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Awesome Makeup Tips

TheMan — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 23:28:02 +0000

1. Repurposed Plastic Spoon

Live Gorgeous

2. Blush For Your Face Type

Alexandra Grey

3. Scotch Tape Eye Stencil

Painted Ladies

4. Disguising Under Eye Bags

Pout Perfection

5. Eye Highlights

Makeup Geek

6. How To Fix Clumpy Mascara

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Jaden And Willow Smith

TheMan — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:18:53 +0000

Today a lot of people in the world keep an eye on these two charming teens and the way they are growing . Jaden and Willow, are the off-spring of Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith and are gaining notoriety and fame in their own right. They sing, act, visit different events, and are really cool about giving numerous interviews. Jaden is 16 years old, he has already managed to impress us with his acting and dancing skills, and, of course, with his awesome rapper talent. Willow is only 14 years old, but she keeps apace with her brother. She also acts, dances and releases skillfully crafted and entertaining singles. We’re sure you remember these two amazing kids going all the way back to when they were born; and we’ve gathered some interesting facts about then you will enjoy reading.

1. Jaden and Willow do not like modern music. They don’t even have a favorite song made by other artists. That’s why they try to write new songs that seem interesting and important to them. Can you believe this?

2. When the siblings have time to spend together they usually make music and create their own songs. The process of music making inspires them both. Willow confesses that they think their “voices sound like chocolate together.” Sounds great, yeah?

3. When making music Willow also likes to freestyle. She sings what she feels at that exact moment. Jaden said in one of their recent interviews: “She gets in the booth and just starts singing.” This only reinforces how talented this girl is.

4. It may sound surprising or even weird, but Willow and Jaden hate school and do not think that school will teach them anything worthwhile. They believe school is an enemy of true knowledge. Do you agree with them?

5. Despite the fact they are not huge fans of school you will be stunned to find out books they read. Willow’s favorite book is “Quantum physics. Osho.” Jaden says that he actually likes reading various ancient texts, his favorite book is “The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life.” Maybe they are on to something about hating school. They learn good stuff but they learn it at their own pace and when they want to. Quantum physics – OMG!

6. We’ve just discovered that this brother-sister duo prefer to read pretty serious literature. No wonder they do not like novels. But the next fact will impress you. Willow started writing her own novels when she was only 6 years old. She considers them to be the best thing that she has ever read.

7. One thing Willow and Jaden really love is shocking people. They think one’s works of art are worth something when people are shocked. Shock is a true art according to them. We wonder what they are going to do the next time to amaze people. We can say we love the “shock value” they bring to our lives. It’s all positive shock!

8. Jaden and Willow do not actually care much about a range of unnecessary things and what other people say. When it comes to fashion they wear only clothes they want. On the red carpet these two teens always look gorgeous and stylish, but in real life they prefer to put on comfortable outfits; clothes they can go “climb trees in.”

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30 Truths About Marriage

TheMan — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 02:23:18 +0000

The football field was lit up by a pathway of candles, leading the way to a picnic set up underneath the goalpost. There were two chairs, a table, a dozen roses, a guitar, yummy food, and most importantly . . . him. The 21-year-old boy of my dreams was standing there. I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear!

After dinner he sang our song and played his guitar. I cried like a little baby! It was our first official date since he had been gone for two years out of the country! We did it! We survived our two years of being apart, and he was now sitting in front of me — in real life! No more letters. No more long-distance phone calls on Mother’s Day and Christmas. We were finally together — and I wasn’t letting him go!

Our waitresses (aka our little sisters) brought out dessert and on the platter, there it was. A small black box with something so special inside . . . yep! It was THE ring. He got down on one knee and asked if I would be his best friend forever, and I obviously said yes! It was the happiest day of my life, thus far. I was getting married!

Leading up to the wedding day was so exciting! Plans, plans, and more plans — it felt like it ruled my life. But so much attention was set on the wedding day that one night we decided we needed to talk about what was most important: the MARRIAGE.

After all is said and done, the wedding colors will fade, the flowers will die, and the reception will end. But what is left? Of course . . . the bride and groom — and a life to live!

