GroomBob 2.0: Oh, the Horrorscope

By Bob Since the last time I wrote, things have been pretty smooth. I've picked my groomsmen (see the last post) and even bought them gifts. Jane and I settled into a routine: Saturday mornings we visit caterers, check out wedding cakes, and add stuff to our registry. Saturday afternoon we go hiking or something to burn off the stress of it all. Sundays she talks to her bridesmaids for a few hours. Then I made the huge, catastrophic mistake of showing her a Chinese astrology book at the neighborhood Barnes & Noble. Until we checked our chinese horoscope, that is. Now, before I go any further, please realize I'm not a real superstitious person. I don't throw salt over my shoulder, I don't think it's bad luck to see my fiancee in her wedding dress before our wedding, and I don't think stepping on sidewalk cracks will injure my mother. But I find the Chinese zodiac totally addictive. It's bizarrely accurate at times, and great fun to read. Where else can you tell someone they're a Yellow Pig and not get smacked? Anyway, I showed her the book. I'm a Monkey: Born in July 1968. I fit the definition pretty well too: Glib, kind of cynical, you know. I thought Jane was a Dragon a perfect match for me. We'd just been getting snippy with each other about our choice of wedding invitations, so I figured I could show her that our marriage is fate and win some points. So I crack this book, and Jane's looking, with her hand resting on my shoulder a sure sign of a thaw in relations and we start reading. She was born February 1, 1964. I turn to that page in the book. She's not a Dragon, she's a rabbit. Heh, I say, what do you know, you're a rabbit, not a Dragon. Do Rabbits and Monkeys get along? she asks, brow wrinkling. My palms start to sweat. Uh, sure, I say, Let's go look at computer books. But it's a halfhearted attempt. I've taken us down the path and there's no way out. Jane starts reading. Rabbits and Monkeys are not a good match, according to the book. A Rabbit is better off marrying a Goat or a Pig. Jane's frown deepens. My mind starts racing how do I get out of this one? It's just a horoscope, dear, don't sweat it, I say, trying to take the skeptical route. I know that, she says, but it's still depressing. We leave the bookstore, and for the rest of the day a heavy silence lies between us. The Chinese have cursed us. Our romance has no hope. We'll probably end up one of those bitter old couples that eats dinner in a restaurant in complete silence except when one of us comments the other isn't getting enough fiber or something. That night, we went out for you guessed it Chinese food. We would've changed our plans at that point, to avoid some kind of bolt from above, but we were meeting friends. We're sitting there in uncomfortable silence. I pick at my fried noodles, not really enthusiastic while my friends crack up about some joke. How can they laugh at a time like this? When the whole universe is against you, it's hard to be cheerful. I stare down at my plate, and then realize that my placemat has, of course, a Chinese zodiac on it. I look, figuring I can confirm the disaster and then choke on an eggroll or something. But as I read I start to grin. I poke Jane and she reads it, too. Then we're both giggling like schoolkids. Our friends look at us like we're nuts, but we don't bother to explain. This particular copy of the zodiac says that Jane is a Dragon. Apparently there are different versions of the zodiac, and they vary by as much as a week. We decided, then and there, that this was our reference. Saved, by a cheesy paper placemat. Who would've thought? Until next time, —Groom Bob A note from Groomstand: Who is Groom Bob? We received this note from 'Bob' last week. Hopefully the lessons he learns about groomsmen gifts, ettiquette and yes, the Chinese zodiac, can help you out, too. Stay tuned.

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181 Things To Do Before You Get Married

