[huge_it_share]Afternoon all,
Well, its Day 11 of the Rio Olympics and already I’m beginning to wonder what on earth I did with my evenings before the games started?! Like an addict to the gambling den, I’m hooked once again. A sport billy I am not, but I am patriotic and I bloody love to win, so it’s great to see our esteemed athletes doing so well already.
The cycling events are definitely one of my favourites – well done Sir Bradley Wiggins, as is the tennis – well done Mr Andy Murray, and I’m sure all of us fellas are big fans of the Ladies Volleyball. Moving on.
With Smither’s HQ being based in Etton, I’ve always taken an interest in any local Olympians, and there is none more local to me than the awesome Louis Smith. Did you see him win his Silver medal? Well bloody deserved mate in my book. He is a brilliant role model and personifies superbly what sheer hard work and steely determination can do for you. Besides, I’ve always had a soft spot for come back kids that can prove small-minded critics wrong. Nobody’s perfect, not even Olympians. I’m probably as close to perfection as is humanly possible. Go with it people.
I can’t believe what some of those gymnasts are capable of – Max Whitlock’s Gold winning performance was unreal. Some of the events do have me squirming behind a cushion though – did you see Samir Ait Said’s horrendous leg break?! Poor sod. And I still can’t watch Beam Events without protecting ones crown jewels.
I can only assume it’s down to the current Rio Games, but we have noticed a big increase in sales in Smithers climbing men wall sculpture. Our trio of Olympic strong men have always proved hugely popular as they had add real dimension to a flat space, and definitely offer something a little different when it comes to wall décor. Our set of three athletes includes two climbers and one diver, and is available in either a bronze or silver finish. Sadly no gold for these boys, but they do get top marks in the interior style stakes.
Track events always draw a big crowd in the Smither’s household too, and it was great to see Jessica Ennis-Hill taking home a Silver Medal. Sad to hear she’s retiring from future Olympics but you don’t get these years back with little ones so totally understand her thought process behind the decision. She’s achieved great things in her Olympic career and at least we will always have the “Ennis Elbow” joke to fondly remember her by.
He may not be British but I do love to watch the world’s fastest man in action. Did you see Usain Bolt’s perfectly timed cheeky grin for his photo finish race?! That man is the epitomy of laid back cool.
Mo Farah’s 10,000m event was the one that had me on the edge of my seat though. I couldn’t believe my eyes when he fell!! Nooo!! What a machine, to come back from that, storm through to first place and take the gold. Amazing performance.
Cycling is my ultimate Olympic sport though. I’ve always been a big fan of Sir Bradley – his unfaltering determination on two wheels and unmistakable style off the track, not to mention his sharp and witty humour that verges on the rebellious. I loved the fact he was pulling cheeky faces during the National Anthem – the relief and sense of achievement must be overwhelming when all the hard work has finally paid off. Besides, it’s exactly the sort of thing I would do given similar circumstance.
Theres not many sports I enjoy, but cycling is one of them and it was this influence that led me to build up a quirky collection of bike themed products at Smithers. I love anything that breaks from the norm, so bar stools made from bike seats and lamps made from handlebars were always going to appeal.
The Bicycle Bar Stools are one of my absolute favourites. The tan leather Gazelle saddles, Federal tyre, original pedal footrest and battered bike chain only add to its rustic charm and never fail to raise a smile from envious visitors. We recently used a collection of these Bike Stools for a local photo shoot and we’d sold every single one by the time we left! If, like me, you prefer to mix things up a bit when it comes to vintage bar stools, then these are right up your street. I’ve never really done mundane home décor and these bad boys are far from that. My son Teddie thinks he Mark Cavendish every morning when he eats his breakfast on our Bike Pedal Stool. Win win!!
We all need to hang our yellow jerseys somewhere and the Bicycle Crank Hanger is the perfect place. Its only natural that Smither’s Bike Coat Racks are constructed from recycled vintage bicycle parts and upcycled into these industrial style hangers – no pun intended. To be honest, these racks look brilliant in the home regardless of whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or not – they are elegantly weathered and bring an undeniable sense of urban charm to your space.
One of the latest additions to the Bicycle Collection is the Upcycled Bike Lamp. One look and you’ll understand why there was no way I was coming away without this addition to the Smithers catalogue! It’s typically us – quirky, unique and just a little bit mental. I was sold at the handlebars. The gears, cogs, pedals and chain were an added bonus but the fact that the headlight is movable and can be adapted to the individual’s requirements nearly tipped me over the edge! The lamp looks amazing in any space but really comes into its own amongst a minimal interior that carries an industrial style. 
I could write endless spiel about the other products, but I won’t. Besides, the Women’s Volleyball is on shortly! Take a look for yourselves (at the products, not the volleyball) and if you need any help in buying a sport’s themed item, then just holler.
Enjoy the remainder of the games my friends.
Until next time,
Mr Smithers.
