Spungle

Wine Chiller (Verdict: Genius!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Although it’s chilly outside, it doesn’t mean that you should be drinking warm white wine at your next dinner party. In fact, you still need to adhere to rules and keep your whites nice and chilly. In the past, keeping a Riesling at the optimal 7 degrees centigrade required putting the bottle into the fridge the night before. However, as with any good dinner party, there is always tons to prep, and refrigerator real-estate comes at a premium. So, here’s a solution to the battle between your confit de canard and your Alsacian Riesling, The Wine Enthusiast Chilling Carafe with Ice Sleeve.

This hand-blown, lead free carafe comes with a middle sleeve that is designed to accommodate standard ice cubes. Just fill the carafe with your favorite vino (white please), insert the sleeve, and your wine will be chilled to perfection. Then when you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is remove the sleeve and pour. Please feel free to repeat the aforementioned process as much as possible, or until everyone has had enough to drink that they won’t notice that you burnt the crème brulee!

Dalmore Bespoke (Verdict: Unbelievable!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0000

As the economic downturn appears to abate, soon Wall-Street’ers will be looking for ways to spend their bonuses. Sure they could spend it on the usual lux toys like cars, trips, and watches. But for the newly-revived Wall Street mogul with a hankering for a special Scotch, we have the perfect experience for you!

The famed Dalmore distillery is partnering with world-renown distiller Richard Paterson to create YOUR bespoke scotch. For a mere $85,000, Dalmore will whisk you to Scotland with first-class airfare, pamper you when you arrive with city and country tours, house you in utter opulence, entertain you with falconry, and ultimately introduce you to Mr. Paterson.

If you know scotch, you know Richard Paterson. With too many accolades to list, Richard Paterson is the third generation of his family to serve as Master Distiller -- a rich family lineage unmatched in the industry. It’s no wonder his award-winning blends have garnered the attention of the world’s most discriminating connoisseurs and why he will be charged with the duty of making your scotch.

You see, after spending four glorious days in Scotland, Mr. Paterson will then start concocting your dream bespoke scotch. He will incorporate your discriminating tastes, focus on your favorite aromas, and hone in on your personality. In a few weeks time he will send you a handmade case with your prized bottle of scotch.

Sure this is utter lavish spending, but then again, the bonuses are back, and you have to spend it on something!

Gorillatorch (Verdict: Bright idea!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Since changing the clocks last weekend, we’re really having issues adjusting to this early nightfall- especially since we depend on natural lighting and have an office that is surrounded by windows! It is not only requiring us to turn on more lights to keep the work flowing, but it’s also forcing us to use flashlights every time we want to plug/unplug some piece of media equipment. What a pain! Well, we can honestly say that after struggling way too much with flashlights, while balancing ourselves on chairs with one hand behind the projector, we have found a solution to our request for a third-arm, the Gorillatorch!

This funny-looking, animalistic creature is the newest genius product from Joby. Built with strong flexible magnetic feet, this uber-bright flashlight can be positioned in a myriad of ways to ensure that you have perfect light where you need it. Need to swap out the video card on your computer? Not a problem, position it hanging upside down to perfectly shine light into you computer tower. Need to get a little extra light inside your closet? Position it to hang off your shelf and you have the light exactly where you need it. You get the idea? This thing is invaluable when you desperately need light in a tight space.

And best of all, it’s cheap! What more could you ask for? A flashlight that can hold itself, that doesn’t burn through batteries, and costs less than a few days of Starbucks, sounds like something that you need to buy right away!

Wm. J. Mills and Co (Verdict: THE Canvas!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:07:00 +0000

So if Monday was a look into the future as to what is THE jacket for the weeks ahead, today’s review is a look into the past, as to what has been our favorite summer-time tote for the last few weeks. For those of you who saw us out in the Hamptons this summer, you may remember that we were toting around an unfamiliar bag. It had large strong piping, bright bold color, and was with us when we were at the gym, the beach, or a last-minute pool party. In fact, we were nearly inseparable from this bag because it was perfect for every situation from the moment we left our office in NYC until we boarded the train back to NYC at the end of the weekend. We’re talking about our beloved Wm J. Mills & Co. duffle from the famed Long Island sail-maker.

This well-known Long Island local sail-maker has been in the canvas business since the 19th century. They have perfected the art of making sails for boats and over the years have expanded to becoming the authority on canvas manufacturing. Therefore, it is no wonder why at their first run at making a canvas bag, that they were able to hit it out of the park!

