Mustache Respect

Being a guy during November is amazing - turkey, football and mustaches.

As Movember comes to an end we say good bye to the mustaches on all the men around the country and the world. Movember is a great time to be a man, when you have an excuse to grow that upper lip hair and let it flourish.

As we bid farewell to the mustache magic we look back on something that is understated - mustache respect. I am not taking about someone skipping a chirp to let that gross mustache slid, I'm taking about a level of respect that has not been seen since the peak of mustache. During the month of having a mustache, I have experienced many times of mustache respect - but here are my top 3.

1. In the elevator a guy like me usually gets the cold shoulder, the bump into or the look down. But during a mustache period I receive smiles, laughter and a good hearted "opps, sorry bout bumping into you"

2. When I pass by another beauty with a mustache I usually am the one to judge but when I am rocking the upper lip instead I receive a good shooter gun point (not the one from movies, more like a hey man sweet 'stache'

3. A simple smile from a nice old lady and church - I remind her of her son (from 1974).

It is sad to say, that I will not be extending my upper lip decoration into December. With respect for my family and my girlfriend I will be saying good bye to the mustache.

Don't forget if you've got your mustache still rockin' email a photo to Movember@lake-life.com for a chance to win a Lake Life goodie bag.

Until next time.

Peace, love and lake,

Arnie

Top 5's with 'superfan' Andrew David Pierce

We haven't had many blogs lately, mostly because we were busy taking the docks out of the water... which is sad. But we finally have delivered on a promise from this summer, so without further adieu, please help me in welcoming Andrew Pierce to deliver his Top 5's.

Top 5 lakes you love to visit
1. Bass Lake – home to the Pierce Family Cabin (Merrifield, MN)
2. Gull Lake – home to Dutch Cragun
3. Lake Superior – home to the Edmund Fitzgerald
4. Lake Michigan – 2nd greatest lake
5. Crooked Lake – high school hangout

Top 5 reasons you don’t live in Coon Rapids
1. cost of living is too high – it’s like a mini Maple Grove
2. ashamed to show my face now that my middle school flexed arm hang record has been broken
3. my better half does not want to take a park & ride to work
4. Grand Slam Sports closed, need to reside closer to laser tag options
5. my parents claim I’d “cramp their style” if I lived less than 25 minutes away

Top 5 ways you spend $5
1. McDonald’s dollar menu-naire
2. convenience store sunglasses
3. 1 hour of parking downtown
4. redbox movie, box of reese’s pieces and a whatchamacallit bar
5. tin of grizzle biscuits

Top 5 Christmas gifts you’ve received
1. my first suit
2. Nestle Turtles candies
3. ‘Blood, Sweat and Beers’ DVD
4. iPod nano with name engraved
5. U of M tailgating chairs

Top 5 songs on your iPhone right now
1. The Head and the Heart – Lost In My Mind
2. Trout Steak Revival – Ground Beneath You
3. Cults – Go Outside
4. M83 – Midnight City
5. Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

Top 5 reasons you love summer
1. deep v-necks
2. cargo shorts
3. sunglasses with croakies
4. Keens
5. wearing pro-fit baseball hats backwards

Top 5 things you’ll be doing this ‘off-season’
1. repainting basement
2. winter lake life at the Pierce cabin
3. baking all kinds of bread
4. organizing the 1/2 level upstairs
5. wearing under armor/performance fleece around the house

Top 5 quotes
1. “Knowledge is power - it grows just like a flower.” – David Liebe Hart
2. “He who dies with the most toys, still dies.” – a No Fear t-shirt I had in 7th grade
3. “Round up the usual suspects.” – The Usual Suspects
4. “You know what they say about assuming…you shouldn’t do it.” – Andrew David Pierce
5. “Don’t mess with the best, don’t fool with the cool, ‘cause the cool don’t fool with you.” – Gandhi

Top 5 sports rivalries
1. Vikings-Packers
2. Gophers-Sioux (Hockey)
3. Gophers-Badgers (Football)
4. Twins-Brewers
5. Duke-North Carolina

Top 5 reasons you love Lake Life
1. the lids
2. the classic long sleeves
3. the entrepreneurship
4. the custom desktop backgrounds
5. the lifestyle

We thank Andrew for all his contributions and knowledge he has bestowed upon us. Even though he doesn't have an entrepreneurial bone in his body, he does wear t-shirts from time to time - which makes him a great resource.

