Holiday Gifts For Men: A DOC Guide

I now interrupt Mr. Dudesday's regularly scheduled broadcast to bring you a little bit of girl wisdom for holiday gifts for the guy in your life. Whether he be your boyfriend, husband, father of your children or simply a cutie you have a crush on there are some general rules to follow. Trust me, I've learned throughout the years the do's and don'ts of holiday gifting.

First of all under no circumstances do you gift the man in your life clothes. The only exception is if he is truly into that kind of thing, the fly guy that had his eye on something he'd never actually buy for himself. Let me clarify, it's fine to buy him a nice leather jacket or a pair of sneakers he's lusting after but only if those are things he would like. If he's more into video games than basketball or only wears sweatshirts instead of a coat you're going to fail if you even bother with the above acceptable gifts. Under no circumstances can you buy socks, undershirts or underwear for your man. Not as a gift. If he needs new ones pop them in his stocking but don't wrap them up, that's a huge let down. It's like if he bought you dishwashing gloves or a dirt devil.

Next, know your audience. If he likes being athletic buying him a Playstation doesn't really seem like the right idea and same goes for the reverse. Guys do not want to be changed so don't buy them a present you think they should like if you know they won't like it.

Guys may not admit it but they like gifts from the heart. If he mentioned months ago that he wanted to see Alice in Chains (the new band, of course) in concert then surprise him with tickets on a weekend you know he's free or could be free. Don't expect him to cancel his Superbowl weekend because you bought tickets to the ballet or opera.

You can always go for a sweet gesture if neither of you can really afford to do anything special. Clean his place better than he could ever clean it himself keeping in mind that he might actually want the roll of toilet paper beside the bed and keeping his remote control next to his favorite chair. And do not dispose of anything that you want to unless you have his express written permission. PS- Guys always love homemade goodies so cook your live in man a nice dinner wearing just an apron or your undies.

It all comes down to how well you know each other. If it's relatively new then you owe it to yourself and him to keep things low-key. Buy him a 6 pack of his favorite beer and a new video game that you know he was dying to splurge on. If you've been together for 10 years and you know he secretly wants a dirt devil then by all means buy it for him like I did Mr. Dudesday last year. It was meant to be funny because we've talked about it many times and it was actually a big hit. You can buy him something that reminds you of an inside joke or something for his house or car that he liked when in your house or car. You don't have to blow big money on something that you don't know he'll enjoy and you wouldn't want him to do the same. Sometimes the easiest thing is to make a list and ask him to do the same, it might not be romantic but at least you'll both get what you wanted. Okay I'm off to start my Amazon Christmas List. See you soon!

American Music Awards 2011: The Ugly

Sorry it's a day late but I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday if you live in the US or a nice Thursday if you don't. You didn't think I forgot about The Ugly did you?

There isn't much that I can say that is nice about this dress. I'm not a hater but what is redeeming about this Ugly frock? I'm not a fan of the handkerchief hemline and never have been and I don't enjoy the rosettes on the front of the bodice. I don't like the look of the shoes, they seem comfy but not necessarily sexy. I hope Cheryl redeems herself next time.

Julie Bowen's dress doesn't horribly offend me, if I saw it on a soccer mom at a holiday party I wouldn't think twice. I just don't think this look works for the red carpet, now matter how casual the event. Yes, I know it's sequined but the stripes make it more sporty and the high pony only adds to that effect. The Loubies are sexy but I personally would have gone for navy or metallic to bring out those shades in the dress.

If you're anything like me you're wondering who the f*@! this person is. Well, it's Kimberly Perry from the country group Band Perry. Yeah, that doesn't clear things up for me either. I never listen to the radio and certainly not country, Sorry! Either way I have to say I'm not a fan of this dress. If I didn't like it on my darling Emma Stone I'm not going to enjoy it on anyone. The hair doesn't work, neither does the bag but I love, love, love the gold and black shoes. I'd wear those with a cuter dress. Next!

I know, I know, Nicki's going for a look I just don't like it. The top of the dress is fine, not great but okay, it's the bottom that I don't like. I don't like the pickups as they are called or the shade of green that was chosen, especially not with pastel pink hair. Plus, if she's wearing a wig (which she always does) why the hell is it not perfection? Again, I love the heels in this one and I adore the eye makeup but perhaps it would be better paired with either a nude lip or a natural haircolor, not bright pink both.

Are we in agreement? Let me know in the comments!

American Music Awards 2011: The Bad

Now onto the bad looks. You all know it gets better as we go down the list. Good is fun, bad is better and ugly surely is the best! What's the difference between bad and ugly you might be asking yourself? It's simple. If the looks was well thought out, cute and otherwise nice it could become bad if one little thing is too off to ignore such as a bad color, fit or if it's unflattering to the person wearing it. Ugly is beyond that, the outfit has no redeeming qualities and would be better on the atelier floor.

Audrina Patridge, come on down. You're the first contestant on DOC's AMA 2011 Bad List. This is a classic example of a bad. The dress is cute, the shoes work, hair is pretty but if you're seeing what I'm seeing all I can focus on is the reverse racoon eye makeup. Hello! Concealer around the eyes, you can see it even in the full length picture. Not good. At least it's not powdered to hell on top of that. Many makeup artists say to use a concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your skintone under the eyes to "cancel out" the shadows. DON'T. Or you'll look like this. Use one that is your shade or slightly lighter but not this much of a contrast. In fact, I usually sweep my bronzer close enough to the eye that I don't get this look period. I hope she learned her lesson.

Many of you may call Jennifer Lopez's dress ugly but I'd like to stop you right there. While it's certainly not my taste you have to admit that the girl has the body to pull it off. I just love her figure and since i know she works hard to keep it that way I think she should show it off. It's not nearly as daring as her 2000 Grammy Awards Versace dress which will forever live in infamy. She redeemed herself by keeping her makeup, hair, shoes and accessories simple, classic and clean. I can't wait to see what she'll wear next.

Katy Perry always looks quirky and I just have to get used to that though I may never be able to do it. I adore her figure as well and this dress makes the most of it but it's just too cutesy and ironic for my taste. I'm not sure I can get on board with the pink-purple hair either and I really wish you didn't see light brown roots in this picture. I do have to say that I'm kinda in love with the hair accessory she's wearing but of course I wouldn't wear it myself. The cats eye makeup and tomato red lip are glamourous and I think it would look better with her natural haircolor, possibly some colorful streaks but not the full on look. I also adore the pop of blue of her shoes.

Lastly, Mary J. Blige. I love the pattern and material of this dress but I don't think it's particularly flattering to have the bigger spots on the hip area, it makes it look like the fabric had to stretch to fit over her hips. Obviously that makes them look bigger than they are. In general I'm also not a fan of one shoulder/long sleeve hybrid dresses. I believe a one shoulder dress should be sleeveless on the arm. I don't like Mary J. with blonde hair, I don't find it flattering with her skintone and I'm hugely unimpressed with her annoying arm band tattoo.

What about you? Are we in agreement or would you like to save someone from the bad list?

Dudesday Tuesday: American Music Awards

I've been asked to do my own take on the good, bad and ugly of the AMA's. Unfortunately I don't have TV so I won't see the awards unless I download them but judging from what I've read, I won't bother. So I looked at all the pictures Mrs. D.O.C. scrounged up and sadly I was not very impressed. I get it, the AMA's are not the Grammy's but what's with all the horrible outfits?

So we'll start with the ugly, the outfits so bad they couldn't be saved by a simple color swap or better hairdo. I would say Nicki Minaj but that'd just be too easy, she always looks awful. I will say that she has a pretty smile though. So I'm going to give the ugly rating to Jennifer Morrison. Now she actually looks pretty here, love her hair and makeup but that dress is just no. No, what was she thinking? The sleeves are god awful. The bead work looks like it belongs on a fancy napkin. And the shape of it looks almost like she's wearing a table cloth. I can't see any way to salvage this outfit which is a shame because she looks very pretty other than that.

The bad goes to Selena Gomez. Her dress isn't awful, I think I get where they were going with it, but it just doesn't work for me. The dress looks too big for her. I get that she's young but that slit on the leg should be a lot higher, not so we can see more skin but because it throws the whole outfit off. It seems like it was designed for a full figured woman to wear but was given to Selena instead. A few minor variations could have easily put her into the best dressed category at least in my eyes. I'm not a big fan of the hair but her makeup is gorgeous and she carried herself very well without looking the least bit slutty.

And the best dressed of the evening has to go to Vanessa Minillo. The dress is just hot, what can I say. I personally prefer her hair a little lighter but despite the color, it's beautiful, her makeup is excellent, good body, not a fan of the shoes but oh well, they work with the dress. I love the one strap thingy that goes around her neck, very elegant. She won by a landslide but there were a few I have to give honorable mentions to, Audrina Patridge and I never thought I'd say it but Taylor Swift.

I rarely find her attractive but her straight hair looks really good and although I don't particularly like the dress, it looks great on her. And those were the only three I saw that I thought actually deserved to be in the good category. The rest of the ladies really needed to step their game up but this is just the beginning to the awards season.

American Music Awards 2011: The Good

Hey guys! I promise I'm not dead. I've got a few minutes and since I couldn't keep myself away from American Music Awards photos I thought I'd share the fashion and beauty with you today. Tomorrow look forward to Mr. Dudesday's post on the topic and then check back Wednesday and Thursday for The Bad and The Ugly. I'll be focusing a lot on the makeup and hair in these photos.

The obvious winner of the night to me in the fashion department is Vanessa Minnillo, Mrs. Nick Lachey. She looks amazing in this white dress and I'm totally digging her darker hair. I think this is the best I've ever seen her look. Her legs look insane and the cool neckline accentuates her beautiful face.

Another great look is Hilary Scott from Lady Antebellum. The dress is flattering on her curvy figure and her hair looks great down on her shoulders. It's whimsical and cute without being ironic ala Katy Perry. Her makeup is pretty and sweet to complement her dress.

This next one is a little of both good and bad. I just adore Heidi's dress, white with a metallic silver "lacy" overlay. I think it is gorgeous without being over the top or too dressy for the event. However, I'm not a huge fan of her hair in these shots. Don't get me wrong, I love the texture but I think I'd like it more if it was tucked behind the ears, at least on one side.

I feel the same way about Jennifer Hudson that I do about Heidi. While I freakin' love her metallic dress I have to say that I'm not a fan of her hair and makeup and I miss her curves. It's great that Jennifer got in better shape, I would never criticize her for that but I think she went a little too far. Her face looks gaunt. I don't particularly like her bright pink lipstick or her oddly highlighted and straightened hair.

Another Jennifer worth mention is Jennifer Morrison. She's the reverse of JHud, I really love her hair and fresh makeup but I'm not sure how I feel about the dress. It's pretty, I love the retro 70s style peasant dress. I think that it looks very comfortable and I like the color and adornment but I don't think I'm completely sold on the hemline. What do you ladies think?

I'm just going to come right out and say it, I much prefer Taylor Swift's hair straight. Her wave pattern is odd to say the least and her hair always looks poufy and fake like a wig. I think she needs to use a more natural texture and avoid the curling iron. This look makes her look a lot more sophisticated and more age appropriate. I can't get over how much she looks like Nicole Kidman here. I absolutely love her earrings and her simple makeup.

Yet another Jenny, Jenny McCarthy looks FABULOUS in this gorgeous purple retro inspired dress and beauty. I love the color, period, and I think it looks amazing on her creamy skin. Her retro wave hairstyle is gorgeous and the makeup only complements the look. I can safely say she's never looked this amazing. I love the dark lip, I wish I had the balls to do that myself.

Selena Gomez has been continuing to look great on the red carpet. I think she has figured out what works for her and keeps reaching for it over and over. She's been seen many times in pale colors, showing a little bit of leg via a slit and a slinky material. I love the fringe detail on the hemline of the dress and her soft apricot lipgloss. Her hair is gorgeous and glossy and the waves are a perfect look to go with the dress.

What do you think? Anything you disagree with? Let me know in the comments!

Dudesday Tuesday: "I'm just worried I'm going to lose you"

Today we're going to talk a little about jealous boyfriends. It's come to my attention that I don't think I can name a young woman who doesn't have one. Whether they're in their teens or closing in on 30. It seems like men have no confidence in their relationship so they tell their girlfriend that she's not allowed to talk to other men, in some cases not even look at them. Some of the guys get angry and violent about it while some get moody and distant. It seems like every time a girl sits her man down and asks why he does this, they all give a slight variation on the same answer, 'I'm just worried I'm going to lose you'. Is this an honest answer? I strongly believe it is, in fact I would bet anything it is. But that brings up the real question; why is he so worried about that?

Men and women alike, when we do something wrong, we know it's wrong, therefor have a guilty conscience. Yes it does work both ways because women cheat too, some studies claim they cheat more than men, but for some reason these couples choose to stay together. Men, whether in a relationship or not, will generally go as far as their female pursuer will. Whether it stops at flirting, touching, kissing, fooling around or even going all the way even though they know it will hurt their girl if she finds out. If that girl is a keeper, he's going to do everything he can to keep her, well, except for the right thing. He'll lie about what he did and do everything in his power to cover his tracks, usually quite sloppily, but instead of changing his ways, he'll assume that his girl is doing the same thing. The birth of a jealous boyfriend. If he's doing something wrong, whether it be a little innocent flirting or having sex on a regular basis, he's going to assume you are too.

There's another big reason for him being afraid he's going to lose you, at the risk of sounding a bit harsh, he's a waste of space and he knows it. I'm sorry but a lot of guys are, hell, women too, the difference is that women are more open and will more likely discuss their insecurities whereas a man is quick to laugh it off and claim he could bag any chick in the world because he's so awesome. In his head, he doesn't have any clue how he managed to get you. A few signs he feels this way; he's mean to everyone, mean to you, doesn't want to talk about anything but the superficial, makes fun of everything and everybody, gets wrapped up in a 'manly' fantasy world whether it be graphic novels or video games, always seems angry or displeased, is quick to react in a hostile way, and of course, telling you he's worried about losing you.

So is he actually worried about it? You bet he is. Does he have reason to be? You tell me. Because if he's an unfaithful, bitter, waste of space that no one seems to like except you, maybe you've set your sights too low. Maybe if he gets worried enough about losing you, he might just change his ways. If not, please please please be careful, I've known these guys my entire life and nine times out of ten it does not end well. Don't settle for less than what you know you deserve.

Face-off Friday Music Edition: Why Don't You and I by Santana

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I just started a new job and am busy with that plus completely dead tired when I get home. I'm working on getting more up for you and here's today's (11/11/11) Face-Off Friday! It's a music post so head on over to DOC Music to check it out and let me know what you think of this week's choices.

Dudesday Tuesday: Does He Only Want Sex?

Men will do whatever it takes to get sex, especially if it's a girl they really want. Some of them lie, back stab friends, even change who they are just get the girl they want, even if it's for only one night. So, do men just want sex?

No. Sex is the easy way to cover up what they really want, the one. Most men are searching for love, not just love but for the woman they can love for the rest of their lives. A lot of guys do want sex, but when they're willing to go all out for it, it usually means what they want is actually a lot more than sex. When a man finds the girl he wants to be with forever, yes, he will lie, back stab friends, even change who he is just to get her. There's a fine line between sex and love, probably why we call the act of sex, making love. So with their being no difference between a man trying to be with you for a night versus being with you for life, is their a way to distinguish between the two?