Capitalizing on the duffle-bag craze, these canvas-based geniuses were able to construct a bag that not only can withstand the elements, but can also go everywhere from the office to the beach and back, all while looking brand-spanking-new! The reason that these bags are so strong and hold their color and shape so well that they are constructed from super durable #8 duck cotton canvas while the zipper is heavy-duty marine-grade quality. In addition, each duffel is water resistant allowing you to dart in and out of the elements, and is also machine washable for when the elements get the best of you. Taken together, it is an incredibly sharp looking bag that like a good Timex, can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’!

Now, if you are starting to think about potential holiday gifts for your favorite man, then we actually suggest that you expand beyond just getting him a duffel (since we know you totally are obsessed with Wm J. Mills & Co after reading this review), and go for the Travel Set. This set includes not only one duffle, but two duffles and a flight bag. Now, by purchasing the set you not only are going to save a whole lot of cash compared to buying each piece individually, but you are also going to afford him the ability to no longer need to check any luggage on his next flight because these bags are perfect for storing a ton and still fitting in even the tightest of spaces.

So, if you want to give yourself or your loved ones a gift that they will surely love, then be sure to add a Wm J. Mills duffle to your holiday shopping list. When you buy this hand-made, locked-stitch bag, you know that you are buying quality- why even think about anything other than the best quality out there?

Hamilton Grip Quilt (Verdict: A-mazing!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:12:00 +0000

When the calendar clicks from October to November and the clocks click back an hour, you know it’s time to start clicking and snapping different buttons on your jacket. No longer does your Fall ’09 attire fit the bill for those chilly mornings and brisk evenings. So, in case you have found yourself in a panic as to what to wear this November (and the rest of the winter), here’s a suggestion, the Barbour Hamilton Grip Quilt.

For starters, you all know that we are absolute Barbour die-hards. We are obsessed with their commitment to detail and their ability to manufacture a product that will last the test of time. In addition, we are extremely hard on our outerwear with all the traveling we do, and we must admit that when we’re flaunting good ‘ol Barbour, it always looks unbelievably fresh and well put together.

Ok, so enough about our love-affair, and more about this absolutely outstanding addition to Barbour’s ever-popular line of quilted jackets. As opposed to their other quilted jackets, Barbour went outside the box with this one. In fact, they made the box bigger… the boxes on the quilt that is. This jacket features a dramatically larger quilt than previous models, which gives the jacket a semi-puffy feel. It’s because of this extra fullness that the jacket feels (and is) so much warmer while still only having 100g of wadding. Furthermore, the collar is accented with corduroy which not only makes the collar stand up, but also keeps your neck nice and warm when you zip it up all the way. Lastly, this stunning black jacket features great yellow accents on the Barbour label on the sleeve and on the inner coat tag. This deviation from the traditional olive green jacket / khaki accents makes for not only a great fashion statement, but for some awesome variety for us Barbour junkies.

So, if you’re looking to heat things up this winter, and also keep yourself warm, then look no further than the moderately priced and extremely fashionable Barbour Hamilton Grip Quilt. We feel bad writing this review, because we know that once you see it, you won’t be able to control yourself, and will be compelled to buy it right away!

Harrods for Men (Verdict: WONDERFUL!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:16:00 +0000

Although we are continuously in an Empire State of Mind, we have love and admiration for those funny talking folks across the pond. In fact, when looking for our Fall 2009 scent, we didn’t even bat an eyelash when we looked at the bottle of this intriguing aroma. The olfactory stimulating winner is from famed perfume manufacturer Bond No 9, and the scent is entitled Harrods for Him.

Definitely the first joint NYC / London aroma, this incredible scent is sure to set you apart from all the other gents the moment you walk into the room. With the first whiff you catch a fall-like scent of sandalwood and birchwood. As you heat up and help volatize the cologne, you (and those around you) start to notice a soothing lavandin that is garnished in pimentos berries, that is all wrapped in violet leaves. Ultimately, the scent leaves your olfactory bulb saturated with a cornucopia of flavors, including a hint of anise that seems to linger and intrigue all those around you.

To say that we are obsessed with Harrods for Him is an understatement! It is the quintessential complement to the changing of the seasons and all those wonderful smells. So, be nice, get this cologne, and make your presence known to all those who don’t have a stuffy nose (or the swine flu)!

Opinel (Verdict: Pumpkin Sharp!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:43:00 +0000

With Halloween only a few short weeks away, it’s never to early to think about carving the pumpkin. In fact, this upcoming weekend is probably the best weekend to go to the pumpkin patch to find your next jack-o-lantern. With that said, carving a pumpkin is not just buying a pumpkin, drawing in two triangles for ears and an ellipse for a mouth, and gauging it all out with a steak knife. Instead, you need to pick a pumpkin that matches the architecture of your design, that has enough space to allow your design to take shape, and has contours that allow for easy cutting. And that’s just picking out your pumpkin.

