February 1, 2013, 10:08 am
Hitting the bottle helps you fall asleep fast, but you won’t be catching quality Z’s, according to a new study.
Pouring a drink takes the edge off after a stressful day at the office, but you can thank your good friend Jack Daniels when you feel groggy the next morning.
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February 1, 2013, 12:17 pm
These smokin' hot girls on the sidelines will divert your attention from the main event.
Whether you're a general football junkie, a die-hard 49ers or Ravens fan or just excited about the halftime show (hey, we won't judge you...too much), there's something in the Super Bow
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February 1, 2013, 12:36 pm
The five characteristics every gym-goers right-hand man (or women) should have.
Beginner, intermediate, advanced, casual or serious—it doesn't matter what your fitness level is when it comes to selecting a training partner.
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February 3, 2013, 4:03 pm
Our fitness expert answers questions about safely starting out with CrossFit training.
For all of our fans who shoot us questions on our Twitter and Facebook Page, this
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February 4, 2013, 7:20 am
More than 14,000 people have signed a petition to make it official.
We’re not going to lie: Rolling out of bed and into work this morning felt about as good as watching Baltimore's energy temporarily tank post-power outage.
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January 31, 2013, 1:13 pm
There’s more to a marriage proposal than you think. Guarantee you get a yes—and that your girlfriend isn’t embarrassed by her engagement ring—with this guide.
Guarantee you get a yes—and that you nail the ring-buying process—with this fail-proof guide.
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Congrats are in order: You’ve found the girl you want to marry. No small feat considering all the not-as-worthy ladies you had to wade through to land this one. But even though the hardest part’s over, there’s still one huge hurdle to clear: getting her to spend the rest of her life with you. We’ve broken down the proposal process—including the tricky “getting a ring” thing—into ten simple steps.
The only part we can’t help? Making the word fiancé sound less douchey.
Win a $5,000 James Allen Engagement Ring! Enter here>>>
![couple jewelry shopping]()
Unless she's flat-out said, “I don’t want an engagement ring”… she wants an engagement ring. So first step: “Browse traditional and online jewelry stores to get a feel for what’s out there,” suggests Sarah Rose, Jewelry Specialist for James Allen, an online luxury jeweler. Then, think about what suits her personality and what kind of other jewelry she likes. “Is she more old-fashioned or does she love modern styles? That’ll help you figure out if she’d prefer a classic round diamond solitaire or an antique cushion cut with pavé-set diamonds.” (Don't panic: you can get a translation for those terms at the store.) Even easier: “Ask her best friend or a relative about her engagement ring preference,” says Rose.
![engagement ring on pile of money]()
Forget two months’ salary. “There’s no right amount to spend on an engagement ring,” insists Rose. So pick a comfortable cost and shop around—including online. “There’s minimal overhead and no middleman, so e-tailers can offer the same jewelry for less than brick-and-mortar stores,” says Rose. More money-saving advice: Don’t rule out included (aka flawed) rings. “Inclusions determine price, but many flaws are visible only under 10X magnification,” she explains. "At James Allen, we use a new proprietary technology to make it easier for buyers to easily spot the diamonds that are more affordable, yet still clean and beautiful to the naked eye." Compromising on this particular "c"— clarity — can help you to save significant money (and no one will be the wiser). You might also want to avoid preset (aka ready-made) rings, recommends Rose. Design your own and you decide how much cash goes toward the setting (the part that holds the stone) and how much goes to the diamond.
![ring sizer]()
There are a few options for determining this, some sneakier than others. Take a ring she wears on her ring finger to the jewelry store, advises Rose. Once there, the jeweler can use a ring sizer—that's what you see to the left—to find her size. If there’s a chance she’ll notice the missing jewelry, request a ring sizer from a jeweler (many will send it to you for free) and measure one of the ring-finger rings on her dresser when she’s not looking. Or ask a trusted mutual friend to find out for you. Worse comes to worst, take a guess, erring on the bigger side, and get it resized after you pop the question.
![guy buying engagement ring from jeweler]()
Too many women know a proposal’s coming because their boyfriends neglected to do some cover-up work. So if you buy a ring online, clear your web history! And don’t leave bank statements lying around—a $5,000 debit is going to look mighty suspicious. If you already share a bank account, open a new one for yourself several months in advance so you can secretly save up there and withdraw from it without her realizing. And above all, store the ring someplace safe where she’d never go looking, not in the coat closet she opens daily.