Today I have compiled a list of 30 TRUTHS ABOUT MARRIAGE. Married life is the real deal! And even though it is mostly fun and great, sometimes it is hard and a bit challenging. If you are getting ready to marry the man of your dreams, here is a little heads-up for what you are in for. And if you are married, I am sure you can relate.

1. YOU ARE OFFICIALLY A TEAM: You may not always see eye to eye, but you are in it together! Through thick and thin.

2. YOU SHOULD NEVER STOP DATING: A few ways on how to date your husband can be found here.

3. THERE WILL BE DAYS, WEEKS, MONTHS, EVEN YEARS THAT ARE HARD: It oftentimes seems that when it rains, it pours. You may have a day that is bad. But sometimes you may have a year that is bad. Stick through it, because things will get better.

4. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GO TO BED ANGRY: Many people will tell you as marriage advice to never go to bed angry, but you will learn quickly that sometimes you have to just go to bed and start all over in the morning.

5. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE TOUGH: Be sensitive to your spouse. Be sensitive to yourself. But be tough when hard days come.

6. MARRIAGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PROMISE YOU WILL EVER MAKE: Marriage is a commitment. The biggest, craziest, most rewarding commitment.

7. YOU WILL PROBABLY NOT LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM: “I just love EVERYTHING about him!” Every newlywed has said it. I am SO guilty. But you will probably have moments when you realize something about him really irritates you! And that is OK and completely normal. Nobody is perfect — neither of you are. None of us are.

8. BUTTERFLIES ARE A GOOD THING: Even after many, many years, you might get nervous when you see him or butterflies in your tummy. That’s just because you are in love.

9. 80 PERCENT OF SUCCESS IS JUST SHOWING UP: A lot of times, you just have to BE THERE. It’s not about going out every night anymore. It’s not about how many friends you have. Sometimes in marriage, you just have to be home. Just watch a movie. Bring home ice cream or his favorite treats. Just be together.

10. YOU WILL FIGHT OVER THE STRANGEST THINGS YOU THOUGHT WOULD NEVER BE AN ISSUE: Which way the toilet paper rolls? How to squeeze the toothpaste? Which way to put the dishes in the dishwasher? Where you put your shoes when you walk in? How you leave the door open when you pee? Why he chews so loud? The problems are real!

11. IT’S OK TO JUST GO TO SLEEP SOMETIMES: Sometimes you might be too tired to cuddle, love, or even talk. Go to sleep — it’s better than falling asleep in the middle of a conversation. (This may or may not have really happened in our marriage several times! Oh heavens.)

12. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO CELEBRATE: Get a babysitter and go out! Babies can bring a lot of changes (read more here), so make sure you still have time for just the two of you. Go on a date! Go on a getaway trip! Have fun! Celebrate your marriage!

13. YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE THAT MANY FRIENDS: The struggle is real. One night you will look at each other and say, “We need friends!” Couple friends are out there — check out 10 couples EVERY couple knows here.

14. WORDS AND FEELINGS ARE REAL: Girls are sensitive and dramatic; it’s fact. But you will see that men have feelings, too. And sometimes they need to hear a few things from this list.

15. ALL WITHIN 30 MINUTES YOU WILL FEEL HAPPY, SAD, STRESSED, ANGRY, AND ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE: Sounds confusing, but once you’re in it, you just get it.

16. YOU WILL MAKE MEMORIES WITH HIM THAT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED: Your honeymoon. The birth of your babies. Those are special moments that only you and him will EVER have.

17. YOU WILL HAVE LISTS OF INSIDE JOKES TOGETHER: Those jokes that only the two of you understand and think are funny. Those jokes that you just “had to be there” to get.

18. MARRIAGE IS A BIG DEAL: It is the real deal!

19. SOMETIMES HE JUST WON’T UNDERSTAND YOU: And in this case you can share with him this article on how to think like your wife thinks.

20. BUT THEN SOMETIMES HE IS THE ONLY PERSON ON EARTH THAT ACTUALLY DOES UNDERSTAND YOU: And in this case you will look at him and remember exactly why you fell in love with him. He just GETS you.

21. SOMETIMES YOU WILL DO THINGS YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD DO: Like play fantasy football and then blog about it?! Or go to the gym for date night?! Or eat Chipotle every Friday night because it’s his favorite!?