Here’s a link to a great site that has inexpensive, yet creative designs. So, now you have your pumpkin, you have your plan, but the last thing you need are the tools to complete the project. You could definitely go and buy one of those childish plastic semi-serrated carving tools, or actually invest in a piece of serious cutlery. We advise the later.

And with that, we introduce you to the time-test outstanding French knife manufacturer, Opinel. Opinel has been making knives for 100+ years and has manufactured 250+ million knives to date. They are well known for their beautiful pearwood handles, and incredibly sharp and agile blades. The knives are the perfect piece of pocket cutlery for an afternoon in the garden, woods, or out on the range. In fact, I’ve had one for 15+ years and it still keeps its beautiful edge! The reason that we are advocating for an Opinel for your pumpkin surgical project, is because you need a knife that will rest comfortably in the hand, require little pressure to cut, and can cut sharp lines and angles like a jig-saw. We really can’t imagine a better knife for the project and recommend that you order one today so that you have it in time for this weekend.

Thankfully, Amazon has a whole selection with next day shipping, so it seems like your weekend is almost a guaranteed success. Provided, you keep your fingers away from that razor sharp blade!

Minnetonka for Men (Verdict: YES!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:15:00 +0000

When it comes to moccasins, one brand comes to mind, Minnetonka. And although Minnetonka moccasins pre-date most of our readers, they typically have been a women’s brand. Well, we’re proud to announce that Minnetonka has made a concerted effort to lure in the better gender by creating some unbelievable footwear for 2009, and we got to try their hottest design, the Double Bottom Hardsole.

These fine looking moccasins are made from an extremely soft yet durable leather that not only looks great day-after-day, but also feels great, too. In classic Minnetonka style, they feature a hand-stitched toe-box and a hand-threaded leather tie. However, in breaking with tradition, they have included an extremely comfortable heel-to-toe cushion, that provides outstanding support for when you need to spend hours on your feet. Taken together, these ain’t your daddy’s moccasins. They are fine looking shoes that can be worn casually with a pair of jeans, or a little more formally with a pair of slacks. And, for less than $75, what more could you ask for?

Memo Block (Verdict: Anti Post-It)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:46:00 +0000

As you can imagine, we read way too many magazines each week. And when we read a magazine, we’re typically looking for products to review or feature. So, we naturally go through a ton of post-it notes both tagging pages and jotting notes. However, as you all know, post-it notes are not the most aesthetically pleasing. Which is why, we are nutso for the Kakuzai Memo Block!

This stack of 1200 notes is styled so that it looks like a harmless block of wood sitting on your desk. No longer do you need to have unsightly neon notes scattered everywhere. Instead, you can have little slices of wood for your little slices of ideas. How cool!

Screw Keys (Verdict: Useful!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:42:00 +0000

When it comes to keys, it’s hard to be cool. Let’s face it, keys are just awkward, hard, metal objects that we have to carry day-in and day-out. So, if you’re going to be forced to carry a set of keys with you, you might as well maximize the utility of that pocket weight, and get some bang for your buck. Behold, the Screw Keys!

For just $5 and a few extra ounces tugging on your jeans, you can carry an extremely useful Phillips and Flat screwdriver everywhere you go. We cannot tell you how many times these two little keys have come in handy. From fixing our dilapidated and overpriced summer rental’s fixtures, to changing a watch battery, to setting up some cheap home furnishings, we can’t imagine a weekend going by where you won’t need to screw something! (pun intended)

BPC: Excavation (Verdict: THE Cleanse!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:36:00 +0000

Now that summer is far behind us, it’s time to retune our bodies and undo all those toxic nights and weekends. Sure, you could go to the gym and promise yourself that you’ll “eat right,” but as the temperature drops and the night comes earlier, we all know that it’s hard to get motivated. So, we decided to kick off Fall 2009 with a cleanse. But, as opposed to our last BluePrint Cleanse, we decided to REALLY detox ourselves, and subjected ourselves to the Excavation Cleanse.

We’ll start by saying that the name is actually much scarier than the cleanse. However, this was not our first (or our last) BluePrint Cleanse experience, and so we knew what we were in for. As we said in our last review, the BluePrint Cleanse is a powerful experience. You limit yourself to a cooler-bag a day. You deny yourself sweet tasty delectables. And, you focus on changing you.

Well, if you thought the Foundation wasn’t so bad, then the Excavation is the next logical step. We have to admit that we had a very easy transition into the cleanse. As we learned from last time, we limited our meat and fat the week before; we scaled down our food volume; and we actively pre-hydrated ourselves with bottles upon bottles of water. When the reliable delivery guy came with our juice, we were ready to go. And go we did!

