A leisure sport long enjoyed by Brazilians and starting to make a comeback on California beaches, parks and backyards, Frescobol is the original paddle-ball. Since just about everything 80’s is making a big comeback, why not smashball? At least these beautifully crafted paddles will bring some class and style to a game commonly associated with plastic and out-of-control kids. Merriment Hardware is a San Francisco company that handcrafts each reclaimed hardwood fresco paddle to order in their small workshop. To show their support for play, they donate 10% of their profits to the California State Parks Foundation to make sure you will always have a place for Frescobol. Each set includes two paddles, a rubber racquetball and a sweet cotton

Lower wattage artsy exposed filament bulbs are all the rage, just look at any trendy wine bar, whiskey bar or haute gourmet restaurant. They provide soft, pleasing light in twisted shapes and forms sans shade. Pendants, desk lamps, industrial fixtures, anything which exposed bulbs can model their beautiful filaments sculpted curves have always been the domain of incandescents and neon… no longer! Enter the PLUMEN 001, a first in energy efficient Compact Florescent Light (CFL) light bulbs with design in mind. Now you can power that ritzy new gastro pub in energy efficient style. “The dynamic, sculptured form contrasts to the dull regular shapes of existing low energy bulbs, in an attempt to make the Plumen a centrepiece, not afterthought.

Now this is cool. I love modern lamps with a touch of technology, but Angela Jansen and Ger Jansen at Light-Light do it right! Their two offerings (so far) are the Eclipse and Silhouette Floating Lamps, by Crealev (Crealev Levitation Technology). Extraordinarily clean design paired with touch on/off function and of course, the trademark floating halves of the lampshade provide for a near perfect lamp. Combining classic styling with modern technology, the Design Academy Eindhoven graduate designer, and mechanical and electrical engineer developer have managed to define modern lighting. The secret is the electromagnetic technology which separates the two halves of the lamp, leaving the top floating. Exquisite! [ad name=”go-STIL-smbanner”] Eclipse & Silhouette Floating Lamps by Crealev from $1,477

I know, it’s only coffee you are saying, but that’s only because you haven’t tried it! I liken it to a great scotch, it’s all about the flavor and the buzz. I have never had a coffee buzz like this before, and believe me, it was fantastic. I generally stay away from drip brew coffee in favor of the espresso variety (Caffe Americano’s, Cappuccino’s, Macchiato’s, etc…), and wow did I find heaven in a cup. Browse Blue Bottle Coffee Companies espresso blends on their website, or find it at a local non-chain cafe. ~$16 a pound from Blue Bottle Coffee [ad name=”go-STIL-smbanner”]

I’m sure there are some people out there asking, what are the guys on ABC’s The Bachelorette wearing? Well I do have insight on one of the Bachelors- Jean-Paul. What was he wearing on that first night where he met Emily Maynard? Let’s break it down: Suit: Custom tailored bespoke two button, two piece charcoal suit Shirt: Hugo Boss maroon and black striped dress shirt with white patterning Tie: Hugo Boss skinny argyle patterned sheer silk tie Shoes: Antonio Maurizi grey perforated wingtip oxfords. Socks: Happy Socks black, pink and powder blue stripes. Timepiece (watch): IWC Pilots Chronometer It seems there was a lot of Hugo Boss formal wear on the first night, and at least 3 more of the

There is something rugged and nostalgic about leather elbow patches, shoulders, and hunting gear. Even though I am not a hunter, I do appreciate the style influenced by the function and practicality of reinforced areas. This cotton henley by N.I.C.E. Collective is no exception, featuring the contrast collar with extended contrast shoulder panel and netted cotton overlay. I have been taken by this San Francisco based designer on several occasions (I own and love my NICE Collective wool peacoat) and tend to snap up their rare and hard to find designs, too bad I missed this one! Hunters henley by NICE Collective [ad name=”go-STIL-smbanner”]

It’s happy hour somewhere in the world. With a bar globe you can actually back that statement up while you fetch yourself a drink. Having a bar in your office is somewhat Mad Men ‘esque, but having it contained within a vintage globe, it would do just as well in your home library or sunken living room. I’m partial to these since they are made in Italy with 16th century maps using traditional paper gores, and contain illustrated constellations within the inner dome. Bellissimo! Vintage Floor Globe bar – from $725 at barglobeworld.com [ad name=”go-STIL-smbanner”]

There is something about a great Islay single malt scotch that really captures me. Traditionally I am a fan of Ardberg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig (the really smokey and peaty scotchs) but it can be difficult to drink a lot of those throughout the evening as they can overwhelm the palate. This is when I usually switch to a smoother blend, such as a Johnny Walker Gold or Black, or even my everyday classic: The Glenlivet 12 year. That is until now. The Glenlivet 15 Year French Oak Reserve is a Speyside scotch that is smooth and easy drinking, but has a flavor and character that sets it apart. It is a bit more expensive that the 12 year, but provides

Recently I happened upon a curious pink marbled block at an upscale grocery store which caught my attention. What was this odd culinary delight, why is it here, and how does it work? It happened to be a huge brick of what I usually keep pebble sized in a grinder next to my stove, pink Himalayan salt. As useful as it is beautiful, these blocks an bricks can be used for baking, curing, flavoring and for presentation. I even saw one carved into a bowl for preparing and presenting salads, imparting a hint of salt and further enhancing its flavor. The blocks can be used as a cooking element in the oven since they are able to hold and retain

I often find myself in this predicament, do I want the style of a card wallet or the simplicity of a money clip? I traditionally find it is best to just carry 3 cards, an ID and some cash, all of which fit nice and tightly into either device. Situation usually dictates my choice, am I wearing slimmer fitting slacks or more roomy clothes that can absorb the extra bulk without bulging out. More often than not, I pair a money clip with more formal attire since it tends to be more fitted and thinner fabric and thus would accommodate a card wallet less elegantly. I believe this may just be a part of the evolution of the wallet in