Are you having enough trouble just remembering to get your groomsmen gifts? Well it turns out that before you make it to the altar, you have a much longer list of things to accomplish than just that. We asked everyone from single guys to married women for their advice on what to do before you get married, and compiled an exhaustive list of everything that needs to happen before you tie the knot. Get ready, guys! Before you start checking off this list, shop for personalized groomsmen gifts at https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand Get your finances in order Have a bachelor party Buy new underwear Go to Las Vegas Buy a house Travel to Europe Get a prenup See her without makeup Take a good long look at why you are getting married and be able to know why Make sure you're financially ready- SAVE, SAVE, SAVE Throw away all traces of past relationships Get premarital counseling. Reassure friends that they will remain important and spend time with them Pick at least one planning task and be involved and enthusiastic Make sure you have a decent job. Make sure you have a place for both of you to live that will be big enough. If you haven't already, a guy might want to get going to a strip club out of his system in case the wife doesn't approve. If you're sexually a bit curious, visit a gay bar to check out those feelings before taking the plunge. Do something really, really nice for the future mother-in-law. Call it "insurance." Get in shape Plan and pay for an adventurous honeymoon Get plastered and then sleep as late as you want. Fart whenever and where ever you want without being jabbed in the rib cage. Have as much sex as possible, before the wedding band cuts off circulation. Lock out all the channels on the cable service that do not have sports on them. 1 more night out with the guys. Get a hooker Get rid of all your porn Order and pay for all the tuxes Discuss money with your spouse Get a marriage license Decide where you will live Plan a wedding Get a gift registry Insure the wedding rings. Find a location for the ceremony and the reception. Do a cake tasting. Make sure she's the one Relax! Get acquainted with your bride's parents and friends Tell her all the truth about your past relationships and your health /if you have any health problems. Go on a road trip Clean out the basement. Get rid of all old girlfriend pictures. Buy all new underwear. Evaluate life plans and goals/future plans Go away for a weekend by yourself for your last real alone time. Define the chores and who does what Seriously diet. Pick out your tux Make a list of people to send announcements to so you aren't hitting your head or apologizing to those you forgot after the wedding Call your mom. Send out invitations Order alcohol for reception Get horribly drunk on your stag night. Rethink if you really want to get married Have your hotel reservation done for the wedding night Decide what type of birth control you are going to use before the wedding night Pick a best man. Go over health insurance information, legal papers and will. Buy a wedding ring Choose a best man Pay off as much credit card debt and student loans as possible. Become well liked by her family and friends. Hang out with your boys Talk about kids. Talk about future finances. Talk about family Go diving Go Skydiving Go SCUBA diving Have a wild time out on the town without your spouse to be. Begin pulling away from the friends you tend to spend most of your time with because you will need the additional time with your new spouse for a healthy solid marriage. Start thinking like a married person. Singles can be very self-centered because they are used to living by themselves, eating by themselves, choosing what they want to watch on TV, and when they want to go to bed. Marriage means you will need to take into consideration the other person's wants, desires and needs. So you might as well start practicing early. Rehearse proposal Clean the diamond Cook dinner for the future in-laws. Do something ridiculous like skydive or bungee jump. 79. Have sex with 50 other girls Find the one woman in your life that meant the most to you before you started dating your future wife, and make sure you're not still in love or have any "special feelings" Find out if your fiancee has any debt that you may be inheriting by marrying her. Find out if she is on any medication for a mental illness or has ever been hospitalized for a mental disorder. Listen to everyone if they are all saying you should not marry this woman even if you have already sent out invitations and made other financial commitments. Go on a camping trip with your prospective bride, one without electricity or water, and in a location where cell phones don't work, then see how well you get along. Revisit all of the sports you like to personally do, or watch and see if she minds you playing or watching them. Write a list with her about pros and cons of marriage and see how you two match up. Enjoy your life... Figure out what your fiance wants to do before that time and help her. Meet with the officiant Have a fling Buy a special wedding day gift for your new spouse Purchase a tux; you'll love owning one and the rentals are universally awful and ill-fitting. Establish whether and when you will have children. Hang out with your single friends. Remember to ask permission from the in-laws if you didn't do it before. Find a caterer Prepare your vows. Go on a week long bender Buy a motorbike Discuss future career, education, and moving plans Get life insurance Make sure you're going to live in another town as the in-laws Tell all the other girls you're seeing it's over...at least for some time Make all your ex-girlfriends jealous Kill your soon-to-be mother-in-law Experience a threesome Travel to Australian Outback Buy your dream item (ie: a Hummer) Tell your families and friends that you got engaged Dating Kissing Flirt with others Have sex with another woman. Travel somewhere without the future wife. Discuss religion of kids w/ future spouse, if relevant Discuss who will be paying for wedding, if relevant Make sure that ALL of your previous relationships have closure so that none of your former girlfriends come back to haunt you later. Make sure that you're okay being with this same woman for the rest of your life...even when she begins looking like her mom! Open an account in a Cayman Island bank and stash a good percentage of your net worth there (and continue to do so even after your married). Watch as much football as you can...you know you ain't going to once she owns "half" the remote. Do all those activities your future partner loathes, in excess Be a slovenly selfish pig in your own home, because it will never be acceptable to be so gross ever again! Start a joint checking account Experience any sexual fantasies you may have Return ring and be forced to buy the "right" ring. Listen to everything she tells you about the wedding arrangements, else, no wedding. Have a one on one talk with her parents. Make sure you're sexually compatible before dedicating the rest of your life to her. Prepare a speech... don't wing it. Agree that you will be combining your finances when you are married - the number one cause of divorce in North America is money fights and money problems. Don't get caught up in how expensive and extravagant your wedding has to be - smaller weddings are much easier and often less stressful! Identify any relationship problems before you get married - remember, you have to live with this person for many years to come! Sure, counseling may help, but it's better if you really have a healthy relationship. Get the haircut you always wanted. Take a crash course on how to do house cleaning. Inform your buddies not to prank call your phone number while drunk in the early morning anymore. Select your groomsmen. See at least one more naked woman (see nothing else). Give her your list of wedding invitees immediately and don't add or subtract from it - ever. Talk to married friends about their experiences - find out what to expect in marriage. Keep focused on each other so that you keep your sanity Go to financial counseling together Set a monthly budget Live together to try it out Buy your groomsmen gifts Have a relationship fail and learn why Start a savings account Embark on a difficult project together Listen for problem signs (ie. friends saying that she's not right, family, etc) Visit New York City Snowboard the Alps Play all the video games you own again, because you won't get to again. Make sure your rings fit each other BEFORE going to the altar Pay off the ring. Think once Think twice Think thrice Buy yourself something that's as expensive as that damn engagement ring was. It'll be your last chance! Change your cell phone number so ex-girlfriends don't call you. Visit far off relatives and personally invite them to the wedding. Go by yourself to the movies. Dance with a stranger. Hire a wedding planner. Go out on dates--it's important during this stressful time! Play golf. Buy a large supply of condoms Pick out which of your things you're willing to get rid of and which you've got to keep. It's a partnership, you won't get to keep everything she hates, but if you're smart, you don't have to get rid of all of it. Make peace with an old girlfriend Practice taking care of a baby for a day Make sure you have your own place... NO ROOMMATES!! Move out of your parent's house. Save $1500 for a rainy day. Find out how the other person deals with having a bad day. Get a lap dance Keep your bride sane during the wedding planning. These things make people nuts, be a rock. Book flowers to be delivered for the day of the wedding to your bride to be Clean up your wardrobe and your life to make place for her Approve the cake for the wedding Spend an entire day on the couch in your pajamas. Call an ex-girlfriend - to remind you of all of your faults, so you can improve on them. Come to the realization that no matter how much you improve - it is never enough. Prepare papers for divorce.

