One of the best things about life in the summer is enjoying a picnic on a nice sunny day. Bring out your favorite dishes, home made to impress or a special dish from your favorite store, maybe a few beers, but what do you do about wine? Carrying a heavy bottle around is really a pain in the neck, and then you have to make sure that you’ve got a corkscrew.

French Rabbit Wines has created an excellent alternative to lugging around that heavy glass bottle. The new E-Pod offers a very light weight packing material, making that long haul through the subways to your little patch of perfection in the sun that much easier.

No need to worry about bottle breakage here! The E-Pod comes in a convenient packaging made from six layers of paperboard, and other eco-friendly materials carefully gathered to ensure a minimal environmental impact.

For those of you that don’t know me, I am a true bachelor. I practically eat out every single breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aside from being very costly to maintain, I don’t always put the right foods in my system. A home cooked meal is typically limited to those times when I’m at home, visiting my parents. Since they live several thousand miles away, I don’t get fed the way I should as often as I should.

Last month, I test drove Breville’s juice machine. You may be pleased to know that I wasn’t going through a fad. I am still juicing every day! Inspired by the belief that healthy, low-fat meals can taste great and be easy to prepare it was time for me to take the plunge into cooking at home.

This month, I decided to try out Breville’s INDOOR GRILL AND BBQ 800GRXL. RRP $199. It is designed with innovative features and heavy-duty components.

I have to hand it to Breville. They don’t just make handy appliances. They make
kitchen art. When I first opened the box and put the appliance on the counter, I marveled at how good this product looks. It reminded me of the expensive heavy duty outdoor BBQ I remember seeing at my friends home in Malibu.

While I have yet to make cooking at home an everyday habit. I really have enjoyed using this product.

Grilling was a snap. Steaks, chicken breasts and sausages tasted great. And there was very little mess. You should know that the grill has an adjustable hinge that allows you to cook the meats in their own juices and then adjust the angle so that the juices are funneled cleanly into the removable drip tray.

And finally, the non-stick grilling plates were equally quick and easy to clean.

Happy Grilling”¦

I LOVE this product!!! Although the RRP has yet to be determined, I am told that it will be reasonably priced. But don’t let that mislead you. This product line packs quite a punch!

On first impression, the packaging seems overly simple, even clinical. Ironically, once I tried the product, the packaging was a plus!

Rilastil’s Intensive Regenerating Cream is so lightly scented that I don’t feel like I’m wearing my girlfriend’s face cream. It absorbs very quickly and makes my skin smooth as glass, especially after shaving. The cream is light enough to wear without your skin feeling balmy and is suitable for use day and night.

Imperactive C is an excellent anti-oxidant moisturizer. I enjoy the outdoors and it gives my skin an extra vitamin boost. Again, the cream absorbs easily into the skin.

A must-have for the California lifestyle is a good sunscreen. I packed Rilastil’s Dermosolare SPF. It smells very clean, without any distracting odors, and again is light on the skin.

Hailing from Italy, it is unfortunate that this product is not yet in wide distribution in the United Sates. I am totally hooked and can’t find it any of the beauty supply stores here in Beverly Hills.

For more information: www.Italianskincare.com

For other retail CA locations check out: www.beautycollection.com

Father’s Day is coming up pretty quick! We’re here to tell you what gift to get for good ole dad that he’s really going to appreciate.

Dads (men) have a tendency to get a little set in their ways as they get older, yet like all men they still wish to be hip and cool. That’s what mom is for, to keep them with it as best she can, and to make sure they don’t leave the house in a state would be”¦.well”¦.less than desirable. These gifts will help keep Dad on the cutting edge!

For Dad On The Links ““ X1R Remote Control Caddie

Odds are that Dad likes to golf, and despite his age, all boys still like to have their toys. The X1R is not only one of the most high tech golf caddies out there, it looks like it too! The standard version is completely controlled by remote, from up to approximately 50 yards away. Running on a rechargeable battery the X1R will last you all day on a single charge. The X1R features a lightweight, highly compact design for ease of transportation.

The Special Edition is available in custom colors, and with custom symbols, perhaps you want to match the vanity plate on Dads Porsche”¦

For More Information: http://www.stewartgolfusa.com
Price: $1,995

For Dads Workshop ““ The Craftworks Refrigerator

The Craftworks Refrigerator is the perfect addition to any workshop. Stock it with Dad’s favorite brew, to really give him a treat. The fridge looks just like a toolbox, with locking wheels and an interior designed to accommodate stacked cans, 2-liter bottles, and gallon jugs.

For More Information: http://www.craftworksfridge.com
Price: $299

For Dad At Home ““ Lock Stock & Barrel Grooming

What do you do when Dad has been using the same old hair products that weren’t so great when they went onto the market during the Regan administration? Get him the latest from the other side of the pond! Lock Stock & Barrel Grooming offers a full line of men’s hair care product.

