FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog » Style http://www.fitbuff.com Total Mind and Body Fitness Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:57:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Contest: "The Game" by Neil Strauss http://www.fitbuff.com/contest-the-game-by-neil-strauss/ http://www.fitbuff.com/contest-the-game-by-neil-strauss/#comments Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:01:53 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/07/06/contest-the-game-by-neil-strauss/

Starting today, there will be various contests with some great prizes to reward regular readers and members of FitBuff.com.

Each prize will have something to do with one of our 10 areas of Total Mind and Body Fitness: Brain Power, Dating, Exercise, Family, Grooming, Money, Nutrition, Sex, Stress, and Work.

If you have a suggestion for a contest or would like to see a certain prize available in a future contest, submit your idea to us here.

Rules

Today's pioneer contest is very easy, fast, and free to enter. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post with one of two things:

  1. Ask any question that relates to Dating and/or Sex. Make sure your question hasn't already been asked in another comment at the time of your post. You can ask up to 3 questions for a total of 3 entries.

    These questions will be used in future posts complete with detailed answers and explanations. Good deal, right? Enter the contest to win a prize AND get your burning question answered.

  2. Leave a comment with a funny and/or educational story about one of your experiences with Dating and/or Sex.

    You can submit up to 2 stories for a total of 2 more entries.

And yes, you can do both, but only one is required. For example you can submit the maximum of 3 questions and 2 stories, and as long as they are all separate comments, you will have 5 chances to win. Or, you can simply submit one question or one story for one chance to win. Are you feeling lucky?

You must use a valid email address when leaving a comment, or we will have no way to contact the winner. Don't worry, none of the other users can see your email. The only information anyone will see about you at all is your "Name", and you can make that anything you want.

Prize

Now that the rules are out of the way, what exactly are these entries for–what's the prize?!

Appropriately enough, since Friday's are Dating and Sex Day here at FitBuff.com, you are entering for the chance to win a shiny new copy of The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists by Neil Strauss (a $30 value).

Are you just another AFC ("average frustrated chump") trying to meet an HB ("hot babe")? How would you like to "full-close" with a Penthouse Pet of the Year? The answers, my friend, are in Neil Strauss's entertaining book The Game. Strauss was a self-described chick repellant–complete with large, bumpy nose, small, beady eyes, glasses, balding head, and, worst of all, painful shyness around women. He felt like "half a man." That is, until a book editor asked him to investigate the community of pickup artists. Strauss's life was transformed. He spent two years bedding some fine chiquitas and studying with some of the North America's most suave gents–including the best of them all, the God of the pickup "community," a man named Mystery.

This book has over 400 rave reviews from Amazon customers and is ranked in the Top 200 best-selling books on ALL of Amazon.com. Click Here to see for yourself what all the hype is about.

Duration

The contest starts at the time of this post, and will end on July 31st at midnight eastern time. At that time, a random number generator will be used to pick a — you guessed it — random number between 1 and "however many comments there are". If the number matches your comment number on this post, you are the winner!

We will email the winner when the contest is over to get the mailing address where you would like us to send your prize.

If you have any question at all about the contest, rules, prizes, or anything else, please Click Here to Contact Us.

Good luck and start commenting now!

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/contest-the-game-by-neil-strauss/feed/ 9 Quick Start Guide to Cologne http://www.fitbuff.com/quick-start-guide-to-cologne/ http://www.fitbuff.com/quick-start-guide-to-cologne/#comments Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:39:07 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/07/05/quick-start-guide-to-cologne/

Where Do I Apply It?

Apply cologne to your skin (not on top of your clothes) anywhere you can feel a pulse: neck, wrists, and chest. The extra heat and throbbing adds a subtle impact to the scent.

How Much Should I Use?

Don't overdo it. One or two small drops or sprays in your palm is enough to spread over the hot spots mentioned above. If you can constantly smell the fragrance on yourself throughout the whole day, then you're using too much. If you can't smell it after a few hours, it's just because your nose has adjusted. Don't worry, newcomers will still pick up your scent.

Can I Mix Scents?

You may have a variety of different scented products you use: aftershave, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, cologne, etc. Try to use your scented products separately whenever possible. For example, if you regularly wear cologne, make sure to get unscented body wash and aftershave. On the other hand, if some days you want to go cologne-free, then use a scented aftershave or deodorant spray. This will make sure you always smell your best, without creating a mutant scent cloud made up of 10 different incompatible smells.

What Kind Should I Get?

There are literally thousands of different brands and options. The assumption is that you're wearing cologne to smell good to other people, right? More specifically, "other people" probably refers to las chicas. So, the obvious thing to do is have a female friend or girlfriend help you pick out a cologne that smells good to her. She will love the fact that you asked her opinion and will make sure you get the best product.

If you're still having trouble deciding, here are the Top 3 Time-Tested Cologne's, as rated by Cosmo women:

What's your favorite fragrance, and what brand are you currently using?