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Gifts for No-Shave November

Shaving kits as groomsmen gifts? Not this month! Today is November 1st, which marks the heralded beginning of a hallowed new man tradition: No-Shave November-or, as the Australians call it, "Mo-vember."* Quite simply, this month means that men everywhere (and a few brave women) will spare the razor in order to grow the longest, burliest facial hair they can to celebrate the incoming winter chill. So, since lather-worthy groomsmen gifts are out of the question, what choices does that leave? Now that your men are growing the full 'stache, maybe groomsmen gifts to make them look a little more Fabio than Fu Manchu are in order. Clearly, the Romance CoverBoy proves girls dig guys with hair, just as long as the rest of them is sweet and sensitive. Of course, your friends also aren't either of those things, but why not help them fake it with a dashing pair of cufflinks as groomsmen gifts? Think about it: every time your guy tries to call attention to his full beard by stroking his chain, these blinging groomsmen gifts will shoot off a distinguished sparkle, adding beauty to your otherwise beastly buddy. But if you want groomsmen gifts to truly embrace your boys' burly status rather than beatify it, nothing goes together better than chin hair and camping trips. Without having to worry about freezing your faces off, you and your buddies can enjoy a fun-filled night of drinking and catching up under the stars, next to a fire you built yourself. Even cavemen didn't have it this good! (Psst, that's because they didn't get these Swiss army knives to play Survivor with. Spring for some multifunctional knives as groomsmen gifts and watch your friends bearded faces light up as you pass them out around the campfire.) Football season themed groomsmen gifts also make a great pick for full-bearded friends. Now that you don't have to worry about wearing a ski mask to keep warm, tailgating, pub crawling, and cheering in the stands becomes a lot more enjoyable. Help your pals stay even warmer by passing out these slick flasks as groomsmen gifts. Score! Last but not least, No-Shave November just wouldn't be the same without a bunch of crazy pictures to commemorate it. Whether your friends look more swarthy Cheech and Chong or full-throttle Rumplestiltskin, pictures and prizes for beard length, bushiness and most innovative design are a must. Give some < a href=" https://branddepot.com/collections/groomstand"> picture frames as groomsmen gifts to save the memories of this male-bonding event- before she comes in December 1st armed with a mach 3 and extra-strength shaving cream. Gulp. *In Australia, "mo" is slang for mustache!