![guy talking to parents]()
While you don’t have to ask for Pop’s permission to marry his daughter (that age-old idea is quickly becoming obsolete), most parents would appreciate a heads-up. Live nearby? See if you can drop by their house or take them to lunch (or dinner, if spending a night with your future in-laws isn’t too much torture). Live far away? A phone call will do. After exchanging the prerequisite pleasantries, cut to the chase: You love their daughter and you’ll be asking her to marry you. They should be thrilled. If not, they suck, and that’s not your problem. If your girlfriend isn’t close with her parents or you can’t trust them to keep your gigantic secret, rest assured it's okay if they find out after the fact.
![couple outside in winter with ice skates]()
A place that’s meaningful to you—whether it’s where you met, the site of your first date or your go-to Saturday night spot—is not only a great location because of its sentimental value, but more importantly you'll also know what to expect there. And when you want a moment to be perfect, minimizing variables is key. If you’d prefer someplace new, just scope it out beforehand in person or online and do some research to avoid disaster. For instance, the top of the Eiffel Tower sounds amazing in theory, but it looks like a freaking factory up there. Plus, it’s where Tom Cruise allegedly asked Katie Holmes to be his beard, er, wife, so you won't score points for originality. Oh, and whatever you do, avoid the stadium Jumbotron proposal...repeat, no stadium Jumbotron proposals. Trust us on this one.
![young man in suit]()
Although getting engaged in your PJs is adorable, if you’re asking for her hand outside of the house, look presentable, please. Eager onlookers may snap a photo, and if that doesn’t happen, you can count on your girlfriend wanting a shot of you two following the proposal. It’s safe to say she’d rather you not look like a disheveled druggie in that defining image. And while you don’t want to act so weird she’ll know something’s up, do what you can to get her to look nice too.
![man writing in journal]()
As with wedding toasts, winging it isn’t advisable. You don’t need to write a novel—or anything, for that matter—but choose a few basic things to share beforehand. Some ideas: why you love her, why you want to spend the rest of your life with her and how you’ll feel if she accepts the proposal (a cliché like “the happiest man in the world” is fine if you truly mean it). No matter what, don’t forget to ask her to marry you—multiple times if necessary. The shock of the situation may not immediately elicit that “yes” you’re hoping to hear.
![man proposing on one knee]()
It’s tough to do in certain circumstances, like in a crowded restaurant, but if you can swing it, take a knee. It adds to the humility of the proposition—could I, some jackass on the floor, possibly deserve you as my wife?—and it’s a romantic gesture to which women are entitled only once(-ish) in a lifetime. If getting down and dirty means, well, getting dirty, at least take her hand while you ask your question.
![man hiding engagement ring]()
The grander your scheme, the more help you’ll need from others. But the more people involved, the more likely things are to go awry. So make sure you have backup plans for as many reasonable scenarios as you can think of—even if you two are the only folks concerned. For example, what’ll need to change if your girlfriend’s running late? What if she doesn’t feel like going where you suggested? What if she or you get sick? As anxious as you may be to get engaged, postponing your proposal can sometimes be your best option.
Page Title:
Marriage Proposals: Buying an Engagement Ring and How to Propose
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February 3, 2013, 7:09 am
Don’t want to go to the salon to get rid of annoying, hard-to-reach hair? These expert-approved products will help you manage your manscaping at home.
Don’t want to go to the salon to get rid of annoying, hard-to-reach hair? Here's how to do it at home.
![Man Groomer Professional]()
No guy wants to look like Chewbacca, but pricey and public waxing or lasering sessions may not hold much more appeal. Fortunately nowadays, there’s a variety of at-home products and tools that can solve your hairiest problems. “Smooth, hairless body skin is a popular trend among men, and they can easily use the same at-home hair removal techniques that women use,” says Marina Peredo, M.D., founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, New York. (Some companies even have helped masculinize the equipment.) Here are nine of our faves.
