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What Does Your Car Say About You?

Saturday, August 18th, 2012

 

 

 

In case you didn’t know, Askmen.com has it going on, really. Among their amazing articles fit for all eyes male was this golden nugget of truth stashed away in the archives. Thanks Thomas Bey, the Automotive Expert at Askmen.com for this article. This time, what topic was the culprit? What your car says about you.

Think you’re not judged by your ride? Think again!

Here are just a few “connecting judgments” about you and your motorized transportation system. We’ve slightly edited Askmen.com’s original article to get to the direct point (for humor and truth sake of course) and posting below:

Big Guys in Little Cars

It’s more or less like the “fat guy in a little coat” … Just the act of these larger-than-life men getting in or out makes onlookers pause, while an imaginary drum roll plays during the feat, and they all wait with bated breath. Yet once they’re underway, somewhere inside their inner children are having the times of their lives.

The rides: MINI Cooper, Lotus Elise, Mazda Miata, Honda Fit, smart fortwo, and vintage British roadsters.

Mazda Car Logo Oval Cufflinks

The Big Guy Rides a tiny MAZDA Miata

The Porcupine

What’s the difference between actual porcupines and these guys’ rides? A porcupine’s pricks are on the outside. Thank you very much, we’ll be here all week — tip your waitress. That’s a bad joke, but it gets laughs every time. You know who doesn’t laugh? The Porcupines. They think they’ve earned the right to hurry up, tailgate and cut off traffic just so they can slow down and assert their presence on all the lesser motorists, take that oh-so-important call and generally ignore their driving while they dream of the next round of golf or the next opportunity they’ll have to buy something beige.

The rides: Porsche Cayenne, Hummer H2 or any other luxury SUV; also the smug nimrod who drives a BMW, Mercedes or Porsche convertible with the top down and windows up while wearing a hat.

Red iconic Car CufflinksRed iconic Car Cufflinks

Testosterossa

This is a well-represented category…It’s populated by guys who think velocity equals virility.  So, with shirts open and gold chains resting on a nest of chest hair, they flaunt what they think they’ve got and cruise for chicks. And they do get noticed. Women everywhere point and smile at them. If the guys weren’t cranking Boston’s Greatest Hits so loudly, they’d realize the ladies were actually laughing.

The rides:
Camaro/Firebird, Corvette, Viper, and European exotics that have never had track time.

Chrome Wheel CufflinksChrome Wheel Cufflinks

Two Guys in a Subaru… Wait, Those Aren’t Guys

We’ll be very generous and allow the benefit of the doubt, but it seems like most of the Subarus we see driven by guys are WRXs. As for the Impreza, Outback and Forester wagons, well… sometimes we think we see guys in them, given the flannel and the mullets and whatnot. But then, closer inspection reveals we couldn’t be more wrong. Whoa, sorry, our mistake. Um, we males tend to do that, what with our proclivities toward failure. Ahem. We’ll just move on to the next category. Please don’t hurt us.

The rides: Any model of Subaru wagon or similar small crossover SUV.

Enamel Dump Truck CufflinksEnamel Dump Truck Cufflinks

Nugent’s Disciples

For these revelers of the life simplistic, The Nuge is god and Larry the Cable Guy is a kindred soul (even if he does get a little cerebral on ‘em every now and again). They have actually plead, “Git ‘er done” in front of a judge. Like the Two Guys in a Subaru, the mullet is a timeless form of self-expression, although they’ll disagree with the other group on everything else. They also have little to no regard for wildlife, soap, forethought, orthodontics, peace and quiet, condoms, shirt sleeves, sustained sobriety, or climbing the corporate step stool. Their rides are bigger than the trailers they live in — and more expensive.

The rides: Any oversize, sky-high domestic 4×4 pickup that’s bigger, better-equipped and more expensive than the trailer next to it. Mandatory features are a gun rack, sketchy exhaust and any or all of the following stickers: favorite NASCAR driver number, “Fear This,” confederate flag, Calvin peeing on something.

PIN UP GIRL CUFFLINKS

PIN UP GIRL CUFFLINKS

Mom Jeans on Wheels

Apparently, some couples abruptly conclude that breeding marked the zenith of their lives. Nothing to do now but throw on some mom jeans or pleated khakis, white sneakers, buy a neutral-toned anony-mobile and wait to die, like suburban salmon. If that’s you, we offer our condolences and a little advice: In keeping with your kind, make sure the spiffy new car has a DVD player so you can zombify your kids with yet another video, thus continuing to avoid real communication or discipline. If weekend trips to the outlet mall and a chain restaurant are all the enjoyable pizzazz you need to spice up your life, you may as well drive accordingly. When you set the cruise control a little under the speed limit just to be safe, just stay in the right lane, please; the rest of us are attempting to conduct lives, OK?

The rides: Dodge Caravan, Toyota Camry, Chevy Impala. As long as it’s anything that doesn’t make waves — that would be swell.