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How To Deal With Groomsmen Who Hate The Bride

One of the most frustrating things a groom like you might have to deal with in your life is a best friend or good buddy that doesn't like your girlfriend. That's understandable, of course - girls come and go, but you'll always have your friends, right? That's all well and good right up until the time you decide to get married to the woman that one or more of your buddies just never quite clicked with, or maybe even openly dislikes. This puts you in the awkward position of refereeing between them, or even constantly defending one to the other. Frankly, though, your buddy is just going to have to deal. This is one time when it's not a competition; he can't win this one, because you're not going to marry him. Even if he's reluctant to say exactly why he dislikes your future wife, that's information you need to get out of him. The reason could be anything from a remark she made that he didn't like, to an argument they had, the way he thinks she treats you, or the simple fear that he won't see you as much after you get married. Once you've isolated the problem, talk to him about it. You don't have to have a big dramatic sit-down chat or anything, but next time you're out having a beer, buy a round and bring it up. Ask what he needs in order to help this wedding go smoothly; bribe with groomsmen gifts if you have to. Maybe she can get into his good graces by introducing him to one of her pretty bridesmaids, or just having a conversation with him herself - after all, there's nothing quite as reassuring as her telling him straight up that you'll still get your poker nights and you can still come over to watch the game. Sure, we don't like to admit that we're insecure about stuff like that, but sometimes a guy just needs to know his buddies will still be around, and it's an understandable fear that marriage might change that. You should have a chat with the future wife, too - don't ask her to change (just don't), but if there's something in particular that your wife does that offends your groomsman, let her know. Use your best judgment on this one, of course. If she makes catty remarks about your buddy's clothes or girlfriend, it's within reason to ask her to cool it down when he's around so as not to be rude. If it's something like that your groomsman can't stand her annoying laugh, though, keep it to yourself. Your goal is make peace, not encourage more fighting. If you've got the time and the willingness to tackle the potentially sitcom-y situation of making them bond with each other over a shared interest, it wouldn't hurt to try. If they just spend some time hanging out, maybe they'll find out that they really can like each other! Hey, it works in the movies. Just make sure it doesn't work too well - poker nights with your best buddy and the Mrs. might get a little awkward.

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The Accessories Your Groomsmen Need Right Now

Still racking your brain on what gifts to get for your groomsmen? Keep it simple and get them gifts they can use, whether for your wedding or in your everyday life. Ideal for groomsmen in transition, useful accessories will be appreciated much more than anything that's just going to sit on an end table or take up space when he's trying to move to a new place. Check out these suggestions for the best accessories to give your groomsmen. Cufflinks: Come on, every guy needs a good pair of cufflinks. If you get him a nice monogrammed pair now, you'll be saving him any future confusion when he has to go out and buy some for himself (where do you buy cufflinks anyway, if not online?), plus he'll get extra points for the sophisticate factor of having cufflinks with his initials. Cufflinks and maybe a nice watch are all the jewelry a guy ever needs, so get your groomsmen each a pair and guarantee that they'll look great on your wedding day and on every formal occasion they get dragged to thereafter. A Nice Wallet: He could keep carrying the same battered wallet that he has since he was thirteen, but why not give him a nice new one that he can use for the next decade or so? A wallet is one of those accessories that's eternally manly and so always an acceptable gift, plus it's something they can carry with them all the time (so make sure it's a good one). A Business Card Case: There's just something infinitely cool about having a case for business cards, and it makes any guy who whips one out automatically that much classier. If your groomsmen are businessmen or on the fast track there, ease them into the executive world with gifts of monogrammed business card cases for all them. A Personalized Money Clip: Is a wallet still a little too much responsibility? Vagabond groomsmen will benefit from a money clip to hold their cash together - at least it looks better than a crumpled handful of bills pulled from a jeans pocket. A Pocket Watch: Okay, this one is sort of a last resort when you're at a total loss as to what to get your groomsman. There's a certain type of guy that could get a kick out of a pocket watch, and you might just know him. Don't waste your time and his trying to pass off bar signs or lewd t-shirts as good gifts; go for the big guns and spring for the pocket watch. You know he'll carry it, even if no one else you know will.

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Proper Care of Cigars and Humidors as Groomsmen Gifts

