5 Tips for Designing Your Own Man Cave

Three darts in a dart board with a pool game in the background, games room.No matter the size of your home, it’s important to have a space of your own to relax and do what you love best. While the concept behind a man cave is by no means a new one, having a dedicated dude space has certainly gained popularity in recent years. Are you ready to devote a room to the pursuit and enjoyment of your favorite things? These tips will help you plan, create and care for the man cave of your dreams.

Close up shot of foosball table 1. Set Your Man Cave Goals and Decide on a Theme

First things first, what kind of man cave do you want to create? Whether you want to create the perfect gaming hideout or build a DIY workshop, figure out what you want from your man cave. For man cave ideas or inspiration, check sites like Pinterest and scroll through images of other completed man caves to figure out what will work best for you. Your man cave theme should be a reflection of you or something you love, like your favorite sports team, surfing, or a period in history. Your theme will help guide how you decorate, furnish and customize your cave.

Contemporary Leather Recliner and Ottoman with Swiveling Mahogany Wood Base2. Make a Layout and Select Furniture

To really maximize space in your man cave, make a layout. This will help you figure out what you can fit, where your existing furnishings will go and what you’ll still need to buy. Since you’ll likely be spending a great deal of time there, your man cave furniture should be at that perfect intersection of comfortable and functional. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, a well-placed reclining chair is the perfect way to kick up your feet and relax in your man cave. Check out this comfy recliner and ottoman set from Rakuten and get Cash Back at Ebates to add to your decorating budget or beer fund.

Personalized Man Cave Pub Sign3. Make it Yours. Customize!

Now the fun really begins! Adding custom accents and man cave décor is what will really make this space your own. The man cave is a great place to express yourself and find fun pieces that coordinate with your theme. Looking for man cave signs? Get an awesome customized man cave sign like this one from Brookstone.

Bar with Beer Mug and Open SignGo classic man cave and add some neon beer signs like this one from Walmart and earn Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase. Decorating your man cave doesn’t have to happen all at once. Give yourself time to add decorative elements that fit well with your theme and round out the space. Plus, if you take your time, you can take advantage of a man cave sign promo code that might pop up! You can even throw yourself a man cave warming party and the guy gifts and cave décor items will roll in. It can be tough to find gifts for men, but your friends and family will love helping you decorate your man cave if you let them!

Game room snacks, popcorn and drinks4. Refreshments 

Don’t interrupt quality relaxation time in your new man cave by having to constantly run out and get snacks or drinks. Having a dedicated snack stash and some sort of fridge in a man cave is essential.

Compact Refrigerator with Freezer CompartmentKeep an eye out for a promo code on a mini fridge like this great one from Lowe’s that even has a freezer! Plus when you shop online at Lowe’s, you’ll get Cash Back from Ebates and you’ll always have your beverage of choice and ice close at hand.

5. Keep it Fresh

While each man’s cave is intended to be his own private domain, you’re probably going to want to invite your friends in to show off and share your awesome space. That means that you’ll want to keep your man cave looking and smelling crisp. Stock up on fresh smelling man candles to transform your cave from lone wolf hangout to pack-friendly in a flash. Keep an eye out for a man candle promo code and stock up when you get a chance. Make sure your man cave has adequate storage so you can quickly stash away a mess if guests should pop by to say hello. Your friends and family are sure to stop by once they find out about your awesome new space!

Now that your man cave is complete, settle in, get comfortable and do what you love most!

 

 

How to Shave Like a Boss Every Time

perfectshave

You might do it every day but what if you’ve been going about it all wrong? Let’s face it guys, the art of shaving isn’t instinctual. It’s something best perfected with the right tips and the best products for your skin. This is your face, after all. It’s worth a little learning. Any man can master these eight tips on how to shave for perfect results every time.

hot_towel
via Art of Manliness

1. Get steamed up

Take as hot a shower as you can handle or drape a hot towel over your face to get a good steam (here’s a great how-to on creating a barbershop-style hot towel experience at home). This opens your pours and makes your stubble rise to the occasion of getting lopped off to reveal an actual human male beneath the fur.

2. Wash your face

Your normal bar soap will do for this step. The real point is clearing away dirt and grime that would normally get trapped in your pours during a shave. This prevents bumps and blemishes for smooth skin anyone would want to get up close and personal with.

preshave_oil
Sephora, $25

3. Use pre-shave oil

Shaving oil is crucial to avoiding nicks, cuts and the dreaded razor burn. It enables your blade to run smoothly across the skin with minimal pressure needed. Just a dime-sized dab will do every time you shave.

shaving_cream
The Body Shop, $16

4. Brush on shaving cream

Badger brushes are key. They also work to raise your whiskers and evenly apply the shaving cream. Use a wet brush to whip up your cream then apply it in a circular motion. A thin layer of shaving cream is key. This puts minimal distance between your blade and skin for a close shave.

shaving
via Hypebeast

5. Shave with the grain

For the first pass, shave in the direction your hair grows to prevent ingrown hairs. After each swipe, rinse your razor. You want clean contact each time for an even shave.

6. Shave again

This time, it’s OK to go against the grain to make sure you got every last whisker. Just make sure you are extremely gentle.

7. Rinse with cold water

A quick cold water rinse is all you need to clean up and close those pours. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, still keeping in mind that your skin has been through the ringer so be gentle.

8. Balm or toner?

Like we said, shaving is an ordeal for your skin making after care all the more needed. If you tend to have oily skin, use your fingertips to pat on an after-shave toner. For dry skin, rub in an after-shave balm until completely absorbed into the skin.

Do you have any other tips for a great at-home shave? Let us know in the comments below.

 

 

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