For More Information: http://www.groomingmenusa.com
Price: $16.25 – $20.50

Fashion designer Alex Hitz has opened up shop with his own clothing line right here in New York. If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of it yet that’s because the shop is by appointment only, and the only advertising being done is word of mouth.

The concept reminds me of the days speakeasies and back alley bars without signs, where all you needed to get in was a wink and nod. It might just be that the clothing is inspired by 1930′s Hollywood regardless of the fact that prohibition was repealed in 1933.

The ties Alex Hitz is showing are truly striking. The colors, patterns and lack of a shine really make them stand out in an ever-crowding field of luxury fashion accessories.

“My line is a luxury brand, but it’s not based on a signature. It just makes people look really good,” said Alex. And he’s right. The Alex Hitz line is designed in a way to look good on most any body type. The ties of course really stand out. Now let’s take a look at one of the jackets.

There is no doubt that this jacket is very stylish, and would great on a variety of people. So take a trip back through time, to the days of Clark Gable, and schedule an appointment to visit the boutique. Just don’t forget the wink and nod.

Pricing:
Ties – $150
Shirts – $350
Coats – $2,000
Suits – $3,000

Alex Hitz offers a full line of men’s clothing at his shop located at:
800 5th Ave.
New York, NY

For more information or to make an appointment:
Call 212-744-7685

As everybody knows there are pro’s and con’s to the Los Angeles lifestyle. One benefit is the endless supply of dry sunny days, and one of the drawbacks is the endless supply of dry sunny days, add your rockstar social schedule with a pinch of work (let’s be honest), mix it all together”¦take a sip”¦and watch the ageing begin. Luckily for guys, the Metrosexual revolution is in full swing and facials aren’t just for the ladies anymore. Deep in the heart of the treacherous beauty battle zone called Beverly Hills lies the ultra swanky Anastasia Salon on Bedford Drive, which has just unleashed the new “Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Facial”. I cannot lie”¦ it would be a lot easier to write this piece if I could stop staring at myself in the mirror in awe at how good my skin looks after only one session.

The wonderful staff at the Anastasia Salon was trained by the celebrity skin Svengali, Michelle Peck, who is Madonna’s personal faci-A-list. Madonna is so hooked she keeps an oxygen machine in each of her modest homes.

Unlike some facials that include the joy of peels and burning, the 02 Intraceutical Treatment feels great and immediately left my skin looking…well”¦A-list. The facial was administered topically through what looks like an airbrush, first spraying the rejuvenation serum into the lines and creases of my face, and then followed by a stream of oxygen in and around the lines, filling them out, and leaving my face looking years younger.

And the best part of it, other than having hot chicks working on me, is I had no signs of redness or of being poked or prodded, I was ready to roll like the gangsta I think I am”¦no need to hide out with my Sony Playstation for 2 days. Now I see why all the girls are in a tizzy over this wonder treatment”¦but why should they get to have all the wrinkle free fun?

In the land of milk, honey and botox, which we have come to accept as part of the LA female anatomy, botox for boys still ain’t kosher for Passover. As a man I insist my smile be able to reach full climax! So run don’t walk to get your fix of oxygen and your chance to cheat mother time. Michelle and others see cosmetic surgery procedures potentially decreasing over the next 10 years, in fact I withdrew my Swan application minutes after my facial.

Okay, so I admit it, I have been long overdue for a grooming session. I like to think that I take care of myself pretty well. But it was time to up the ante. I’m one of those guys who expects the women I date to take pride in their appearance. Its not just about them being waxed up and ready to go, it’s about good hygiene!

This month, I test drove the following products and services:

NORELCO/PHILIPS PERSONAL GROOMER for MEN
“So you want to be a Porn Star, Baby?”
Maybe not on video, but when we’re in the bedroom with our significant other we all want to feel like we look our best. Well have I got a great product for you! “˜Norelco’s Personal Groomer made especially for men.

Little known fact: The Kama Sutra recommends that a man shave his private parts to heighten his own pleasure and his partners.

Here’s what the company says: Shave wherever you want. Norelco’s all-in-one grooming system for men who trim and shave body hair. The shaving unit is rechargeable and water-resistant for use in or out of the shower. It has a hypoallergenic foil and several trim heads which gives a close shave with less irritation.

The company says it is a safe and easy way to shave and trim everything on the body from the neck down. I found the unit great for trimming my pubic area and did not experience any post-shave razor burn. The advertising for this product shows a pair of kiwi’s. One of them is shaved. Very appropriate and it should raise a little smile. Personally, I found the shaving head too small for trimming my chest hairs. I prefer using my heavy clipper for this job since it is quicker. But if you are new to trimming body hair, then take your time. This is a great entry-level product. Two thumbs up!

Available in stores April 2006.

For more information on pricing and availability check out:
www.norelco.com

CODE BLUE by BRAVE SOLDIER
This is one of my favorite ‘must have’ products. If this isn’t currently in your kit bag, it should be!

