Rockin' socks...

Yo Manscapers, 

Looking for a way to show your creative individuality without going overboard?? Most men, especially in the States would probably say no, but just in case you say YES then this post is for you. 

Since originally arriving on British soil 4.5 years ago, there is one thing that I've noticed with British men; they LOVE wearing crazy socks. There have been many times that I've been sat on a tube, train, bus, in a restaurant, coffee shop, or any other public area when I've seen a well dressed man who happens to cross his legs and BOOM! There is a shot of pink, or lime green, or aztec print, or polka dots, or dinosaurs, or fish, or pigs, or... Well... you get the picture. At first, coming from the country of plain socks, I was a bit shocked to say the least. What is up with these men feeling free enough in their masculinity to wear pink flying pigs on a lime green background?! Or green dinosaurs fighting each other? I was incredibly confused. The more I experienced the culture and got to know the men here, though, the more I realized how much they loved it. 

Many British men are required to wear suits or a specific uniform in the work place so it's almost their way of sticking it to the man, I think. When kids grow up in education where they are required to wear a uniform from the age of 4, which is not nearly as common in the States, men need to find a way to show individuality. 

The funny thing is, these men aren't even always creative types. There are many butch, muscular, fitness junkies that when their trousers go up on their ankles a little are sporting primary shapes in very bright colours. What do you think, Manscapers? Do you support this trend? 

I recently bought my very first pair of crazy socks and I must admit, when I wear them it's as if I'm keeping a secret from the rest of the world. Although my outfit looks put together on the outside, I know that I'm wearing crazy socks and it almost feels rebellious. Crazy? Maybe. See for yourself. Try it. The rush is great. 

Comment/ subscribe/ tell everyone you know. 

Keep  lookin' good! 

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!

The New.

Hey Manscapers,

First of all, I APOLOGIZE for not posting last week! With the craziness of work, Christmas Eve shananigans, and adopted family time, it completely slipped my mind to write a post.

As this is New Year's Eve and I am currently being anti-social locked in my room as the party goes on without me, this post is going to be a little shorter than normal.

I know I always talk about Men's Fashion on the blog, but there is a stronger undercurrent to my posts that I hope you all get. Self-confidence is the most attractive thing anyone can possess. Although taking care of yourself, staying groomed, and picking out good outfits counts in part for your overall look, one of the best things you can do for yourself is figure out how to love being you; whatever that might mean. If you learn to love yourself, those around you will learn to love you even more.

Just a thought! Go into the New Year with a BANG!

As far as a fashion tip goes for today, I challenge all of you to pick at least ONE thing that I've talked about over the last couple weeks that the blog has been going and try it. Wear something new (in fashion) that you normally wouldn't. Stretch the walls of the box a bit. And above all, Keep Lookin' Good.

This next year I'm going to be bringing some changes to the blog, so keep checkin back every week to see what's going on.

I raise my glass to you all! Thanks for stopping by.


Here's to another chapter!

Ugly Sweaters Don't Exist

Yo! Time for the favorite part of my week; Manscape time! You know you love it too. Don't lie to me. 

Hope you all have gotten an early start on your Christmas shopping! We always used to laugh growing up because my brother, Jeff, would always wait until the last couple days before Christmas (sometimes even Christmas Eve) to start hist Christmas shopping. START the shopping. Funnily enough, though, his gifts are always some of my favorites and he always managed to find a personal, creative gift that everyone loved. I don't know how he did it. Since being married, though, him and his wife are always some of the first in our family to be done shopping, I think. Funny how that happens. Also, sorry for picking on you yet again, Jeff. Haha! 

Are any of you men like my pre-reform brother? Are you going to wait until next Monday to start buying your gifts? I sure hope not. If so, I hope the force of my brother can be with you so you are still able to get gifts that everyone on your list will love. For me, personally, I had to get my family's gifts early this year so that I had time to send them. Transatlantic shipping takes a while, you know. 

Speaking of Christmas being 8 days away, (that's CRAZY!) I thought I would write about something fun this week; ugly Christmas sweaters. 

We've all been to the classic Ugly Christmas Sweater (UCS) party and I'm going to take this weeks post to teach you how to look good wearing a UCS. (it's possible!) I'll then share some of my favorites that I've seen on the net. 

First of all, when preparing/wearing your Christmas sweater, start by finding something so retro it's cool. 

If you have a base that's slightly cool, you'll always look better. Try to find something that still fits you well. If that's impossible, find something that so CLEARLY doesn't fit, it's cool. Just don't go for that middle awkward-almost-fits-but-doesn't stage. That's where it gets awkward and people just overlook your style. Capiche? 

