Motorcycle Love

How cool are these motorcycle wall decals?  I found them and thought they would be so fun in a man cave.  Love all the different styles and personalities they have. Best of all, what a quick and inexpensive way to change up an old room.   


#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6

What Does Mac Do?

We've had a few questions along the lines of "So, Mac does what for a living?"  Well, let me tell ya.  Mac sells mid century modern furniture.  For a job that takes you all over the place he has it pretty organized.  He's up early in the morning spending his days going from swap meet, to thrift store, to estate sale buying furniture.  Then he takes his finds home, works on them, and gives them a second life in a new home. 

I was so fascinated by this when we first met, and still am.  That he knows what year something was made, who made it, what sells,  if it's a rare find or not, and how to make it look new again.  It's definitely not an easy job and it's not for everyone but I think it's pretty cool. 

Just so you can get an idea, here are a few of the things he's sold this year.   

The Art of Manliness

I never thought of it but I guess manliness must be an art.  I just found this site last night and the title alone made me bust up laughing.  I'm absolutely loving their articles and subject matter.  Wether you're a man or not, check it out for tips on all things manly! 


A few of my favorite posts of their's so far:

• Motorcycle Expedition Guide
• Working Iron: A Primer on Blacksmithing
• Lessons in Manliness from The Old Man and The Sea

Portland Vacation Photos

Hi Friends, a few of you have been reminding me to put up the photos from our Portland trip so here are a some of the highlights.  Hope you enjoy them, we had such a great time visiting the city and celebrating John and Laura's marriage! 

Doing a little vintage shopping. 

Pix amazing patisserie. 

At Pok Pok with the beautiful Lauren. 

Mac and I at John and Laura's Wedding.

Frolicking in Oregon wine country with Lauren.

Classic Cocktail-Manhattan

Another classic cocktail, The Manhattan.  In my opinion The Manhattan is one of the manliest, sexiest drinks aside from drinking your whiskey neat.  It is the perfect drink to sit, sip, and enjoy.  So go find a smokey lounge, order a Manhattan, and have a great time.  

• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth 
• 2 1/2 oz bourbon 
• 1 dash bitters 
• 1 maraschino cherry 
• 1 twist orange peel 

Studio Kitchen Ideas

Good news, I got approved for my studio!  So, now it's time to get some kitchen ideas.  Mac's kitchen cupboards are all done in this amazing blue, my favorite color, so now it's time to work on making mine feel like home.  My new kitchen is all white with checkerboard counter tops, so I need to replace the pulls, get a fun but small dining area set up, and I just can't resist the whiskey tea towel.  Luckily I already have this mixer, my baby, so it looks like I'll be basing the kitchen around that.  What do you think?

checker pulls, handle pulls, whiskey towel

p.s. check out these great vintage bike towels and vintage motorcycle towels

More Bar Accessories

I decided that my mid century modern bar just wouldn't be complete without a bar trolley.  How great is this one? I feel like I should be having a martini with the Rat Pack.  A little out of our price range but great inspiration. 

Mid Century Inspired Art

Safe to say Mac and I both love the look of abstract art.  Today I came across these amazing prints from Jenn Ski.  I love the lines, simplicity, and the different textures that are created,especially loving the wood grain.  These seem so period perfect, they remind me so much of the old Disneyland ads and concept art.  Best of all, the prints are so reasonably priced!  Check them out, I may be getting a few myself. 

P.S. If you're not into abstract art Jen Ski has a lot of other fun prints to check out.

Mid Century Modern Studio Ideas

I turned in an application this week for a new studio and of course I've already been thinking of how I would decorate the empty space, should I get it.  I'm sure it's Mac's influence but I think I've just put together my ideal mid century modern studio.

clock,pillows,desk lamp, and record player

Jazz For Beginners-Wes Montgomery

We can't talk about great jazz without talking about Wes Montgomery.  The leader in jazz guitar Wes Montgomery is probably Mac's favorite jazz musician. Beboppers listening to Coltrane and Davis at the time weren't expecting anyone to come on the scene and play guitar the way Montgomery was able to. He changed the standard for jazz guitar and is still considered a jazz legend. Take a listen and see what you think.

Video of Round Midnight, one of Montgomery's biggest hits 

Bumpin on Sunset, so smooth

Boss City, one of Mac's favorites

Tequila, Montgomery's version of pop music of the time

CB360 Cafe Racer Project

Mac is a motorcycle man.  Not too long ago Mac bought a 1975 Honda CB360 with the plans to turn it into a Cafe Racer.  At the time I didn't know what a CB360 or a Cafe Racer were, now I can't wait for him to finish the project.  Here are a few pictures of the CB360 to Cafe Racer transformation in the early stages.

Removed the tank, getting ready to weld a new seat pan.  Mac's friend Craig had to come over to check out the new bike.

Mac and the floating CB360 in the garage, seat frame and new seat base added, new handle bars, wheels removed. 

Classic Cocktail-Salty Dog

Ready for another summer cocktail?  Ta-da, the Salty Dog.  The Salty Dog is actually a very basic cocktail but it goes down so easy in the summer heat, great for evenings in the sun (or mornings if you're a brunch person).  Essentially a twist on the Greyhound the Salty Dog is gin or vodka, grapefruit, salt, and a salted rim.  My taste buds get worn out after a few Greyhounds but I find that the salt in the Salty Dog really helps to balance the bitterness of the grapefruit.  I also have to recommend doing a sugar and salt rim, I tried it last week and it was insanely good.  Try the Salty Dog for yourself and let me know what you think!

