Men's LifeStyle Blog

Need a Sweet New Bag? Try the Knack Pack

The startup company Knack is run by luggage and backpack designers from prestigious companies such as North Face, Samsonite, and Tumi. This means that the company has at its fingertips years of experienced design expertise in a team that has come up with a revolutionary new concept in single bag travel – the one and only Expandable Knack Park. It’s both an ordinary backpack, and an expanding travel bag for those spur of the moment trips and vacations.

Expandability is the name of the game

In the past solo bags, meant for both everyday use and for extended travel, have not really been very convenient or flexible. Busy people have wanted a bag that they can take to the office on a daily basis and then turn into instant luggage for trips without any hassle – and that hasn’t happened, until now with the Knack Pack. All previous multi-purpose bags have either been too big and bulky for daily use, or have not really expanded enough or had enough storage compartments to function as true travel luggage. The proportions were all off, so people gave up on the idea of one bag travel. The good news is that the Knack Pack is both small and efficient and quickly expands with enough compartments to carry all the essentials for a quick trip or a long vacation. 

Features include YKK zippers with zinc tabs for never-stick open and shut convenience; a sturdy mesh water bottle outside net; a dedicated laptop slip made of polyester fiber and custom formulated nylon for assured protection from moisture; and up to thirty-one pounds of carrying capacity when fully expanded.

When compressed, the Knack Pack looks, feels, and handles like an ordinary urban backpack – one that holds a laptop, some books and folders, a water bottle, and a few other odds and ends. It’s perfect to toss in the car on the way to work and it doesn’t stick out when commuting; fellow commuters will not get knocked off their feet by it. 

All the zippers on the Knack Pack are both well positioned and out of sight, giving the bag a sleek and business-like appearance. All except the expansion zipper, that is; the expansion zipper runs completely around the Knack Pack and is a different color from all the other zippers so it is easy to spot and use. When expanded, the expansion zipper is still the only zipper visible, and it’s located at the bottom of the bag. 

Travelers need to be aware that with all that available space when expanded the Knack Pack should always be utilized to the fullest when in travel mode – otherwise the items in the Pack can wind up jammed into the bottom of the Knack Pack after a long trip, making it a bit of a nuisance to disentangle when unpacking. The best way to avoid this is to use all the space available inside the Knack Pack when on a long trip – this might mean adding a light weight microfiber blanket or a chin pillow, just to keep everything distributed evenly.

The Art of Steaming and Ironing Your Shirts

Choosing between iron and steamer for removing shirt wrinklesUsing the iron for ironing your shirtMaking use of a steamer to remove shirt wrinkles

Do you want to look neat and impressive at your workplace? For this, it is essential that your dress shirt should not have any wrinkles. Now, the question that might come to your mind is what is the better option iron or a steamer for removing wrinkles.

What you need to keep in mind is that both the iron and the steamer accomplish the same goals. The iron and the steamer emit steam, but they function differently. You can use an iron to smooth out the fabric of the shirt.

If you want to iron a Pima cotton dress shirt, then it will respond better to the hot plate of the iron. It can give a crease with perfection. However, keep one thing in mind that you will need an iron board also if you plan to iron your dress shirts.

If you have space in your house to accommodate an iron board, then go for it. Steamers work well for soft fabrics. If you are not well-versed with adjusting the temperature of the iron, then you can end up burning your shirt.

Pima steamer is a safe option in this situation because it does not come in direct contact with the clothing. Now, another benefit of the steamer is that it works fast in comparison to the iron, but the creases cannot get pressed into the fabric.

You should choose a steamer or iron for your shirts, keeping the pros and cons into consideration. We will also talk about tips for steaming or ironing your shirt. These tips will surely save you money because you will not damage your shirt.

When you are ironing your dress shirt, make sure that you start at a low temperature. You can gradually increase the temperature as per your requirement. The important thing is that even before starting with the ironing, you should set the temperature of the iron.

The reason is every shirt requires a different temperature depending upon the fabric. If you want to remove the wrinkles from your shirt, then make sure that you spray some water from the spray bottle.  Make it a point to use distilled water for spraying.

The best time to iron your shirt is when you pull it out from the washing machine. 

If you plan to steam a colored shirt, then do a patch test first. The reason is that the colors may run when moisture gets applied to them. Do not oversteam your shirts. 

If you spend a lot of money on expensive shirts, then make sure that you do not make any compromises on the brand of your iron or steamer also. If you go for a low-quality iron or steamer, then they may ruin your shirt, and this is not something that you will want at the end of the day.

