Twenties Life

I’m the kind of guy who loves a good product that does exactly what it’s supposed to do, and does that excellently.  I don’t need frills, and it doesn’t need to be able to check my email, it just needs to do what it is intended to do.

With that in mind, I’ve been searching for a travel mug.  Here’s what I wanted from a travel mug (also these are the reasons why I could never find the perfect one… until now):

1. It should be easily carried (and used) with one hand; this includes opening it, sipping from it, and closing it

2. It should be well insulated and able to keep drinks warm or cold for at least a couple of hours

3.  It should be easy to clean and reuse

That’s it.  Sadly, I’ve tried many different brands (most more expensive than the fantastic one I finally found), and none of them were able to meet my 3 simple needs… until now.  I introduce to you, my new favorite Product that just plain works: The Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug.

This cup is sexy.  It’s simple.  It does exactly what it is supposed to, and looks great doing it.  The lid seals perfectly (you can spin it in the air and it wont leak).  The push-button sipping mechanism is easy to use with one hand and flows perfectly.  Twist off the lid when finished, rinse out the cup and run hot water through the lid and you’re ready to go again.

I tested it this morning for it’s ability to keep coffee warm.  I made a cup at around 7am, and when I took the last sip at around 10:05 am it was still really warm.  Since most cups of coffee don’t last 3 hours (I was really trying to stretch it), I’d imagine the insulation in this mug is more than enough.

So that’s it.  I’ve finally satisfied my desire for the perfect travel mug.   And here is the lowest price I could find online so that you can satisfy that need as well.  Enjoy!

Contigo 16-Ounce Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler – $19.95

Or if you want to get one for yourself and one for a special someone else, here’s a two pack!

Contigo Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Travel Mugs in Silver and Green – 2 Pack $38.95

Do you know of a product that just plain works?  Contact me with details and share your awesome find with everyone else.  If it sounds like something we’d be into, I’ll pick one up and write a review.  And you may just help someone find the perfect product they’ve been looking for.  Click here to recommend a product that just plain works.

It’s the 200 year anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. I have the privilege of attending the actual Oktoberfest to see what it’s all about. If anything I’m in it for the fashion, of course. It’s definitely a challenge learning how to put together Oktoberfest attire with all of the options you come across in Munich. Not only is it all authentic but Dior is also celebrating the occasion, in high style.

Within this feature I will share tips with you on how to put together an outfit for Oktoberfest, if you ever plan on attending, and I will also share pictures from the festivities in Munich.
First of all, when planning your out your attire for Oktoberfest you must find a dirndl. This is the most important piece to acquire before anything. It makes the entire outfit and will be the piece that you base everything else off of. A friend of mine let me borrow hers for the celebration, but I wanted to venture out and find my own to keep. So I started at Marienplatz. It is a center full of shops and cafes right in the heart of Munich, and is where you’ll end up finding one of a kind souvenirs, shopping, delicious bakeries – anything that you need, it’ll be there at Marienplatz. It’s easily accessible by train from your hotel, or any of the surrounding towns. Dirndls range from 35 Euro to 500 Euro. You’ve got to keep your eye out for a deal. That is not including an apron, or accessories. We find perfect lederhosen on the first day, but no dirndl. Lederhosen are what the guys wear to Oktoberfest. It’s a must to celebrate in a dirndl and lederhosen, and makes it all the more fun!

I decide to stick with the dirndl that my friend has given me to use. But I’m still not satisfied, I want to join in the fun of picking & piecing together an authentic outfit for Oktoberfest while I’m here, getting the real thing. So I try again, I decide to grab a dirndl from a shop I find in Marienplatz across from a bakery that we ate lunch at. I find a beautiful dirndl that’s gray, raw silk, and a great deal! Instead of lacing it up with ribbon I ask to buy a chain at the register, which I ended up getting for free with the purchase of a dirndl.

Instead of getting the traditional white shirt to wear underneath, I get a black one. Which in my opinion, I liked better with my dirndl. After finding that, I go to an exclusive shopping center in Munich called Ludwig Beck’s. They carry amazing brands & are advertising a lovely apron in the window. I go in to ask where it is & end up finding another apron that goes well with the fabric on the dirndl I’ve chosen.

I’m ready to celebrate with the new attire I pieced together. I’m so excited for the opening day of Oktoberfest! Perfect timing!
We go in our lederhosen and dirndl and have a blast at the 200 Oktoberfest. If you decide to attend Oktoberfest go out on a whim and piece together your own dirndl. I assure you, you will have the best time just picking it out!

If you’re debating on going, don’t hesitate! Oktoberfest is a blast and it’s so much livelier in the right attire.

Steps for piecing together a dirndl:
1. Pick your dirndl out
2. Pick a black or white shirt
3. Don’t forget your apron!

Have a lovely time at Oktoberfest! Enjoy!

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I am a horrible morning person.  I have a 35 minute (at best) drive to work, which I’m supposed to be at at 8 a.m., and I wake up at 7:20.  If you do the math, that gives me 5 minutes to be dressed and out the door.  Sure, I’ve maximized my efficiency by having a shaved hairstyle, knowing what I’m going to wear the night before, and showering before bed, but it’s still a terrible routine.

My friend, David Pierce @ Digitizd.com found ways to digitize his morning routine to ease the pain of having to get out of that warm and comfy cocoon.  I need to design something like that.  Here’s what I’m thinking:

1. wake up to the sound of something pleasant, like Kokomo by the Beach Boys
2. step out onto my balcony (to feel the weather) and stretch
3. Start a cup of tea or coffee (depending on how much of a boost I need) and a breakfast snack (toast or something)
4. Load the news on my iPad and see what’s new (I should really keep up with current events)
5. leave home and start my drive

Now all of this will probably add another 30 minutes onto my 5 minute wake-up plan I have now, but it will start a routine that will have me awake and ready by the time I get to work, rather than still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.  Plus if I get this routine down, I can even add a short 10 minute workout and really jumpstart my day.  You wouldn’t believe what a couple of push-ups, crunches, and jumping jacks can do to get the blood flowing.

So here’s my pledge.  Starting tomorrow morning I’m going to try my new routine.  I’m going to stick to it for 30 days and see what it does to my productivity.  I’ll report back in 30 days and let you know how it went.

Are there any tweaks I should make to my routine before I start?  What is your morning routine?  What do you to to start your day off right?  Leave a comment below and help me (and the TwentiesLife readers) get a grip on my mornings.  Thanks!