The Salty Dog

• 2 oz gin
• 4 oz grapfruit juice
• salt for rimming
• lemon or lime wedge for garnish

My Tips

• 
  

  Throw a little salt in the shaker with the vodka and grapefruit
• 
  

  Fresh squeezed juice is best if you have the time
• 
  

  Try Himalayan pink sea salt, great flavor
• Try a sugar and salt rim

Happy Food-1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro

I can't think of enough good things to say about 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro.  This has been long needed in Old Torrance, a really good gastropub with great atmosphere.  1321 has a vintage feeling with a modern twist, almost like a modern day speakeasy.  You all know my passion for great beers and 1321 does not disappoint.  They are a true tap room, I don't think I've ordered a beer yet that I haven't liked and the selection on tap is constantly rotating which I love. 

I'm also loving their themed nights, gourmet Mac n' Cheese Mondays, local discounts on Tuesdays, Beer and Bacon Fridays, yes an entire menu dedicated to beer and bacon what more could you ask for! 

A 10 minute walk from my house it's perfect for a beer after work or date night for Mac and I.  If you're anywhere in the South Bay area check it out. 

Love this set up, feels like an outdoor cafe but is still cozy.

 

These booths are great for fitting a large group.

Did I mention that they show old black and white movies throughout the restaurant? Great!

Just a sample of their beer selection.

Mac and I normally make a meal out of their appetizers.  Photo courtesy of 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro.

Food, drink, and family, happiness!

Real Man-Steve McQueen



In my mind Steve McQueen is the image of a real American man.  His rugged looks have put him on lists as one of Hollywood's sexiest men, while his personality and fearlessness created the image of one of Hollywood's toughest men. 

Steve McQueen's early years were anything but easy, his father abandoned he and his alcoholic mother when McQueen was still at an early age, he later joined a gang and left home when he was 14.  McQueen had said about himself "if I hadn't made it as an actor, I might have wound up a hood."  McQueen took a number of jobs before acting including, the circus, working as a lumberjack, on an oil rig, working in a brothel, and joining the Marines.  It's no wonder that he became know for his tough exterior as an anti-hero.  

McQueen is probably best known for his rolls in The Great Escape and Bullit, where he demonstrates his true life love of motorcycle and car racing.  Whenever the insurance companies allowed McQueen would do his own riding and driving.  These passions later came out in his two documentaries, Le Mans and On Any Sunday, both of which were pivotal in bringing attention to the sports. 

McQueen riding.

McQueen racing on set and for himself.

Just so cool.

A.P.C. Jeans

Photo courtesy of Scouttestore

If you're not familiar with A.P.C. Jeans you should be.  They are a great denim company from France who feature amazing raw denim jeans, never washed or treated, just denim.  A.P.C.'s are designed to be worn unwashed for the first year, or at least 6 months so they can mold to your body and get real wear lines.  Mac's found he gets the best comfort and wear lines by just soaking and hanging dry, never put them in the dryer.  They'll be stiff and uncomfortable at first but wear like a second skin once they're worn in.

Mac lives in his A.P.C.'s, they are part of his uniform.  Those of you who have met him know I'm not kidding, if it's not too warm outside he will be wearing A.P.C. jeans with some variety of a vintage button down every day.  Give them a try and see what you think.  

P.S. Before paying full price check out Buffalo Exchange and eBay 

New A.P.C.'s next to one year worn. Photo courtesy of Dandy Fashioner 

The uniform.



Jazz For Beginners-Cal Tjader

If we're going to talk about jazz we can't forget Latin Jazz, to me Cal Tjader is the perfect introduction to the Latin rhythms.  Tjader started out playing jazz in more the West Cost style on the drums and vibraphones and was able to blend this background with the vibrant rhythms of Latin Jazz.  This style on the vibes led to a sound that was unlike any other at the time, he wasn't Dave Brubeck but he also wasn't Tito Puente, he had a style all his own. 

Growing up my dad would put on Cal Tjader and sit back with his eyes closed, which always seemed strange to me.  One afternoon I asked why, he said that Cal Tjader really knew what it was to feel the music and if you closed your eyes you could feel it too, and he was so right.  So sit back, close your eyes, forget everything, and enjoy ... or dance around the room which I tend to do. 

Soul Sauce, Tjader's biggest hit. I can't sit still when this is on!

 

Cuchy Frito Man, you can really feel the combo of West Coast and Latin Jazz.

Django has to be one of my favorite songs and Tjader's version is absolutely beautiful!

The Gentlewoman



Not to long ago my friend Nicole and I were strolling through a book store and came across The Gentlewoman Magazine.  It's a great biannual magazine for women (and men) who think.  The entire magazine has a mid century feel to it while featuring "inspirational, international women, it pairs ambitious journalism with a sartorial and intelligent perspective on fashion that is focused on personal style – the way women actually look, think and dress."

Finally a real magazine for real, intelligent women!

Summer Fun

The weather has been so great lately it seems like all we want to do is get outside and have some fun.  Here's to enjoying summer with a childlike mentality, grabbing our friends, a cold drink, and having a good time. 

 

Forget about the Mondays, get outside and do something fun this evening!

 

Don't you love this picture of Redford and Newman! Awesome People Hanging Out Together

Mad Men?

How classic does Mac look in this picture? 1960’s swank!

Mid Century Modern Bar Ideas

A couple weeks ago Mac found a super cool mid century modern bar caddy for me complete with a cocktail shaker, low-ball glasses and high-ball glasses. I’ve had so much fun playing bartender that it’s, of course, inspired me to look up even more mid century modern pieces to round out the bar. What do you think?

Bourbon, Scotch, and Rye, loving this set.

Not only do these look great, but I'm sure the heavy glass feels so good.