The first juice tasted like a familiar friend, and the second wasn’t too bad either. It was once we got to our third green juice that we missed the good ‘ol pineapple-based juice from the Foundation cleanse, but felt right back in our groove with our favorite spicy lemonade. Overall, the cleanse was a piece of cake. And in fact, we found that we felt even stronger than last time during the cleanse. It was all-in-all not just an excavating experience, but also an uplifting one, too.

Of course we lost a whole bunch of weight, which we did slowly gain back. However, we did find that we broke ourselves from our maladaptive sugar and alcohol-based habits from the summer, and were able to get ourselves back onto a serious life-course through a simple 5-day cleanse.

To say that we recommend BluePrint Cleanse is an understatement. We honestly live by this stuff! BluePrint Cleanse is an excellent way to help break bad habits, start you on the right course, and excavate out all the crap that you’ve done to your body (literally). So, what are you waiting for? You’ve got to tune up and shape up for Christmas vacation!

AA Sheets (Verdict: Jersey-Soft & Perfect)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:45:00 +0000

When we need a new comfy tee, we usually make a b-line to a American Apparel. Their shirts are unbelievably soft, comfortable, and wear like iron. Wash after wash, they maintain their great shape and smooth texture. So, when we got the chance to try out American Apparel’s new bedding endeavor, we made sure we were at the top of their media list!

Priced at about the cost of 3 or 4 basic t-shirts (depending on mattress size), these uber-soft sheets are perfect fall bedding. They keep you warm at night and perfectly designed for late Sunday mornings. Like their classic tees, they are constructed from ultra-fine jersey cotton, and maintain their look and shape in even the worst apartment building washer. In fact, we’ve washed our set 10+ times, and they still look and feel like the day that they arrived.

Available in a handsome gray or a stark white, these are an absolute must-have in your linen closet. Nothing is better than coming home to a freshly made bed with new sheets. Treat yourself and get a set of these affordable sheets. We guarantee that you’ll fall in love with American Apparel all over again!

X-Force Swing Trainer (Verdict: Useful!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:36:00 +0000

As football season gets underway, we sadly say goodbye to weekend golf games. Sure we can play 9 or 18 holes before a 1 o’clock kick-off, but the days of 36 holes are over. This means that your swing is going to be only as good as it was over the summer, and quite possibly, you’re going to fade as you anxiously await your next golf trip. So, what are you to do? You could go to the driving range after a long day of work, but chances are that it’ll be dark and cold. You could invest in one of those over-priced video golf simulators, but chances are that you don’t have the space to set it up in your apartment. Or, you could do what the pros do, and get yourself the Callaway X-Force Swing Trainer.

Weighing in at approximately 8lbs (twice that of the average driver), the Callaway Golf X-Force Swing Trainer is designed to not only help you keep your swing, but bring your game to a whole new level. By simply being heavier than your common club, you build golf-specific muscle tone with each swing and also train your muscle fibers how to move in the perfect movement. As you continue to practice with the X-Force, you’ll notice that you’ll be able to refine your timing, position, and follow through off the tee.

After a few quick swings we instantly felt a soreness we had never felt before. In fact, it was almost like picking up a club for the first time. However, after persistently using the club 3-5 times a week, we noticed that we were not only gaining valuable yardage at the range, but also hitting more consistently. In fact, we found that we were playing better overall, just from a few swings a day with this perfectly sized trainer.

You can use the X-Force while using your headset on a conference call, you can use it while in your den watching the game, or you can even leave one in your bag for warming-up before your next game. This is truly a must-have for everyone from the novice looking to learn to the pro looking to refine. Enjoy the great football this weekend and be sure to pick Callaway X-Force Swing Trainer!

Vittorio J (Verdict: Uber-Luxe!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:54:00 +0000

As the warm weather escapes, so do the days of open collars. No longer is it acceptable to throw on your favorite fitted button-down, roll up the sleeves, and leave a button or two for “personal air-conditioning.” Now, the expectation is that you will not only button the cuffs, but also complement that outfit with an equally impressive tie. Sure you could rummage through your collection, but we guarantee that your personal tie-stock could use a little sprucing up. Which is why we looked to one of our favorite tie designers, Vittorio J, to see what they’re launching for Fall ’09. To say that we’re impressed is an understatement, and in a minute you’ll see why!

This new collection, dubbed the Exclusives Collection, is the epitome of what we desire in our fashion-wear. As opposed to all those other “mass produced” ties that you can pick up at your favorite haberdashery, the Exclusives Collection is limited to five hand-numbered items per style! This not only guarantees that you’ll be the only one wearing your tie at your next meeting, it also guarantees that you’ll have a tie that only 4 other people can own. Pretty cool, right?!?

“The silk used in the Exclusive Collection comes from the best fabric house in England, and employs a yarn count 50% higher than the industry standard. This results in more silk threads per square inch, a greater ply count, and a generally softer and more refined touch. The lining of the ties is made from a double-blend fabric known as NAPOLI + TELA, which uses strips of cotton and virgin wool to create a firm but pliable backing.”

