I've been an avid fan of that other bottle manufacturer for years. Those polycarbonate bottles have taken some real abuse over the years and keep chugging along. Replacing them was like losing an old friend. But here's why I love the sleek new stainless steel water bottles from Kleen Kanteen:

1. No risk of BPA (or other plastics leaching into your body)
2. fully recyclable
   
3. fits in the bottle cage
4. just big enough for ice, but small enough to be lip worthy
5. dishwasher can't kill it
   

Simple, elegant, durable, safe. Klean Kanteen is a winner for grab and go hydration. You can get them in a growing variety of colors, but I like the standard silver bullet.

*don't toss your old bottles yet: consider using them for non-potable fluids, Fido's water, in the shop/garage, and road trip bladder emergencies*

buy it from Amazon HERE

I moved back to the mountains with a vision of long weekend trail runs full of fresh air, blue sky, and no phone or distractions.  Now, I live so close that I am able to wake up and be on a trail with a 5-minute walk.  This is definitely my idea of heaven.

However, about three years ago I developed knee pain during one of my long runs.  I tried everything that I could think of to tame it: physical therapy, new shoes, old shoes, inserts, longer warm up exercises, yoga, etc.  But when I tried to run, nothing made much of a difference.  Despite therapists' claims that my knees were shot, I continued to seek a solution that would allow me to exercise without pain.  Then I stumbled upon the Montrail Hardrock. 

My first pair of Montrail's completely corrected my knee problem.  Outlasting any previous shoe I'd owned, they stood up to 6 months of heavy hiking, trail running, and walking. (I admit, I tend to abuse running shoes.... they're usually muddy after 1 use and completely discolored after 10.  By my measure, it takes an extremely well made shoe to last 6 months!)
 
[review continues after the jump]

Wow! Busted Tees is offering 100 shirts for $10 each. If you aren't familiar with Busted Tees, take a look around. Since 2004, they've been selling some of the best tee shirts and hoodies online, at Urban Outfitters, Filene's, and anywhere worth shopping.

Busted prints their unique graphics on American Apparel soft cotton tees. AA makes the finest tees in the world; manufactured entirely in Los Angeles by the highest paid workers in the garment industry. (Blank tees from AA cost over $10.)

With thousands of graphic/slogan options, you're likely to find yourself a new favorite tee. For $10 each, maybe you'll find two or three. Busted Tees offers cheap shipping and FREE returns/exchanges if you pick up the wrong size. The sale ends Jan 18th at midnight in somebody's timezone.
 
Get yours here.

Having been a competitive swimmer for 26 years (I started when I was six and never stopped), I'm thrilled with the acclaim that the 2008 U.S. Olympic swim team received.  Like the rest of the world, I was amazed by the outstanding performances of Michael Phelps, Dara Torres and many others.  Their achievements have spurred an incredible spike in participation, not just in swimming, but also in triathlons.  Consequently, a female friend recently asked me if  'those fancy suits that the Olympians wore' are the best suits for distance oriented events.  'Those' suits (called Fastskins or LZR Racers) are built for incredible speed, are highly technical, more than skin tight, expensive, and NOT built for triathlons, distance swimming or training. *(If you want more info on the cool technology behind Fastskins...check out SpeedoUsa.)

Fortunately, Speedo has also mastered the art of the training and distance swimsuit.  While other companies have joined the ranks of swimming and triathlete gear in the last 2 or 3 decades, Speedo still takes home top prize with their Endurance line of swimsuits. 

The Endurance comes in basic colors, or patterns and does not fade.  With both types of shoulder straps (skinny and thick), Speedo makes a suit built for any body type.  In my experience, the polyester and nylon blended material takes close to half a year of heavy use to fade or deteriorate in pool, lake and/or ocean water (vs. the old lycra suits that would fade in a matter of weeks).  Best of all, you can often find the Endurance line selling at a discount online or at your local sporting goods store (don't spend more than $55).

The first of the year is a great time to start a workout regime, join a new sport or plan your next triathlon.  Pick up your Speedo Endurance suit to get ready!