Until next time - which will hopefully be sooner rather than later.

Peace, love and lake,

Arnie

Is it really mid August?

Looking back, I've realized that there hasn't been a blog post since before the July 4th weekend. A lot has occurred since that first day in July, and it is far to much to discuss in just one sitting. So we move on.

It's a common thread, but summer in the Midwest goes by way too fast. It's already mid August and before we know it snow will be falling from the sky (a tear just rolled down my face). As the summer moves on, I have said it before but this is a good opportunity to just let summer slow down. Enjoy everything you can outside in this beautiful weather; go to the lake, sit on the patio for happy hour, just anything to be outside.

While this summer has seen it's ups and it's downs, it really has been an amazing summer overall. We've gotten some shitty weather here and there but it seems that most weekends the stars aligned and we got a lot of sun, calm lakes and hot temperatures. So being August 14th and halfway through the 'last' month of summer, one can only hope for an Indian Summer. Now if you've heard the Brooks and Dunn song, you'll want to take a listen but for those who have no idea what I'm talking about read this:

An Indian summer is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in the fall. It refers to a period of considerably above normal temperatures, accompanied by dry and hazy conditions, after there has been a killing frost.

If that doesn't sound like the best September, I do not know what will. So as I sit here at the lake with the bugs taking over, I will listen and hope that we too can join Brooks and Dunn to enjoy an Indian Summer.



Take care of yourself, until next time.

Arnie

4th of July: Do's and Dont's

With the 4th of July holiday weekend already starting for some, and starting soon for the rest. I thought that we touch on a few common do's and don't for this summer holiday.

Do: Wear red, white, and blue all weekend

Don't: Rag on people for wearing the same red, white and blue shirt all weekend

Do: Bring some fireworks for the weekend

Don't: Expect your $100-200 worth of fireworks to be better than the city's

Do: Wear a lifejacket

Don't: Wear it like a diaper

Do: Build a campfire

Don't: Start the cabin on fire

Do: Represent your Uncle Sam shirt

Don't: Let anyone else wear it, it's yours!

Well there you go, short list but an in-depth look at what you can expect to 'do' and 'don't' do this holiday weekend. As always, stay safe and have a great time.

Until next time, Happy 4th of July!

Arnie

Summer Solstice - First day of summer!

Today June 21, 2011 marks the first day of summer of 2011! Now it may be exciting to some, for me I am over-excited. For a few main reasons.

1) Summer is finally here, which means we can get rid of this below average weather

2) 4th of July is almost here!

Now we'll get to the 4th next week, when we'll talk about how it's the best weekend of the summer and I feel like we talk about the weather too much so we're going to talk about something else...

Family

Going to the cabin, or on the boat locally. Is something that many of us grew up on, for me, my family did not have a cabin until my senior year of high school. But that didn't stop us from towing the boat to our favorite local lakes. There are few times when you can enjoy going out on the boat alone, but the possibilities are endless when you are with your family.

Wouldn't you rather catch that record walleye with someone else in the boat? Or land your first big trick wakeboarding? Or even someones first time skiing. All of these activities are made better by including your family.

Ever had a hole in one, while you were golfing alone? Doesn't sound like fun, you can't share the joy with anyone else. Just your lonesome self (I'm talking to you Mike Kurtz). So next time you head up to the cabin/onto the boat invite your family. While we may not be able to choose who our family is, we definitely chose the relationship that we have with them.

So call your mom, your dad, your sister or your cousin and hit the water. They'll appreciate the company just as much as you will.

Over and out,

Arnie

Heat Wave - Coming to a city near you!

So I am back from Italy, safe and sound. I'd like to thank Goalie for doing some of the shipping while I was away. He held down the fort very well.

It is no surprise to those in the Midwest as well as the rest of the country that we kind of had a small heatwave this week. In Minnesota it got up to 102 degrees on Tuesday. That may seem like a lot, and you are right. It was was the first time in 5 years since we've had a 100 degree + day.

All that heat can mean a few things... one is that the lake water is sure to shoot up temperature wise, which can please a lot of water sport fans out there. The heat also means another thing, AC! Better get your air conditioning up and running or you could spend a lot of hot nights sweating and wishing you had fixed your AC.

But even if you don't have your AC right and running, there are a few ways of cooling down this summer.

