Category Archives: FOR THE GUYS

Tips for the guys, from beards to cars, that help reduce stress and make everyday life a bit simpler.

How to Setup a Hookah

How to Setup a Hookah

 

Shishas which are also known as hookahs are traditional Middle Eastern devices that were used by people to inhale smoke. The hookahs are now famous across the world in many countries. Enjoying hookah when you are at a lounge or a café is one thing but what if you are looking into buying and setting up your own? If you are looking for a guide to setting up your hookah, then this guide that Shisha Heart provided is your best option!

Step 1: Clean the hookah

Before using the hookah, you should use water and a soft brush to clean the hookah (if it is the first time using it). Do this for every part of it. Once you finish washing it leave it for 3-5 minutes to settle.

Step 2: Pour cold water and some ice cubes into the vase.

Pour enough cold water and add ice cubes until one inch of the metal stem Is covered (slightly more does not hurt).

Step 3: Place the hookah shaft into the glass base.

Slowly press the shaft into the base, so the metal stem is in the water (1 inch or more). If the rubber does not fit, you can add a bit of water and dish soap to ease it in.

Step 4: Connect the hoses

Insert the hoses in the holes on the side of the metal shaft. Precisely as the base those holes should fit tight. Failing to install them correctly, will result in air leakage and the hookah will lack performance.

Step 5: Check the air flow.

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Place your hand on the top of the shisha stem and try to block the entrance of the air in the hookah. Then you should inhale through the hose. If you manage to inhale any air, it means that a connection does not fit correctly and you should check them all and try again. If you still manage to inhale air, then it means that probably one of your seals is broken and you should probably need a replacement.

Step 6: Place the metal tray on top of the Shisha shaft.

This metal tray is responsible for catching the ashes or coals when they fell off the hookah.

Step 7: Stir and mix the shisha.

Shisha flavor is tobacco that is marinated in liquids which contain specific flavors. The fluids often settle to the bottom of the package. Therefore, you should try to stir them before adding the flavor to your hookah.

Step 8: Break up the shisha and place it in the bowl.

Plump up chunks of the shisha flavor (to allow airflow) and add them to the bowl. Fill the container nearly to the top. Overfilling the pan will result in burned taste. Press the chunks a bit to make them flat.

Step 9: Cover the bowl with foil.

 

Place a stretched piece of foil on the top of the container bowl. Compress it around the edges of the pan. You can also use a coal screen for this purpose. However, most hookah lovers prefer the foil. After this pole several holes with a toothpick. The optimal number of holes is 12. When you finish with the bowl, place it on the top of the shaft.

Step 10: Light some coals.

If you use quick burn coals, you should hold them with tongs over a nonflammable are and light them with a lighter.

If you are using natural coals, you should place them directly on a stove or electric burner for 10-12 minutes.

Step 11: Transfer the coals to the foil

Place two or three coals on the foil. Allow 3-5 minutes before starting to inhale. A common mistake that many hookah lovers are doing is placing the coals in the center. Putting coals in the middle burns the shisha flavor and results to a short session.

Step 12: Enjoy your session

The procedure of setting up your hookah will get quicker over time. Now it is time to relax and enjoy smoking your hookah.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Don’t Wait For Bad Weather To Reach You – Have A Plan Ahead Of Problems

Don’t Wait For Bad Weather To Reach You – Have A Plan Ahead Of Problems

There have been so many heartbreaking stories in the news lately of people losing their homes, their possessions, and their livelihoods because of terrible weather. It certainly makes us all pause for thought as we wonder how we would cope if it happened to us. Where would your kids sleep, and how would you make repairs to your property? Would you know who to call and where to go for help?

Most of us have an emergency plan in place should we be caught in a house fire. We practice our exit route and make sure the fire alarms are working. But what do you do after the fire is out? The same applies to flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Few of us have a plan of action should our home be uninhabitable. Here’s how to make sure you and your family are cared for if disaster strikes:

Phone

Not everybody knows their own number. It’s important that you do this because if you need to leave it behind, you need a replacement quickly. Most of our data, like the contact details of loved ones, are stored in the cloud. Even if your phone is destroyed, you can retrieve the data and get hold of the people best suited to help you. Memorize passwords to social media accounts like Facebook. This will be the first place loved ones will look for you. Most of us have instant alerts to activity on these accounts too.

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Insurance

Lots of us have got into the habit of shopping around for our insurance every year to make sure we have the best deal. The problem with this is we can forget who our current insurer is! Make sure you always have a photo of the document or an emailed copy of any insurance policy. These will also be in the cloud waiting for you to log in from your new device. You can then contact your insurer to make a claim.