See also: Best Skincare Products for Men>>>
![Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler]()
SOLUTION: Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler
Sculpting facial hair is an art, and this 3-in-1 tool will make you a Rembrandt. The easy-to-maneuver blades give you an even trim, a close shave, and an accurate edge. “When using any razor, make sure the blade is clean and fairly new,” says Peredo. “Hair in the blades can cause irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs.” ($16; drugstore.com)
![Groom Mate Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer]()
SOLUTION: Groom Mate Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer
An ingenious gizmo even James Bond would use, this little tool removes unsightly strands without tear-inducing pulling. “It’s even okay to use it before any hairs are visible,” says Mike Gilman, founder of GroomingLounge.com. “Using it a couple of times a week is a must.” ($19; groominglounge.com)
![Norelco BG2028 Bodygroom Shaver]()
SOLUTION: Norelco BG2028 Bodygroom Shaver
A customizable cordless shaver that can be used both wet and dry, the Bodygroom removes hair with its nick-free hypoallergenic foil head or trims it with three different comb settings for three different lengths of hair. “Take it slow, and keep a steady hand,” says Gilman. “Use the guards [plastic protectors you can adjust to avoid skin irritation]...the jewels are fragile.” ($40; groominglounge.com)
![Ace for Men Dual Action Tweezer]()
SOLUTION: Ace for Men Dual Action Tweezer
Unless you’re Anthony Davis, you probably don’t want to rock his signature single-brow look. So invest in this double-edged weapon—one end of these tweezers is designed for powerful pulling and the other for more precision. “Use a magnifying mirror if you want the best results,” says Gilman. ($14; groominglounge.com)
![Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit]()
SOLUTION: Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit
If stubble plagues you all too soon after razoring, it’s better to draw a more powerful gun. This microwaveable waxing kit eliminates regrowth for four weeks, and can be used anywhere from your eyebrows to your toe knuckle hair. The colored wax lets you see where you’ve applied it for more uniform removal. ($48; blissworld.com)
![Shobha Sugaring Kit]()
SOLUTION: Shobha Sugaring Kit
Ripping body hair out at the follicle with hot wax isn’t for everyone. Sugaring, a more gentle hair removal process that keeps skin hair-free for up to six weeks, doesn’t yank hair or inflame sensitive skin. The kit includes a gel, powder, strips, applicators and instructions on how it’s done—a process used in the Middle East for centuries. ($30; amazon.com)
![Tria Hair Removal Laser]()
SOLUTION: Tria Hair Removal Laser
Sure, it’s a little pricey, but what would you be willing to pay to be rid of unwanted hair for good? FDA-approved, the Tria uses the same laser technology used in professional treatments. With proper use, you could be baby smooth in as few as six months. ($395; triabeauty.com)
![Man Groomer Professional]()
SOLUTION: Man Groomer Professional
With a telescoping design that opens up 135 degrees and extends two feet, this miracle shaver lets you tackle back and shoulder hair without recruiting any help. It also features a no-slip rubber handle for better control and maneuverability. “If you’re using a mirror, just remember that everything goes in reverse,” says Gilman. ($50; groominglounge.com)
![Remington Black Diamond Foil Shaver]()
SOLUTION: Remington Black Diamond Foil Shaver
Say goodbye to bloody toilet paper bandages: The carbon coating on this new electric shaver glides across your skin without nicking you up. It’s designed to contour the angles of your jaw and neck, and it charges in just five minutes. ($50; target.com)
Page Title:
9 DIY Body Hair Removal Tricks For Men
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February 3, 2013, 7:56 am
This Spartacus badass reveals how she stays fit for her role, who her secret Hollywood crush is, and why women love men with rough hands.
The Spartacus badass reveals how she stays fit and why women love men with rough hands.
![Ellen Hollman]()
Ellen Hollman, 29, plays vixen Saxa on the STARZ original series
Spartacus, and surprisingly, she isn't that different from her feisty, tough-girl character. (Case in point: Hollman does
all her own stunts.) The third and final season of the show,
War of the Damned, premiered January 25th. If you've caught it you know there are some pretty epic and bloody battle scenes, which include plenty of hot female fighters kicking serious ass. Hollman tells us all, including the surprisingly simple ingredients of a killer date—whether or not she’d be up for some role playing after.
![Ellen Hollman in Spartacus War of the Damned]()
Saxa is described as "a tenacious, vivacious force to be reckoned with." We're practically twins...minus the whole rebel-savage-fighting-an-epic-battle-everyday kind of thing.