Must-Know Tips for Men Who Want to Prevent Hair Loss

Originally posted by silverliningthe

For the vast majority of men, hair loss is a part of life. For some, it starts out with hair thinning, while others start losing their hair in patches or the usual M-pattern. Maybe you’ve just looked at an old photo of yourself and realized how much your hairline has changed. 

It’s only natural to think the worst when you start noticing less hair but know that there are ways to put the brakes on hair loss. In some instances, hair loss is reversible but others are only able to preserve what they have, which is why early intervention is so important. The moment you suspect hair loss is when you should schedule a consultation at a clinic such as Man Cave Sydney. A hair loss specialist can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and take you through the solutions that are available to you. 

Hair loss is a personalized condition, which means one treatment plan could be very different from another.

If hair loss is a concern for you, there are steps that you can take to prevent it from happening or at least reduce the amount of hair that you’re losing. 

Hair Loss Prevention Tips for Men

Treat the underlying cause

Sometimes preventing hair loss is as simple as treating any underlying causes. Stress, vitamin deficiencies and medical conditions can all lead to hair loss but by identifying the underlying cause, you can start reversing the hair loss or at least stop if from getting worse. A GP or a hair loss professional can assist you with a diagnosis.

Adopt healthier lifestyle habits

There are a number of small but effective changes you can make to your lifestyle to prevent hair loss. For one, your hair needs essential nutrients and vitamins in order to be healthy and resilient. Is your body and hair getting enough iron, zinc, omega-3 and vitamin C? These are just a few of the vitamins and nutrients that are crucial for healthy hair. Quitting smoking, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep also makes a world of difference. 

Care for your scalp

Caring for your scalp benefits your hair and can minimise the risks of losing your hair. Add natural, moisturising products to your routine to nourish your scalp and feed your hair follicles. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals as this can gradually damage your hair follicles. 

If you are diagnosed with male pattern baldness or alopecia, know that there are several treatment options available to you and you can restore your hair as well as your self-confidence. If you go ahead with a hair transplant, it’s vital that you select a reputable hair loss clinic because in many cases, patients only have a finite amount of donor hair available, which means you may only get one chance to restore your hair to its former glory. Taking the time to research the clinic’s reputation and your doctor’s reputation will be well worth the effort.

Review of LORD Timepieces Chronograph Gunmetal Tan Leather

Tired of big brand markups? You don’t need to break the bank to get this beautiful watch on your wrist. Since Lord Timepieces is an online-first brand, their original, high quality and unique designs are sold at a fraction of the cost that you’d expect on the high street, since they do not follow a typical retail model.

Today we’ll be doing a Lord timepieces review of their Chronograph Gunmetal Tan Leather watch. A rather normal watch compared to their entire collection. It’s not their best seller (according to the website) but it actually fits my style much more closely than their others. Most of the LORD timepiece collection is made to look fairly vintage with a modern twist. 

According to the Lord Timepieces website, “we believe time should be used for passions, opportunities and purpose. Based in London with customers in 180 countries Lord Timepieces has transcended into more than just a brand including an amazing family of supporters who share the same vision. TIME IS NOT MEASURED BY CLOCKS, BUT BY MOMENTS.”

As I mentioned, the watch is rather beautiful looking, and the quality of the case is also above average for the price; which is £149.00 as of this writing. 

The Movement is automatic, but you can also hand-wind it. I couldn’t find any info about the movement from the packaging, so I compared it with some of my other watch movements, but I couldn’t find any real matches. 

After unboxing it and winding it, I can see now that it ticks and has about +10 seconds a day, which really isn’t so bad. I get the same thing on some of my other mechanical watches that have the Miyota innards. I will update you in a year or two about how it works.

Supported by over 1 million highly engaged social followers Lord Timepieces brings a community of like minded individuals stretching from all across the globe - ranging from celebrities, gamers, athletes, bloggers, students, entrepreneurs and ambitious individuals like yourself all across the globe.

How to Dress the Part for a New Job

Starting a new professional role can be intimidating, but wearing the right clothes can help calm your nerves and provide a much-needed confidence boost. With the following tips in mind, you can easily dress the part for your new job.

Pay Attention to the Dress Code

Image via Flickr by Cory M. Grenier

Some workplaces have dress codes outlined in their employee handbooks. Study these guidelines closely to make sure that what you intend to wear meets the dress requirements.

