Mr. Bijoy Writes

Since it went over rather well last year, I've compiled a little gift guide for the guys shopping for that special lady. So here are a few nifty things that the lady in your life may appreciate. I don't claim that any of these are really great gifts for the woman for whom you're shopping, but they're nifty. Ok, so: This little tech kit is great for the woman on the go. Cables and more in a cute little pouch that doesn't suck.   Bling for the lady that likes chunky bling .  Have a fashionista on your hands? Try this elegant coffee table book that elevates a space with beauty and class.  Give her something sweet because you aren't always sweet.  Oh, she's a badass? I got you . I'm not one to tell you to buy your lady lingerie. But pajamas , pajamas are great.  Coziness is everything. This classic throw comes in 11 colors and comes with the promise of warmth and style.  An inexpensive watch that makes a bold fashion statement is a ri...

I'm not sure how many years I've been doing these, but this is the latest, possibly largest installment. These are a few cool things that I think would be great gifts for guys. There's a little something here for almost everyone, or at least I think so. There's no organization to this list, so don't expect that. So, here we go! Apparently, puffy jackets are cool again. I can't, in the right mind, recommend one that doesn't both look good and is incredibly functional. My choice is the Cirq Pax 700 Downfill Jacket . You can find them on sale all over the place, so don't think you have to stick to the price shown in the link.  Your flight attendant might make a good drink, if you ask. More often than not, you'll get a can of mixer and a small bottle of alcohol. So why not step your "drunk on a plane" game up and get the Carry-On Cocktail Kit ? It'll make you the coolest guy on the airplane.     Want a t ruly smart bluetooth speaker ?...

So here's the thing - Sometimes it's difficult getting gifts for a guy who has a tendency to just buy the things that he wants. Therefore, I thought I'd compile this "Ultimate Gear" edition of the gift guide for those who have this dilemma. Also, this stuff is pretty damn cool. Sound good? Ok. Everyone knows that person who loves being the guy with a bottle-opener on hand at all times. The problem at hand is that a key-chain bottle-opener or a large bartender tool isn't all that much fun. To add, I don't want my keys being passed around to open up everyone's beer. So, for a soltion, check this out- Titanium Sunglasses . Classic style, awesome functionality. Just don't let them wear these inside at night. That's stupid. Ok, carrying around a camera everywhere is a pain in the ass. To add, it seems like phone-based cameras are taking off, both in functionality and convenience. However, sometimes, the quality is just appalling. So, some folks o...

I had some cheese straws in Alabama during the holidays once. It's cheese. In a snack. Come on. Make these. (Got this recipe from my friend Mrs. L) What ya need: 1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated and softened 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon salt Ok, so: Heat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor, pulse together cheese and butter until well combined. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse and pulse until you have a paste-like dough. Now get a icing bag with a star tip and put the dough into the bag. Pipe the dough into even strips on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake these for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese stops sizzling. At that point, remove the straws from the oven and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. Tasty stuff right here.

If you've been following along here, you know that I have mild love-affair with cigars. Ok, it's more than a "mild" love-affair. I love those sticks of fermented tobacco. Now, among my circle of friends, I'm the guy everyone goes to when they need a cigar suggestion for their dads, brothers, cousins, bosses, crushes, etc. In light of this, this year I'm writing a separate, cigar-based gift guide for all of those who may need such help. My "rare" suggestions: Fonseca CXX - A great mix of spicy and smooth with a nutty finish. Get the Corona size. Davidoff 100 Years Geneva - I can't do justice in explaining this complex cigar. It's great. My general suggestions: Rocky Patel Zen - A really smooth, almost creamy cigar. A great price-point here as well. Le Bijou 1922 Box Pressed Torpedo - Just make sure to get the torpedo here. Worth it. Hammer & Sickle Moscow City - It's a bitch to keep lit, but it's tasty. My loves: Arturo Fuente Hemi...