![Ellen Hollman in Spartacus War of the Damned]()
Aside from a hell of a lot of core work with MMA and knife fighting, I recently discovered hot yoga mixed with ballet and weights. That combo calls for a little bit of grace, a lot of sweat, and a few occasional tears.
![Ellen Hollman]()
You can tell a lot about a man from his hands. If they don't have any scars or calluses on them, you might as well assume they cry at romantic comedy films, too.
![Ellen Hollman]()
I have a love/hate relationship with my bum. From being a sprinter most my life, it's accrued a decent amount of muscle. It's a pain to find jeans that fit my skinny legs and my booty, but on the bright side I could outrun a cheetah if I needed to.
![Ellen Hollman]()
By mixing it up. You'll never find me in a gym. Anything that's slightly dangerous and gets the heart rate going is my kind of workout. I do all my own stunts for the show, so I need to kick it up to an extreme level in order to sustain 14-hour shoot days, seven months in a row.
![Ellen Hollman]()
No, just follow me out into the parking lot, find out where I live, and hang out in my backyard tree instead — that's far less creepy.
![Ellen Hollman]()
Mike Row from Dirty Jobs is my secret crush. He can recite Shakespeare and shovel roadkill into a bucket at the same time—that's my kind of man.
![Ellen Hollman]()
Humor. If a guy can laugh at himself and make me crack up? It's game on.
![Ellen Hollman]()
Saxa's feistiness, dominance, and loincloth skirt would be pretty hot, but I'd probably leave the knives out of it. That's a whole other level of crazy.
![Ellen Hollman]()
In 71 BC with a gladiator named Gannicus.
Page Title:
Fit For Her: Spartacus War of the Damned Star Ellen Hollman
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February 4, 2013, 7:54 am
The five biggest reasons you're not packing on the pounds.
When it comes to building muscle, it's easy to get frustrated.
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February 4, 2013, 10:07 am
Build lean muscle mass and burn fat fast with this 5-move circuit.
Fitness on the Fly provides readers/viewers with fast, training specific videos on a variety of topics including workout routines, exercises to know and cutting edge training
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February 4, 2013, 11:26 am
Is your city helping you shed pounds—or setting you up to fail?
Need to get rid of your gut? Your hometown could help—if it’s stocked with specialty food stores, bike paths, and a mountainous backdrop, that is.
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February 4, 2013, 11:56 am
This easy marinade requires very little prep; use it to add a little heat to your favorite cut of red meat.
One of the biggest complaints guys tend to have about eating clean is that lean pr
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February 4, 2013, 12:53 pm
From absolutely genius to flat-out gross, the grades are in.
Whether or not you're psyched about the Ravens' victory or mourning the 49ers' loss, it's safe to say that this year's Super Bowl advertisements were an experience (and a godsen
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February 4, 2013, 1:05 pm
This DIY dressing—created specifically to top a warm steak salad—makes excellent use of protein-rich Greek yogurt.
Most bottled salad dressings come packed with a bunch of ingredients that you don't want—like sodium, corn syrup and preservatives, to name a few.
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February 4, 2013, 2:36 pm
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February 4, 2013, 3:00 pm
Concerned about your swimmers? Trade couch time for exercise time, say researchers.
Sperm quality has been dropping over the past few decades in Western countries, but the solution to this sexual dilemma may be mostly painless.
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February 5, 2013, 7:36 am
Our fitness expert explains exactly how much protein your body needs after a workout to maximize muscle growth and fat loss.
Along with the typical clanking and banging of weights in the gym, you’ll often hear another sound - shaking.
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February 5, 2013, 8:06 am
From Segways to champagne to sneakers, these high-rolling athletes know how to celebrate a big win.
There might be a lot of things you wish you had--big houses, big pools, more bling--but would you spend thousands on an army of Segways or a den full of shoes?
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February 5, 2013, 9:00 am
These six skincare treatments can help you tackle adult acne fast.
You thought you were done with zits the day you put your awkward high school days behind you, but clearer skin doesn’t always come with age.
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February 5, 2013, 1:00 pm
Opting for low-calorie cocktails at the bar? Not so fast.
If you’re looking to shave a few pounds by mixing alcohol with diet soda, you could be trading your spare tire for faster intoxication, according to a Editors Recommend:
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