When it comes to building insurance, some companies won’t pay out for ‘Acts of God’. However, they’re not all heartless! Most insurance companies will provide immediate help and sort out a hotel and other provisions should you become homeless. Double-check your coverage next time you take out a policy.

Now, as for your vehicle, car insurance policies may cover specific damages. This is worth looking into if, for example, you reside in an area that often gets hit with bouts of extreme weather, such as hailstorms. In cases such as this, it would be worth taking out insurance with a reputable company such as Hail Specialists who will be able to help you with the claims process and have your car looking practically brand new and back on the road again in no time!

Cash

If your bank cards and cash are lost, you need to know how to get hold of your bank to give you quick access to money. You might need to pay for a hotel or buy your family a couple of meals. You might even need clothes and footwear. Fortunately, Twitter can help here. Search for your bank, and chances are you’ll find a live operator ready to tweet back a phone number you can call to get help. Never give your account details or full name on Twitter.

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Shelter

When there has been a huge-scale disaster like the ones we’ve seen on the news lately, you need to find shelter. If there is time, pack the essentials like clothes, medicines, weatherproofs, food, and water. The emergency response teams will direct you to a local shelter and may assist you with getting there.

Of course, if you are already packed to go, you can get out quicker. Why not keep a packed wheelie case or backpack with photocopies of your most important documents? You can add a fresh set of clothes for each member of the family, a couple of days of your meds, and some other essentials for an emergency. Wrap them all up in a plastic bag inside in case you need to wade through floodwater.

Return

When you have the OK to go back, you need to start finding the best people to tackle the damage. Start with insurance-approved companies like ServiceMaster that can get rid of all the hazardous materials in your home. Repairs can take time, so you need to assess if any part of your home is safe enough to be habitable. If not, hire a caravan or book a long-term hotel.

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You might have secured some of your property during the course of the year. Summer and winter maintenance checks help you keep your house in good condition. When you look after your property routinely, you can help minimize the damage that might occur during a storm. Clearing gutters, vents, and drains can help prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

We all hope nothing bad ever happens. But if you have a clear and concise plan in place, you’ll be able to cope should the worst happen. Take care.

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on TwitterTikTok, or Instagram.

Chivalry Isn’t Dead

Chivalry Isn’t Dead

Most people believe that chivalry is dead. Men nowadays are portrayed as being emotionless beings who aren’t gentlemen. Long gone are the days where you’d meet at a dance, and be walked home afterwards if the man took a fancy to you. It wasn’t as easy to keep in touch back when people think true romance blossomed, so meeting up and talking was always an exciting questions. Nowadays, girls get taken out for a meal, and sometimes are left waiting for a text back that never arrives. But this isn’t true for all men, some men out there are still as much of a gentleman as back in the day. Simple little things that we take for granted in our society, but really show that chivalry isn’t dead.

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The dates that they take you out on are always thought through and planned, to make sure you have a good night. They’ll take you out somewhere nice and pay for everything to make sure you have a good night. People think this is the norm, that men should pay for everything. But it really is an act of absolutely kindness and love. Being treated to a meal, or a night out makes a girl feel so special and wanted. Men shouldn’t have to pay for everything, but they choose to purely as it’s the manly thing to do.

Buying you cute gifts to make you happy is another reason why chivalry is alive and well. If you’re feeling down, they’ll be the one’s to cheer you up with your favourite food. Or even randomly, they’ll surprise you with a gift to show how much they care. They don’t expect anything in return other than to see you happy. Even simple little things like saying good morning, or goodnight, and wishing you a good day is another way of them showing their appreciation for you. Knowing you’re their first, and last thought of the day really does make you feel special.

One big thing all guys have the task of doing is proposing. Nothing show chivalry quite like this. They have to go through the nerves of asking your father for their blessing. They have to plan it all precisely so that it’ll be perfect for you. They think of ways to say how much they love you. They also have to pick out a gorgeous ring, such as the tacori engagement rings here. They need to make sure it’s the perfect fit, style and colour for you. So much thought and attention goes into this to make sure you feel perfect on the day.

Even little things like just being an ear for her to talk to. You’ll have so many issues going on in your life, and no one can listen and reassure you quite like your partner can. They’ll listen to all your worries with an open mind, and support you no matter what. They’ll be a shoulder to cry on when you need it, and will always make everything seem better.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Dig That Relationship Out Of A Rut

Dig That Relationship Out Of A Rut

After the initial butterflies and champagne stage of a relationship, romance and love go from a whirlwind pace to a slow, more relaxed pace. No one expects a relationship to stay in the honeymoon phase forever, but if yours has gone from loving and sexy to pensioners at dawn, then there needs to be a change made. Life is far too short to be boring and while the steady, more calm love is deeper and more meaningful, it can feel a whole lot less racy than it used to be. If you feel like you’re getting stuck in a relationship rut with sex-by-numbers every weekend, then it’s up to you to pull yourself out of it and inject a little something else into your regular routines.

