One of the reasons some people stop blogging is because they run out of new blog ideas — that’s not my case. Usually, I can think of several new blog ideas, but for some reason…  I’m still not blogging!  So I had a conversation with myself, and here are the top 5 reasons that why I  stopped blogging, along with a few for why I might start again.

Reason No 1.  Blogging is time consuming.

In my head, I can write a blog post in ten minutes.  In reality, it’s a good hour. By the time, I write it, review it, edit it and make sure it reads well so readers don’t think I’m a dumbass, I’ve invested a good hour or two. Now I realize that all bloggers start off this way and it gets easier over time.

Reason No 2.  I have no technical skill.

My computers skills are limited to twitter and Word. Blogs need maintenance, coding and a basic understanding of some tech stuff. Plus, I want my blog to look pretty and be cool. So, despite being able to tweet like a mofo,  I don’t possess any technical skills.  That means that every time I hit a roadblock I would have to either google it, call someone for help and usually pay for that help. Now I realize that  just like everything else that’s new to you, there is a learning curve and most bloggers go through the same thing.

Reason No 3.   Blogging costs money.

Sure, the space of the internet may be free but as you can tell from reason No. 1 and 2, there’s other stuff to consider.  Not to mention, that despite of all the blog success stories that I’ve heard, my blog hasn’t generated a penny. Its true, I gave myself a little test, 60 days to make $1 with my blog and guess what… NADA! And, even though I never intended for my blog to be a money maker, a penny for my effort would be nice.  Now, I realize that a only a handful of blogs make more than a penny.

Reason No 4. My blog only has a few comments.

So, I’m not feeling the blog love.  Each week, sometimes a few times a week, I painstakingly work on blog post and no one commented. Not only is it discouraging, it made me wonder… Am I not popular, Is anyone reading blog or worse … Am I boring? Now I realize that just because there are few comments on my blog, it’s still being shared on other social media platforms.

Reason No 5.  I bought a horse.

During warm weather,  most of my spare time is spent on my horse or learning how to stay on my horse. Now, I realize that while its winter, freezing cold and muddy at the stable, I have more time to write.

So there you have it, my reasons for why I stopped blogging, along with a few reasons why I should blog.

Even though things aren’t quite perfect, I still think blogging is a great way to express  my thoughts and connect with other people. So I might start blogging again but I’m going to need your help.

If there is something you want me to write about, let me know.  If you like something I wrote about … leave a comment. That way I’ll know you’re out there. You can also use the tweet button, share buttons, send me a message or tweet me @robinwalker.

Has a similar thing happened to you? Do you blog or normally leave comments on a blog? Am I the only one wrestling with my blog?

Post from: Men Image

The 5 Reasons I stopped blogging (and why I might start again)

The good folks at Phillips Norelco asked me to test out their latest electric razor, the Norelco SensoTouch 3D.  My first thought was “Sure, I love reviewing mens products  – both on myself AND on men.”

The first order of business was to find an easily accessible man who hates to shave. That wasn’t too difficult – I live with one. The second order of business was to bribe him into shaving.  That was easy too, in part because the SensoTouch 3D razor looks like a really cool high tech gadget and because of this, it negated me having to perform sexual favors in exchange for data.

After a quick charge, I followed my husband closely and intently into the bathroom to perform the dirty deed.

Results:  A smooth, easy, close shave. My husband liked the way he looked and I liked the way he felt.

The big kudos for the SensoTouch is it’s wet/dry technology, followed by it’s three floating heads and built in trimmer.

Being able to use a foam or a gel with an electric razor makes all the difference in the world for someone who really hates to shave and for you ‘sensitive’ types.  My husband experienced no irritation at all.  The floating head makes for a thorough shave and the built in trimmer simplifies the finish.

Here’s a few other observations worth mentioning:

It’s a complete system. It arrived in a big box and there are a few accessories like the jet cleaning system. The jet cleaning system is a little bulky for the counter but luckily, its something you need to use every time so put it under the sink and use the stand for every day. Also, its really easy to clean, even without the system.

Skip the big ass instruction booklet. Or just read it at your leisure, instead go straight to the Quick Set Up Guide.

The charge is sweet. We took it on vacation for 3 weeks and the husband shaved three times a week and it never needed recharging.

Its waterproof. Use it anywhere, including the shower, the handle has a nice grip on it and its not going to slip.

It’s a little pricey. That being said, consider purchasing it as a present for yourself.  You’ll like the shaving results and she’ll like not seeing him not look like a bum. Or ladies, just by it for your man.

Bottom line: If RoboCop had a razor, it would be the Norelco SensoTouch 3D . Its effective, easy to use, has some cool features and worth the few extra dollars for a high tech shaving experience.

Interested? Check it out the Norelco SensoTouch here and use this link.  I need the shoe money!

And if you’re wondering if I used it too – YES, I did!  I won’t tell you where but lets just say I’m not the only woman who uses her husband’s razor… when he’s not looking.

Post from: Men Image

Robin Reviews the Norelco SensoTouch 3D

Ready to start exercising but don’t want to get winded during the warm up or pass out at the gym?

Here’s my sage advice – Start with an exercise class. Picking the right exercise class is the best way to insure that you make it through the hour. Having joined the East Bank Club, I had about a hundred of exercise classes to choose from. That being said, some were great, some I couldn’t wait to end.

Learn from my mistakes and pick your exercise class wisely.

1) Carefully read the entire class description. Words like “power, pump and free weights” are not good words if you are new to exercising. Instead, look for words like “low impact, stretch and breathing.” Since you already do these things, you’re halfway there.

2) Audit the class before you commit. Luckily, at East Bank Club you can monitor most classes through a window and judge the class by who is in it. If you see elderly people, pregnant women, and floor mats, chances are its not going to be too strenuous and it’s a good choice for your first timers.

3) Pick a spot next to the door. This way if you need to bail, you don’t disrupt the entire class.  You can also discretely exercise your way closer to the door and when everyone else turns left, turn right and leave!

4)  Understand how to use the equipment. Understand how to put it on AND take it off. I spent one hour strapped to a stationary bicycle because I wanted to bail but couldn’t get my shoe out of the pedal without interrupting the class.

5) Don’t over do it. It’s important to push yourself during the exercise class but sometimes you won’t feel exactly how much you body could handle until the next day, so go easy.  Avoid pacing yourself with the instructor, she/he is a pro and don’t pace yourself with the people in the front row, they are in front for a reason. Instead, pace yourself with the people in the back of the room.

A few other noteworthy mentions include: bring a water bottle, wear the right workout gear and if you like the class get a little help after class. Ask the instructor for a few pointers so that next time your workout doesn’t end with the warm up.

What’s your advice for a workout newbie?

Post from: Men Image

Workout advice for “newbies”

A reader wants to know:  Should old school men lose the handkerchief, or only pull them out in private?

Answer: Thanks for the question. First, let me just say it doesn’t matter what you use, you should try to avoid blowing your nose in front and/or facing other people. 

Sneezing is natural, but for your images sake its best to blow in private. You don’t want you to be associated with flying snot particles or The Cooties. And, yes, that’s exactly what they will be thinking while you let ‘er rip.

From a business perspective, I’m concerned nobody will want to shake your hand, use your pen or touch the contract you are handing them to sign.  Now, let’s get to what you’re going to blow with.

Short and sweet:  Blow ‘er with something that’s disposable!

Seriously, no one wants to even think about you stuffing a snotty rag back in your pocket, especially if you just handed them a business card!

As an FYI, originally a hankerchief was not meant to be snot catcher. They’ve had multi meanings throughout the years ranging from a signal and eventually evolving into a fashion accessory

Question?…Ask Robin

Post from: Men Image

Ask Robin: To Blow or Not to Blow

I don’t want to be a downer but most people judge a book by its cover.  If the cover is unappealing,  our first impression is that the book is too. So before you put that on … KNOW that you will be judged!

So, if we agree that first impressions matter, then you can understand why I’m always amazed when someone says “I don’t want to be judged by what I wear,”  — uh, WTF, who does?

But in real life, just because you don’t want to, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

Having been on “bended knee” working with some very successful men, I can tell you, a lot of successful men dressed the part long before they had it. They knew the importance of first impressions and went out of their way to make one. And, more often than not , they had some help. Someone, somewhere gave them some tips on style.

Power brokers know that every time they appear in public, they need to be dressed for success because their image is part of their reputation and personal brand.

Now what does this have to do with you?   Everything, because anyone who is resourceful and looking for an edge, can create a powerful first impression starting with wearing the right clothes!

So before you put that on, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself so that you make a great first impression by being dressed for success … ask yourself:

1)      Do I look better than my competitors?

2)      Do I look successful at what I do?

3)      Do I look credible, competent and charismatic?

4)      Do I look like I believe in myself enough to invest in myself?

5)      Do I look like I pay attention to detail?

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, here’s a style tip … change your clothes  because your clothes are your cover and the first impression of your content!

Post from: Men Image

How to Make a Great First Impression

Ever wake up thinking “where the heck is my mojo?” If so, you’re not the only one. Between work, wife and kids, its easy to forget where you left it. Fortunately, the loss is usually temporary,  I help men find it all the time.  Here’s a few ways to trigger your memory and get your mojo working again.

Step 1: Dress up a little. The easiest compliment to get is one on how you look and clothes are easy to change. Creatively come up with a new shirt and tie combination or wear something that you know looks good on you.

Step 2: Buy yourself something new. New clothes can renew your energy.

Step 3: Do something that you’re good at. It can be anything and it doesn’t have to be big, you just have to do it well and better than most.

Step 4: Practice “self talk”. Tell yourself something good and mean it. Compliments are good but whenever you can say something about yourself, its even better.

Step 5: Test it! Whether its your wife, girlfriend, a toy or yourself. It’s impossible to keep your mojo working if you don’t give it a test run.

Bottom line is that mojo only works if you remember where it comes from. If you get so busy that you can’t remember where you left your mojo, take a break and give yourself a minute to find it. It’s like riding a bike, once you’ve nailed it, you never really lose it but practice makes better.

Post from: Men Image

5 Easy ways to get your Mojo working

The rules for modern etiquette have understandably changed, but when did “cool” become a substitute for “thank you?”

Recently, I went out of my way to help a stranger. We talked, I advised, they listened, took notes and talked about how they were going to use the information I gave them to make a difference in their interactions with their sales team. I was  pretty proud of my “selfless” moment and delighted to help. But as the conversation winded down, I just knew I was gonna get a big ass “thank you”  but all I got was “cool”.

I felt jipped!

Here’s the bottom line, people are busy; busy at work, busy at home, busy pursuing their interest and developing new ones.  What’s important to you may only be important to YOU. There are very few times throughout the day when someone has the time to do something “extra” BUT if they do, a real heartfelt thank you applies.

If a friend, colleague or even a stranger gives you 1 minute of their life, doing something that benefits you, let them know AND say the words – Thank you!

By the way, Thank you for reading this blog post:)

And if you owe someone a “thank you” you might want to give them a call and say the words!

Post from: Men Image

Etiquette: When Thank You isn’t cool!

Ever wonder how some men still look great three weeks after their last haircut? Or, on the other hand, why some guys look “jacked up” the very next day?

Recently I was a client up his style factor and suggested several barber shops in Chicago.

(For the record,  no suit, shirt or tie can overcome a bad hair style.)

Anyway, one day I was checking in on him to find out how his appointment went with the new barber I recommended. He said he really liked his hair style but he wasn’t sure how to take care of it. So I told him, the reason he couldn’t maintain his hair cut because he didn’t follow my instructions. I specifically said  … When you get home, you need to go in the bathroom and play with it.

Guys, running your hands through your new hair cut will give your “fingers” a memory of your hair style which is impossible to achieve visually. Your hands will tell you what your barber did, how it should feel, how much product he used and where he/she used it – so that you can recreate it.

Want to look better the week following your visit to the barber shop, here’s what to do:

1)      Get product recommendations. Your barber knows what they used on your noggin and they know what you need for daily care.

2)      Find out how to  use it. If you let them know early enough they can show you on the spot how to use it.

3)      Ask your stylist some maintenance questions.

4)      When you get home, immediately go into the bathroom and close the door for 30 minutes and get to know yourself a little better. It’s important to do this before you take a shower and lose the style.

5)      Own and use a hand mirror. You are only one that sees just the front, other people see your entire head!

Gentlemen, I’m sure you’ve probably wondered what we, women are doing when come home from a salon appointment and head for the bathroom. We’re in the mirror checking almost every strand of our hair so we know how to look good everyday!

Next time you get a haircut, follow these simple steps and you’re haircut will look great today, tomorrow and a few weeks after that.

So, go ahead and play with it. You have my permission.

Any other tips for maintaining your style?

Post from: Men Image

Mens Grooming: Learn how to Play with it

I hate playing the age game.  You know… the one when someone says “Guess how old I am?”

Well Wtf, I guessed wrong but in my defense,  his hair style added 10 years to his face!

You know what I mean, you’ve probably seen him … over dyed so that it has a yellow tinge or he’s been wearing the same mens hair style since college because someone said it looked good on him 30 years ago.

I call this the “I can’t let go” hairstyle. Its a tell tale sign that you’re stuck. I see you, you see it, his barber sees it,  unfortunately he doesn’t see it.

Just know that when it comes to mens hair styles, the style you choose is one of the first tell tale signs of age!

Bad hair styles happen to the best of men. You guys look at yourselves everyday and get use to things being a certain way.  But word to the wise, that doesn’t always mean that its good for you.

A man’s hairstyle needs to change every couple of years to stay current.

Sometimes it may be the cut, sometimes it may be the color, sometimes its to adjust for fading features like eyebrows going gray. (not trying to be mean, but its gonna happen)

Little changes can make a big difference and shed years off your face.

A seasoned mens hair stylist once told me that the secret for taking years off your age is to start cutting it close, especially, when it starts to gray and you’re not ready or willing to dye. In other words… the older we get, the more bush we need to whack to maintain our youthful appearance!

Aside from the obvious, like people telling you your hair is outdated, here a couple of ways for you to decide if it’s time to update your hairstyle.

1) You know you haven’t changed your hair style in 3 years.

2) Your body and/or other features have changed.

3) You’re bored with what YOU see  in the mirror.

Image Tip: Change isn’t easy, find a barber you trust and go for it. Yes, it will be traumatic at first, but you’ll get over it after you get your first compliment.

Post from: Men Image

Mens Hair: How old is that Bush?

Lately I’ve been working with quite a few divorced dads interested in kicking it up a notch and start dating in Chicago. Its interesting because there are a lot of place to meet women in Chicago but you gotta look doable!

From where I’m sitting divorced dads should embrace fatherhood and their divorcity because a lot of women are attracted to divorced dads. It’s a sign that you’re not afraid of commitment.

This was the inspiration behind this weeks 15 minute image quickie.

Podcast Title:  How to be a DILF or a DAD I’d like to …

Listen to the podcast and here is the least you need to know.

* Look “doable” by being squeaky clean.  Women like clean.

* Women also like divorced men, just avoid talking about your ex-wife, nothing good can come from it.

* To meet women, you have to attract them to you.  Meeting women in Chicago is easier than you think, if you’re dressing to attract them, they will find you.

* Whether you choose to go with a dating service in Chicago, online or wherever, eventually you’re going to need to wear clothes that look good on you. The idea is to look healthy, interesting and doable.

Here’s a couple of  basics I talk about in the podcast that you want to keep in your closet for date night.

* A few tailored shirts, not dress shirts that you wear to the office but something with color and pattern in them. The better they fit, the better you look.

* A couple of polo shirts. You’re always going to look better in a collar, make sure you wear one when you meet women for the first time.

* A pair of medium colored blue jeans and not the ones you wash the car it.  A pair of date night jeans.

* Kick ass leathers, that’s shoes, belt, watch and wallet.

* Your lifeline… a Jacket and not that ugly navy blue jacket reserved for 80 year olds, something hip, cool with a subtle pattern in a basic color that will work with EVERYTHING you own.

Image Tip: Don’t cheap out, invest in these basics.  If you’re trying to meet women in Chicago or or using a dating service, consider your wardrobe your armor and put some money into it.

Ta-dah! There your go. Now go out there, there’s plenty of opportunities to meet women in Chicago  and attract them your way.

May the force be with you!  Call me if you need a little push!

Post from: Men Image

Podcast: How to be a DILF, Dad I’d like to blank

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