Rollin.

Sup Manscapers,

I apologize for not posting last week... I was in London for work and had kind of a crazy day/week so I was unable to post... I know, excuses excuses.

To be honest, with this new year, I'm really taking stock as to where I want Manscape Monday to go. I've been reading a really great blogging book that's been giving me some ideas, but I want to know what YOU would like to see. After all, I don't write this blog for me. It IS fun to have inspiration to research new ideas and trends and report on them, but in all reality I launched this to help guys out there who don't want to research trends figure out what they are.

I guess one of my problems is I don't feel as if I've been investing enough time into research, following other blogs, getting guest posters, and networking. THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE.

Ultimately, what is it that you manscapers (and wives of manscapers) want to see? Reviews? Video posts? More trend tips? All of the above? Let me know.

In the meantime, my friend Ben showed me these awesome video shorts documenting the lives of different fashionable men. These 90 second clips highlight the difference in personal style and how it's all about you and how it makes you feel. I encourage you to go to the Hardy Amies website and check them all out. I've watched them all several times.

Check it. Keep lookin' good. Until next time.

THE ABC OF MENS FASHION - STREET ETIQUETTE from Hardy Amies on Vimeo.

Nail those Nails...

Alright Manscapers,

As I was speaking with a client  this week, she brought to my attention a growing (literally) problem with her husband. His finger nails are never trimmed or clean.

Now, as someone who can't stand to have much nail at all, the thought of having dirty, long nails has never even popped into my head. Hearing it from her, though, I realized I needed to address the issue.

First of all, a shot of my fingers for you all to look at. 

I know they're not even the cleanest or most manicured in the world but, to be honest, most guys aren't going for a manicured look anyway. We don't want to have girly hands. It is possible to have good looking hands without achieving girl status, though. 

First step to clean fingernails: 

Cut them! 

I know this may sound a bit elementary, but if you cut your nails regularly, there won't be as much nail for dirt to get stuck under. (shocking, I know.) Going for a snip snip before you go to bed a couple times a week will do wonders. 

A good rule of thumb (heh heh) for nail trimming is if you look straight down over the nail and can't see any skin at all, your nails are too long, gents. Look up at my nails. Now back to me. Now at my nails. Now back to me. Do the whites of my nails out grow where the skin shows? Nope. That's the point. 

Also, it doesn't hurt to use a nail file (they're not just for girls, promise) to smooth away those rough edges. It doesn't need to be pink or polka-dot. There are many great male grooming kits that have a nail file and clippers. Just sayin. 

Step numero dos: 

Clean them! 

A lot of guys forget that clean nails look a LOT more attractive, don't gross people out, and make you look a lot cleaner in general. There is nothing worse than taking money from someone (I used to work at Starbucks) and they hand over their cash with grubby fingernails. Sort it out, guys! 

You can get great fingernail brushes to leave on your sink when you wash your hands. Just rub the brush along the front of your nails and it'll clean them right up. 

Another good option is to get a nail file with a point on it to get any dirt that may really be lodged in there.

*helpful hint* cleaning your nails after a shower makes it a LOT easier as they are soft and pliable. Just sayin. 

And number three: 

Moisturize. No one wants to see gross, cracked fingers. Use a little lotion when they feel really dry. You can always get an unscented lotion if you're worried about any feminine smell. A little goes a long way. 

Does that help, guys? Hope you all feel even more empowered to clean up those nails and get your hands lookin' good. Don't let them get abandoned! All the cashiers in your life (and your significant others, I'm sure) will really appreciate it. 

That's all for now. Until next week, keep lookin' good! 

And feel free to comment, like, tell your friends, subscribe, and all that good jazz. 

PEACE

Product Review: Nike Free Run 2

Hola Manscapers,

Hope you all brought the New Year in right! (And didn't have too bad of a headache the next day... heh heh, what??)

As it's the season of resolutions and the big boom of gym memberships, [for the next 6 weeks anyway. haha] I thought I would talk about looking good in the gym. Well, with your feet anyway. There's no reason you can't be fashionable in every aspect of life; including working out.

As an active individual, gym goer, and Zumba® instructor, I know that having good footwear is one of the most important things you can do. If your feet feel good, the rest of you will to. [well, mostly. Except for muscle soreness. That will still hurt...] Not to mention it's incredibly important you have good shoes for spine alignment and posture. As I was talking to my friend Sid today, he was talking about the importance of product reviews on blogs so I thought this would be a great time to start.

I'm going to be reviewing a shoe I love dearly for running, training, classes, and all-around comfort; the Nike Free Run 2.

I've been using this shoe for about six months and can say that I'm still completely in love. The comfort is unbelievable and the flexible sole of the shoe helps to simulate barefoot movement as it will allow all your joints to move as they would without a shoe. 

The mesh upper provides for breathability which is super important to me. My feet overheat REALLY easily, especially when I'm working out. That leads to my whole body overheating and that's just not something I want. Having a breathable shoe helps to keep your body temperature down and have overall comfort. 

The fit should be quite snug as you don't want your foot to move around at all. If you're unsure what size to get, go to your local shoe store and they'll help size you up exactly. 

On top of all those great features, the Nike Free Run 2 is virtually weightless so they don't drag you down as you're running or training. I've used mine for running, training, Zumba®, other group fitness classes, and general wear. They haven't shown much sign of wear and tear either after 6 months which is a definite plus. 

What's even better?? They come in a whole range of colours! Even use Nike iD to specialize them to whichever colour you want. Starting at £60, ($80 on the US site) they are quite reasonable for a fitness shoe that will last you a while. 

There you have it! Go check out the Nike website for more information. And get to the gym! 

Keep Lookin' Good. 

PEACE!