Drew – Page 4 – Design Dude's Life

San Antonio Staycation

Are you dudes looking to plan the ultimate San Antonio staycation (or vacation for you out of town dudes)? Well the Design Dudes have got you covered, because we staycationed and can now tell you how to do it in style. Now, pack those bags, and let’s go!

The first step to a great staycation is to remember the motto “treat yo self.” This is your opportunity to explore the city in a way you never have before, so why settle? For the ultimate luxury stay, this dude recommends the Mokara Hotel and Spa. This luxury hotel is right on the San Antonio River Walk, so you will be in the middle of the action. Take the opportunity to stroll the banks of the river and explore shops, restaurants, and treat yourself to a margarita or two.

Mokara Lobby

However, when you step inside the doors of the lobby of the Mokara, you will be transported to another world. The hustle and bustle of downtown will fade away as you are greeted by smiling attentive staff and luxury details and finishings of the historic space. This is San Antonio’s ONLY four-star hotel, and you will instantly feel like a celebrity when you check in.

When you arrive to your room, you will be greeted with plush, crisp bedding. Be careful, once you hit this bed you are guaranteed to immediately start the best sleep of your life. Seriously, never have had a more comfortable hotel bed.

Other amazing room perks include valet parking, the fanciest of little soaps and shampoos, a bath butler that will draw your bath, amazing complimentary snacks upon checkin, and complimentary coffee and newspaper service in the morning. (Can we just move in?) And, don’t even get me started on those amazing River Walk views!

River Walk

As we continued to explore the hotel, we came across a four-star spa (would you expect anything less?) The best part is that hotel guests get complimentary spa access to the sauna and hot tub. So, get ready to unwind in style. We also discovered a rooftop pool and patio, which may or may not be the best place to take in the city skyline with a cocktail in hand.

Rooftop Patio

Your favorite dude

Now, all of this luxe relaxation can work up an appetite. So, where do we venture for dinner? Look no further than one floor below the hotel lobby. The Mokara is also home to their own AAA Four Diamond seafood restaurant, Ostra.

Now, you know this dude is originally from New Orleans. So, I love my seafood. And dude, this place was amazing! They offer a sustainably sourced seafood selection, with daring new ideas and also classic dishes. They also have an acclaimed oyster bar, with some of the freshest shellfish in town.

Now, this dude was lucky enough to attend their Moet and Chandon Champagne dinner. This dinner showcased Moet champagnes, and Chef Camron Woods perfectly paired 4 amazing courses to each one. Champagne expert Gina Livingston was there to guide you every step of the way and gave amazing insight to those sparkly bubbles we love.

These amazing courses included a Canadian oyster, a seared diver scallop with a truffle broth that everyone wanted a straw for, a seared Alaskan halibut and handmade pasta with caviar creme, and a light passionfruit panna cotta. Are you drooling yet?

Bottom line, next time they offer a pairing dinner you better book your seat fast!

Moet Champagne

Scallop

Oyster

Halibut

More Champagne!

If you aren’t into bubbles, Ostra also has an award winning wine bar (we heard talk of some rare specialty bottles locked away in the back, so make sure to ask about those) and the largest selection of tequila in downtown San Antonio with over 70 labels.

This dude would definitely recommend grabbing a cocktail here and taking advantage of a riverside table on the patio. (Also, a prime location for people watching.)

Ostra Cocktails

Enjoying the Patio

So, now you have your hotel, spa, rooftop pool, cocktail bar, and first night dining experience covered. What’s next on your staycation? You decide! (If you need some more help, make sure to invite your favorite dude or just email me.)

Catch ya later!

*This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are this dude’s.

Bromance: Art of Green™

Hey, dudes! You may remember my spring cleaning post from a few months back. You may also be thinking, “Yeah, I still need to get to that.” Well dude, you do! Just because we’re guys doesn’t mean we have an excuse not to clean our apartments. Think: you have that special person coming over, they walk in, take a smell of your apartment, and walk out. Not how we want that date to go!

Now, you may be thinking, “where do I even start?” or “I really don’t like the smell of bleach.” Well, I got you dudes covered!

The other day, I was walking through my local H-E-B, and I came across an eco-friendly cleaner called Art of Green™. Personally, I prefer to use Green or natural cleaners. I think they work really well, they don’t have a harsh smell, and I feel better doing my part for the earth. Green products typically are more expensive though, and this is why Art of Green™ stood out. It is much cheaper than other Green products I have found! See, no excuses when it comes to cleaning and being Green.

