Author: Nick Carvell
@nickcarvell
Whether you’re getting ready for work or winding down before bed, any time you spend solo in the bathroom is a chance to relax, expand your mind and work on becoming the best version of yourself. Start and end your day right by checking out our monthly recommendations for bettering your bathroom experience below...
The soundtrack: Stop the Hate by Femi Kuti / For(e)ward by Made Kuti
Born in Nigeria in 1938, Fela Kuti became famous worldwide in the 1970s for being a pioneering force behind Afrobeat, a genre that blended together traditional Nigerian music (Yoruba) with jazz and funk. While Fela died in 1997, his son, Femi Kuti, followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a four time Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter.
Now, Femi’s son, Made, is making his eclectic debut - with both artists releasing albums within a week of each other this month. With political messages in the wake of Black Lives Matter and sizzling rhythms both are not only evolutions in the Kuti dynasty, but cool evolutions in Afrobeat in their own right.
For(e)ward by Made Kuti released 5 February / Stop the Hate by Femi Kuti released 12 February. Both available on Spotify.
The product: Eye Cream by The Other Saint
You’re probably spending a whole lot of time looking at screens right now - whether that’s working through the day on your laptop, kicking back with Netflix in the evening or desperately binging last year’s holiday shots on your phone. If your eyes are feeling the strain, our Eye Cream is here to help. Infused with avocado oil to nourish and moisturise the delicate skin under your eyes and aloe vera for fine line prevention, this cream not only guards against the aging process and unwanted puffiness, but also helps ease the itchiness of any dryness caused by staring into electronic boxes all day long.
£17.50 for 50ml, theothersaint.com
The podcast: The Bubble
Having discovered their shared love for a small batch frosty one during their time working on Jamie Oliver’s digital team, Jonny Garrett and Brad Evans (respectively, a journalist and graphic designer by trade) decided to set up The Craft Beer Channel in 2013 as a way to talk about all things hop-related. Since then they have published two books and, more recently, started their own podcast, The Bubble. Each episode drops at 5pm on a Friday, and featured the chaps chatting to each other, and often an extra guest, for 30 minutes about the stories, new brews and trends that are rocking the beer world that week. While pubs are closed, it’s the closest a man can get to happy hour.
Available now on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The tech: GEAR Nose Hair Trimmer by Tweezerman
If you’re noticing a few errant hairs poking out of your nostrils (hey, it happens to all of us), it’s time to get trimming - however, if you’re anything like me, the last thing you want is another piece of kit to worry about keeping charged. That’s why I’m a big fan of the GEAR Nose Hair Trimmer by Tweezerman - a device that you slide up each nostril and squeeze to activate an analogue mechanism of covered circular blades that give your nose holes a quick and painless tidy up. No battery required.
£18, tweezerman.co.uk
The book: The Journal by Mindjournal
After his mother took her own life, Ollie Aplin struggled in processing and communicating his emotions. During his therapy, what he found helped him was personal, expressive writing - so he set out to create something that would help other men too. The result was The Journal. Developed over three years in collaboration with psychology professors, therapists and research from over 200 peer-reviewed papers, this book contains a system of daily guided exercises designed to help build a regular journaling routine and leave you feeling healthier and happier. Reviewed by some of the most influential media outlets in the world, the testimonials page from regular guys speaks volumes for the transformative power this book can have.
£29.95, mindjournals.com
The kit: Collared Slippers by Mulo
What’s worse than waking up to a freezing cold house when you get out of bed in the morning? When your first journey afterwards culminates in stepping on an icy tiled floor as you head for your shower (or Nespresso machine). The solution is a feet-protecting pair of house shoes - and there are fewer finer than Mulo’s backless slippers, cut from corduroy and lined in shearling. Plus, unlike wearing a pair of thick socks, the presence of non-slip rubber soles on these bad boys will mean you don’t end up with your bum on the cold floor too.
£145, muloshoes.com
The essential: Toothpaste dispenser by Marvis
Whether you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your waste or are simply a thrifty kinda guy - or both - you need a toothpaste dispenser. Insert a tube into this ceramic little number from luxe-y toothpaste brand Marvis, turn the key and you’ll be able to use every minty drop (meaning it lasts far longer). Plus it’ll look magnificently handsome on the side of your sink.