1) Jump in the LAKE!
- This one is easy, no matter how hot it is outside, the lake will cool you off!

2) Eat a Popsicle/Mr. Freeze
- These may be childish and a little weird but nothing cools you off better than a piece of ice.

3) Take a cold shower
- If you are away from the lake and have no other choice, grab a cold shower or even better grab a cold one and a cold shower!

4) Open a fire hydrant
- Actually don't do this, I've only seen it done in the movies.

5) Forget the heat, just go outside and enjoy
- It might be hot, but just a few short months ago we had 2 feet of snow and below 0 temperatures, so stop your complaining and deal with it. It could be worse.

Well that is all from me this evening. Next week we'll probably be talking swim suits, male and female. Don't worry girls, we'll get to the 1-pieces.

Until next time,

Arnie

Monthly Exclusives Overlap - Important Information

Hello everyone, rather than entertain this week, I'd like to take this time to enlighten everyone with what is going on in the next few weeks. As unfortunate as it is, I will be out of town for 9 days. And will be unable to do anything Lake Life related. That being said I have installed a system of people that will handle whatever is necessary to get you our loyal customers the product that you deserve.

Some information for your liking:

• May exclusives (Beer & Bass and 80's Night) will continue to be on sale until June 5th
• June exclusives (Uncle Sam and Classic Longsleeve) will go on sale Friday May 27th

So for those who want to get your hands on the 4th of July shirts early this year, step on it because we have a feeling these might go hot. I will be back on the 5th of June but rest assured, you will be taken care of while I am away. And for those who want to stay in touch with Lake Life, I hope to jump online every once in a while and can answer any questions via Facebook.

In the meantime, let me know if you need anything or else I will see you in June! Hopefully the water is nice by then.

P.S. Here is a sneak peak of the 4th of July shirts. Shhhh don't tell anyone :)

Later,


Arnie

Early Season Briefs - Chilly Water

So we haven’t had a blog in a while, because as you may know we’ve been busy getting together the new shirts for the month of June. Can you believe June is almost upon us? But since it is so early in the season, we are going to touch on the cold waters of early Midwest fun.

Even though we haven’t gotten the best of weather (although it is turning around) the lake water is going to be quite cold this time of year. But this shouldn’t deter you from making your way up to the cabin or dropping your boat in at the local lake. So I have come up with 5 things that you can do this early summer to make the most of your cabin trips.

Go fishing
Even though the lake is still very cold, you can spend your time above the water. Cold water fishing is a perfect way to get all the kinks out and to try out some new fishing gear. And although you’ll have to bundle up on those early morning casts, you will set the tone early for this year’s fishing season.

Work
I know what you’re thinking, work at the cabin? But what better time to get those projects done than now. The last thing you want to be doing on a hot and sunny day in June/July is those little projects that you’ve been pushing back. Whether it’s replacing a dock board or two, or staining the deck, you’ll appreciate later in the summer that you completed the project during less than ideal weather.

Go golfing
Golf is tough when it is scalding hot out and you’d rather be on/in the water. So mix in a round or two this early summer. The courses will be less crowded and you will get your swing on!

Just ride
Even though the water is very cold, most of us including me have had the itch since late September. So grab yourself a wetsuit and some guts and suck it up out there. If you are skiing, wakeboarding or just tubing on the open water; just get out there.

Just enjoy the lake
After a long week at work, you deserve some time off. So get to the lake and just enjoy doing anything that you like doing.

Enjoy the week!

Arnie

Last chance to get April exclusives!

As the rain falls, and we get ready to turn the page on the calendar. We'll be releasing our May exclusives on Sunday. So here is your last chance to pick up the April exclusives, because once the calendar hits the 1st these shirts are no longer available.

As we look back on the month of April, it has been one crazy month. From the brutal weather and some overseas tragedies. This month has been tough as a Minnesotan and beyond. To Michael Scott's last episode on The Office to the 4th longest and for me the worst winter yet.

But as we switch to May, we have something to look forward to. The warm sunshine is starting to show and the grass is getting greener. So before we pull the boats out and open the cabin, we must realize that even though this was one crazy winter (don't even get me started on the Metrodome). Our winter's really make us appreciate how truly special our summer's are. From the happy hour on the patio to the half Friday's to beat the cabin traffic. We need to slow down this summer, because if we don't... winter will be here before you know.