As if we didn’t whet your appetite already, you’ll be pleased to know that this uber-hot collection features a double slip-stitch; a complex tailoring touch that not only diminishes the wrinkles associated with wear and tear, but also creates a fuller and more fluid knot. And, to take it to a whole new level, these ties include an elastic thread stitched through the interior, that ends as an exposed loop at the base of the tie. If the tie ever becomes wrinkled, it can be straightened out with a simple tug on the loop, not only keeping you looking fresh, but also keeping your tie around for a few more seasons.

As you can see, we can go on and on about how much we love these ties. But, truth be told, you can only really appreciate them in person. So, take a few moments from your day today and schlep over to Imparali . We know it’ll be love at first sight and that after that faithful trip that you neck will forever be beautifully adorned!

Travel Humidifier (Verdict: Life-Saving!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:15:00 +0000

As summer quickly abates and the economy starts to return, business travel is on the rise. And while it was absolutely blissful to spend weekend nights with the windows open listening to the soothing tones of crickets and waves, we are slowly, but surely being jarred back to sounds of stuffy hotel rooms with stagnant air. So, in an attempt to bring a breath of fresh air to that looming hotel-associated claustrophobic cloud of dank, here’s a great portable product—the Air O Swiss Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier.

This pint-sized travel humidifier is designed to work with your favorite pint-sized bottle of water. Simply plug in this tiny device, connect the adapter to your bottled water, and you instantly have clean humified air. The mist is generated by an ultrasonic generator that uses high-frequency vibrations to generate a “micro-fine” cool mist which almost instantly evaporates. Amazingly enough, this little wonder can take a dry, stale hotel room, and make it a habitable environment. You’ll not only feel better when you’re in the room, you’ll sleep better at night, which will set you up for more productive days. To be honest, we’re shocked that we didn’t find this product sooner, because it really makes a huge difference when going from an incredibly arid airplane to an even more uncomfortable hotel room. Best of all, the AC adapter comes with exchangeable plugs that work throughout North America and Europe. Taken together, there’s no reason why this is not a permanent fixture in your luggage!

Happy schlepping this fall, and we hope this little wonder makes that next trip just that much more tolerable!

Labradorite Cufflinks (Verdict: Versatile!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:09:00 +0000

While we can all appreciate a great shirt, you have to admit that it is the little “extras” that really complete the outfit; the right pants, a regal belt, matching shoes, etc. This is why we are always on the hunt for those little tidbits that not only help complete your outfit, but also set you apart from all the rest. Case in point, these wonderful cufflinks from our friend, Stephen Estelle.

These extremely unique, hand-forged, sterling-silver and labradorite cufflinks are simply unbelievable. At first glance they look just like any old sterling silver box-braided cufflinks. However, it’s only when you see how they perform in different lighting environments that you can appreciate the gray-green-blue labradorite stone. With a black shirt, they make a power-statement. With a white shirt, they scream sophistication. And with a blue shirt, they are subtly elegant. Once we got our hands on these cufflinks, we went through our entire collection of French-cuffed shirts just to see how diverse they truly are. And, take our advice, once you add these to your collection, they will instantly become your go-to cufflinks for every occasion from work to play and all that is in-between!

Yellow + Blue (Verdict: Eco-Friendly!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:19:00 +0000

Although summer is essentially over, it doesn’t mean that box wine is passé. It just means that cheap box wine is a thing of the past! Behold, Yellow + Blue, an eco-focused winery that not only produces unbelievable organic wines, but also packages them in a sustainable form—in a carton!

We first were introduced to Yellow + Blue earlier this summer and were quite intrigued by their packaging. Having been in the advertising/marketing business long enough, we realized that anything with an element of funk sells. However, we also realize that funk can make a customer purchase something once; it doesn’t always bring back repeat customers. Well, we are proud to say that from our first sip of the Yellow + Blue Rosé we were instantly hooked. And when we started to learn more about their company, we became huge fans!

To quote their marketing team, who has actually put it quite well, “Matthew Cain created Yellow+Blue after observing that countries such as Australia and Italy had quickly adopted eco-friendly packaging, and were selling 50-60 percent of their wines in this format. Seeing the potential in the U.S. market, Cain developed Yellow+Blue to tailor this mindful approach to the quality-conscious plates of discerning American wine drinkers. The result is a superior, better-tasting alternative to other “boxed” wines that are typically made by bulk growers without vintage dates.”