So you've gotten a box of good cigars for you and your boys to enjoy at the bachelor party; now what? Unlike other indulgences, you have to go a little farther if you want to take proper care of your cigar collection, whether you're a longtime aficionado or it's the first cigar you've ever had. Keeping good care of cigars is slightly more complicated than "place bottle of expensive liquor on shelf; admire." Whether your groomsmen are casual enjoyers of the occasional stogie or dedicated cigar aficionados, you can be a part of the long tradition of cigar appreciation by giving them humidors as groomsmen gifts. But why give humidors? Well, cigars are hygroscopic, which means they dry out in a dry climate and absorb moisture in a more humid one. Each cigar will do this until their moisture content equals that of the ambient climate around them, which is why the forced climate of a humidor is necessary to preserve a cigar's taste. The ideal storage temperature for cigars is 68 degrees Fahrenheit with 70% humidity, roughly equivalent to the Caribbean climate from which cigars often originate, so unless you're getting your guys tickets to Cuba as groomsmen gifts, you'll want to deliver your cigars with humidors to ensure they keep properly. Since those Caribbean conditions are difficult to replicate at home (and the lady of the house may not take too well to it), the easiest solution is simply to pick up a fine humidor or two to keep your cigars in the absolute best condition. If your groomsmen are true aficionados, they probably already know this, and they'll be impressed you know it too, especially when they receive their groomsmen gifts. If you're feeling particularly generous, deliver the humidors well-stocked with Cuba's finest. The best humidors are crafted of top-quality mahogany and lined with Spanish cedar. However, if you're just starting out with your cigar collection, or introducing your groomsmen to cigars, you don't need to go all out by spending $300+ on a top-of-the-line humidor. For quality that holds up well and gets the job done, try giving groomsmen gifts of any humidor from this selection. Whether your groomsmen end up becoming cigar aficionados or simply smoke them and move on, they'll be able to happily keep these personalized humidors around for awhile. With classic vintage designs on each, they'll make a fine addition to the house, whether they're kept in the office, living room, or on the dresser to catch spare change or cufflinks. Personalized groomsmen gifts are a perfect way to show your thanks and still keep the gift useful and interesting - you can even match the humidor to each guy's interest, whether that's racing, poker, or a fine Guinness. You don't even need to wrap these up, so long as you add a few cigars inside as bonus groomsmen gifts. Now just get your guys together and smoke 'em if you got 'em!

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Great Books to give as Gifts

Great Books to give as GiftsEven the flashiest groomsmen gifts can't compare to the appeal of a truly good book. Help your friends prepare for the wedding party tasks ahead by giving these groom-themed books as groomsmen gifts. Canada War Grooms and the Girls Who Stole Their Hearts by Judy Kozar.Need morale-boosting groomsmen gifts? It won't be long before your guys realize the wedding planning process is pretty much akin to war. Lines will be drawn. Sides will be chosen. And your groomsmen, the all-important troops, will act as crucial allies during this time of need. On that note, why not get them battle-ready with this interesting World-War II- era courtship tale as groomsmen gifts? From harsh winters to brutal training in the Canadian wilderness, these books will help cultivate the "men" in your groomsmen. The Playboy Guide to Bachelor Parties: Everything You Need to Know About Planning the Groom's Rite of Passage-From Simple to Sinful by James Oliver CuryIf you don't want to end up in the same deadbeat bar playing darts, these groomsmen gifts make great hints for impending bachelor parties. According to Barnes and Noble, "The Playboy Guide to Bachelor Parties makes a great gift for any man, whether he's planning a traditional raunchy boozefest or a more civilized affair of steaks and scotch." From last-minute ideas for the bachelor party procrastinator to cigar cliffs notes, these groomsmen gifts guarantee a classier bachelor party for you while making great coffee table fodder for your guys. Bonus material includes: How to avoid stripper scams and foolproof stories to tell your girlfriend the next day. Project Everlasting: Two Bachelors Discover the Secrets of America's Greatest Marriages by Mathew Boggs, Jason MillerNeed groomsmen gifts for the guys who have given up on love? This tale of two bachelors who travel the nation in an RV interviewing couples about lasting love is enough to make any cynic think twice. From hurricane-torn New Orleans to the jaded skyscraper city of Manhattan, these two men embark on a 12,000 mile journey and interview over 200 couples on what makes a relationship last. These eye-opening books may be the greatest groomsmen gifts you can give to get your men in the marriage mood. How to Be the Almost* Perfect Husband, Compiled by J.S. Salt And once they are in the mood for love, these gentle primers on almost-perfect courtship make ideal groomsmen gifts to push your guys in the right direction. The truth is, they are probably envious of your impending marital bliss, but just don't know to take the first step toward some knot-tying of their own. This book, full of specific suggestions and small things any guy could do, make love feel suddenly do-able. What could be greater groomsmen gifts than that!?