Second, just because your sweater is hideous, doesn't mean the rest of you needs to be. 

Some people seem to think that a UCS party is a lets-all-look-ugly-and-awkward-together party. That is NOT the case. Even though you're wearing that ugly sweater does not mean you don't try with the rest of your clothing. Exactly the opposite; try harder. Make sure you take extra time doing your hair, picking out those jeans (preferably a dark wash) that fit just right, and fresh kicks to top off the outfit. I would suggest a brogue with skinny jeans or some high tops. Maybe even wear a button up under the sweater? Just a suggestion. 

Feel better about that UCS party now?? Now go make everyone jealous by how good you look in that same sweater that's supposed to make you shy away in shame. Then, continue to win the UCS contest by looking equally hottest/ugliest at the same time. It's possible. Like a Manscaper ever shies away from a challenge. Psht. 


Before you go, I promised pictures of favorites I've found on the google machine. 

Look at this guy. He's wearing baby blue and he's still got swag. 

If all else fails, grow a beard. 

Look at this guy; he has dogs on his shirt and he's still smiling like he knows somethin we don't. 

Finally, the turtleneck bros. Their looks of sarcastic displeasure show that secretly they know they look better than everyone in their grandmother's hand-me-downs. We know it too. 

Jeff? You and me next year? Deal. 

Alright, Manscapers. You heard it here first. Rock those UCS parties like there's no tomorrow. 

And as always, Keep lookin' good. 

AAAAAAAAAND relax.

Hey all,

As I sit here bundled up in front of a humming space heater with my furry winter jacket on INSIDE, I have come to one conclusion; I much prefer warmer climates. Don't get me wrong, I love the winter, snow, and all the sports that come along with it, but I just don't like feeling as if my bones are going to crack and shatter like an icicle if I fall. Just sayin.

That aside, I shall try to think warm thoughts and use my shivering to advantage of typing. Hopefully the shaking will increase my wpm.

This week, I was reminded of an art that I haven't experienced in over 6 months. One that has a feminine stigma in the health world that I would like to disprove once and for good. I'm speaking of the art of massage.

You see, for some reason, it seems the pop culture is for women to go for 'spa days' and leave their husbands to watch football while they get massages, treatments, and relax. Now I'm not in any way saying that all men should run to their nearest day spa for a time of extreme pampering, (unless that's your thing, of course) I'm just saying that it is so good for mental and physical health to visit a trained masseuse as often as you can allow.

Having a massage isn't 'feminine' at all. It plays a huge part in mental and physical health. Many times, people see massage as a treat - something that they do when they're so stressed out they feel as if a mid life crisis is impending. It should really be treated as more of a maintenance activity, though.

As I mentioned earlier, I had gone over 6 months without a massage. Being so tall and struggling occasionally with posture, I oftentimes get extreme tightness in the middle of my back. Having a regular session with a masseuse incredibly helps. Not only this, but it's extremely stress relieving and relaxing.

Among loosening any problematic knots you may have, massage can flush toxin from your body, encourage blood flow, lessen your dependency on medication, heighten your immune system by stimulating  lymph flow... I could go on and on and on. Needless to say, it is much more than just a 'girlie treatment.' 

Some people have said to me, 'but do I have to get undressed?!' Well, yes. The thing is, there is some above-towel work done, but many of the techniques need to be done directly on the skin. When I first went for a massage, I was incredibly nervous. I wondered should I leave my boxers on? Take them off? Should I bring shorts to wear? Am I going to look like an idiot? What is going to happen? Rest assured, I can assure you any good masseuse just wants you to feel comfortable. If you feel most comfortable wearing a pair of shorts, I'm sure they will comply. Although, things are extremely professional if you're worried about personal privacy. Before every appointment, I have always been asked by the masseuse which areas I was comfortable with them working and how close I was comfortable with them getting to my.. well.. bum. No other way to say it, really. Another point to make, anytime an area is worked on, the rest of the body is completely covered. The weight and heat of the covers helps to further relax you, in my opinion. I'm sure there is a technical reason for the cover, but I just like the security of it all. 

These points being said, I hope you all will at least consider booking an appointment with a local masseuse. If you're unaware of a good one, ask around. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. Myself, I visited the extremely talented Laura England and plan on continuing my visits. (Let me know if you want her Facebook to set up an appointment.) If your nervous, just give it one try. Or book a half-hour appointment instead of a full hour. I guarantee you will feel refreshed and relaxed. Take some time for YOU this season. In the end, it will help you look and feel younger, fresher, and more alive. 

As always, comment or email to manscapemonday@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or ideas for future posts. Go try a massage! 

Keep lookin' good. Stay warm!