Case in point, the 2008 Rosé Alicante. A wine that is ideal for a warm fall evening, or even after a rough day at the office in the dead of winter. “Grapes grown in Spain’s famed Alicante region benefit from a continental climate softened by Mediterranean Sea breezes, with low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The vineyard is situated approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, where the “gobelet” (víña en vaso) system is used to ensure proper airing of the vines. The mineral-rich soil, combined with the warm, dry climate, yields fresh and fruity wines with great structure, lively color and intense aroma.

Our 2008 Rosé was harvested at the end of August. Rainfall early in the growing season, followed by a warm summer, resulted in a full and uniform ripeness of the Monastrell and Syrah grapes. All work, including the harvest, was done by hand. After crushing, the must was macerated for 10 hours before decanting. Fermentation took place in stainless steel for 17 days at a temperature of 13-16° Celsius (55-60° F.) Crisp, dry, bright and lively, our 2008 Rosé is a great choice for the warmer months but you might just want to keep some on hand all year ‘round.”

Best of all, this unbelievably complex rosé barely makes a dent in your weekly expenses. Taken together, it’s not only good for the environment, it’s good for your wallet! What more could you want from your next glass of rosé!?!

Tretorn Krona (Verdict: Super Sneaks)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:36:00 +0000

Although it’s Labor Day, we couldn't resist telling you about our favorite sneaker. So, in the spirit of the holiday, we’ll keep it brief. The sneaker is the Tretorn Krona Mesh Sneaker, and it is an unbelievable find because not only is it low-profile and extremely breathable, but it also looks wonderful with everything from shorts to jeans. Made with a soft mesh upper that is coupled to an uber-comfortable rubber sole, this shoe was designed for every occasion from a dress-down day at the office to a warm summer/fall evening. Available in silver, red, blue and brown, we truly believe that this is the shoe to sport in the next few weeks ahead. Jazz them up with some funky socks or keep summer alive without socks; no matter what you do, you are certainly going to be the head of the class with these gorgeous kicks!

Bucket Grill (Verdict: Genius!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:33:00 +0000

With Labor Day weekend only a few hours away, we sadly admit that Summer ’09 is drawing to a close. Now that we are left without a place to run to on the weekends, we realize that we are going to have to start cooking for ourselves just to survive the cold months ahead. Sure we could order in, but there was something so nice about seasoning our burgers and grilling them to perfection. And being that we’re NYC based, we never legally could have a barbeque on our terrace, let alone even hide one. Well, if you find yourself in the same boat as we are, we think we found the solution to your gastronomic worries. It’s called the Sagaform Portable Bucket-Shaped Charcoal Grill, and it’s f’ing amazing!

This sub-$50 stainless steel wonder is what we have been dreaming about for all our years of living in NYC! In a nutshell, this grill is nothing more than a stainless steel bucket with fold-out legs, and a 10-inch grilling rack. With a small bag of charcoal and a handful of hickory, you can easily re-create your summer night’s dream on the privacy of your own balcony. Sure it makes smoke that may get you caught, but it’s also small enough that you can easily put out the charcoals with a pitcher of water when the super comes a knocking. This stainless wonder is ideal for cooking burgers, a piece of fish, or even skirt-steak. Of course, because it lacks a top it’s hard to get some real searing heat, but when forced between a pan-fry and a charcoal burger, there’s no question which way we’re going. And, best of all, clean up is a piece of cake, and it’s easy to hide in the closet or under the sink! So, before you cry yourself to sleep tonight, make a quick visit to Amazon and pick one up before they sell out (again) and they go on backorder (again)!

Christopher Fischer (Verdict: The Vee to be!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:26:00 +0000

With descending mercury and only a few days before Labor Day, time is running out to wear white. In fact, this weekend is going to be your last chance to wear white with pride. So, what are you to do? Well, you could just rummage through your closet and see what piques your fancy. Or, you could actually buy a new outfit for this weekend and close out Summer ’09 in style. As you can guess, we’re advocating for the latter. Now, in case you just developed anxiety by the thought of what you actually need to buy, you can rest assured. We have found for you the sweater that is so Labor Day Weekend 2009 that you truly don’t have to look anywhere else. And to be honest, it’s such a great piece, we imagine that you’re going to break the rules and sport it through the fall, too. The sweater is the cashmere creation of Christopher Fischer, the weaving wonder, and it is dubbed the Bogart Double Vee Neck Sweater.

This soft, supple sweater is manufactured from Christopher Fischer’s famed ultra-light summer-weight cashmere. Designed with cool summer nights in mind, this piece keeps you looking hot when going out, but unbelievably cool when dancing the night away. For starters, it sports an extremely creative double v-neck that gives the illusion of wearing two sweaters. However, the “vee” is set wide and deep, which not only helps keep you cool, but also gives you a broadening muscular look. Being that it is made from a single layer of cashmere, it beautifully follows the contours of your physique, but since it is made from cashmere, it also softens all your lines. Taken together, this beautiful sweater makes you look broad and masculine, while giving you a soft and sophisticated look.