 

 

Are you over or under parenting your child?

Friday, June 29th, 2012

 

 

 

Are you over or under parenting your child?

ED HARDY "GHOST" METAL TATTOO CUFFLINKS

Personalized Children’s Art Keyring

There have been numerous reports throughout the past century regarding the proper parenting techniques. Is it possible to spoil an infant (under 1 yr.)? (The answer is a resounding no.) But what about when the child gets older…can you smother him/her with parental affection and attention? The answer is a resounding yes.

Askmen.com has a new article discussing this issue. In a recent study, results have shown that fathers who don’t try to hard, end up being better parents. You know, the fathers that like to compete with each other, “Oh Tommy’s better at this…I take him here everyday…” Studies have shown that Little Tommy will grow up better with a less worried and stressed father, than an over-protective one trying to keep up with the Jones’ family.

Yellow Moto GP Racing Bike Cufflinks (Kid-Friendly!)Yellow Motor GP Racing Bike Cufflinks (Kid-Friendly!)

“Coping With New Parenthood”

“The latest research out of Ohio State University, which appears in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, suggests that parents who feel pressure to be perfect parents can work at cross purposes. Called the “New Parents Project,” this study is one part of a longitudinal look at how working parents cope with new parenthood. The researchers studied 182 couples who became parents between 2008 and 2010, and found that external pressure to be perfect parents affects parenting skills differently than self-directed, internal pressure to be a good parent.

The difference was most striking for fathers. If new fathers were particularly worried about living up to the social ideals of their peer group, they tended to do worse than fathers who put the pressure on themselves. Mothers, on the other hand, showed more parental stress no matter where the pressure came from. One other interesting note is that fathers who responded to self-directed, internal pressure and didn’t give a hoot about keeping up with the Joneses tended to be better fathers. The researchers added that they weren’t sure what the long-term effects on parenting this kind of internal pressure would have, but for newborns it can be a good thing”

Dennis the Menace Comic Strip CufflinksDennis the Menace Comic Strip Cufflinks

In a recent article published by Psych Central, By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News Editor, Reviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on November 30, 2011:

“Parents of newborns show poorer adjustment to their new role if they believe society expects them to be “perfect” moms and dads, a new study shows.

While stress upsets each parent, stress influences each parent in different ways. Moms showed less confidence in their parenting abilities and dads felt more stress when they were more worried about what other people thought about their parenting skills.

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However, self-imposed pressure to be perfect was somewhat better for parents, especially for fathers, according to the results.”

Nauert also claims that “Societal-oriented perfectionism is “being concerned about what other people think about your parenting,” Schoppe-Sullivan said. It was measured by asking people how much they agreed with statements like “Most people always expect me to always be an excellent parent.”

So next time you want to coddle your 12 year old son, think again fathers. The trick is to be stress-free, a mean between extremes, and always keep your cool.

Trying to Beat the Heat in NYC?

Monday, June 25th, 2012

 

 

 

In case you haven’t noticed, there has been a record heat wave going on in New York City. (Also, in case you haven’t noticed, CLM is based out of NY so we’re speaking from the thick of it.) It’s seriously…swampy out there friends.

Silver Propeller Cufflinks

Silver Propeller Cufflinks

So how do New Yorkers stay cool? Of course it’s a rarity for anyone to actually have central AC, and those window units spike your electric bill throug

h the roof (where all the heat resides. ‘Cause, you know, heat travels upwards…) Well, turns out there is a reason why there is a Starbucks on every other corner in Manhattan: to save us all from the heat via iced drinks, fraps, and…you guessed it, central AC. Maybe your office AC broke down, maybe it’s still too stuffy at your desk, where to go? You guessed it…Starbucks.

Summer Silk Knot Cufflinks

Summer Silk Knot Cufflinks

Other ways to stay cool, and we’re not strictly talking temperature here.

Cut Off Shorts:

This look is in for both men and women alike. Take an old pair of jeans, or even new because they will still look awesome, and simply cut where you want them to end. Give yourself a few extra inches because they will ride up once they are on your body and become shorter. This is always true when washing, the frayed ends will make the length rise slightly. It’s better to cut them too long at first, then too short.

Handkerchief to dab off excess moisture in style

Baby Blue Italian Silk HankieBaby Blue Italian Silk Hankie

The Perfect Sandal (or Mandal)

Unless you have perfect manicured feet, there is no reason for men to wear flipflops. One of the biggest fashion faux pas is a snagged toe foot in a flip flop in the summertime. Don’t be a victim this season. Try something sporty like these Nike slip ons (http://www.zappos.com/nike-solarsoft-slide-black-white?zfcTest=fw:1)

Men's Sandals

Check out this amazing, informative article from Askmen.com: http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_400/454b_mens-sandals-dos-donts.html. They give you a complete low down on the DOs and DON’Ts of male sandal wearing…also known as Mandals.