So do yourself and all of us a favor this spring/summer; slow down, kiss your spouse, and take your time on those burgers. Because these are the times as a Minnesotan that we can say, I love living in this state.

Take care of yourself and be sure to check the website on Sunday for the new shirts!

Arnie

Top Fives with Pete Cornet

Pete Cornet brings tons of energy to the world of Lake Life. Dude can board, kneeboard that is. Check out his top fives. Some answers will definetly surprise you.

Top 5 things about Minnesota

1. The season changes- brings excitment about nice weather!

2. The lakes

3. Fishing

4. Pond Hockey

5. The Girls

Top 5 reasons to kneeboard

1. Easy to learn

2. GOOOOOOD times

3. dont get as jacked up when you take a digger

4. you still look cool doing it!!

5. just another reason to be on the lake

Top 5 fantasy football players for 2011

1. Peyton Manning

2. Chris Johnson

3. Micheal Vick

4. Adrian Peterson

5. MJD

Top 5 months of the year

1. Christmas-the month of giving

2. July- America

3. October- Halloween is one of my favorite holidays

4. September- the month i was born

5. August- full on summer

Top 5 riding spots

1. White Fish Chain- Brainered

2. Cedar River-Iowa

3. Big Bass-Bemidji

4. Minnetonka

5. White Bear

Top 5 favorite shoes you’ve owned

1. light grey and lime green lunner nikes

2. Aldo boat shoes

3. all black nike air maxes

4. Calvin Klein dress boot

5. All white steve madden dress shoes

Top 5 places to eat in St. Paul

1. Shamrocks

2. Cosettas

3. Blue Door

4. Davanni's

5. Degidios

Top 5 things to do in the summer

1. Boat

2. Tube fast AND slow

3. Golf

4. Wiffle Ball

5. Sand Volleyball

Top 5 concerts you’ve been to

1. Papa Roach multiple times with co-owner Ryan Kurtz

2. front row at 3 Days Grace

3. Disturbed and Korn

4. Tech 9

5. Atmospher and Brother Ali

Top 5 people to follow on Twitter

1. Me @mrcornet

2. Chad Johnson @ochocinco

3. Skip Bayless @realskipbayless

4. Bubba Watson @bubbawatson

5. Lake Life @LakeLifeApparel

April showers bring May...Fishing Opener!

As April has come and we spend our days watching the ice pull back on the lake. We can take this time to appreciate our great area of the country, we may have a tough winter - record snow emergencies and don't even start talking about the Metrodome. But as another midwest winter has come and gone we can turn our attention to the spring and summer. One thing for sure, Minnesota has all 4 seasons. And having all 4 seasons, we get to appreciate each and every one of them differently.

Its easy to wish that it was always July, but then we wouldn't have the changing leaves in the Fall, or the pond hockey and ice fishing in the winter, or even the spring when you can wear flip flops and shorts but still have to wear a hoodie. These are things that we would miss if we only had one season.

My personal opinion is that my favorite season is always the next one. In the spring, I want the summer and in the fall, I want the winter.

Now as everyone starts pulling their boats out of storage and fire up the motor for the first time in 2011, remember to appreciate the time spent out on the water and at the cabin. Because before you know it, you'll be putting it back in storage and closing down the cabin.

So enjoy the spring as it turns to summer. Otherwise you'll always be waiting for the perfect day.

Next week we'll start our fan "Top Fives" with one of our Facebook fans.

And just a reminder, the two exclusive shirts are going fast, so if you want one better get it quick because once they are gone...they are gone!

Enjoy the beautiful week!

Arnie

Almost there - Relaunch!

As many of you know we've been slaving away and getting everything for the relaunch this Friday. Working on the website, and the whole experience for all of our customers to make the process of getting your mitts on a new shirt an easy and fun one.

So for today's blog (sorry I know it's not Tuesday but who can keep track of days anymore) it's going to be a short one. I will give you the origin of April Fools Day, which coinsides with our relaunch, but no we are not fooling.

April Fools' Day is celebrated in the Western world on the 1st of April of every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1 is not a legal holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day which tolerates practical jokes and general foolishness. The day is marked by the commission of good humoured or funny jokes, hoaxes, and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc.

Traditionally, in some countries such as New Zealand, the UK, Australia, and South Africa, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool".[1] It is for this reason that newspapers in the U.K. that run a front page April fool only do so on the first (morning) edition.[2] Elsewhere, such as in France, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Russia, The Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S., the jokes last all day. The earliest recorded association between 1st April and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392). Many writers suggest that the restoration of the 1st of January as New Year's Day in the 16th century was responsible for the creation of the holiday, but this theory does not explain earlier references. (Source: Wikipedia)

Yes we know, took the easy way out by sourcing Wikipedia, but hey I wasn't there for the first office prank. Hope everyone is having a swell week, and that you are getting ready for the relaunch!

Until next time, (next time will be better) Arnie

Road Trips - Rules of the Road

Road trips to the cabin are unlike anything else. You and your buddies making your way up to the lake, excitement coming out of your ears. But there some rules of the road that one must abide by. Here is my list of rules for both drivers and passengers.



Drivers:
1) Be sure you have enough room in your car for everyone and all the gear, nothing makes a trip worse than 6 guys in a little car with 6 fishing rods and all the gear

2) Have a few options for music choices, once you get into the rural areas your favorite radio station might not be working. So bring an iPod or a few CDs to make the ride enjoyable for everyone

3) Be hydrated but not do hydrated, drink water, pop, Gatorade or whatever wets your whistle but you don’t want to have to take a leak every 30 miles

4) Grab beer and snacks that will be consumed at the lake prior to arrival. Better yet, grab a cooler and dump some ice in there. But DO NOT touch until you have reached your final destination. One it will be as cold as the Rockies and two it is illegal…

5) If the trip is longer than 2 hours, don’t be afraid to stop at the famous eateries on the way. (Tobies Caramel Rolls or a Mexican Pizza from Zorbaz)

Passengers
1) Never control the music or radio unless requested by the driver, it is his music. If you wanted your underground reggae to listen to you should have drove

2) Same with the driver, stay hydrated

3) Offer to chip in for gas, even if the driver refuses at least you won’t be the guy who didn’t even offer

4) Pack light, you’re going to the lake. You don’t need your tux, 7 pairs of flip flops, and a full sized stereo

5) Never and I mean NEVER go to sleep if it is just you and the driver. Unless you are driving cross country, a quick nap can wait

Well there you have it a quick little list of rules for those road trips coming up. Take it with a grain of salt though, if you do need to pack that tux go right ahead. Just don’t expect a ride from me.

*Another note, the website will be launching April 1st and as noted before the limited edition shirts could go quick, very quick. So if you want something snatch it up quick. We will also be offering free shipping the first weekend. YAY for free shipping!


Later,

Arnie

Forever Limited - The Way We Do!

As last week was hopefully the most entertaining thing you’ve read since Everybody Poops. This week we take a more informative route. Let me first give you some background.

As Paris Hilton says, Limited Edition is the way of the world (not sure if she actually said that, but she should have).

Some time ago, our good friend and now business partner Ryan “Kurtzy” Kurtz received a special hat from us, there was a limited run on these hats and he really liked this. As with a popular guy like himself, people started noticing this hat and began requesting this ‘limited addition’ hat. We decided to produce these hats and began selling them, which really pissed Kurtzy off. He liked that it was a limited edition hat and that few people had something just like this.

Fast-forward 10 months later; in a brainstorm session we ran through different scenarios to make our ‘comeback’ (Don’t call it a comeback!). We wanted to offer our customers something different every month while continuing to offer our core shirts that have been a staple of our brand from the beginning. We decided to have monthly releases. A few new shirts every month, could be 2 could be 3. You’ll never know until we know! Once the month is up or the shirts sell out, we will no longer produce that shirt. Forever becoming a ‘vintage’ limited run item. The shirts will differ from being our creative artwork shirts to some very new and very clean text shirts.

This new model will give you the customers something to look forward to as we get closer to the summer. Because who isn’t sick and tired of this weather?

So come April 1st you can expect:
• Brand new, never before seen limited edition shirts
• A few new shirts every month (snatch em up before they are all gone!)
• Designs, artwork and fabrics never before used by our brand (Our new shirts are so soft and comfortable)
• Website makeover – you’ve probably already seen bits and pieces but our new site will be easier to navigate and use

So there you have it, now you are up to speed on all things Lake Life. We can’t wait until April 1st, and we can see the excitement in your eyes, you’re just as excited as us!

Next week, we’ll talk about “2-ski” water skiing. Funniest thing on water.