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The Perfect Shave For Any Groomsmen

A wedding day is a flurry of preparation. Bridesmaids rush to pedicures, manicures and facials, while the bride and groom may indulge in last minute pampering like massages or acupuncture. And the groomsmen? The groomsmen shine their shoes, splash on cologne, shine their shoes... While it may seem like groomsmen, ironically, do the least grooming rituals of any wedding party member, there is one thing groomsmen can do that makes a big statement on the wedding day, and you can make it easier with fine groomsmen gifts. It's the ritual that separates the rogue from the gentlemen, the debonair from the derelict, and the man from the boy. It's a way of paying respect to an occasion by taking proper care to look presentable. We're talking, of course, about shaving. But not just any shave will do for an occasion such as this. We're talking about the perfect shave. As shaving is arguably the most transforming grooming ritual a man can undergo, it is strange what a laissez faire attitude many men take toward shaving. While that disheveled look may get you by in the day to day, for your friend's wedding day, a groomsmen must have nothing less than a perfect clean shave, to be recorded in posterity in wedding pictures and to complement the uniformity of the wedding party. In other words, a bar of soap and a dull razor just won't do! On the contrary, to achieve a perfect shave, quality shaving products are key. For top-of-the-line quality, try products from The Art of Shaving, whose brochure says their products are "designed specifically for men who are looking for a close and comfortable shave." Also, The Art of Shaving's hypoallergenic tools are made from botanical ingredients, for a shave that's neither irritating to the environment nor your epidermis. Tip: If you're a shaving novice, the non-intimidating The Art of Shaving starter kit is a great beginning, and it's great as groomsmen gifts for your scruffier buddies. But products are only part of the perfect shaving formula. The process is important too! To achieve a perfect shave, begin by ordering your steps. Remember to shave after or during a hot shower and never before. Likewise, always use hot water while shaving in order to soften the hair on your face, open your pores, and cleanse your skin. For a truly perfect shaving primer, use The Art of Shaving's Pre-Shave Oil to prepare the skin and soften the hair follicles. This boosting balm is contained in a compact bottle. No wonder this perfect travel mate was featured in Manhattan Brides' Fall/Winter 2005 "Pack your Bags" section! The next step towards the perfect shave is a rich lather. Products like The Art of Shaving's Shaving Cream or Shaving Soap provide the suds needed for a smooth and clean shave. Unlike foams or gels that contain benzocaine and menthol, these shaving products won't clog pores or cake in your hair follicles. If you're stumped on how to apply our gentlemen's Shaving Soap, just pick up one of our quality Shaving Brushes. This quality brush is made from badger hair and thuja wood, and is guaranteed to boost your lather and soften tough hair follicles. This handy shave stimulator is so popular, it even made Elegant Brides' Fall 2005 "20 Fall Wedding Essentials!" Once you're all lathered up, you're ready to shave! Now's the time to make sure you have a good razor. Art of Shaving's handcrafted razor is our choice for its ergonomic design, lightweight feel, and manageable grasp. This versatile razor can be used with the MACH3 or sensor blades by Gillette. As you begin shaving, be careful not to apply too much pressure on your razor. Shaving should be a soothing and pleasurable experience, and shouldn't induce pain or razor rash. If you see any rash-like symptoms, you are probably pressing too hard. Also, remember to always shave with the grain first (in the direction the hair grows). Shaving against the grain first can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs. For an even smoother shave, lather up again and shave lightly against the grain. If you do accidentally nick yourself, Art of Shaving's Alum Block provides a soothing balm to stop the bleeding. Now that your shave is complete, it is important to moisturize your skin. Both our After Shave Balm and After Shave Gel provide a soothing, restorative sensation to freshly shaved skin. Unlike alcohol-based aftershaves that irritate the skin, our shave gels are alcohol-free and utterly rejuvenating. If ingrown hairs do occur, apply our soothing After Shave Balm before bedtime and post-shaving. And if your skin feels overworked from daily shaving, don't get discouraged! Just apply our invigorating After-Shave Mask! Providing instant relief from shaving woes like razor rash, ingrown hairs, and irritated skin, our After Shave Mask works overtime to boost your skin with rejuvenating nutrients for a complexion that feels fresh, moisturized, and pure. Remember, if you're a novice to the razor: just pick up our all-inclusive shaving set, The Art of Shaving Starter Kit, for yourself and as groomsmen gifts. This set makes shaving an easy four-product process and includes several of the products highlighted here (Pre-Shave Oil, Shaving Cream, Genuine Badger Shaving Brush, and After-Shave Balm) all in one package. Grooms, if you're worried about your guys looking grizzly on the Big Day, our groomsmen shaving starter kit also makes excellent groomsmen gifts. Now that you've got your perfect shave, all you need to do is throw on that groomsmen suit and a splash of your cologne, and you're ready for the big day! With a shave smoother than a Wedding Crasher's pick-up line, there's nothing left to do but honor your buddy and mingle with bridesmaids. Go get 'em groomsmen! Some information provided by: www.theartofshaving.com