Don’t stress if you’re not given any formal guidelines. Many new hires visit their new office at least once during the interview process. Preliminary visits allow you to assess the dress code and determine the right clothes for your new role. Pay attention to what other people wear, especially in your prospective new department. Are people dressed in formal, casual, or smart casual clothes?

Take your cues from these employees, but don’t be afraid to look a little smarter. You want to make a good first impression, so consider dressing at least in a smart casual fashion, even if you’re in a casual environment. Overdressing shows that you’re determined to impress and perform well in your new role.

Wear a Collared Shirt

A collared shirt is appropriate for many workplaces. Collars make tops look more professional and refined. Dress shirts are a smart choice for many high-end professions and jobs that deal with customers and clients. However, they’re not always the best choice for casual workplaces and people who don’t interface with the public.

If you want a more relaxed look, consider a polo shirt. Smarter than a T-shirt without being stuffy, polos are a great choice for many new jobs. They’re also typically more affordable than dress shirts, especially if you choose sale polos.

Bring a Jacket

Office temperatures tend to sit between 68 and 72 degrees, well below the temps recommended by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), so be prepared. Taking a jacket with you, even during the summer, can help you stay warm when icy office air conditioners blast. A suit jacket is a natural choice for conservative offices. If your workplace is a little more relaxed, layer a blazer or a sports coat over your clothes.

Don’t Neglect Your Shoes

Shoes are an afterthought for too many men, something they slip on as they’re stepping out of their homes and kick off at the end of a long day. All too often, shoes are left looking unloved and frankly unprofessional. Take time to prepare your shoes before you start your new job. A thorough polish can remove scuff marks and make your shoes shine brightly.

Penny loafers, Oxfords, and smart boots will work well in many workplaces. All-black sneakers may be acceptable in more relaxed offices. While these shoes can’t be polished, they’ll benefit from spot cleaning with a damp cloth. Whatever footwear you choose, make sure it’s comfortable, especially if you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.

Don’t let new job jitters get the better of you. With our tips in mind, you can present the right professional image in your new role.

Buying f100 Truck Parts

Originally posted by bakmasenonlara

Keeping your truck running properly requires some thought, planning, and work.. For anyone who loves trucks, the Ford F100 is still considered the classic sweet ride for country boys. Although the brand itself hasn’t been made in years, there are still thousands of them out on the roads. Yet despite the best care, even a classic vehicle like the Ford F100 begins to wear out, part by part. Ranchers and farmers relied on the Ford F100 for heavy work, and many an outdoorsman used the F100 engine swap to get to nearly inaccessible wildlife areas for fishing and hunting. 

If you’re lucky enough to own one of these much cherished trucks, or are thinking of investing in one, you need to be aware of those parts most prone to wear and tear:

The exhaust system (including muffler and, in some models. the catalytic converter)

Suspension parts

Rusted chassis (especially in coastal areas)

The suspension system

The rod assembly

Transmission gears and mounts

The motor block and flip kits

Many of those still driving the F100 find parts like the above in local junkyards, or go online to search for used auto parts from across the country. The problem with online purchases, of course, is that you may not have any guarantee of the quality of the truck part you’re getting. It’s always better to deal with a reliable used parts dealer, because you can go pick up the part yourself knowing it will be exactly what you want.

And that means a good reliable commercial parts dealer can be of great help no matter where you are located. These nation-wide parts dealers are the backbone of the car and truck restoration industry, whether it’s being done professionally or just for a weekend hobby according to one law firm familiar with these details.. 

Make sure that you always know the exact make and model of your Ford F100. There are several generations, and each one uses slightly different parts. They are, in chronological order:

‘48 - ‘52 original models

‘53 - ‘56 second generation models

‘57 - ‘60 third generation models

‘61 - ‘66 4th generation

‘67 - ‘72 5th generation

‘73 - ‘79 6th generation

‘80 - ‘83 final model

It can take some heavy research to find the best parts & kits, but as long as you’re dealing with honest and experienced outfits you’ll get the parts you need for that sweet F100 ride. 

A note on taxes

If you plan on an extensive buying spree for used parts for the Ford F100 truck – or for any other motor vehicle – make sure you check your state’s sales tax regulations. Some states do not charge any sales tax on used auto parts. Some states do. And some states are very strict about charging sales tax even if you purchase them out of state online. If you’re only going to get one or two items, this is probably not a problem. But if you’re buying in bulk, or buying expensive items, it might pay to transact your business in a state with no sales tax on auto parts. A word to the wise …