A new tradition has been started between the Keigley Men and the Stanton Men.
It has been dubbed Mantrip (and then we cleverly add the year).
Tyler and I decided that we should ease our way into such a manly trip with our sons.
We briefly considered living off the fat of the land for a week, but decided to rough it at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC.
It was amazing.
After returning safely to our homes, I created a list of a few things you should consider before embarking on your first Mantrip:

1. Need to Have a Son or Two
I have 2 and Tyler has 2.
It is perfectly fine to not take your boys, but if you have them, they should be included in the beard-strengthening event.

2. Have a Destination Planned
Be sure to have a good place to go.
Make a plan ahead of time, and be sure to go the wrong way for at least 30 miles at some point.

3. Bring a Plastic Barrel of Cheese Balls
Not necessary, but draws lots of attention from people at Wal-Mart while the Cheese Balls are being purchased.
This could create an opportunity for you to talk about the Mantrip and test your knowledge of the event.

4. Have an Obscene Amount of Fun/Adventure
For us, it was watching our boys dive into uncharted waters. Literally.
We were able to see them face a fear, laugh at it and then want to do it again and again.

5. Tell the Tale
Upon returning, be sure to have your stories straight so that some of your embellished accounts check out at both camps.
Be sure to use fresh wounds or scabs for visuals as you recall the events of the trip.

If you have taken your little dudes on a Mantrip, what other details should we know?

Snuggies have ventured into a camouflage pattern.
So.
You want to be so concealed whilst sitting on the sofa watching the big game?
You want to blend into your recliner with your arms unencumbered by the stressful weight of a blanket while you sip your favourite brew?
And if you look closely at the bottom right of the box front, there is a photo of a man fishing in his Snuggie.
Seriously?
If I was fishing and some dude walked up in his camo Snuggie to wet his line too, he might thank his lucky starts that I wouldn’t be able to see him.  Otherwise, he might find himself seriously made fun of.

The only time I could see any benefit of this version would be like this…

Husband: [Siting on sofa holding Snuggie box] Man, I can’t wait to try on this new camo Snuggie!  It is going to be great, I just know it!
Wife: [Breezing through the living room where her husband sits on the sofa] Bill, when are you gonna do that manly stuff with the hammer and the nails?
Husband: Uh-oh… time to get Snuggied!
Wife: [Walks back into living room] Bill?  Bill?  Where are you?  I could have sworn you were just here?  Oh well, I will get back to doing womanly things like painting my nails and talking about it to my friends.
Husband: [Smiles in the security of his camo Snuggie as the smell of his Cheetos breath fills the void]

So really — does anyone have a Snuggie?  Do you like it?  Or did you buy it for a friend that washes themselves with a rag on a stick?

For more Bottom of the Barrel Bin posts, click here.

Have you found a Bottom of the Barrel Bin product? If so, send a link or a photo of the item. I absolutely want to see it. Send it to 11ty@kevinkeigley.com

You have heard it said that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.  But I say to you that if you should ever encounter these alien-types, you should cover your mouth because that is where they try to enter your body and lay eggs.