22. YOU MAY HAVE TO TELL HIM EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED: Sometimes you will notice your man can’t read your mind like you want him to. But here is a list of things you can share with him that you need from him, just so he knows!

23. YOU CAN NEVER SAY “I LOVE YOU” ENOUGH: Say it fast. Say it slow. Say it creatively. Say it in passing. You can never say it enough.

24. SOMETIMES YOU MAY NEED TO ADD A LITTLE SPICE: If you feel like one (or both) of you is getting bored (which will probably happen), it is time to spice it up!

25. IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU: You may want it to be all about you (we are girls . . . do you blame us?!) — but sometimes he needs some love too!

26. IT IS WORTH IT: 100 percent.

27. YOU WILL FEEL A JOY YOU HAVE NEVER FELT BEFORE: You will LOVE waking up every morning, knowing that you get to spend another day with the man of your dreams!

28. SOMETIMES YOU MIGHT BE THE ONLY ONE THAT THINKS HE IS FUNNY: Don’t be shy; laugh at his jokes. Tell the world you love him! Be proud of who he is.

29. HE WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS: He really will — and if your man doesn’t sometimes drive you nuts, then you are a saint!

30. YOU WILL OFTEN WONDER HOW YOU EVER LIVED WITHOUT HIM: But no matter how many times he drives you bonkers, you will always wonder how you ever lived without him!

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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Downton Abbey

TheMan — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 00:16:09 +0000

One thing you didn’t know? The show will never serve the actors fish.

Downton Abbey is come back full force—and we are ready! If you’ve watched the trailer, you already know some of things to expect this season that will turn the Abbey upside down. A fire threatens the abbey along with the people who live in it, an affair may break up a marriage that is essential to the show and in general things are changing since things are progressing more into the ’20s.

With that said, there is still many things we do not know about this beloved show. Some of it has to do with its future story lines, but there are just as many interesting things to learn about the show off screen.

For example, do you know how long it takes to film those fancy dinner scenes we all love? Do you know which locations are filmed in the castle and which are filmed in a studio? Do you know who might have played your favorite characters if everything had gone as planned? Well, it’s time to find out the answer to all of those questions and more.

1. Downton Abbey is really Highclere Castle

The castle known as Downton Abbey is really Highclere Castle, and was the home of the Carnarvon family since 1679.

2. Earl Grantham’s dogs have names that are significant

The Earl of Grantham’s dogs are named Isis and Pharaoh which refers to the George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who was involved with finding Tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun.

3. The servants’ quarters and kitchen are filmed in a studio

Yes, part of the show is filmed at the Highclere Castle but the scenes in the servants’ quarters and kitchen have to be filmed in a studio they built 60 miles from the castle because those areas have been modernized in the castle.

4. Gillian Anderson turned down the role of Lady Grantham

According to DailyMail, Gillian Anderson turned down the part of Lady Grantham.

5. The castle was a hospital during World War I

The Abbey became a recovery for troops in the second season, which isn’t far off from the castle’s history. The Countess turned the home into a hospital during World War I.

6. The Turkish diplomat’s death was based on a true story!

Turkish diplomat, Pamuk dying in Lady Mary’s bed is based off of a real life anecdote! Nope it wasn’t a story just stirred up for a soap opera. It actually came from a diary entry found in the castle of an aunt who owned a stately home. In real life a diplomat snuck into a single woman’s room through a passage then died in her room. They then had to sneak him back to his room.

7. Many of the things in the kitchen are authentic!

Production designer, Donal Woods claims that 60 to 70 percent of the things in the kitchen is actually from that time period.

8. A lot of the food has to actually be cooked.

It’s usually done off-site and is later warmed and plated in a field kitchen. The whole process of filming a dining scene takes 10 to 12 hours.

9. A lot of the costumes are real vintage clothes.

Scottish costume designer, Anna Robbins revealed to Daily Record that she goes to vintage shops in Scotland for costumes. She also goes to Paris once a year for more vintage finds.

10. The show will never serve the actors fish.

Fellow production designer Charmian Adams tells Washington Post “I won’t name any names, but a couple of the actors didn’t feel brilliant with the smell of fish and mentioned it.”