Not easily. Guys think girls aew confusing and girls think guys are confusing, this is partially why. Sometimes a man goes into it thinking he wants sex but ends up wanting more and I've seen guys go into it thinking they wanted to be with a girl forever only to decide they just want sex. Men are good actors, our weakness being we're not great. If he really loves you, even if he's acting like all he wants is sex, he won't be able to hide one thing, the fact that he cares for you. He'll listen to you and understand, no matter what you're saying, he'll be there for you when you need him and even when you don't, he'll enjoy your company at all times, he won't say cruel things because he won't think them, simply put he'll love you.

Men don't want just sex, not all the time. Even when you think that's all he wants, he may actually want more. Guys aren't so good with the sensitive stuff and sometimes they try to hide behind something else. Of course sometimes they are just trying to get in your pants but you'll know because he won't really care about you and it'll show, you just have to know to look for it. If he cares and he shows it, he wants so much more than sex you may not even know the extent of it. No matter what he wants, make sure he's worth it before you give it to him.

DOC Music: ThemeSong Thursday: Shinedown- Sound of Madness

Head over to DOC Music to check out a retro review on Shinedown's The Sound of Madness Album from 2008. This one is a little more mainstream and even you pop radio should know the songs "The Crow & The Butterfly" "If You Only Knew" and "Second Chance." Head over there now to see why I think this is an essential album to own and part of my Top 10 Albums to Own!

CKOne Shock

It's no secret by now how much I adore CK One. I seriously remember the first time I smelled it. One of the girls in my class (and there were only 6 girls out of my class of 15 in our small town) got a bottle of it and brought it with her everywhere. I liked it a lot but at the time I didn't wear it. Skip to the part where the glass bottle broke in the girl's locker room and the tragic ending for that bottle of CKOne.

Now there's a new version to get excited about CKOne Shock. I sniffed a magazine sample and loved the fruity notes in the for her version. It adds just a little something extra to the whole thing without taking it in a totally different direction. I like that a lot or why would you bother calling it CKOne anything? I detect watermelon and maybe a smidge of another kind of fruit that I can't put my finger on. It sounds like a weird edition to CKOne but trust me it's not, I fell in love. Calvin Klein describes it as a "juicy, flavorful floriental that warms into a sexy skin musk." Sounds like it hits just about every category out there so it's sure to be a pretty big pleaser for those of you looking for holiday gifts.

Mr. Dudesday and I also sniff tested CKOne Shock for him and were less impressed. It reminded me of a more expensive version of Old Spice, which I happen to detest. The added spice is honestly nothing short of stomach churning. Calvin Klein calls this one "a sparkling, energetic oriental with smooth spice and masculine tobacco musk." All sounds well and good except that spice which was seriously stomach churning. I love tobacco notes for men and orientals are definitely my favorite category for both the ladies and the gents but I was overwhelmed with the spice both on the test strip and on Mr. Dudesday's wrist. I had the magazine strip on my coffee table and when the for him flap accidentally got popped open I could tell immediately. This one is not for me and I think Mr. Dudesday would rather stick with the Original CKOne or Givenchy Play for him. You can also visit my post about CKOne right here.

Guest Review: Bumble and Bumble Winner Aubrey

Hey DOC readers. Today is Mr. Dudesday's birthday and even though he's not that old I bet he'd appreciate it if I kept his age to myself. So today I've given both of us the day off and I have a quick guest review for you from Aubrey, the winner of my Bumble and Bumble haircare giveaway. If anyone else is interested in writing a guest review for Drug of Choice please email me @ drugofchoicebeauty@yahoo.com and let me know what you want to write about, I'd love to have you. Here's Ms. Aubrey's review word for word.

"I have been a fan of Bumble and Bumble for many years but had not tried the seaweed collection. I was very impressed how it gave my hair a shine and how smooth the conditioner left my hair. The scent is absolutely the best, very spa like! The sea silk extract gives it feel of a real spa treatment too. I have been using it for a week now and notice an improvement in the appearance of my hair. I would definitely recommend this product to my friends!! I have also used other products of theirs and they have the best scents for their products."