Gifts I Gave Myself | Baron Wells Herringbone Tie

Gifts I Gave Myself | Wall Calendar

Gifts I Gave Myself | Flask

Writing under the influence

I am 2 days post op and currently surfing the web and updating this blog under the heavy influence of Oxycodone

Inspiration | Wood Stoves

I have been thinking a lot this week about my first home. I am still a few years out, but have put a lot of thought into how I want my first home to pan out. I really think that I will have a few of these simple wood burning stoves in my home as the primary source of heat. It is the most cost effective option and the ritual of chopping wood has always been paramount to me. And it smells so nice. I cant help but think of all the cooking I could do right from the bed if I had one of these in my bedroom...

MotorCycle Shopping

Wants & Desires | Holga D Concept

This is not yet a reality, but as a medium format afficionado, I would love to see this reach production. Enjoy.

Recent Acquisition

The Docksider collaboration between BillyKirk and Sebago

What we all are talking about...

Murphy Beds

I spent the night on Friday in a hotel in Las Vegas. Resigned to spend the few short hours of sleep on a Murphy's bed in the small timeshare, I thought of how this simple idea could be better executed and even contribute to the aesthetic of the room. Here is a sample of what I envision as a small guest room or a solution to the studio apartment.

Recent Acquisition

Series of Lumberjacks done by Bryndon David Mark Everett

The Hunt

Future Project | Pipe and Oak Shelving Unit

Wants & Desires | Audrey by Jory Hemmelgarn

This is by my roommate Jory. Love the simplicity

Bison Maillard

I have been wanting to try my hand at Bison for the last few days and decided tonight was as good as any. For those unfamiliar, Bison is very lean and protein rich. It has a nice full flavor. Following is a photo.

Bison Maillard with Coriander & Peppercorn Brown Butter

Upcoming | Gun Show

The coming Saturday will be the crossroads of the west gun show here in SLC. I look forward to picking up a few items as well as the intriguing mass of aficionados.

AMC | MAD MEN

I have been blown away by this show this summer. I have become accustomed to watching TV on DVD and this latest season of MAD MEN is killing me one week at a time. The direction Weiner has gone this season with Draper's rediscovery of himself and the emergence of Peggy as a commanding female role have been outstanding. I anticipate Sunday nights for so many different reasons now. For the uninitiated, I own all the seasons thus far on DVD and would be happy to loan them out.

When a man enters a room, he brings his whole life with him - Don Draper

Americana

Wants & Desires | H&K M7P8

I have been tracking down one of these guns over the past few months and have decided it is far beyond my means. At over 1600, if you are able to locate one, it resides in a realm all its own. Until my income increases, I will have to make do with simply admiring its simplicity.

Mad Men

You don't need money to dress better than you do.

-Salvatore Romano

An Icon of Greatness

One small step at a time

Richard Shilling

Found

Wants & Desires | Opinel Folding Knife

I am hunting down an Opinel knife today. An old french classic.

Personal Collection

Jethro Gillespie self portrait with Nietzsche

The Right Way

Musk Melon

I have been searching for one of these beautiful melons over the last few weeks. Fueled by the Japanese gifting of fruit, this melon is grown under very specific conditions and is one of the most expensive fruits available. It is my understanding that the musk melon tree grows slowly and produces only 3 or 4 melons per year. The curator will select the best looking melon early on and will remove the others in order to funnel all nutrients toward the selected fruit. This process creates a fruit that is very light and sweet. At an asking price of around 200 dollars a piece, it might be a while before I can afford the Japanese proxy needed for a Sunday brunch.

Blue

Noble Concrete Design

An old boss and friend of mine recently left the restaurant business to start his own company in concrete design. I have had a lot of dealings with Brian and expected great things from him, but was blown away when I stumbled upon this home he recently completed. His attention to form and detail are a perfect complement to the raw organics of the material. I hope to see much more of his work and might even try and get on as an apprentice for a bit. Brian operates out of Utah Valley and can be reached at Noble Concrete Design 801.691.3302

Petit Gâteau

I have been playing around with the idea for these little cakes for quite some time. A simple devil's food with a caramel and chocolate ganache between the three tiers, accompanied by a ganache and crumb coating with fresh mint and raspberries. Cakes measure 3 inches in diameter and height.