They have two scents and three types of products to choose from. Scents include Lavender Eucalyptus, which is very light and almost spa-like, and Citrus & White Flowers, which is very fresh and clean. Personally, I loved the Lavender Eucalyptus!

They offer spray cleaner, wipes, and concentrated cleaner. I decided to pick up two scents of wipes, and the Lavender Eucalyptus spray and concentrated cleaner and made my way home to try them out.

And, they did not disappoint! I started on my kitchen which, let’s face it, is always dirty (at least to me). The spray cleaner was really tough on dirt, grease, and grime, and I found that it left less residue than other eco-friendly cleaners I have used in the past. The wipes have also been great for spot cleaning in between big cleaning.

Also, Art of Green™ has been dermatologically tested and is safe for sensitive skin, which means no need for cleaning gloves! The biodegradable formula is 98% naturally derived, is nontoxic, and is free of harsh chemicals as well as parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, artificial color, or phosphates that you may find in other cleaners.

And now, I have my apartment smelling fresh and ready for any date! And, you can do the same. Here are my cleaning tips:

Use Art of Green™ spray cleaner for kitchen counters, appliances, bathroom counters, showers, and tubs. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Use Art of Green™ wipes for for in between cleaning to keep things looking fresh.
Use concentrated cleaner, diluted with water, for mopping floors.

Happy cleaning, dudes!

Learn more at artofgreen.com. Ready to try? Save $1 off your purchase with this coupon. Art of Green™ is available at H-E-B stores.

This post has been sponsored by Art of Green™. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bromance: Treaty Oak Distillery

Dudes, I am quitting my job and retiring to Dripping Springs, TX, home to the Treaty Oak Distillery and Ranch. In fact, I may just set up a tent on the grounds, because this place is heaven on earth (for both bourbon and gin lovers).

I’m drunk on fun! – Probably Me

The Ranch

Now, you dudes already know I love Treaty Oak’s gin and bourbon. The gin is made from botanicals native to Texas Hill Country and is as unique in flavor as Texas itself. (It may or may not be my favorite.) And, the bourbon has distinct nuanced flavors that are one-of-a-kind. Well, I finally got the opportunity to see where it’s all made!

First, the dudes hopped in the car for a quick road trip. The distillery is located a short drive from both San Antonio and Austin. Upon arriving, we parked and walked up to an unassuming fence. But when we entered, we were greeted by rolling hills, open fields, a stage made out of an old semi truck, and vast Hill Country views. I was instantly in love. Cue bromance.

At the ranch – as the distillers lovingly call it – you can schedule a tour and tasting to see how it’s all made, which I thought was incredibly cool. Definitely eye-opening to see the process behind it all. (Bonus: you get a tasting included with your tour!)

You can schedule tours on Saturdays between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The Rickhouse

Next, we made our way to The Rickhouse. This open-air bar has incredible cocktails on tap. I am telling you, you haven’t lived till you’ve had one of their Mai Tais. Just think, the perfectly balanced cocktail every time. It is a game changer. This bar gives the ultimate chill vibe, so take a break and unwind in the cool breezes of Hill Country.

The Rickhouse is open Friday from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.

Cocktail Lab

If you are looking for a more upscale cocktail experience, they have you covered. The Cocktail Lab is a new addition to the ranch and is serving up some of the classiest, elevated cocktails you have ever seen. Get ready for a drink that will open all of your senses. I’d recommend one, but I honestly can’t choose. Don’t make me choose!

The Cocktail Lab is open Friday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.

Alice’s Restaurant

After all that drinking you will want to sober up with an amazing meal. Alice’s Restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients with a dash of inspiration. I am still having dreams about their tuna poke, charcuterie board, and enchiladas. Hold on. I’m going back right now. So, I’m going to let the food do the talking on this one.

Did I mention, there are also classes and themed days (like Tiki!)? When I visited, I was able to take a class on the art of Tiki cocktails (my favorites). It was great to learn the art of the craft from the experts themselves. And, it was even better getting to drink your classwork.

So, here’s to one of the best weekends ever! If you have any questions about my experience at Treaty Oak, feel free to email at heydesigndudes@gmail.com or visit their website for more information.

And as always, make sure to never drink and drive and always have a safe plan and a designated driver.

Cheers, dudes!

Bromance: Julian Chichester

Bromance (ˈbrōˌmans) noun – a close friendship between dudes.

