Category Archives: FOR THE GUYS

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

The 5 Most Common Driving Offences

The 5 Most Common Driving Offences

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There are lots of ways in which we can break the law while driving. Below are some of the most common offences, the penalties they typically carry and how you can prevent yourself committing such an offence.

Speeding

Speeding is by far the most common driving offence. Since 2011, the number of speeding offences has risen by 5% each year in the UK. The minimum penalty for speeding is 3 penalty points and a £100 fine – although some people are given the option of going on a speeding awareness course.

If you’re a serial speeder who keeps getting caught, it could be time to start slowing down. There are lots of measures you can take to break the habit of speeding from leaving more time for journeys (most people speed because they are running late) to installing a black box/speed limiter. 

Drink driving a.k.a Drunk driving

85,000 people are convicted of drink driving every year. Drink driving can carry serious penalties. These include temporary driving bans, fines and sometimes imprisonment. Employers will also be able to see this conviction on your record and it may affect your ability to travel to certain countries. Even if you do manage to drive again, you may find that your insurance rates are very high afterwards. 

All in all, it’s important to know the legal alcohol limit before driving to avoid the penalties (not to mention the danger you could cause). In most cases, it’s better to drink nothing at all if you plan to drive – either leave your car at home when going out or plan to consume non-alcoholic drinks.

Driving without insurance

There are thought to be 2 million uninsured drivers in the UK. Many of these drivers get caught. Driving without insurance can carry a hefty fine and usually 6 to 8 points or a disqualification. 

A lot of people drive without insurance because it’s so expensive or because they cannot apply for insurance due to a previous conviction. While insurance can be difficult to obtain, skipping it altogether is not worth the penalties. Take the time to shop around for insurers – there are providers like One Sure Insurance that are able to insure people who may have had penalties, as well as helping you to find cheaper rates. You should also consider the car that you are trying to insure – some cars are easier to insure than others. 

Driving an unregistered/untaxed vehicle

Another common offence is driving an unregistered or untaxed vehicle. This can result in a fine. You may also have your vehicle towed away.

Always register and tax a vehicle the moment you purchase it. You can do this online and it is generally not very expensive.

Using a phone while driving

13,000 people per year are convicted of driving while using a mobile phone. You’ll usually get 6 penalty points for this and a £200 fine. Avoid the temptation to look at your phone while driving by turning notifications off and storing it somewhere you can’t reach while driving. Alternatively, set up hands-free calls so that you can still take calls without having to touch your phone (check out this guide at Lifewire on how to do this).

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.

So, Your Man Can Keep You Alive In the Bush? Help Him Look The Part (And Keep Safe)

So, Your Man Can Keep You Alive In the Bush? Help Him Look The Part (And Keep Safe)

Now, who doesn’t love their outdoor, rugged-man type?  We’re all for our metrosexual brethren but there is still something to be said for kind of guy that can build your shelter and hunt for your food.  Ok, so those are extremes but if you are one of those lucky girls that have the quintessential “Marlboro Man†in real life, we’re breaking down some of the best outdoor-ready, and did we say über-sexy man vs. wild inspired items. So, even as his chopping his way through the forest for you, he’ll look really good doing it.

Image By Elizabeth Zernetska

#1 ANYTHING BY “PATAGONIAâ€

“Patagonia†is the kind of brand that just ticks all of the boxes.  They will get your man ready to take on just about any outdoor challenge and their products are ethically sourced and manufactured besides.  Definitely look at getting him an insulated fleece for those treks across Antarctica. (Or Alaska, or the Rockies).

#2  HIKING BOOTS

The “can’t-do-without†staple of any outdoor man (or woman’s) closet.  You want to make sure that you invest a decent amount of cash here.  Having a good boot that’s weatherproof, can take a beating, and is made from top-quality material could literally be the difference between surviving…or not.  In extreme situations, something as (seemingly simple) as dry feet can make a massive difference.  Ankle height boots provide further support and provide some coverage against snakes and other bugs.

#3  THE BACKPACK

Clearly, you want a backpack that’s made of the best possible, durable, and strong material but you also want to make sure that it has various pockets for different storage purposes and if you’re splurging, you could spring for backpacks that not only carry water and look good (yep) but, they also charge devices while they’re at it.  This is a no-brainer and especially important if you and your guy regularly take on wilderness-type hikes, camp missions, or travels.  

#4  WATER PURIFICATION

Technically, more gadget-ish than fashion but nothing is more fashion-forward than staying alive, and with a wide range of portable water purification devices from the “life straw†to more sophisticated larger quantity recyclers, you should definitely look into this.  Don’t worry – they are still seriously cool to look at.