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Honeymoon Gift Guide

History shows the honeymoon should be the coup de grace of the entire affair, the spice to the wedding sugar, the icing on the proverbial cake. However, in all the hustle and bustle of the wedding day itself, it is difficult for the bride and groom to engage in decent preparation for the honeymoon. So, why not help the happy couple prepare by purchasing them a honeymoon-themed gift? A grand idea, but maybe not as easy as it sounds. Here in the new millennium, there are a plethora of honeymoons to be had, and each necessitates different kinds of gifts. The Rugged Adventure Honeymoon: For the wedding couple who finds adventure most amorous, equip them for a 'Romancing the Stone' worthy rendezvous with these handy gift gadgets that are also great for groomsmen gifts: Swiss army knife. What rustic trip is complete without a trusty Swiss army knife? Try a classic sterling swirl knife, featuring a blade, nail file with screwdriver tip, and key ring. This handy device will help keep the couple safe and prepared as they engage in their quest for the ultimate honeymoon. Personalize it for a gift both practical and personal. Beer holder. Another basic when venturing out into Mother Nature is beer. To help keep the pair's bond strong, save them future squabbles about whose beer is whose by investing in a beer koozie, a silver plated drink holder that will keep brew cool, conveniently located and, most importantly, upright. This gift measures 3 1/2 x3 to hold all the cold, delicious beer the happy couple could want, and comes in a festive gift box so that you look thoughtful. Drop hints that these make great groomsmen gifts, too. Tool Logic Tool Lite. The happy couple will love this easily packed, all-in-one contraption. This gizmo is credit card thin with a serrated blade, can/bottle opener, flat-head screwdriver, awl, tweezers and toothpick, all easily illuminated by a bright red mini-light. This gift will keep everything looking rosy for the couple with its blend of his- and- her gadgets. Fly Swatter. It's not sexy, but neither is a honeymoon out of Lord of the Flies. This mighty bug squasher is made of Italian bridle leather, culminating at a handmade American Oak handle. This is the kind of practical gift a couple doesn't want to think about when they're planning a romantic holiday, but the kind they will definitely thank you for when they get home, tanned, toned, and bug-bite free. This present can be engraved and attached to a leather lanyard for easy lugging. Zippo Black Ice Lighter. Add a touch of class to your camping extravaganza with the Zippo lighter. Ideal for lighting fireplaces, candles, grills and campfires, and great as groomsmen gifts, too, this lighter lets the happy couple concentrate on creating their own sparks. Best of all, much like the blissful state of matrimony, the Zippo comes with a lifetime guarantee. The Romantic Resort Honeymoon: For the couple that desires a traditional surf-and-turf luxury laden occasion, aid their enjoyment with these decadent gifts: Engraved Cufflinks. Help your buddy sweep his bride off her feet with a touch of old-world class. Cufflinks come in many varieties to add elegance, while still giving you a chance to show your friend how well you know him by picking a pair that's distinctly him. Gently curved and sealed with swivel back closures, these cufflinks won't fall off or get lost. This way, even if all he packed for the honeymoon was three of the same button down shirt, he'll still be able to add a touch of taste that will surely put a sparkle in his new bride's eye. Watch out before giving these, though - you might also receive them as groomsmen gifts. Mach 3 Shaving gift set. Now you're starting to get the idea. A honeymoon is, by definition, a close and personal encounter. Let your pal shave like our grandfathers used to with a genuine badger brush and enjoy the closest shave you've had in years. Personalized putter. For a relaxing day on the golf course, there's nothing to make a man feel more like a pro than bringing his own equipment. Give the groom a personalized putter hand crafted in the St. Andrews tradition, incorporating a hickory shaft and a black zinc alloy head. Perfect for a day on the greens or just puttering around the office, this engraved equipment is a gift that will help the groom say, "I came to play." Bonus points for purchasing him coordinating leather can caddy. The Honeymoon-on-Hiatus: In the modern era of high wedding costs and busy work schedules, many couples are choosing to forgo the honeymoon or postpone to a later date. If practicality has you procrastinating on a get-away, buy the groom some gifts designed to help lessen return-to-work resentment. Card Carrier. No honeymoon nooky could have your buddy feeling blue, so brighten him up with major networking opportunities. A spiffy new card carrier could give the groom the confidence to go out there and channel his post-wedding happiness by making new business contacts. Try a brown cowhide card case with convenient pull up tab to contain twenty new cards. In case you didn't do the math, twenty new cards equals twenty new business contacts, which could make your honeymoon not only later, but that much greater. Leather mouse pad. Spruce up his software with a new leather mouse pad. Made from Italian bridle with stitched edging, the pad contains an oval plate that can be personalized. This classy accent oozes power to help your friend retain his 'man of the hour' mindset, and remind him that even in the office, he has people that care about him. Desk Box. A good groomsman knows that guys get nostalgic too, and that's how we earn the great groomsmen gifts. When your buddy gets down over his postponed trip to paradise, remind him that he's already got passion in his life right here at home with a solid pewter desk box. This round box is built to hold business supplies, personal effects, and maybe that sentimental wedding photo or trinket that he wants to keep close but not necessarily visible. This desk box will hold just the pick-me-up he needs to feel great about his relationship. Personalized Silver Ballpoint. An elegant pen is a sign of a great man, whether its used to seal the deal on a major business merger, or just to doodle his new wife's name when he's stuck in a boring meeting (If you think men are incapable of this kind of sentimentality, see item three). A stylish modernized pen with a twist mechanism will give him a lift as he anticipates his honeymoon to come. Get it engraved for that extra special touch. No matter what the couple's honeymoon style, they will appreciate the thought you put in to aiding them in a vacation to remember, and it's a great way to say thanks for the groomsmen gifts. Good luck!

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28 Wedding Photos We Like

Finding the right photographer can be scary. Here are 28 shots we like, from the fun to the artistic to the downright weird. All photos link to the photographers' Flickr pages, so you can contact them directly: Great Shots Just fantastic wedding photos: Vintage Shots Wedding Rides Wedding Cake Toppers The Unique and Unusual Cool rituals from weddings around the world, and other unexpected stuff:

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Gifts For Guys On The Go

Groomsmen gifts shopping for busy executives can be rough - what can you get them that won't end up on a dusty table in the house they're barely in? If you're finding that one or two of your groomsmen are barely finding the time to touch down between flights and attend your wedding, aim for groomsmen gifts they can take in-flight or just easily keep with them as they travel. More than any other on-board basics, traveling groomsmen need to be able to get through the gates with ease and then quickly identify their luggage when they're waiting around the carousel, so if they don't already have them, give groomsmen gifts of the Rawlings Luggage Tag to make their nondescript black bag stand out, or the No. 1 Passport Case so they can get through borders with class. Are they already well-equipped with the traveling basics? Upgrade their boring bags with accessories in Rawlings glove leather, like this Classic Travel Kit. Groomsmen gifts of things guys already have, only better, are always welcome, right? Similarly, if he's still letting his iPod knock around unprotected in his briefcase or he's stuffing it into a sleeve, offer up groomsmen gifts of the Personalized iPod Holder. It's sleek, good-looking, and completely necessary - after all, what businessman travels without an iPod these days? For the guy who never travels alone (or who just makes friends everywhere he goes), offer up groomsmen gifts of a Personalized Leather Zip Around Poker Case. A guy has to pass the long hours in business class somehow, and why not do it by gambling away their fortunes on poker? A fortune in airline peanuts, anyway.

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Sex, Drugs, and Groomsmen Gifts

Groomsmen gifts are one of the most difficult parts of wedding planning, as groom Mark Pearson quickly found. Like many men, he wanted groomsmen gifts that were unique, memorable and just a touch wild. To fit this criteria, many men choose shot glass chess or BB guns. Mr. Pearson however, selected absinthe as his groomsmen gifts of choice. Hmm. They must have been all out of chess sets... Anyway, Pearson's mind was made up and he embarked on a mission to procure this elusive substance for his mates. But how to acquire groomsmen gifts that have been banned in most countries since the 1900s? Though the process did seem daunting, the desire for his groomsmen to see the famous green fairy was just too strong, and Pearson resolved to have these hallucinatory groomsmen gifts shipped over from Germany. Talk about dedication! Less than two weeks later and just shy of $200, his forbidden groomsmen gifts arrived on his doorstep. We would love to be a fly on the wall in that bachelor party! Though this may seem like a rather unconventional choice for groomsmen gifts, we have to admit absinthe does have some of the qualities GroomStand looks for when grading potential choices. For one thing, it comes in a variety. For another thing, it involves a ceremony, like Sake or cigars (the French style of serving absinthe includes adding water over a cube of sugar on a slotted spoon into a glass of water). Next off, (and perhaps most importantly) it's something neither the groom nor the groomsmen will ever be able to get away with after they are married. And lastly, Pearson of course hoped purchasing such an exotic elixir would help his groomsmen score with curious bridesmaids. However, despite the thought that went into these groomsmen gifts, Pearson reported that the results were a bit disappointing. At the arranged sampling party, the groom and his groomsmen tried out the varieties of this hard-won vice. Though the bachelors reported being very buzzed off the black-licorice tasting substance, they were disappointed at the absence of green fairies, and found that absinthe leaves a hangover every bit as nasty as your average tequila bender. Better luck next time boys! But if you're looking for great groomsmen gifts, you've come to the right place...

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