Code Blue was developed by dermatologists to dramatically reduce skin irritation due to shaving, waxing and other cosmetic procedures.
Code Blue gently and effectively soothes the “burn.”

For more information on pricing and availability check out:
www.bravesoldier.com

ALPHAMALE SKINCARE FOR MEN
This is a simple, straight-forward approach to skincare designed specifically with men in mind.

According the manufacturer, ‘a man’s skin has larger pores and is thicker (yet more susceptible to the environment due to the effects of shaving), and therefore needs different skincare products pumped with quality ingredients to maintain his complexion’ ““you learn something new every day. By the way”¦ ever notice how you hardly ever see the word “˜pumped’ when describing women’s products?

Alphamale has introduced a set of six products starting with two face washes (the Daily Face Wash and the Refining Face Scrub), the Smooth Shave Formula, Saving Face Lotion with SPF15, Cooling Body Scrub, and the No Sweat Hand Lotion. Alphamale products are the perfect low maintenance products for the low maintenance guy.

These products really smell great but are a little too strong for my personal preference. The face washes left a lingering tingling feeling on my skin. I like to think of myself as being ALL man, but when it comes to putting cleaning and moisturizing products on my skin, I prefer something a little gentler. My face certainly felt clean and looked clear after using the products for a week, but I prefer a more calming product. Overall, I like the line and felt it was effective.

For more information on pricing and availability check out: www.alphamaleskincare.com

Y’SHARIS- A MOBILE TROPICAL SPA
With today’s hectic life style, it’s difficult to take time to enjoy the experience of a luxurious spa treatment. So that’s what inspired the Y’Sharis spa to bring a whole new meaning to luxury living. They offer the luxurious Full Service Spa experience in a private party style where you can Renew your spirit, Revitalize your mind and Rejuvenate your body. Whether you are looking for a one-on-one experience or a booking for your next private home spa party, Y’SHARIS brings the whole experience to your door step. With very experienced massage therapists

For more information and service availability check out:
www.ysharisspa.com

With a six-month long waiting list, Eliza, Waxing Director/Eyebrow Designer at Avon Salon & Spa, has truly created for herself the ultimate niche in the beauty industry. She is a “must see” eyebrow expert for savvy women and men alike. Due to her popularity and ever expanding clientele, in March 2000, Eliza and Avon Salon & Spa launched Eliza’s Eyes, the first ever brow shaping salon in the world ““ a boutique solely dedicated to eyebrow shaping!

As a beauty trailblazer, Eliza pioneered the men’s brow grooming industry five years ago before most men paid any attention to their eyebrows. Although her millennial man concept was not an immediate success, now that men are aware of their grooming options, the demand for men’s brow services at Eliza’s Eyes has increased sharply.

Billy Jealousy has arrived in New York to resurrect the classic barbershop experience in your daily razor ritual. The old-fashioned hot-towel treatment can now come straight out of your medicine cabinet. No visit to the barber is required, thanks to a highly innovative and daring formulation.

The Hot Towel Pre-Shave Treatment is quite a first of its kind. It contains a heating agent called xolite. Once in contact with your wet face, it is activated by the water. The gentle heat serves a practical purpose in addition to adding novelty and a bit of excitement to a half-awake morning process. It expands and softens the hair follicles to make for easier shaving.

The treatment works with the Hydroplane Shave Cream, the two mixing in equal parts. The shaving cream impresses with its own new technology. Micro-sized silicon beads are used in the cream to eliminate razor drag! The combination of the heat treatment and the shaving cream works to give a really smooth, close shave with the least bit of irritation. The two formulations also contain other goodies, such as, an anti-inflammatory agent to prevent razor burn and hydroscopic humectants for maximum hydration.

The follow-up Shaved Ice After-Shave Balm is as non-greasy as it can get, and shows a good understanding of the male skin and its higher levels of sebum production. Yet it covers its remit perfectly well with conditioning agents and vitamins to replace the natural lubricants lost during shaving. In addition, it contains AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) for beard softening and all over skin regeneration. The cool tingly sensation is quite delicious. And the soothing effect and toned feel can be great primers to “facing” the day ahead.

Three may deemed the most powerful number, and with good reason. In Christianity it represents the Holy Trinity; in Buddhism the Tri-ratna; and in architecture, in the triangle, the most structurally sound form. It is the past, present, future; life, death and rebirth. The number three has strong foundations, cosmically and functionally.

The number three is also integral to shaving. Yeah, that’s right, that tedious morning ritual we often wish to forego. Since we’re only granted three wishes, so we might as well suck it up and perform with style.

A three-phase program has been introduced by Elemis in their Time For Men home grooming range. The line gives us spa-quality treatment in our own comfortable surroundings. The products aim to cleanse our face, enhance our shaving experience and protect the skin from the elements– feat easily accomplished thanks to Elemis’ style and quality.