#5  UNDERWEAR

You could be forgiven for thinking that we just added this one in here somewhat gratuitously, but you’d (only be a little bit) wrong.  Sure, your guy looks great in his threads but the type of underwear he’d be wearing for city life does not translate well in the jungle.  You’re looking for material that dries quickly, is superlight, and keeps uh….â€it†where it needs to be for long distances.  Cotton does not dry quickly when wet and so is not the ideal material for hiking or outdoorsy kind of stuff and if he is planning on “going commandoâ€, there are a few things he should be aware of.

You also want to check out cargos made from great material and durable items like this mens tactical belt to keep everything together.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but it’s a good place to start and as tempting as it may be to get the coolest looking gear, comfort in this instance, must marry substance.  We’re all for accentuating what you have naturally, so keep this in mind for him too.

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.

Your Hair is Starting to Thin Out: What You Can Do

Your Hair is Starting to Thin Out: What You Can Do

It can be crippling for your confidence to look in the mirror and notice that you are going bald. Hair loss is something that a lot of people fear, both men and women alike. You will find that it is almost an inevitable experience for humans to experience, but many negative connotations and insulting jokes are surrounding the condition.

Studies show that hair loss is a universal event that could happen to anyone, with some people experiencing it before reaching 21 years old.

You might end up emotionally crushed knowing that you will be taking many bald head humor-related jokes that could hurt your feelings, leading to a loss of self-confidence. However, you will find that it is never too late to act on it with the many medical advancements available today. If you notice that your hair is starting to thin out, here are the steps you need to take.

Determine the Cause

Many of your friends will joke about your hair loss problems, but you will find that they will also help you understand why it is happening to you. It can be an alarming event when they notice that potential bald spots are surfacing, which will make them think about their lifestyle decisions. Stress management, food choices, and genetics will pop up as the usual reasons. However, you have to confirm with professionals to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Fortunately, you can consult with a dermatologist to help you identify the root of your hair problems. It can be a combination of things in your lifestyle and genetics, but it can also be your hair products. The diagnosis allows you to find the most effective treatment. It will prevent the problem from getting worse, but dedicating yourself to those solutions will become a necessary part of your life.

Make Sacrifices

Treatment will be necessary when you confirm that you are suffering from hair loss, but you will have to find other ways to assist those medical visits. Your entire lifestyle might end up changing drastically because of the condition, starting with your eating habits. Your diet might not be ideal for your health, which could be affecting your scalp. Try to consume a diet containing vegetables and herbs, which will slow down the condition’s progress. Protein and Vitamin A will also be critical for your efforts, keeping your scalp healthier and reducing the risk of hair loss.

Supplements will also be necessary. You will find that Vitamin D and ginseng can aid your quest in preventing baldness, making it critical parts of your home remedies.

Speaking of remedies, you will find that hair care will also be a necessary part of your journey. Regular washing is a no-brainer, while coconut oil and other essential oils should find their way into your routine. Your usual shampoo products might be causing the problem, so you will have to remove them from your grocery list.

Those sacrifices to your lifestyle will be challenging, especially when you feel used to them. However, it is the necessary step to ensure that you can recover from the condition.

Consider Transplantation

Unfortunately, you might be at the stage where baldness is inevitable. This situation is where your friends might throw bald-related humor and insults at you, eating away at your confidence. Fortunately, medical advancements provide you with potential solutions. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride can provide treatment for your hair. However, you will have to consult with your dermatologist on the proper dosage and use.

Transplantation is also available, as well as laser and light treatments. You will also find hair loss treatment experts that provide innovative men’s hair replacement systems to ensure you no longer have to worry about carrying bald spots. If you find it challenging to undergo surgical treatment, wearing a hat or other headgears can cover up the area.

Embrace the Change

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find a permanent solution to hair loss. Even if you do manage to commit to the lifestyle changes that allow recovery, you might end up experiencing the condition at a later age. Hats are also temporary solutions that might not be advisable to use in particular areas like the office. During your journey, you will have to embrace the change to ensure that your self-confidence will not falter. Accepting the situation can prevent hair loss from crippling your self-esteem, which might be your reason for actively seeking treatment.

Society has to realize that baldness affects almost every aging person, particularly men. However, it does not mean you cannot do anything about them in the meantime.

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.