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Trying to think of the best ways to spice up your routine is just as tiring sometimes, so what you need to do is sit down together and brainstorm how you can get through a rut and come out the other side happier and more in tune than ever. We’ve got some ideas, so why not work your way through the list?

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  • Flirt. Flirting isn’t just for teenagers, you know! There’s nothing wrong with a few flirtatious messages sent back and forth while you’re at work, so check out this list of text messages that could get you started!
  • Shower Together. Some couples don’t have the drive or the inclination for sex, especially when small children are in the picture. Not having a regular sex life doesn’t mean you can’t have intimacy and canoodling together in the shower is one of the best ways you can talk, laugh and have fun. If you’re looking to go one better, check out this shaving guide and give the gift of hygiene. There’s nothing stopping you both getting groomed together, either!
  • Say ‘Yes’. If your spouse comes to you with a fun idea, don’t shoot them down. There’s nothing more off-putting than someone who isn’t willing to try out a new restaurant, theatre show or even bedroom Olympics idea. So, put your comfort zone down and say yes for a change. You never know what you could discover!
  • Kiss. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But often the first thing to go in a relationship are those sweet kisses you find yourself caught in. Sure, the lusty kisses that lead to steamy romance may have dwindled, but there are so many other types! Off to work kisses, just because kisses, sleepy kisses to say good morning. They’re all there for the taking so don’t miss the opportunity to pucker up.
  • Date. Long term relationships that involve children go so quickly. One minute you’re holding hands in the park after a dinner date and the next it’s been five years and you’re knee-deep in dirty laundry with no time to even brush your hair. Invite him out on a date and spoil him for a change, he will love you taking charge!

Marriage and relationships can get boring, but it doesn’t have to stay that way!

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Japanese Samurai Portrait Tattoos: An Artistic Statement

Japanese Samurai Portrait Tattoos: An Artistic Statement

Some people who have always wanted a tattoo, just like the look of it. They like the fact it makes them look different from the average person walking around. It may not mean much to them, as getting a tattoo to them, may be purely for aesthetic reasons. For some people, however, tattoos are a thing of art. Body art has exploded among the Millennial generation. Many more people are now getting unique tattoos that have a personal meaning to them. There are some places around the world that have inspired tattoo artists and enthusiasts alike. One of the best tattoo styles to take inspiration from, are those that have inking, in their culture. The Japanese samurais of past centuries tattooed themselves for many reasons. Those reasons have drifted down into the present day, and many people align themselves with them.

Image by – Utagawa Yoshiiku

The meaning

Samurai swordsman used tattoos as a means of declaring allegiance to their feudal masters. Their masters paid them a wage, gave them a room to stay in, and after long years of service, gave them land and property. The relationship between soldier and commander was much closer than other cultures of the same time period. Respect, honor, and loyalty were the key aspects of a samurai’s life. However, the tattoos they gave each other, weren’t lines or shapes, but rather, portraits of scenes and important figures in their lifestyle. Honorable samurais who died in battle, masters who were kind to their subjects, and maidens who blessed them before battle, were the most popular styles of the day.

Photo source – Felix_Broennimann

When bringing it to life

Japanese portrait art’s main colors are green, red, black and blue. You can bring your own inks to the tattoo artist you’ve chosen, so you can get the most authentic look possible. The best tattoo inks are hard to come by, so choosing the highest quality kinds will take a little research. Safe tattoo ink must also be FDA approved for safety and be low in toxicity. The best ingredient will either be arsenic or lead, but they should feature in the ink, in moderate quantities. The brighter, the better, because as the body art ages, the sun will gradually fade the ink away; therefore get it as bright as you can so it lasts a long time.

The style

Whichever style you’re looking for, the Japanese portrait art tattoo culture is not for the faint hearted. The portrait tattoos are artistic endeavors, and they require a lengthy process to be completed. The design must be exquisite, but also practical. This won’t be just any body art you’re getting, the Japanese take their tattoo history very seriously. Out of respect, you should carefully plan the type of style you’re going to have. Study various periods of the culture, such as the Feudal Edo Period. Portraits always have a figure in the frame, so you must choose an entity or a person that once lived as the main character of your tattoo. They can be aggressive, loving, powerful, wealthy or giving a symbolic gesture.

A portrait will most likely go on your back, legs or ribs, because this kind of art style, needs more room than just symbols and decal-like designs. It carries with it, a long and powerful history, so it’s wise to learn up on this style before you delve into it. The portrait you choose should have some personal meaning to you, so it’s a symbolic gesture as well as a personal statement.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram