LA EVENTS: Ebony Repertory Theatre Celebrates Black History

A Celebration of Black History

A Journey in Four Parts

 

Every SATURDAY in FEBRUARY

February 4    7:30PM – A Celebration of History

February 11   8:00pm – A Celebration of Love

February 18   8:00pm – A Celebration of Men

February 25   8:00pm – A Celebration of Women

Doors open one hour prior to performances

Purchase YOUR Tickets Now!

For tickets and information, contact Ebony Repertory Theatre  http://www.ebonyrep.org/   or 323-964-9766

Ebony Repertory Theatre is located in the

Nate Holden Performing Arts Center

4718 W. Washington Blvd

Los Angeles, CA  90016

 

A Man’s Guide to Pedicures

If your a guys guy like me, then this intro should sound familiar, but bear with me fellas, I attend to do good and keep things manly.

Just the word pedicure gets most us men thinking the wrong way as soon as we hear it. Many men believe that pedicures are strictly a female thing(or gay). Nothing could be further from the truth! A pedicure is simply the care of the feet to avoid complications and to make them look their best. Since we all have feet, pedicures are in no way restricted to only females. Getting a man’s pedicure or,  foot rehabilitation can be extremely beneficial.

This is most likely a major reason that a lot of us guys have problems with our feet, such as ingrown toenails and athletes foot. The majority of us don’t begin to start getting men pedicures until something goes wrong. This behavior is similar to our outlook on visiting the doctor – generally we don’t go until we have to be wheeled in there.

It is best though to prevent problems before they happen. Many problems with the feet reoccur once you get them the first time, which is why it’s so important to keep your feet problem free.

With a pedicure, there are certain things that most men will deem too feminine. All of the regular pedicure steps within the pedicure guide are, for the most part, neutral. The only real areas of concern with a pedicure for men will be the foot soak and polish application steps (please omit the polish steps). It will be necessary to add masculine aspects to these two areas. Refer to the pedicure guide paying attention to these two sections.

More Masculine Foot soak
If you are going to do an at home pedicure, to make foot soaks  more masculine, forego any kinds of petals and bubble bath.  You can add fragrances but make them more neutral or manly.

Some non-toxic aromas favored by males include:

Patchouli (great on athlete’s foot)
Vanilla (great for the skin and hair as well)
Cypress (great for sweaty, oily skin and feet)
Sandalwood (great for the skin and depression)
Ginger (great for aching muscles, poor circulation and arthritis)
Black pepper (great for aching muscles, poor circulation and arthritis)
Vetiver (great for aching muscles, arthritis and sores)

All of these can be purchased in the form of essential oils in flasks. Remember do not apply any oil directly to the skin unless sufficiently diluted. When used in your foot soaks you will only use a small portion so it will be sufficiently diluted. Unless of course you add like a gallon!

Make sure to use all the other ingredients like Epsom salt for that soothing effect. You can still add the milk for the extra exfoliation and deodorizing aspect.

There are so many benefits men can receive from getting regular pedicures. For instance, helping to stop foot odor by removing dead excess skin from the soles and the prevention of ingrown toenail, calluses and corns. Ladies, you can treat that special man in your life to a special men pedicure using these tips to help keep his feet happy, healthy and handsome.

LADIES, here are some steps for you to get your man into the foot salon:

Book him a pedicure at a spa or a salon that encourages male customers to come in and enjoy the benefits of proper nail care. Some spas and salons feature a “men’s night,” where only men are allowed to receive pedicures and manicures for a certain time period. Snacks and beverages may be offered, and some shops may even put a ball game on the television in order to make the atmosphere seem more masculine.

Choose a pedicure at a salon or spa that offers a bit of privacy during grooming procedures. You certainly don’t want to be stuck in a chair by the window by a pedicurist who wants to show the whole world that it’s okay for men to get manicures and pedicures, too.

Visit a pedicurist who may offer other services that promote good foot health care, such as massages, callus removal and treatment for ingrown toenails. Many salons also offer a soothing foot bath or soak before your nails are cut. An experienced manicurist or pedicurist may even offer you helpful advice on how to choose the proper footwear for your feet, or how to regularly exercise your ankles, toes and the arches of your feet.

Purchase a gift certificate from a spa or salon before you book a pedicure. Not only is this an excellent way of exposing the benefits of spa treatments to your male friends and relatives, but it may also alleviate some of the embarrassment for first-time clients who can merely say, “It was a gift.”

Tip accordingly when you book pedicures for men. Your salon or spa technician is spending quite a bit of time with your man’s potentially stinky feet in their face, and a gratuity of a few dollars will certainly be appreciated as well as remembered, especially if and when we come back for another visit.

Take it from me, a pedicure or “foot rehabilitation” is awesome!

-Mr.CEO

Fashion Don’ts (This goes double for BLACK MEN)

Forgive me if I offend or hurt anyone’s feelings, but we need to address, and re-dress a few guys (ages 24 & up), who think what they are wearing is the status quo.

Here are a few, to not do:

Ed Hardy and other blaring labels (This include Phat Farm, Ecko, Roca Wear, and South Pole)

Ed Hardy is a fashion red flag for ladies to run in the opposite direction.  These clothing lines also make quiet clothes that still make bold statements.

Mandals/flip-flops

Flip flops with jeans and a button-up. What’s wrong with this outfit? Well, perhaps a few things. But don’t wear flip-flops if you’re not poolside or on the beach. It just doesn’t work.

Speedos

I don’t care if you are on a secluded beach in the Caribbean. There’s such a small percentage of the population who can pull them off, so don’t risk it. You’ll be uncomfortable, and so will we.

Hawaiian shirts

You’re not in Hawaii and Hawaii 5-0 is no longer a hit show! Whether worn for real or “ironically,” these tropical motifs make dudes stand out in a bad way.

Too much jewelry

You know how experts say women should always remove one accessory before leaving the house for fear of overdoing it? Guys should remove all but one. With the exception to Mr.T and Liberace, black men especially, stay clear of this fashion faux pas. It’s not fly, hip-hop or gangster!

Baggy/sagging pants

Way-too-big pants have been offensive since the ’90s, and recently New York senator Eric Adams funded a campaign with billboards saying, “raise your pants, raise your image.” Amen to that.

Extra skinny jeans/Low cut pants

Doctors say,  that tight clothes limit the mobility of hip joints. Furthermore, tight pants make a person develop a peculiar step, which negatively affects the spine.  Tight pants can also complicate the work of the immune system too. They increased temperature and can overheat testicles, which affects the sperm-forming process and reduces the quality of semen.

Pleated-front pants

These faded from popularity decades ago, so you don’t want to look like you’re stuck there. Flat-front trousers are much more flattering.

Socks with sandals

I shouldn’t even have to explain this one! If you want to hide your feet, just stay home!

Sports jerseys/uniform out of sports setting

Jerseys are cool at the stadium, or during a big playoff game with buddies, but team uniforms should not be everyday attire. That means NO MORE THROWBACKS!

I think I’ve made my point, just because we are men, doesn’t mean we can wear whatever we want.  Doesn’t matter how much money you make, how in shape you are, or how many women you think you attract, follow these don’ts and you will acquire more of the above!