5 Budget-Friendly Upgrades To Pimp Your Ride

5 Budget-Friendly Upgrades To Pimp Your Ride

Your car does more for you than just take you from one place to another. It offers, in numerous ways, a reflection of who you are. Unfortunately, Xzibit and his entourage aren’t in the business of surprising car owners with a grand opportunity to upgrade cars anymore. Also, pimping your ride can be a relatively expensive project to embark on. Luckily, there are a couple of ways you can pimp your ride without breaking the bank! Here are a few budget-friendly upgrades to transform your car. 

1. Install a tinting film 

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Installing a tinting film to your car windows can give your car a whole look and feel! Your dark tinted car windows add a sense of class and style to your vehicle, regardless of the make or its age. However, the benefits of tinting don’t end there. Installing a tinting film protects your car interior and your skin from harsh UV rays, which may cause damage. It also provides privacy and security as it prevents prying eyes from seeing into the vehicle. You can visit Bravo Protection Products at https://bravoprotectionmn.com/ to make inquiries and have your car windows tinted today.

2. Upgrade the sound system

Do you want to make a grand entrance? Or perhaps you would like to make trips in your car better with some good music? Then you should consider giving your car’s sound system an upgrade. An upgraded car sound system would give you advanced features and allow you to customize your entertainment. Many of the car sound systems available on the market today give users the chance to choose and connect their preferred source directly to the car. Using BlueTooth pairing, for example, you can connect your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone to play your sweet tunes. 

3. Add LED lights

Having extra lights around or in your car is an affordable yet effective way to pimp your ride! There are several LED lighting packages you can choose from to give your car a futuristic look. You can choose to install a headlamp halo or undercarriage light effects to give your car’s exterior a unique upgrade, bound to get a lot of attention on the road. Although you may already have interior lights, you may not use them as much. However, installing an LED dome or strip lighting would give your vehicle a different atmosphere and a unique style. There are various colors for you to choose from to create the look you want.

4. Upgrade the rims

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Your car’s factory rims are only for function and do not add to the style. But, you can change that by upgrading to rims that can do both! Give your car an aesthetic appeal by replacing your old rims with new ones made of chrome, alloy, and aluminum. There are also several colors, patterns, and finishes to choose from, all at an affordable price.

These four upgrades should make the car one you would be proud to drive without incurring high costs! 

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.

Key Grooming Areas That Every Man Should Maintain

Key Grooming Areas That Every Man Should Maintain

Self-care and grooming are an essential aspect of people’s lives as it makes them presentable and prepares you for the day’s rigors. For men, this may sound pretty straightforward. But beyond the clothes and appearance, men want to project their image onto the world around them. So it is easy to find a clean-shaven man in a three-piece suit on a Monday morning but the same man with a beard stubble just three days later on vacation. This article will discuss some key grooming areas for men.

Shaving

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For the average man, shaving can be quite a dilemma. Depending on how you want to look and your job demands, you may decide to go clean-shaven or grow a beard. But whichever you choose to go with, you will have to keep up the appearance—going clean-shaven means that you will have to use a razor every morning. The best time to shave is after taking a shower, and your stubble is warm; it is easier to cut. However, you have to deal with razor burn. Though keeping a beard requires some attention, you do not have to keep at it every day. Additionally, there are several beard maintenance tips for every type of beard, so just find what works for you, and you are good to go.

Hair

How you wear your hair is an extension of yourself. Whether short and cropped or long and flowing, you need to take good care of your hair. The first thing to do is to have a good barber or hair technician/stylist who will take care of or treat your hair and give you sound advice on how to maintain it. You should also consider the type of hairstyle that will suit your face. Also, choose hair products that are suitable for your hair.

Skin

The skin covers the whole body, and it needs to be nourished and taken care of properly. Many daily activities put pressure on the skin, and before long, it deteriorates due to contact with the elements, chemicals, and others. Your diet also affects your skin, so you should really mind what you eat. Try using chemical-free cleansers to wipe your face and neck at least once a day. It is also advisable to use an oil-free lotion with SPF 15 or higher to keep the skin hydrated and safe from the sun’s harmful rays. As much as possible, get rid of dead skin cells so that the new skin cells can glow and have your skin looking supple.

Nails

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The nails on your fingers and toes can harbor germs that are harmful to your health. You need to frequently trim your fingernails, in particular, as they grow up to three times faster than the toenails. Aside from the health reasons, having dirty or unkempt nails is not a pretty sight. Having good clean nails is a sign of good personal hygiene.

Good grooming starts with good personal hygiene. So, in addition to these, make sure you practice good personal hygiene such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, bathing regularly, and eating well.

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.