The II Earl

Tradition, which is always old, is at the same time ever new because it is always reviving - born again in each new generation, to be lived and applied in a new and particular way. Convention is simply the ossification of social customs. The activities of conventional people are merely excuses for NOT acting in a more integrally human way. Tradition nourishes the life of the spirit; convention merely disguises its interior decay. ~ Thomas Merton

God rest ye, merry Gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ our Saviour Was born upon this Day. To save poor souls from Satan's power, Which long time had gone astray. Which brings tidings of comfort and joy. A very happy Christmas to everyone.

A Hip flask is one of the best presents a man can be given. Fact. The perfect gift for a brother, godson, father or grandfather; they can be engraved and then used forever, whether in the field with a shotgun in hand or preparing for a black tie ball.

His noble presence and gentle, kindly manner were sustained by religious faith and an exalted character. - Winston Churchill , on the character of Robert E. Lee

Words: From GUARDIAN by Josh Sims Credit: The National Archives ** The recession has forced us to make our shoes last. But how do you get the perfect shine? Dave Watkins rarely uses spit. Polish, yes. But not spit. As sales director of one of British manufacturing's success stories, the Cherry Blossom shoecare brand, he knows his buffing from his brushing. For a long time he's been fighting a losing battle. Although sales of shoes have been climbed steadily over recent years – faster than clothing sales – shoe cleaning has, as he puts it, "remained a mystery to younger people. Shoes have become a commodity. You get them scuffed. You buy a new pair." Add in the popularity of trainers, and one might imagine the Sunday night pre-school ritual of yore to have all the nostalgia of gathering around the radiogram for Listen With Mother. But the recession has seen a rise in the smartly shod. It appears to have prompted not only a reappraisal...

"Many people don’t understand how disciplined you have to be to play jazz… And that is really the idea of democracy - freedom within the Constitution or discipline. You don’t just get out there and do anything you want." - Dave Brubeck

Winter is a tricky time of year; it’s freezing, it’s dark, there are no looming summer escape plans and everyone just becomes a little more miserable. You’re a gentleman though, and it’s important to ensure that your persona is kept intact during all seasons – including winter. Don’t be that guy who complains, who looks miserable and – most importantly – don’t allow your sartorial sophistication to slide during the winter months. While we understand that temperatures have dropped and that you don’t want to be cold when you step out, that doesn’t mean that you have to make fashion sacrifices. As a gentleman, you need to remember that the glass is always half full and that winter is an opportunity to look amazing, not a season to be dreaded. ✠

A few tips how to enjoy an at home spa experience. • Step 1: Turn off your devices or put them on silent to enjoy no distractions. • Step 2: Create a relaxing atmosphere by lighting a candle, dimming your lights, and turning on tranquil music. • Step 3: Unwind with a cup of herbal tea — or a glass of champagne! • Step 4: Enjoy a hot towel, face mask, hair mask, or a relaxing soak in the bath. ✠