Later,

Arnie

Johnny Tsunami - Coming to Minnesota

I was having a hard time thinking of a good topic for this week. I was considering writing about winter lake activities, and decided to hold off on that one for at least a week or two. For some reason, all I could think about was Disney Original Movies. You know the Brink, and the Alley Cats Strike’s of the world. And I thought what if Johnny Tsunami came to Minnesota in the story instead of Vermont.

As I started to day dream about the endless possibilities of Johnny coming to Minnesota, I started to put together a short plot in my head. Now for the first time released to the world; Johnny Tsunami – Coming to Minnesota.

Johnny Tsunami is a teenager in the small town of Honolulu, Hawaii. Being the active teenager that he is he surfs and hangs out with his buddies. But when his parents decide to move to Golden Valley, MN he has a hard decision to make. Start a new life in the Twin Cities or stay in Hawaii with his grandfather. After taking in some traditional Hawaiian food with Sarah Marshall and Peter Bretter (they were still together at this point), Johnny decides to head to Minnesota with his family.

After a month of tough school work at The Breck School, Johnny ventures on his first Minnesota summer. Not understanding what kids do around the cities, Johnny makes his way to the shores of Lake Minnetonka. He meets up with Prince and shoots some hoops although Prince appeared to be wearing a blouse, Johnny didn’t mind it.

After a hard nose game of bball, Johnny looks out onto the lake. Seeing a large island with so many boats he couldn’t believe his eyes. The locals call it Big Island and Johnny wanted a piece of the action. He found a small marina on the northwest part of the lake and starting working, trying to buy his own boat. After a month and a half of working 12 hour days, Johnny finally had the money to buy a boat. A 13-foot Lund with a 90hp outboard engine. He got in and headed out to Big Island, when he arrived he learned quickly that he wasn’t in Honolulu anymore.

Johnny meets a local girl by the name of Judy. She is named after Judy Garland, commonly known as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Judy and Johnny become familiar and Judy introduces Johnny to some friends. Johnny sees them riding something that looks like a surfboard but is attached to the feet and holding a rope connected to a boat, called Wakeboarding.

Johnny gave it a shot, and with his first try failed miserably. Everyone on the boat laughed, especially Judy’s ex-boyfriend Kevin. Johnny went home that night embarrassed and missing Hawaii. After a few days of moaning, Johnny decided to give it another shot. He called Judy and she arranged the meeting with Kevin and his crew. Kevin was already laughing when Johnny stepped onto the boat. Johnny pointed his long, tanned finger in Kevin’s face and said you against me – winner gets Judy. Judy still had feelings for Kevin but was intrigued by Johnny and always liked a good battle for her love.

Kevin was up first, pulling some nasty moves but eventually taking a wicked spill and was picked up by the boat. Kevin gives Johnny a sarcastic good luck and Johnny was in the water. Thinking back to his days in Hawaii, he just pretended he was out surfing. And he loved this Wakeboarding thing, Johnny showed his skills by pulling some McTwists and 900’s. After landing a backside 9 with a method grab. Johnny knew he had won Judy’s heart. She leaped into the air and jumped into the water, meeting him on the sandbar.

They embraced each other with a kiss. Kevin had taken the boat back to land while Judy and Johnny stayed in the water. And they were there forever. Still living in the water. They have two kids, Joe and Justin.

So that’s my story. Pretty ridiculous I know.

Until next time,
Arnie

Minnesota Nice Part 2 (Blizzard edition)

So as many of you know, we had a good amount of snow this past weekend. And I was thinking what to write about this week and then it hit me. Minnesotans have been digging each other out of snow for a 100 years. See this picture, its from the 40's and we see a nice Minnesotan giving up some time to help a neighbor. Now its not always easy to throw your winter clothes on and go help someone get out of the snow drift, but it truly is a rewarding experience.

Would you rather sit in your warm house and watch that person struggle getting their car out? I think not, but while some of us have those great 4x4 trucks to get through the snow. Some people may not be as lucky. So instead of watching that poor woman try to dig her car out, go out there and help. Never know might lead to something special, wouldn't be a bad story either.

