Can't seem to get a handle on touch screen keyboards? Tired of losing focus on your workout timing your intervals? On a budget but still want to smell like a million bucks? We've got fixes for all this and more in this week's OnMilwaukee.com Recommends.
Armani men's fragrances – It's a good bet that Giorgio Armani's $930 fashionable pants or elegant $230 dress shirts weren't designed for guys like me. My runway model good looks and extravagant fashion budget aside, a lot of this high-end designer's products are made for dudes who don't just read Esquire, but buy the stuff advertised in the first 90 pages. The fragrances from the classic Italian design house are a different story, though. While you're more apt to find his colognes at Macy's or Sephora than Target or T.J. Maxx, Armani eau de toilettes won't really break the bank, especially when you consider a little goes a long way, and online, there are bargains to be had. I sampled three scents, all that are easily found for $37-59 for a nice-sized bottle: the über popular Acqua di Gio, the sultry Armani Code and the brand new, fresh Armani Code Sport.
I'm not a perfume pro, and I certainly can't isolate every note in every product, but my favorite of the trio was 2004's oriental-style Armani Code, a cologne that, to my nose, is a tantalizing blend of bergamot, lemon tree, tonka bean (vanilla) and woods. It's office-appropriate, but you can still smell it by happy hour, as it mellows into something deeper and more mysterious. This is the kind of juice that could be your special occasion, signature scent in a heartbeat. I also really liked 1996's Acqua di Gio, but since it's one of, if not the best-selling men's colognes in America, you might smell like a lot of other guys if you wear it. It's super-popular for a reason, though: light, citrus-y, fruity but not-in-your-face aquatic, you'll probably love it or hate it. Even if you know nothing about fragrance, this one screams daytime summer fun and skews younger than Code.
My final Armani sampler was the brand new Code Sport, and while I'm not a huge fan of "sport" colognes, this one is pretty good; a big upgrade from, say, Burberry Sport. It doesn't smell much like the original Code; rather it's a fresh blend of three mints, lemon, mandarin and vetiver (and more that I could list but can't personally isolate). It has atomic projection that you can still smell 12 hours later, and I'm partial to its top and heart notes; the woodsy base notes don't move me as much. Wear this cool cologne after a workout and let it simmer all night. – Andy Tarnoff
Gymboss Interval Timer – I have no idea how I lived without the Gymboss Interval Timer. This workout gadget is super useful for interval workouts that demand focus on what your body is doing, not on keeping track of the time. But, the timer complements any regimen that includes repeating intervals of work and rest. The packaging also suggests, "Boxing/Martial Arts, Weightlifting, Running/Sprinting, Cardio, Crossfit and Kettlebells." Additionally, the Gymboss can be used as a stopwatch and count down timer. The tiny unit is only about 2 inches by 1.5 inches, is lightweight and easily clips onto your clothing. It's like having a personal trainer literally attached to you. You set the timer for one or two intervals and for the desired number of rounds, press start and you have accurate, perfectly timed intervals denoted by a pleasant beep or vibration. No watch on the wrist to interfere with upper body work and no glancing up and down, sometimes impossibly during an intense interval workout. Find out more about the Gymboss and purchase one at gymboss.com. – Lindsay Garric
ProMini Wireless Keyboard – By now, I have no shortage of devices that act a whole lot like computers. Never mind my laptop, I've got an iPhone and iPad, as well as an old desktop and PS3 hooked up to my TV. Problem is, I'm old-school when it comes to typing. I can bang away at a keyboard like nobody's business, but I still suck at data entry on a touch screen. The ProMini Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad from ThinkGeek.com solves the problem in a compact sort of way. Using the magic of Bluetooth, this keyboard works perfectly with all the devices mentioned above. While it's not a full-sized keyboard, it's large enough, and you'll instantly find yourself typing with much greater speed and proficiency. It also sports a touch pad (and a laser pointer, why not?), which is pretty unique in this sector. With this $70 add-on, Web browsing with the PS3 becomes actually useful, and composing documents on a smart phone becomes a reality. It's a great tool for the connect road (and home warrior) in us all. – Andy Tarnoff
Southern Tier Creme Brulee Imperial Stout – Stouts are kind of a hit or miss for me, and the flavor's a big part of what calls it either way. After a couple of less-than-stellar picks, I sampled this New York craft brew at Bay View's Romans' Pub. Coincidentally, it was also the first day it was on tap, and if I hadn't seen it get poured from the tap myself I honestly wouldn't have believed it was beer. Aside from a slightly thinner consistency, the Creme Brulee Imperial is a dead ringer for a fancy coffee drink. The flavor is all chocolate, caramel and vanilla and is more of a dessert than a drink. Still, Southern Tier weighs it in at a healthy 9.6 percent ABV, so it's nothing to shrug at. Try the summer seasonal for yourself at Romans' or check Southern Tier's website for distributor information. – Renee Lorenz
Magic Mesh Instant Screen Door – Living Downtown on the top floor of a brick building makes it pretty darn hot during the summer. Unfortunately, my place comes without storm windows or screen doors – which can make it even more unbearable on even the most mild of days. Being a complete sucker for "As Seen on TV" products (another story for another day), my ears perked when I saw the Magic Mesh Instant Screen Door commercial. Thinking it might just be the answer to my living-room-free-of-flies dreams, I finally gave in and ordered one (two actually because, wait, there's more: call now and they'll send you TWO Magic Mesh Instant Screen Doors ... just pay additional shipping and handling). The screens finally arrived and I've got to say, they're pretty good. The magnets aren't as strong as TV would lead you to believe and the mesh is a little flimsier than I'd like but ultimately, it fits my doorways perfectly and when I went outside to take out the trash, I found all kinds of little critters dumbfounded by their inability to get into my house. If, for some reason, you find yourself in need of a screen door ... give Magic Mesh a shot. – Andrew Wagner