Salvatore Ferragamo Maldives Sandal - Credit: NeimanMarcus.com

“It can be downright difficult to find a men’s sandal that is both simple and stylish if you want something other than flip-flops. The solution: a cross-strap sandal. There are no bells and whistles here; just two uncomplicated straps to hold your foot in place. It’s also the perfect sandal if you find a traditional flip-flop that slips on between your toes to be uncomfortable. Just be careful not to go with certain faux-leather types or you could risk looking like grandpa at the retirement home.”

Sterling Shoe CufflinksSterling Shoe Cufflinks

Mini water bottle with fan attached

Beat the Heat

A fresh hair cut:

Hot Summer Haircuts

Check out Groupon or Living Social to find cool deals in your area. You can search by neighborhood, or find the hot deals of the day. Maybe even go for an old school razor shave at a traditional barber shop. Remember those? The ones with the red and white swirling sign? Check out this website featuring FRESH NEW HAIRCUTS FOR MEN in 2011.

Top Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women

Monday, February 13th, 2012

 

Unusual Flowers and/or Plants

1-800-FLOWERS.com has a wide variety of Valentine-appropriate flowers and gifts, all of which can be delivered directly to her home or workplace.

Azalea Bonsai

Azalea Bonsai

Japanese Flower in Yellow, Italian SilkJapanese Flower in Yellow, Italian Silk

The Scoop: “Satsuki Azalea bonsai have been grown in Japan for centuries and are widely considered the premiere variety for this use. They bloom later in the Spring than other types, producing generous quantities of bright pink blossoms. Satsuki Azaleas are easily styled and their glossy green leaves deliver an attractive presentation even when the trees aren’t in bloom. These trees prefer an outdoor location with filtered sun to partial shade.”- from 1800flowers.com

Exotic Breeze™ Orchids, 15-30 Stems

Exotic Breeze™ Orchids, 15-30 Stems

From 1800Flowers: “Make their day glamorous and elegant–send an exotic surprise their way with this truly original bouquet of long-lasting, deep purple Dendrobium orchids. Send a 15-stem orchid bouquet or double their surprise with a 30-stem gathering oftropical beauties.”

 

Perfume

Burberry,  Brit Sheer Refillable Purse Spray Set Burberry,  Brit Sheer Refillable Purse Spray Set

Burberry Brit Sheer is a fresh, fruity-floral fragrance that is playful and vibrant, embodying the youthful spirit of Burberry Brit. Young and charismatic, the Burberry Brit girl embodies understated elegance and individuality. With a fresh, natural joie de vivre she has a passion for adventure and romance.

Notes: Bright Yuzu, Pineapple Leaves, Litchi, Mandarin, Grapes, Pink Peony, Peach Blossom, Nashi, White Musk and Creamy Amyris Woods.
Style:Seductive. Hypnotic. Sparkling.

TATEOSSIAN EAGLE CAT'S EYE CUFFLINKSEagel’s Cat’s Eye Cufflinks

J'adore Dior PerfumeJ’adore Dior Perfume

Radiant, sensual, sophisticated, J’adore is a fragrance that celebrates the renaissance of extreme femininity and the power of spontaneous emotion with a brilliant bouquet of orchids, the velvet touch of Damascus plum, and the mellowness of amaranth wood.

Dior J’adore is an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.

Notes:Mandarin, Champaca Flowers, Ivy, African Orchid, Rose, Violet, Damascus Plum, Amaranth Wood, Blackberry Musk.
Style: For the confident, sensual woman who celebrates her femininity – this is Dior’s golden girl.

Pink Pearl Silk Knot Cufflink TrioAnd what to wear on your special night out together? Try these Pink Pearl Silk Knot Cufflink Trio

Spa Choices, Pampering Gifts

Askmen.com says: “Help turn her own bathroom into a relaxing spa experience by getting her everything she needs to pamper herself. Start with some smells-good-enough-to-eat bath and body products. Don’t forget some candles, an essential oil burner or a reed diffuser to set the mood. You can get everything you need at The Body Shop.”

Philsophy Sweet Talk™ Trio Philosophy Sweet Talk™ Trio

 

 

Lingerie

Balconet Push Up Bra, by Victoria's SecretBalconet Push Up Bra, by Victoria’s Secret, $148

“This glamorous balconet bra makes its point with chic polka-dot embroidery and a sparkling center bow. Inspired by iconic Parisian fashion and crafted with a nod to European couturiers, this padded push-up and the rest of our Designer Collection pay homage to Victoria’s Secret’s seductive heritage.”

Jewelry

Self explanatory. Go with your gut.

Aymara Convex Ruby Spotted Butterfly CufflinksAymara Convex Ruby Spotted Butterfly Cufflinks

Aymara Rain Drop Mirage Butterfly CufflinksAymara Rain Drop Mirage Butterfly Cufflinks