GTX Boots
10. Black Diamond - Spark Gloves
11. Pendleton Woolen Mills - Yakima Camp Blanket
12. Woolrich - Boot Socks
13. Brooks Brothers - Fair Isle Half-Zip Sweater
14. Drakes - Fair Isle Scarf
15. Paulrose Denim - Slim Slub Indigo Raw Denim

What keeps you warm in the winter?  

Universal Works Knitwear

Universal Works is a British clothing brand that mixes heritage wear with modern silhouettes.  Their AW14 collection is one of my favorites of the season.  Timeless and wearable feel to it. They have a nice range of accessories that would pair nicely with your quilted coats for the season or tweed.

--
The leaves continue to fall and turn.  One good rain should be able to clear the limbs for the season.  I can't complain too much, I love wearing layers and enjoying hot beverages.  Now to stock up on some sweaters...

To Pom or Not To Pom?

Knitwear everywhere!  It's time to cover up those locks and keep your head snug and warm for the season.   It's always nice to upgrade your hats for the season, but what to choose, what to chose?!  Why not both, c'mon! More Winter #Roundups coming soon!


1. Flag Beanie - Han Kjobenhavn - Here ($67)
2. Navy Dots Pom Beanie - Primitive - Here ($30)
3. Double Cuff Fair Isle Beanie - Chamula - Here ($75)
4. Bobble Beanie - Scotch & Soda - Here ($32)
5. Diamond Bobble Hat - Fred Perry - Here ($86)
6. Navy/Red Stripes Saint-Henri Watch Cap - Raised By Wolves -Here ($21)
7. Cable Knit Beanie - Norse Projects - Here ($70)
8. Winter Beanie - Julia Rio -Here ($48)
9. Navy/Burgundy Marl Dog Sled Pom Beanie - Belief - Here ($26)
10. Logo Beanie - Stone Island - Here ($128)

Which one would you pick?

Winter Mitts

There's a handful of accessories that I keep near and dear to me during the winter.  These mittens have revolutionized my cold weather biking habits.  I can literally go forever.  Well, that is until the one afternoon it started snowing, wet heavy gobs of precipitation and my mitts were completely saturated.  So I pulled out the Sno-Seal I got from my dad and set to work.  Now these things are unstoppable.  And, apparently, so is this winter.  

Getting You Through Another Winter Weekend

Still cold, still pale, and still getting by with a little help from some of my favorite stuff.  If you're finally feeling the effects of winter and its weighing on you, perk yourself up.  There's a 21.4% chance if you pick from something above, it'll be a beer.  Cheers!

Sunglasses - Han Kjøbenhavn

Ripe - Nigel Slater

Camera - Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3CK

Tea - PG Tips

Beer - Sixpoint's The Crisp

Hand Carved Spoons - Nic Webb

Toboggan - Camden Toboggans

Beer - Old Chub

Shoes - Quoddy Utica Oxford
Studded Tire - Xerxes

Kettlebell

Jacket - Barbour Morris Utility Waxed

Shoes - Crossfit Nano 3.0

Beer - 21st Amendment Black IPA

#roundups

Chain Rings Built For Winter By Wolf Tooth Components

Commuting in the winter can sometimes be a huge pain in the butt.  You have to deal with slush, ice, black ice, piles of snow blocking the bike lanes, and that odd day when you are forced to ride the bus.  I've recently been brainstorming more ways to winter-ize my bike but I haven't really settled on anything yet.  Now I'm wishing I had a big ol' fat bike or a mountain bike to pop on some of these beautiful festive chain rings by Wolf Tooth Components.  Under $100 bucks, you can't beat it. 

It's Still Winter!

Yep, there's still a lot of season left for us here on the east coast, and I am not complaining.  It's been magical so far and I can't wait for more snow.  Call me crazy!  Philly's being hit with a snowy/ice mix today and it's very pretty outside.  The dog loves the snow, too!

Dressing the part:

Diemme Firenze Combat Boots

AXS Trail Parka

Barbour Morris Utility Waxed Jacket (W)

Quoddy Black Deck Chukka

Hiut Denim Selvedge Denim Hack@ 2013

Mad Bomber Plaid Wool Hat

Stay warm, folks!

A Brief Trip to Narragansett, RI

12 hours of driving in less than a 24hr period.  I headed out from Philadelphia to make the long haul to Rhode Island last week.  With about a foot of fresh snow on the ground and Philly in complete chaos, I put the whole mess in my rear view mirror and cranked the radio.

I didn't really have time to explore too much, but I did start the morning off with a quick trip to the beach to see some brave surfers catch some waves.  I stood there, clutching my warm coffee, thinking about how fun it'd be to be out there...but then the feeling in my toes went away!  Hope ya'll did something fun over the weekend!  

Snowstorms in January

Since moving to Philadelphia some 5 years ago, this Winter season has been my absolute favorite so far!  I'm really enjoying all the snow and trudging around in it with Muffin the dog.  I'm lucky that if I had to, I could walk a few miles to work.

Follow me on instagram @vwalker1

Thanks Mat (Buckets & Spades Blog) for hosting a killer giveaway a few weeks ago!  I won the Realm & Empire 100% wool cap to keep my noggin warm in the snow.  Stay warm folks!