Blog – Design Dudes

2020 Goal: Make Cleaning Fun

Ok, dudes. It’s a new decade, but we all know you have some dirt and clutter from the 2010s lingering in your apartment. I’m talking about that drawer of take-out menus, that stack of holiday cards you are too sentimental to part with, and of course the dreaded plastic bag filled with plastic bags! What other things are we parting with as we move out of the 10s and into the roaring 20s: keto diet books, solar eclipse glasses, Pokemon Go app downloads?

I’m here to tell you that we have to let that go! Time to start fresh. You may remember my 2019 post about how to jump start your cleaning chores. Well, this year I am making it a goal to grab the mop by the bucket (that’s clever word play, right?) and try cleaning more often. I think the best way to do this is to make cleaning fun. So, here are my tips to turn a boring chore into what you look forward to next week.

Pump Up the Jamz (or the Podcast)

When I first started going to the gym, I thought it was boring and couldn’t wait to complete the final set and leave. So to make it more fun, I started making playlists to get me in a better mood when I was there. Soon, I found myself getting excited to go to the gym so I could take an hour to tune out and tune into my favorite songs. I propose we make cleaning a dance party in 2020. Who’s with me?

Let the Games Begin

Are you ready for it? If you find yourself with a competitive edge, try making cleaning a game. This may sound dumb, but it is a sure fire way to liven up the mood especially if you get other players (I mean cleaners) involved! Go make those free throws into the trash can, race to the end of the counter with your spray cleaner and rag, and ultimately try to beat the clock you set for yourself.

Are You Getting the Point?

Prizes make everything more fun right? Here’s the plan: make a list of all the cleaning chores you need to do for the week and every time you mark one off give yourself a point. Set a point goal for the end of the week, and if you make it go treat yo self! I think it’s worth taking out the trash on Monday if it means we’re treating ourselves to brunch Sunday!

Let the Robots Take Over

Ok, so maybe *you* don’t have to do all the cleaning after all. If you have the budget, go make the investment in a robot floor cleaner. All you have to do is kick your feet up and enjoy.

Dump Your Cleaner and Upgrade

If you are cleaning with lackluster cleaners, then you may not be getting that sense of satisfaction when you’re done with the job. Personally, I want my apartment to smell fresh and inviting, not like heavy chemicals. That’s why I use Art of Green® cleaning products.

Art of Green offers two scents:

Lavender Eucalyptus, which is very light and almost spa-like, and Citrus & White Flowers, which is very fresh and clean.

And three products:

Spray cleaner, ready-wipes, and a concentrated cleaner for mopping floors.

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. Art of Green has also been dermatologically tested and is safe for sensitive skin, which means no need for cleaning gloves! For me, that instantly makes the chore of cleaning easier. It is also safe to use around pets, so your furry friends will be having more fun too.

Hope you dudes have more fun cleaning with these tips! Leave me a comment if you have any questions or ask your dude at heydesigndudes@gmail.com.

Learn more at artofgreen.com. 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.

Cleaning Spooky Messes

Hey, dudes! We are in October, which means it is officially spooky season. You know what else is spooky? Having to clean your apartment after your Halloween party.

But, don’t worry. I got you covered when it comes to polishing your pumpkins, cleaning up melted candy corn conundrums, and brushing away those spiderwebs only to add fake ones back in for decoration.

Now, you may remember my blog post where I discovered my favorite cleaning product, Art of Green®. They make eco-friendly cleaning products including a spray cleaner, wipes, and a concentrated cleaner. These Green products also come in way cheaper than some alternatives at under $3, so you won’t be screaming when you go to pay.

Plus, they make cleaning a breeze. Use the wipes when you have small treat spills on counters, tables, or floors. The spray cleaner is perfect for bigger messes, like when your cauldron boils over on the stove. The concentrated cleaner comes through when you need to mop the floors after a rowdy monster mash.

My favorite part is that there are no scary ingredients either. 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. Art of Green has also been dermatologically tested and is safe for sensitive skin, which means no need for cleaning gloves!

If your haunted mansion is feeling musty, the bright scents of Art of Green will brighten it right up. Scents include Lavender Eucalyptus, which is very light and almost spa-like, and Citrus & White Flowers, which is very fresh and clean. (Lavender is my jam.)

Now, let’s tackle those scary messes head on!

Learn more at artofgreen.com. 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.

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!