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/quick-start-guide-to-cologne/feed/ 0 How Do You Feel About "Man-scaping"? http://www.fitbuff.com/how-do-you-feel-about-man-scaping/ http://www.fitbuff.com/how-do-you-feel-about-man-scaping/#comments Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:20:59 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/28/how-do-you-feel-about-man-scaping/

Thursday is Grooming and Style Day

"Man-scaping" is defined as a man shaving any part of his body below the neck. Some men give themselves a little trim to avoid looking like the cavemen from the Geico commercials, some men shave their entire bodies for sports like swimming and wrestling, and some men think man-scaping is the girliest, most un-macho thing you could ever do.

With the arrival of words like metrosexual and many men caring more about how they look, shaving your "netherlands" is becoming more and more common. Consider this: sales of men's grooming products topped out at about $11 billion in 2001. That seems like a lot, right? So, what are the current numbers? $22 billion! And, over 1 million men had cosmetic procedures last year, with Botox being the most popular choice.

Bottom line, it's ok to want to look your best. In fact, study after study confirms that well-groomed men and women are perceived as more trust-worthy, more attractive, and more intelligent. Furthermore, if you give in a little to your vain side, chances are that you will keep your body looking good as well. No potbelly or excess fat means not only a better showing at the beach but a healthier, more efficient body.

Ahhh, the beach. This brings us back to "man-scaping". Now that summer is in full swing, I'm sure men everywhere will be spending more time with their shirts off. So, the question remains, "Is man-scaping ok, and how much is too much?" Well, I'll turn that one over to the ladies, since they're the ones we're really doing the extra grooming for anyway:

  • Chest: 73% of women say bare (not bear) is sexy when there's a nice sculpted chest underneath (I'm sure this applies for "lower chest" (aka abs) as well)
  • Back: 85% of women say you should take the lawnmower to your back if you have the Robin Williams gene
  • Legs: 55% of women say a pair of smooth and hairless toned calves are a big turn-on
  • "Netherlands": 67% of women say they appreciate a trimmed look down there, but be careful, only 8% preferred you to go all the way (translation: just get rid of enough hair so it doesn't look like an unkempt rosebush — added bonus: eliminating some of the hair covering the base of your penis will also make it look up to an inch bigger)

So, now that you see the benefits and opinions of the fairer sex, how exactly do you go about removing hair from these other areas? There are many options available:

  • Laser hair removal: This is the most expensive and long-lasting method. Laser treatments are usually done in sessions and require 2-4 visits at a couple hundred dollars each, at least. The obvious advantage is that you will only have to do it a few times per year. Yes, it does eventually grow back, but it's said to be finer than before. This is the only method I haven't personally tried.
  • Epilator: Yes, I was intrigued enough to try an epilator. The idea is that a rotating cylinder of tweezers rapidly pulls your hair out at the root, meaning it takes longer to grow back. Well, it's just as unpleasant as it sounds. I tried it once on my legs, and after 30 minutes of what felt like a thousand bee stings, I decided this wasn't the method for me. They say you get used to it after a few times, because the hair grows back thinner, and it did actually keep me smooth for about 4 weeks, so you may want to consider trying this, if you're man enough (or metrosexual enough?).
  • BodyGroom: This is, by far, the easiest, fastest, and most convenient tool I've found. I saw an ad for it in Men's Health and decided to give it a try, since it was only about $30. I was surprised at how versatile and effective it was for the price. It's cordless, it has different length attachments (very useful for the "netherlands"), and it can even work in the shower.

So, experiment and try different methods to find the one that works best for you. Or, if all this "man-scaping" talk is still a little too "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" for you, that's fine too. But, the results are clear: over half of women prefer you a little less hairy. I think this hilarious music video from the makers of Body Groom says it best:

There's another funny video like this on the Phillips Norelco BG2020 Bodygroom Shaver product page. Click Here to watch it and learn more about the BodyGroom.

What are your thoughts on men and their shavers venturing below the neck? And what do you think is the best method to get rid of that extra body hair?

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/how-do-you-feel-about-man-scaping/feed/ 14 Women Say Baggy Isn't Cool http://www.fitbuff.com/women-say-baggy-isnt-cool/ http://www.fitbuff.com/women-say-baggy-isnt-cool/#comments Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:31:17 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/21/women-say-baggy-isnt-cool/

Thursday is Grooming and Style Day

Baggy (adjective) – baglike; droopy; hanging loosely

Baglike? Droopy? Those are two words I don't want people to immediately think of when they see me walking down the street. Especially droopy — do I need to explain why that's an unattractive adjective?

Maybe it worked for MC Hammer and his parachute pants (temporarily!), but baggy is out. In a recent Cosmo survey, over 55% of women say too many men wear big, bulky sweaters and baggy pants. They want to "see a hint of what's underneath".

This doesn't mean go out and buy a bunch of tight spandex shirts and biker shorts — the key word is "hint". They just want a general idea of what's under the hood without you broadcasting it through a mesh muscle shirt.

