My wife and I agreed that after our vacation our next project would be to paint the bathroom. Great, no problem, choose a color and go at it. Wrong!
She brought home a packet of paint samples in all the colors and hues of the rainbow to look over and discuss- yes guys you heard right-discuss.
Here is an illustration of what choosing a color is like when you are married.
Green, ok green is green right? Wrong! There is marsh green, pine, olive fringe, half moon bay, and twenty different shades of teal. The same goes for blue, yellow, red, orange, purple and brown. Then there are the tranquil, lush, complex and subtle moods that need to be gone over and examined. Tones such as monochromatic, analogous and complementary have to be taken into account, because you cannot sit and do your business or shave if a harmonious look of combining light and textures is not achieved.
I picked out a blue that I thought would be nice. We could still use the same towels, shower curtain, rug and toilet cozy that we already had.
Boy, am I an idiot! What would be the point of painting at all if we still used the same frills that we have now? What was I thinking?
We finally agreed on a blue called Worn Denim, which we can accessorize with navy blue trim, and navy blue towels, shower mat, rug and cozies. To get into the spirit of things I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and purchased a Navy blue Lufa and Navy blue trimmed razor handle, all without giving up my man card.
So gentlemen, a word to the wise. Before you decide to shop for paint, know your Lemon Balm from your Melodious Peach, and your Chilled Celery from your Cozy Lilac, but also know that our wives and girlfriends are different from us, in the way they think and the way they imagine the world. Which is a wonderful thing for all of us-otherwise the whole world would be covered in paneling.
Archives for July 2010
Fashionable Jewels
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Everyone knows that accessories can be used to finish an outfit. These accessories include purses, scarves, belts and yes, jewelry. Finding the right accessories isn’t hard and things don’t have to match perfectly. Finding the right jewelry can even add a touch of class and appeal to an otherwise plain outfit. Even jeans and a tee-shirt can be dressed up with a piece of jewelry.
Now, I’m not saying that the jewelry has to be expensive. The jewelry doesn’t even have to be store bought! It just needs to look good. Homemade jewelry is great because it can be designed to fit you and your styles. This does not mean that the homemade jewelry has to look homemade though. The homemade jewelry can have a very chic and designer feel to it with the use of some more expensive beads and stones.
There are no set rules on jewelry. If you like it, wear it. Take a look at what is being shown in some of the magazines. Right now, the bigger and clunky styles are hot! Pieces that have that retro feel are another sure bet. These pieces tend to be classy and fun at the same time, fitting themselves into just about every style outfit. Many of these pieces are even durable enough to wear on picnics and to the beach.
You can find these pieces of jewelry at many of the department stores such as Macy’s and J.C. Penny. However, if you or one of your friends are crafty, you may want to peruse the stores for ideas and then create your own. Another idea is to shop at the small businesses online to find the perfect piece of durable, classy and fashionable pieces of jewelry. Not only do you get to support a small business, but you get some of the cutest pieces. Most small businesses also specialize in unique pieces that have no match and no duplicates, making them as individual as you are.
How to Be a Better Husband
This is dedicated to my mother. I am not writing this because I am the greatest husband in the world or because I have cornered the market on being a good spouse, I just believe in marriage and want to give those guys out there a few hints and tips on how to keep your wife happy and to maybe avoid getting pestered to do something around the house.
On one of my days off, I do the dishes, clean the house, empty the garbage, cat box, recycling and clean out the fridge. I have also been known to do some shopping and cooking dinner and breakfast. Laundry is optional; I will do my own, but leave my wife to do hers because as a male I am an idiot when it comes to delicates, permanent press and ironing. I am also very secure in my masculinity as I lint brush the duvet.
I don’t do these things because I am the sweetest guy on the planet; I do it because I was taught at a young age how to execute these duties. I was one of the original latchkey kids, with both parents working. So the arrangement was that my sister and I had dinner ready when mom got home, having the house cleaned and I also assisting with the shopping trips on the weekends.
At the time I had no idea that my mom had such enormous insight. I thought I was getting ripped off from the joys of boyhood because I had traded in my football helmet for an apron. Later in life I came to understand the importance of sharing the daily household tasks, that the wife is not solely responsible for everything. Sometimes both spouses need to work or the woman has decided she wants a career. Regardless of why, sharing the workload is a good idea.
If you are having people over for dinner or a family get together, vacuum, dust and straighten up the house without being asked. If your wife is working all day, maybe have dinner on the table for her when she gets home. Run errands and help out when you can, a small amount of consideration goes a long way.
Either that or put the kids to work.
St. Paul Nightlife
As a former St. Paul native now living in Minneapolis,. I’ve overheard plenty of people talk down on the capital city as having nothing to do. While I’ll admit it isn’t exactly as bustling as the 612, there’s still plenty of things to do late night in St. Paul, many of which have a unique flavor of their own that would be worth the trip across the river for all you die-hard Minneapolitans. Here’s some of the best spots to visit:
Barrio
235 6th St E # 100
Downtown St. Paul was not always seen as a destination spot after 9PM when I was living there, but thanks in part to the new tequila bar Barrio in Lowertown, that’s changed. The excellently decorated establishment offers really great Mexican food, loud live DJs, and just about every brand of tequila you could ever want. Drinks can be somewhat pricy and a table can be difficult to find, but it is certainly worth it, especially for the atmosphere. The bar is typically packed with attractive, young and hip folks, making it one of St. Paul’s premiere nightlife spots.
The Artists’ Quarter
408 Saint Peter Street
For a more laid back vibe, the Artists’ Quarter provides the perfect venue to see live jazz music. The candle-lit bar is comfortable and classy, and definitely an excellent date spot. AQ has a more intimate vibe than most other music places around town, and prices are typically between a $5 and $10 cover. They have music most nights, which is consistently excellent.
The Turf Club
1601 University Avenue West
For more of the grungy side of things, the Midway’s Turf Club has held up as one of the Twin Cities best places to grab a cheap drink and watch some loud and raucous music. Usually hosting the best in local music, the dive has been host to some (relatively) big-name alternative musicians, and is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates tightly packed venues with great sound and a punk sensibility.