At a time of great reflection, I'm reminded that it's often the simple things in life that bring true happiness. Case in point: the Pulltap's corkscrew from Pulltex. If you've ever worked in a fine restaurant (or dined at one), you'll notice that the servers aren't sheathing 3 lb. mechanical corkscrews that look like they could Transform and Auto-bot all over your Pinot Grigio. Do us a favor: if you own one of those monsters, throw it away.

The Pulltap's Corkscrew is a gold standard in design and function. A practiced user can open a bottle in seconds without butchering the bottle's cork or wrapper. The key is in the patented hinged double lever which helps you pull the cork without cracking/breaking it. A Teflon coated worm makes for easy insertion/removal, and the attached serrated knife lets you slice a quick ring around the foil top for a professional presentation.

We've had our current Pulltap's for about 5 years. I expect it to last another 25. That is unless someone steals it. They have a way of disappearing at parties...  (We're currently on our third.)

Fortunately, you can get yours from Target or Amazon for under $10, or wherever the finest of bar tools are sold. Pick one up today and you won't look back. Best of all, you won't look like a rookie using the wrong tool for the job.

[See the Pulltap's in action after the jump]

If Santa rocked this look, I would've been up all night with milk and cookies in hand.
Merry Xmas everyone!
 
For more amazing Beards (and flat-out facial hair magic): attend the biannual World Beard and Mustache Championship in Alaska, May 2009. While you're up there, try the reindeer sausage, and keep an eye on those Russians for us.

[thx Oddee - more great pics on their site]

Celebrating on the town tonight? Limit your eggnog consumption to a responsible level, and keep both hands on the wheel, unless you want to end up like this guy:

Hmmm...

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday from everyone at Terifik.

To all the people in the 505: say "Super Blitz!"



While you're out, pick up this great shirt from Urban Outfitters, There's always time for last trip to the mall.  $28

Every now and then I find a grooming product that lives up to its hype. Billy Jealousy's Hydroplane Super Slick Shaving Cream is one of those products. Its unique and award-winning formula uses dimethicone, a silicon based organic polymer, to keep your razor gliding freely. This is key if you're an every-couple-of-days-so-I-look-rugged shaver.

Unlike some of the competing brands, Hydroplane doesn't "set-up" and get sticky as quickly, so I can take my time and get a super-smooth shave. It washes clean too, whether you are using an electric or standard razor.

Couple Billy Jealousy Hydroplane with our favorite after shave, and you'll slay the angriest of stubble dragons like a prince. Oh, and did we mention that dimethicone is an equally key ingredient to Silly Putty? How cool is that? Add some corn starch and a little tinkering and you'll be making Billy Jealousy Flubber.

Seriously: do your face a favor and pick some up today. Or buy some for the guy who taught you how to shave in the first place. A lot has changed since Barbasol hit the market in 1919.

Available at Sephora for about $20, or get it from Amazon

There are some things I can't leave the house without. When I'm facing a long day, knowing I've got a few cups of my favorite hot java with me smooths out the morning.  I've let it go six hours and the four cupfuls of goodness inside were still steaming. At a half-quart, my Stanley Thermos fits easily in my bag aside the other essentials: laptop, sketchbook, pens, pencils, bike lights, and sweater.


In addition to doing an admirable job with my brew, this thermos looks pretty tough. Lacking the sensitive and subtle lines popular in many of 2008's designs, this style of this thermos can be summed up in one word: Moxie. Stanley has been making them since 1913. That's more lunch hours than I can count. And I don't think it matters much to them if my jobsite is a computer lab. A guy's gotta have his coffee.

People are always asking me what my favorite baby product is. At this point I don't even have to think about it. My answer is consistently my ZoloWear Ring Sling.

 If you have tried a $20 baby carrier and hated it, I feel your pain (literally). This isn't a cheapo baby carrier, this is baby carrying freedom!

Your back doesn't hurt.
Your baby is super comfortable.
The styles are great.
 
Best of all, your ZoloWear Ring Sling is made to reflect your uniquely fantastic sense of style. And correct me if I am wrong, but your baby doesn't have to worry about the style points, right??
 
Throw your wallet, keys and a diaper in the zipped front pocket, and there you are. You'll be free from the bulky stroller with the ability to use both your hands!  Now that I said all that, doesn't $80 sound like a steal?

You can buy this piece of new mommy greatness at Amazon for about $80