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The Sweetest Way to Tell Your Kids the Truth About Santa

TheMan — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 02:33:01 +0000

Santa is everywhere you look during the holiday season, and that can be confusing for children. Seeing so many Santas inevitably brings up the question, “Is Santa real? And if Santa is real, which Santa is real?” No parent wants to lie to his or her child. And no parent wants to burst the magical bubble that makes the holiday season so precious.

Chantel R., who is considering what to do, remarks that some parents refrain from telling their kids the Santa myth at all “because they don’t want to lie.”

Where do you stand? How do you explain Santa to your children?

What if you had a wonderful explanation of who Santa really is? An explanation that doesn’t lie or destroy the magic of the season? Would that be helpful? If so, then you’re in luck.

Several years ago, I read a New York Times piece that answered the Santa question perfectly. I knew in my bones this was destined to become the classic answer. I contacted the writer, Martha Brockenbrough, and got permission to republish her piece. First, let me set this up: Martha’s daughter has figured out the truth about Santa, which “left her mother grappling with how to explain that belief.” She did it with this letter:

Dear Lucy,

Thank you for your letter. You asked a very good question: “Are you Santa?”

I know you’ve wanted the answer to this question for a long time, and I’ve had to give it careful thought to know just what to say.

The answer is no. I am not Santa. There is no one Santa.

I am the person who fills your stockings with presents, though. I also choose and wrap the presents under the tree, the same way my mom did for me, and the same way her mom did for her. (And yes, Daddy helps, too.)

I imagine you will someday do this for your children, and I know you will love seeing them run down the Christmas magic stairs on Christmas morning. You will love seeing them sit under the tree, their small faces lit with Christmas lights.

This won’t make you Santa, though.

Santa is bigger than any person, and his work has gone on longer than any of us have lived. What he does is simple, but it is powerful. He teaches children how to have belief in something they can’t see or touch.

It’s a big job, and it’s an important one. Throughout your life, you will need this capacity to believe: in yourself, in your friends, in your talents, and in your family. You’ll also need to believe in things you can’t measure or even hold in your hand. Here, I am talking about love, that great power that will light your life from the inside out, even during its darkest, coldest moments.

Santa is a teacher, and I have been his student, and now you know the secret of how he gets down all those chimneys on Christmas Eve: he has help from all the people whose hearts he’s filled with joy.

With full hearts, people like Daddy and me take our turns helping Santa do a job that would otherwise be impossible.

So, no, I am not Santa. Santa is love and magic and hope and happiness. I’m on his team, and now you are, too.

I love you and I always will.

Mama

Happy holidays and happy parenting, everyone. Now go kiss your kids!

Sharon Silver is the author of Stop Reacting and Start Responding: 108 Ways to Discipline Consciously and Become the Parent You Want to Be and the founder of Proactive Parenting. Her book and site help parents gain more patience by responding instead of reacting as they deal with the whirlwind of emotions created by raising kids ages 1 to 10.

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You Can’t Miss These Outrageously Awesome 3D Nail Art Looks

TheMan — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:47:16 +0000

Admit it, your weeknight guilty pleasure is reality television. We know you’ve seen all the episodes of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, and thanks to Oxygen, we added a new beauty-centric show to your DVR lineup this Fall. The network created a genius nail art competition show — called Nail’d It — and we watched every episode to keep up with the juicy drama. Unfortunately, season one of the show is over with up-and-coming nail artist Ashley Craig taking the final prize.

The 10-week series was hosted by Adrienne Bailon and judged by top manicurists like Tom Bachik and CND cofounder Jan Arnold. Each episode, the manicurists competed in a two-part tournament. The first trial was all about chic, wearable designs, while the elimination round required in-depth 3D work. In the end, Ashley was chosen over 18 contestants, taking home $100,000 and a cover shoot for Nail It! magazine. Keep reading to see all the manicures from the competition including Ashley’s winning designs.

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10 Little Known Facts about Sex and the City

TheMan — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:20:56 +0000

#1 It was supposed to be Alec

Matthew McConaughey’s role in the episode “Escape from New York” was originally written for Alec Baldwin. However, Baldwin declined and the role eventually went to McConaughey.

#2 And it was almost George

After Alec Baldwin declined the guest role in “Escape from New York”, the producers sought out George Clooney, who was interested in appearing on the show but was otherwise engaged. It’s sad to know that Matthew McConaughey wasn’t the first choice.