If you’re looking to light up the night this weekend, then you really have no other option than to pick-up this sweater. We know it seems a little odd to support cashmere before Labor Day and such a pricey item at the end of the summer season, but to be honest, when we find a great product, we just have to share it!

Grassy Charger (Verdict: Powered-Grass!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:04:00 +0000

You have to admit, there’s nothing worse than looking at your desk, countertop, or nightstand and seeing a wad of charger clutter. Sure you could use an ingenious product like the Chargepod which we featured a while back to condense the unsightly wires; but, sometimes you need a more aesthetically appealing solution, something like the Grassy Lawn Charging Station on ThinkGeek.com A true testament to WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get), the Grassy Lawn Charging Station is nothing more than a box of artificial grass that has a compartment underneath to hid the power adapters and cables. The box then connects to your standard outlet via a single extension cord. Ridiculously simple, and shear genius! This little box somehow brings a ray of sunshine to your rat nest of cables, and makes your desk almost instantly appear not only less cluttered, but more inviting. To be honest, we have Grassy Stations at work, in the Hamptons, and even give them away as house-warming gifts. It’s the type of product you were never looking for, but are surely glad to have. So, spare your retinas the shame of your cables and buy yourself a Grassy Lawn Charging Station—we know you and your visitors will surely appreciate it!

Serious Lip Treatment (Verdict: Plumper!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:58:00 +0000

Call us suckers, but we seem to be easily wooed by pretty packaging and big promises. Case in point, the entire “wrinkle” or “lip” aisle at your local Sephora. With that said, we also realize that the entire store can be based on total false-advertising and broken promises, so we decided to try out a few products, in hopes of defining our ever so delicate skin while preserving what remains of our manliness. This month’s test product: MD Skincare’s Serious Lip Treatment.

At first we were skeptical that this little $60 box could not only “plump our lips” but also “reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Then, as we started reading closer, we realized that this was a “two-step” process requiring two different elixirs. You see, for the last 30 some-odd years, we haven’t had to put anything on our lips and they’ve done just fine. Now, we not only need to spend upwards of $50 to “preserve” them, we need to do a “two-step” process. Sounds like something that was just demanding a run through Spungle labs.

For starters, the two step process is nothing more than two schmears. When bottle A is dry, schmear on bottle B. When B is dry, your work is done. To be honest, it couldn’t be more idiot proof. However, we’re not reviewing this product for its ease of application, we want to know if it’s worth cutting into our drinking budget. Well, according to our wives and girlfriends, the result is absolutely noticeable! Most of our significant others noted a dramatic difference after two weeks of religious application, and some even though they appreciated a smoother smooch after one week. The MD Skincare Serious Lip Treatment actually healed our sun/cigarette/cigar/whisky tattered lips, and brought them back to a civilized state. To say that we are impressed, is an understatement.

So, if you’re looking to improve on your smooch’s impact, or maybe just lose your Marlboro Man pucker, then definitely try MD Skincare’s Serious Lip Treatment. It comes at a hefty price, but we think you’ll definitely appreciate it!

Zulu (Verdict: THE Summer Lens!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:26:00 +0000

While we openly admit that we love aviator glasses (as you can see from all our previous reviews), we are getting a little sick of wearing the same sunglasses as everyone else. As you know, we pride ourselves on our unique lux fashion, and never want to be known as conformists. So, in an attempt to redefine the precious real estate that stretches from ear-to-ear, we went around NYC to see what people wear on their faces. We saw lots of Luxottica products, the occasional Oliver Peoples (made famous by our favorite movie Cruel Intentions), and more often than not, unbranded frames. We stopped the “unbranded” folks to see what they were wearing, and learned that Manhattan-faces are protected by a montage of manufacturers. However, after interviewing and reviewing umpteen people, we realized that our attention was most focused on those sporting the famed Moscot frames. As we featured a few months back, Moscot is THE original NYC eyeglass maven. They make frames that transcend decades and withstand the toughest of beatings. In sum, they make our favorite Summer ’09 style, the Zulu!

To quote their site, “Named for our strapping and unconventional uncle, Uncle Zulu Pushkin (yes, that’s his real name) who was a runner for a famed New York bookie back in the day, the Zulu recreates the ubiquitous American Optical Pilot frame made famous in the 1940s. This square shaped frame is strong and sturdy so it can really take a beating – urban or otherwise, if you catch our drift.”

