A "Ron Swanson Breakfast"

Image found here

Readers, meet Ron Swanson. Mr. Swanson is the steak-eating, flannel-wearing, mustache-sporting "man's man" on the popular comedy "Parks and Recreation", Thursdays on NBC. And he also happens to be the current pop-culture barometer for what's manly - if Ron Swanson would approve, than you know it's tough enough!

But "Why are we talking about the dashing Ron Swanson?" you might ask - well, he and Drew provided me with the inspiration for today's post. Yesterday morning, I cooked Drew this very substantial breakfast to celebrate Valentine's:

He called it a "Ron Swanson Breakfast" - hearty and delicious (and certainly not lacking in protein!). He said it was a good compliment to all the sweets and sugar we all normally enjoy on V-Day. So, after what has arguably been a very sugary-sweet week on the blog - nail polish, love songs, hearts, flowers - I thought a roundup of manly items might be a good palette cleanser as we head into the weekend. :) You can use this list to surprise your "man's man" - whether a husband, boyfriend, friend, or relative - and let him know that you get it. Sometimes a guy just wants to indulge in "guy stuff" - so away we go:

1. Dr. Marten Boots

Classic. Tried and True. Punk Rock. Your man can dress them up or down - Drew just got a pair and I'm in love with the simple, utilitarian (but also stylish) vibe that they project!

2. Uniform Wears - 251 Series Watch

As Ron might say - "No Frills." The sleek design of this watch is stunning. And so European! It's a bit pricey, but I'm eyeing it as a fifth anniversary gift for someone special...

3. Ray Ban Aviators

Top Gun. Cops. Sexy. Three things I think of when I see these shades - and they're effortlessly cool, just like James Dean taught us.

4. The Art of Shaving Kit - Unscented

There's nothing manlier than a close shave with a straight razor. Gift him this kit and you'll get to enjoy his smooth face  - unscented, because you don't want to compete with the next item...

5. Sam's Natural Olive & Rosemary Beard Oil

Now that he's got that close shave and well groomed beard, finish the look with a little beard oil to soften and tame those coarse hairs. And mmm, does that scent sound delicious!

6. Dr. Grabow Omega Pipe - Smooth Finish

Ok, yes - smoking tobacco is not good for you. But I get such a great Sherlock Holmes vibe with this pipe that I wouldn't mind if he indulged every now and then. I'm sure Ron Swanson has a hand carved pipe somehwere in his house, too...

7. Skyfall DVD
James Bond is the essence of cool - and Daniel Craig isn't too shabby, either. And doesn't your guy (and you, for that matter) deserve a great action flick? (Drew and I saw this opening night and LOVED it!)

8. Black on Black 59FIFTY Baseball Hat
Drew has been desperate for one of these caps lately - or as he puts it, "It's what pro players and gangsters wear. Every guy appreciates a new baseball hat." Makes sense to me!

What do you guys think? Can you see your guy sporting aviators (or smoking a pipe!)? Do you have a go-to gift for the special men in your life? I'd love to hear from you! Plus - I'll be back at 6pm with my weekly roundup of links. You won't want to miss this one!

Until tonight, my darlings!

xoxo,