D’lifestyle – Page 2 – 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: 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!

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!

New Year – New Dude

Looking into 2019 like…

I think we can all agree that 2018 proved to be a crazy and trying year for everyone. From some serious celebrity breakups that we were all a little to personally invested in to Kanye entering politics to people literally eating Tide Pod detergent to the yanny vs laurel divide, this was probably the most nonsensical year yet. And, does anyone remember that raccoon who scaled the skyscraper? He is literally all of us trying to overcome 2018 and make it to 2019.

2018 was also a pretty crazy year for me personally. I started a new job, moved to a new apartment, got serious about blogging, had a number of failed relationships, and had some of the most trying interpersonal moments since high school. I got to meet 7,469 more of you dudes (thanks for the follows)! I was featured on my dream site, Apartment Therapy. I saw Taylor Swift in concert, and I subsequently reflected a lot about the state of my own reputation in 2018.

I got to attend some amazing events, travel, meet awesome people, try cool products, and make fun content for you dudes. But, I ultimately ended the year in burnout and depression, with rumors circulating about who I am as a person and some pretty nasty fallouts professionally and personally. But, it’s ok to be sad about things. (Did you hear that fragile masculinity? DUDES CAN BE SAD SOMETIMES!)

From this, I picked myself up (with some help), learned a lot about what to value, how to say no, who to trust, and who to call a friend. And, this crazy year shaped who I am and how I am going into 2019.

Even in my worst times, you could see the best of me. – Taylor Swift

So, let’s move on to those resolutions, eh? These are my personal resolutions, but I hope that you dudes can take some bits and pieces for yourself.

Take some time to learn about your main dude, you!
- I focused a lot on other people in 2018, whether that be in relationships, comparing myself, or fulfilling others’ needs before I could fulfill my own. So in 2019, I am making it a priority to take care of myself first and even take time to get to relearn myself. (Because, yes we change and don’t even realize it sometimes.) For some actionable steps, I am not dating anyone until Quarter 2, and I am making it a point to practice doing things by myself.

Be aware of what’s worth the energy of a dude.
- In 2018, I said yes to EVERYTHING. Every event I was invited to, every date, every night out, I tried it all – even when I knew I didn’t want to. This eventually just lead to burnout at the end of the year and a collection of VIP lanyards on my door handle. (The real question is: who cares?) I felt that I had to say yes to everything, had to be seen at every event, had to try out every big new thing, and that somehow this was connected to how important I was. News flash: you don’t have to be busy to be important, no one cares if you were at that event the next day, and if you don’t like your date you are not going to have fun at that rooftop bar. I promise! This year, I am practicing the art of saying no and asking the question “will this move me forward?” before I do something. If I don’t think it will be fun, don’t think it will advance me as a person, or don’t think it’s good for me, I am saying no. (But making sure to say no politely.)

A healthy dude is a happy dude.
- I am definitely planning on stepping up the health game this year. I found that going to the gym actually gives me energy. Who knew a healthy lifestyle made you feel good? My goal is to commit to the gym four times a week, to yoga three times a week, and to a low sugar, veggie based home diet with all eating out as a cheat. Also, trying to sub a Netflix series for a book every month. Wish me luck!

Know the dudes behind the screen.
- I am so lucky to be able to meet amazing people through blogging and Instagram. I consider some of you dudes my closest friends. But, I am also trying to reduce screen time in the new year. So, let’s meet the dudes behind the screens! If we chat all the time on Instagram, let’s plan to meet IRL. Wouldn’t that be more fun?

So, there you have it. From the ashes of 2018, I have learned more than ever, and I am ready to make 2019 the best year yet. Who’s with me?

thank u 2018, next

Black Friday in 4k – The TV Guide

Black Friday is almost here, which means it’s officially the start of the holiday shopping season. Have you made your list yet? When I think Black Friday, I think “it’s time to upgrade my TV.”

“Man, check out this sweet TV I got on Black Friday.” – every dude

Every dude loves getting a sweet new TV on Black Friday for a deal. We want the best, but let’s face it we’re all pretty cheap. Whether you are into sports, gaming, or are like me and have a small Netflix addiction, the quality of your screen has to be the greatest and latest. That’s why one of the most popular gifts of the year (and undoubtedly the upcoming holiday season) is the 4K TV. At a higher price point, a 4K TV may be out of some dudes’ price range. But luckily, these are some of the most likely gadgets to be discounted during holiday sales. (Especially those upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales!)

Exactly what is a 4K TV? For those dudes who haven’t been following this trend closely, this is an emerging technology that offers a super high-definition viewing of shows, movies, and games. 4K displays offer a broader range of color and picture depth. (Think movie theater quality or an actual window into another dimension.) An extremely refined image is a gift most any dude can appreciate, but 4K TVs are particularly popular among those dudes who are into tech and gaming. They also make a great gift for the guy looking to upgrade his man cave or hoping to take his game day or premier day parties to the next level.

Looking to give (or get) the coolest gift of 2018? The dudes at Reviews.com suggest keeping a close watch on holiday sales for this popular item. For more information about how to choose the best 4K TV, check out their full guide here: https://www.reviews.com/4ktv/

These dudes know what’s up when it comes to TVs!