What we adore about these simply wonderful frames is that they are not only light on the face, but extremely durable in the pocket. We have been bopping between Manhattan, the Hamptons, and everywhere in between with Zulus on our heads, and have to admit that they look just as good as when we picked them up at the Moscot store. The gold frame is thick enough to convey a strong masculine look, yet subtle enough that they look great with a suit or a t-shirt. And with respect to the lenses, we honestly don’t know if anyone makes a higher quality. The Moscot patented G15 aviator lens not only cuts the glare like a hot knife cuts butter, but enhances the wonderful pantone of summer colors that we all love. One of biggest problems in comparing glasses was that many of the lenses added “hues” to the visual fields. We found that the Moscot lenses never distorted colors, and we think that is because they are primarily an eyeglass shop, and know how to make a damn-near perfect lens.

Taken together, there really is no reason to wear what everyone else is wearing. Set at a price point that is comparable, if not even slightly less than the generic aviator frame, the Moscot Zulu is the logical choice for the discriminating fashion hound. They are lightweight, exquisitely comfortable, wonderfully stylish, and unbelievably perfect. How many more adjectives do you need? Get them!

Defender (Verdict: Beyond Protective!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:23:00 +0000

While we absolutely love our iPhone 3GS, we openly admit that we are deathly afraid of damaging it. With more computing power than the Lunar Lander, we realize that the iPhone is incredibly susceptible to the elements. With that said, we’re outdoor people, which means that our iPhone is an outdoor phone. So, what are we to do? Well, we thought about wrapping it in a bubble-wrapped packed ziplock, but to be honest, it looks kind of ridiculous at the beach. Obviously, in true Spungle fashion we went out and went hunting for our favorite iPhone 3GS case! The bounty of our search is the Otterbox Defender, and we most openly admit, we are beyond impressed!

Before telling you why this is the case that guards our beloved iPhone, we have to admit that this was not what we were looking for. Initially, we wanted a slim case that hugged the phenomenal profile of the iPhone. However, after trying one-too-many plastic cases, we realized that without the bulk, the iPhone is exquisitely vulnerable to the bangs and drops of an active lifestyle. So, it wasn’t until we broadened our search (and expanded the width of our ideal case) that we found the Defender.

For starters, the Defender case is extremely easy to apply. You simply slide the iPhone into the plastic back-shell, snap on the front, and stretch on the rubber guard. Once you assemble your iPhone fortress, you can rest assured that your device is secure. Not only does the case have a glare-resistant screen protector, it has an additional 2cm of protection on every corner- the sites of the most common iPhone injuries (due to the altered center of gravity of a flat device). Furthermore, every orifice where sand could potentially penetrate is beautifully protected with rubber stoppers. Ear phone port—covered. Charger/syncing port—covered. When you need access to these ports you can easily just pull back the rubber, but when you're bopping around the beach, you don’t have to worry about scratching your iPhone’s innards. As opposed to the gross majority of this case’s competitors, this case features an anti-glare camera cover that not only allows you to still take awesome photos, but also keeps your lens from getting scratched (or filled with lint). And, for when you’re wearing just a speedo, this case also features a secure multi-directional holster, for easy access, and secure holstering.

So, in summary, if you’re looking to include your iPhone in your active lifestyle, then you really have no alternative to the perfectly designed Defender case. It is ideal for a day at the beach, on your hip at work, and everywhere in between. Because it is incredibly easy to assemble and remove, there really is no reason to not get this rubber wonder. Which makes us question, what’s guarding your iPhone? Leave us a comment below; we’d love to see what’s guarding your beloved device!

Stubble Trimmer (Verdict: Precise!)

noreply@blogger.com (*) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:20:00 +0000

When thinking of carefree summer days, a cleanly-shaven face is probably once of the farthest things from your mind. However, a face full of hair isn’t the most comfortable thing on a hot summer day either. So, what are you to do? Well, you could wake up an extra 10 minutes earlier every day and shave your face, but that will put you at risk for not only drying your skin out, but also exposing it to additional damage on a bright summer day. You could grow your beard out and trim it back when you remember, but realize that you may not have a uniform trim from day to day. Or, you could welcome Norelco to the rescue. Be hold, the Stubble Trimmer!

The shaving geniuses at Norelco understand the day-in and day-out challenges of being a fashionable male. They know what it’s like to be frustrated by shaving and obsessed with looking your best. This is why they make easy-to-use solutions for our daily shaving routines. The Stubble Trimmer is a handheld 5 o’clock trimming wonder. This rechargeable steel-blade whirring wonder features un-matched precision allowing you to trim your face down to any length (even 0.04 inches)! With a patented flexed contour comb, the shaver seamlessly glides from ear to ear without missing a spot. Feel like letting it go a little longer? No problem, just dial up a new length. Have a hot date? No problem, dial it down for an unbelievable close, yet stubbled shave. Taken together, this is probably the must-have grooming device of Summer ’09. This shaver not only makes face-trimming unbelievably easy, it makes you look damn good!