Now onto my next point. Driving in snow... I'm guessing you can see the parking lot on 94 into work on that snowy morning. Some people can literally give themselves a heart attack with the amount of foul language coming out during this slow commute. But I will ask you to just take a step back (figuratively not literally - that'd be dangerous in the car) and know that everyone else out there is going through the same thing, and honking and yelling is not going to speed anything up. So turn on some tunes and just take a deep breath. You'll get to work or wherever you're going at some point. It will always be there waiting for you.

There could be another big snow storm this year, there could not be. But now that you've taken this into consideration you might not be as frustrated with the weather. Just remember we live in the best state in the U.S. We can only appreciate summer to the fullest because of the winters we have.

So appreciate all the seasons, we get all 4 every single year. So act so surprised.

Arnie

Minnesota Nice Part 1

It is 36 degrees at this time in the Twin Cities. I know its early, but it seems we are making our final winter push and that can only mean Spring and Summer are on their way!

Enough of the weather talk...

This week I'd like to talk about the Minnesota Nice, if you want to get a little background Wikipedia has a 'nice' article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_nice.

I am very proud to be from Minnesota and to be considered nice, but I think the winter brings about Minnesota 'not so nice'. The winter just puts a damper on people's moods and I think this might limit the amount of nice people might put out there.

For me, I am mostly referring to the classic door hold (holding the door open for someone behind you, even if they are 10+ feet behind you). This is a sign of respect and when you are on the receiving end it can really start or end your day off right. But I am seeing this occur less and less. More often than not I am seeing people open the door for themselves as little they can, just so they can squeeze in and don't even has the courteously to take a glance behind them.

It might because it is -10 outside and they really want to get inside as soon as humanly possible, but I just do not understand this move.

So from here on out, please do yourself and the greater population a favor and hold the door for someone. It could be a stranger, a friend or even a loved one. The positivity that this spreads throughout is worth your 5 seconds standing at the door for someone. And it makes you feel pretty good about yourself, might even receive a 'thank you.'

*Note: If you'll notice this is Part 1 of a series. We don't really know how many parts will be in this series. It could be 2 or it could be 8. We just feel that this topic will want to be revisited.

Stay classy,

Arnie

Snow, Spring and Everything In Between

As you may have heard, seen, read or just known; Lake Life is making a relaunch as of April 1st. Now you may be asking what does this mean? I won't bore you with long sentences on whats going on so I'll sum it up in some bullet points:

- New website (new look, easier to use, more fun to be on!)
- New shirts (new designs will be dropped every month, once a shirt is sold out it will not longer be produced, *make a note of that)
- New fabrics (we'll be going back to 100% cotton, but this isn't your run of the mill cotton. This is high quality ring spun cotton, lasts longer so you can rock that shirt for longer)
- New team members (Kurtzy has always been part of the family, but we made it official this winter, he is now an official piece of the Lake Life family)
- New other things (we can't release all of our secrets quite yet but will soon, stay tuned for more news.

Now that I got that off my chest I can get to the lighter side of things.

It seems that if this winter has gone fooooorrreeeevvvver. And I mean forever. I couldn't tell you the last time I actually thought I lived in the beautiful state of Minnesota. Now I love winter but I just wish it was a tad bit shorter, and a lot less cold. But being a home bred Minnesotan, I know that the coldest of winters really makes us appreciate the beauty that is a Minnesota summer.

So next time you are trying to start you car and start cursing the state and the weather, remember only a few short months until you are spending time on the dock with your feet in the 70 degree water that is our fresh water lakes.

Spring is a time of rebirth, of a fresh start. That is exactly why we chose a April 1st as our relaunch date. I know historically its been a day of jokes and pranks, but we are not joking. We are back. April is a perfect time to finally start wearing those t shirts and put away those winter hats for the season. Nothing feels better than bringing out that old baseball cap to wear, or picking up a new one.

As a reminder, we will be doing a blog every week from here on out. It could be about anything. Not even we know what ever blog will be about, but that just gives you reason to read every last one of them. If you have any ideas or topics you want to hear about, let us know on our Facebook page. http://www.Facebook.com/LakeLifeApparel.

Last thing then I'm done, as you may know the Green Bay Packers recently were crowned Super Bowl Champions. Being a Viking fan, this does sting a bit. But seeing how a team can come together and play to their abilities is a special thing. And I can only hope for Minnesota's sake, that the Vikings figure it out and one day, we'll be the ones celebrating drunk in the streets of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Until next time - stay warm my friends.

Updated: 8:56 AM Feb 8

It is COLD outside!

-Arnie