#3 The apartments

Did you know that all of the recurring apartments on the show – those of Carrie, Big, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda – were all built from scratch on a soundstage at Silvercup Studios in Long Island City? Every single item in these staged apartments were planned down to each minute detail.

#4 64 Perry Street

In March 2012, the next-door neighbor of the real life counterpart of Carrie’s apartment — the romantic brownstone in Greenwich Village — hit the market for a hefty $9.65 million dollars.

#5 The wedding dress

In the first Sex and the City movie, the note accompanying the Vivienne Westwood wedding dress that arrives at Carrie’s apartment was actually handwritten by the designer herself!

#6 The rights

Apparently, the show’s creator Darren Star reportedly paid Candace Bushnell $50,000 for “lock, stock, and barrel” rights to Bushnell’s columns–the origin of Carrie and her world. Compared to the overwhelming success of the show, the price Star paid seems like a bargain!

#7 No nudity

Ever wondered why Carrie was the only character out of the four single girls to never appear in the nude? A special no nudity clause was written into Sarah Jessica Parker’s contract with HBO!

#8 Miranda is a blonde

Actress Cynthia Nixon is actually a blonde in real life, but dyed her hair to play the part of Miranda!

#9 The tulle skirt

Did you know that when the pilot was filmed, two different versions of the show’s opening credits scene were shot–one with Carrie wearing the famous vintage tulle skirt and one with another outfit. In addition, the vintage tutu cost a mere $5

#10 Kim almost didn’t play Samantha

Initially, Kim Cattrall didn’t want to play Samantha and turned down the role. After much persuasion from the show’s creator and producers, Cattrall finally agreed to do the pilot. The rest, as they say, is history!

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The 25 Best Things About Being A Grownup

TheMan — Tue, 21 Oct 2014 21:13:28 +0000

I am turning 25 next week (Libras, represent!). A lot of my friends say you’re not an adult until you turn 25 years old, which is when your brain (allegedly) fully forms. It’s also when you’ve typically settled into adolescence with some kind of job or some kind of direction. On most days I lament getting older. Today I figured why not count some of the things that are actually great about not feeling like a kid who doesn’t know her butt from her brain.

1. No homework.

2. Ice cream for dinner but the flavor you wanted and not the generic Neapolitan your mama would buy because she had a coupon (although that’s delicious too).

3. A self-imposed bed time that feels so delicious. As a kid going to sleep at a reasonable hour was dreadful, as a grownup it feels like a reward for dealing with LIFE.

4. You can buy the things you want. (Suffer the swag or the consequences.)

5. You don’t have to sneak into r-rated movies.

6. You can watch as much porn as you like, ladies.

7. You’re more articulate.

8. You’re more confident than you were when you were a frumpy, naive freshman.

9. You’re more at peace with not having all the answers instead of mentally festering about every existential crisis.

10. Better shoes. I swear it’s true. They look nice and are comfortable.

11. Your tolerance for bullshit gets slowly eroded and thus all the problematic people in your life seem to fade away.

12. You gossip less. You kinda start to realize that judging others is kind of just another way of judging yourself and that you want to feel good about yourself and feeling good about others is a really effective way to do that.

13. Your parents seem reasonable enough for you to not cringe whenever they try to contact you.

14. You have more quality friends.

15. You have more quality conversations.

16. You’re not only more willing to standup for yourself, you’re more capable. You’re better at expressing yourself and understanding that you’re worthy of respect.

17. You know when to shut up. (It’s true.)

18. You can add wine to any boring situation to make it better.

19. You slowly become more politically active and aware which makes you realize suddenly why it’s usually only the “old people” that vote.

20. Better sandwiches. With that good bread. With that good cheese.

21. Better coffee.

22. You own less stuff because you need less stuff to make you feel good.

23. You’re better with money (sort of. sort of.)

24. You can still enjoy all the sweet stuff about being a kid but you get to stay up late and eat ice cream doing it.

25. You have the option—and I am just putting this out there—of owning a puppy.

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Ashley Tisdale out and about in Studio City

TheMan — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:03:58 +0000

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Miley Cyrus out and about in Studio City

TheMan — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:20:39 +0000

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