As for jeans, the same rule applies. Women said they don't like the huge elephant pants, but they don't want you strutting around in body-hugging pleather pants either. Go for something in between that is snugger around the waist and upper legs, but still has room for movement. The best thing you can do is take your girlfriend or a female friend with you when shopping. They will appreciate that you value their opinion, and they will know what looks great on you, before you buy something that isn't quite up to par.

Now, for those of you who haven't quite got into revealing shape just yet (you're working on it though, right?), you can still stick to the slightly looser fitting options. Just use this as even more motivation to get in shape. Imagine being able to look great in just jeans and a $2 T-shirt, simply because of the subtle physique she can picture underneath.

So, unless you plan on bulking up and putting on about 25 pounds of muscle to fill out all those trash bags in your closet, toss them, and go get some clothes that actually fit.

P.S. – Did anyone try last week's grooming tip, 7 Steps to Natural Acne-Free Skin? If so, let me know if you saw any improvements.

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]]> http://www.fitbuff.com/women-say-baggy-isnt-cool/feed/ 5 7 Steps to Natural Acne-Free Skin http://www.fitbuff.com/7-steps-to-natural-acne-free-skin/ http://www.fitbuff.com/7-steps-to-natural-acne-free-skin/#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:09:18 +0000 FitBuff Brandon http://www.fitbuff.com/blog/2007/06/14/7-steps-to-natural-acne-free-skin/

Thursday is Grooming and Style Day

Acne cures are a lot like diets — there isn't one master fix that will work for every person. But, if you've been trying everything you can for years, then the following regimen is worth a shot.

I learned about it from one of my past dermatologists, who was as frustrated with my stubborn acne as I was, and it has worked wonders for me ever since. Try to stick to these 7 steps for at least 7 days, then decide whether the results warrant a continuation of the routine.

What You'll Need (Total Cost= ~$20):

  1. I know you will probably think I'm crazy on this first one, but you will need to stop using all acne creams, ointments, scrubs, etc. You've probably been using all of those things for years, just like I did, and where have they gotten you? Exactly, they've sent you scouring the internet looking for a way to do what they haven't done! Remember, you only have to try this for 7 days, and if your skin doesn't agree, then simply go back to your "comfort creams".
  2. In your morning shower (you do take one right?), make sure the first thing you do is wash your hands! So many people skip this step, but think about it. Your hands are full of germs and bacteria, and if you go straight to your face with them, you're now rubbing those same nasty critters all over your face too. So, wash your hands thoroughly, before proceeding to step three.
  3. This is where your Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser comes in. Wash your face thoroughly, but gently. Slowly rub your hands over your entire face for about 60 seconds, then rinse.
  4. Now, grab your Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (I keep mine in a coffee thermos in the shower to keep the moisture out, and it's easy to pour). Pour about a silver-dollar-sized mound into your hand. Mix in a little bit of water, until you get a bit of a paste (you'll get good and fast at this within about two times). Massage this paste into your face very gently. Be careful around your eyes, because this stuff will sting if it gets in them. Cover your entire face with your homemade baking soda mask. Leave it on while you finish washing the rest of your body (about 2-4 minutes), then rinse it off, again, very gently.
  5. Get out of the shower and dry off. Make sure your face is completely dry, then grab your Apple Cidar Vinegar. Fill a water bottle about 1/8th of the way up with apple cidar vinegar, then fill the rest with water, so you have a nice diluted combination of vinegar/water. Now, use a cottonball to spread the combination over your face. Yes, it will smell a little "vinegary" at first, but don't worry, that will go away within a few minutes. Go get dressed, brush your teeth, etc., while you wait for that to dry.
  6. Once the vinegar solution is dry (about 10 minutes), apply the Neutrogena Moisture Oil Free Formula Combination Skin. That's it, now go about the rest of the day as you normally would.
  7. Last step, right before bed, wash your face again gently with the Cetaphil Cleanser, rinse, and dry.

Why It Works:
Many acne products and creams only provide temporary relief, but then tend to dry your face out, sending your oil glands into overdrive, and you break out again. So, leave them completely out of the equation for just 7 days while trying this regimen.

The reason for the Cetaphil is obvious — it's very gentle and does only what it's supposed to do (gently remove excess dirt and oil from your skin). Then, the baking soda paste acts as a very gentle and natural exfoliator, removing dead skin cells. Also, baking soda is "base"-ic, as in "bases" and "acids" from high school. This is why you follow it up with the apple cidar vinegar, which is…you guessed it…acidic. This combination balances out the pH of your skin, and the apple cidar vinegar even acts as a toner, tightening and firming your skin. Finally, the Neutrogena lotion moisturizes your skin and keeps it hydrated to avoid any overproduction of oil.

Try this for 7 days, and if it doesn't work, then simply resume what you were doing. But, if you're like me, and you've tried every acne product, cure, and pill known to man, then this all natural cure might really be "the cure".

If you have any questions about the routine at all, just leave a comment, and let me know how it works out for you.

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