Viva La México

Ordering margaritas at swim-up pool bars in mid-march and taking in some rays. That is what Cancún is all about. Dos Equis on deck making you feel like the most interesting man in the world. Crystal-clear blue waters and summer time weather that one can only dream of during the wintery weather of northeastern United States. If you want to escape life and visit a world of party, this is your place to get away. Hit the beach, hang by the pool, experience the clubs of Cancún and most definitely visit Señor Frog's. I personally recommend a night at the Mandala Beach Club, a club right on the beach featuring an outdoor bar, DJ and a small pool. Visit the right club and you may be lucky enough to catch world-class DJs visiting the scene for Spring-Break.

Here's what you'll need for a 5-day trek:

1. The Swim Trunks by Chubbies
2. Clubmasters by Ray-Ban
3. Croakies by Vineyard Vines
4. Boat Shoes by Sperry Top-Sider
5. Chinos / Chino Shorts by J Crew (for the clubs in Cancún)
6. Slim fit sport-shirts by Vineyard Vines
7. Pocket Tees by Cape Crabbers
8. Sunscreen by Banana Boat (for us fair-skinned Irishmen) 
9. Bottled Water (be careful with the Mexican water)
10. Chocolate Coconut Water by Zico (Hangover cure - you'll thank me later)
11. Tequila by El Jimador
12. Dolla-Dolla Bills (You will need $1 bills to catch the bus and tip all around. Again, thank me later. Bring 50 singles.)

©Robert J. Hanlon

Store Spotlight: Watch Out in Westwood, NJ

THE WATCH MAN. 

Me: What's your name? Him: The Watch Man. I found the right guy. The adventure to find a face for my @KJP watch band.
— Robert J. Hanlon (@_rhanlon) March 22, 2014

That is the name the man behind the counter chooses as his pseudonym.  Charles Bellon, Jr. according to the Watch Out website. In search of a face for my currently under-utilized KJP watch strap I turned to him at the advice of others. Talk to this Man and you quickly learn that his 30 years of experience in the business are real.

KJP.com

Established in 1986, Watch Out is NOT new to the game. Their store space is small, cluttered and just off the bustling main avenue of Westwood. Right in the heart of Bergen County. The Watch Man learned from the best and works with high-end clientele. When arriving, be prepared to tell The Watch Man what brings you to the store.

For me, it was the search for the perfect watch-head to shine on top of the faceless tweed band from New England designer, Kiel James Patrick. Rendered solely a bracelet for far too long, it was time for this band to tell time.

Now I play the waiting game. I let The Watch Man do his work and anxiously await the call of my fulfilled request. A story to be continued...

©Robert J. Hanlon

Spotify: American Craftmanship

American tunes for some American times. Sit back, relax and blast your Bose speakers on the front stoop today with a playlist full of American made tunes. Featuring songs from Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Radical Something, The Neighbourhood, The Last Bison and others.

This playlist is Ideal for a Sunday drive or a day spent out in the sun with your bed buds. Or just about any other occasion really.

Check it out:

Not quite up for the American tunage? Try Down, not out. A playlist engineered to get you through tough times and back on top. You'll be strolling through the streets with confidence in no time.