Hey dudes, welcome to a new blog series I am doing – “Bromances.” In this series, I will be highlighting products, brands, and other things that I really love and want to share with you guys.

For my first installment in this series, I wanted to highlight a furniture brand I recently was introduced to: Julian Chichester. This brand embodies individualism, and they create really cool modern pieces that have a fun personality as well.

If you haven’t learned my style by now, I like to have a classic base and incorporate fun elements that offer some surprise and really make an impact in the space. So, when I found this brand I instantly fell in love. The attention to design detail in the pieces is amazing, and they can even create custom pieces that are one of a kind – just for you!

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the new spring collection.

Dorothy Chair

A stunning Leather wrapped steel dining chair with 1950s origins. There are Brass details on the legs and Brass feet.

What I love: The clean lines and mid century look of the piece made me fall hard for this chair. Also, red leather – how cool is that?

Alfred Chest

A beautiful chest of two Black Vellum drawers, Brass drawer frames and a Smoked Oak body. Brass is a hand applied finished which is moulded and beaten by hand. As a result, the finish is unique in both appearance and texture. Vellum is a natural skin with no two pieces exactly alike, therefore variation in shade and tone along with physical characteristics are inevitable and may change over time.

What I love: The asymmetrical draws of this chest made it really stand out to me. I like that dynamic element of surprise. The brass accents also highlight this perfectly, without making too big of an impact.

Royere Dining Arm Chair

After the original, this is a superbly elegant dining chair, finished in Distressed Walnut.

What I love: The floral fabric is what made me fall in love with this chair. The pattern is bold and offers some fun colors and movement. And yes, dudes can have florals in their apartment too.

Fontana Mirror

After a 1950s mirror, this design combines an Aged Brass frame with an elegant vintage green glass strip. Brass Wrap is a hand applied finished which is moulded and beaten by hand. As a result, the finish is unique in both appearance and texture.

What I love: Well, we know I am a big fan of teal and vintage green. As my go to accent color, I definitely fell in love with this mirror when I saw it. This piece would be great in an entry way, bathroom, bedroom…ok it would look great anywhere.

Hope you dudes enjoyed checking out the Julian Chichester spring line with me! If you want to learn more about the brand make sure to visit their website at us.julianchichester.com. If you need help styling your pieces, make sure to reach out to me at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.

Spring Cleaning for the Unorganized Dude

Alright dudes, we’re headed into springtime. That means it’s time to wake up out of that hibernation and get down to some spring cleaning. This may sound like the worst task ever, but you got this dude! Pop in those earbuds and play a hype playlist, because we’re about to do some work.

Put the D in Declutter

Now, let’s put the D in Declutter: Duds, Decor, and Digital.

Duds

Don’t be a hoarder, dude. It is time to recycle those old jeans and band tees you never wear, along with any other out-of-date clothes. I clean out my closet every spring to make room for new garb. Pro tip: if you haven’t used it in one year, you probably don’t need it. Resale stores will give you some cash if the clothes still have value. Otherwise, donating is a great way to let go and give back. For those dudes who still can’t part ways with their high school gym clothes, find a mediator! Invite someone you trust will be honest with you, sometimes you need that extra perspective telling you not to hold on to certain things any longer.

Decor

There is one “D” you don’t want: DUST. Take knick-knacks off of the shelf and witness the outline of dust that has collected. Once you wipe down your surfaces, evaluate the items and see if they are worth keeping or just outdated. Stick to the minimalist approach, and show off those items that really mean something to you.

This last decor suggestion with help you breathe easier, literally. Get a plant and place it in a spot with decent sunlight. It will clean the air in your space, and surely bring a fresh start into your home.

Digital

In 2019, one of the biggest forms of clutter we all have is in digital format. I spend plenty of time on my phone and computer but hardly ever find myself cleaning up my files. However, organizing a smartphone can be done in less time than scrolling through an Instagram feed.

The first thing to do is create individual folders for apps that are similar; such as productivity, finance, food, games, travel, photography and so on. When I begin to classify these apps, I notice the unnecessary and scarcely used ones. You guessed it, let’s delete those. This method can also be used for computer files that need cleaning up. Additionally, photos take up a lot of storage, so delete those blurry pictures and screenshots that have only been used once. For usable pictures, save them on an online storage platform to visit later. Get familiar with the Cloud and stop e-hoarding!

Do you have any other questions about decluttering? Reach out to the Dude at heydesigndudes@gmail.com for tips and design suggestions for any type of living space. Happy spring, and good luck with your organization goals!