Category Archives: LES DUDES

The List: Mid-Summer Essentials for Men

July 19, 2017

Recently I switched up my style and daily grooming routine so I have put together a male must have list that will instantly transform the average Joe to a dapper dude. These brands are not only suave and sexy they also are healthy and strategically crafted to make any man appear to be the perfect gentleman. Every man loves a good pair of sunnies, undies, sex, and effective grooming products. After my research these are the best I have personally tried thus far and I highly recommend you go out and get them immediately to impress that special someone or just to better yourself. Since every man loves sex the first product I want to turn you on to (pun intended) is Sex Dust by Moon Juice. This is a lusty blend of adaptogenic superherbs that help combat the effects of stress to ignite your creative and sexual energy, in and out of the bedroom. I prefer adding to a protein shake with a nut butter but you can add this product to your morning coffee, water or pretty much anything you drink excluding alcohol. The special blend consists of Ho Shou Wu, Organic Cacao, Shilajit, Maca, Organic Schisandra, Cistanche, Epimedium and Organic Stevia leaf.

Every male loves a fresh pair of undies and Related Garments invented the perfect pair of boxer briefs that come with two pairs of matching socks, one being long and the other being footies that are not seen when wearing shoes. Honestly, these are probably the comfiest underwear I have ever worn even beating out the usual go-to Calvin Klein collection. Related Garments states they were built on the principle that every detail counts, even if it goes (mostly) unseen. Men deserve better when it comes to the basics. No longer should we be subjected to dingy, hole-ridden, stretched-out waistband underwear and socks. Considering the fact that your underwear is hugging your most precious package we think your goods deserve what is good. Related has a dual meaning and message, besides the obvious about the founders being brothers, it only seemed logical that socks and underwear should be sold in pairs. Stylish and luxurious sets of socks and underwear make prep work in the morning simple–and leave a lasting impression.

Another thing no man should leave the house without are a nice pair of sunnies. These effortlessly chic and affordable sunglasses are made by Chimi Eyewear I have the Kiwi colored – out of the nine different colors in three classical models- and wear them every single day. I get compliments on them everywhere I go from the grocery store to running at the park. Chimi Eyewear is based in Stockholm, Sweden but ships worldwide free of charge – that deal is hard to beat. Chimi Eyewear’s colorful shades are made for colorful people. CHIMIs are designed to match every mood and style of colorful peoples lives.

I strongly believe in the importance of a distinguished and diligently dapper gentleman always being consistent with grooming. Three brands I absolutely love and incorporate into my daily regimen are Kiehl’s, Sonage and Herbivore. I use the Sonage Patagonia Berry Stem Cell mask which is one of the best face masks on the market and doesn’t burn like most masks while fully hydrating my skin; Herbivore’s gorgeous orange Phoenix facial oil that gives you that sexy confident wrinkle-less glow every man needs and the entire Kiehl’s Age Defender moisturizing line as well as the Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Texturizing Clay for the perfectly flexible hold with an aroma of Cedarwood, Sandalwood and Eucalyptus essential oils. Another vital aspect of grooming is your shaver. Don’t let a bad razor or shaver ruin your skin! I would highly recommend a good electric shaver and personally would check the most popular gear to use when shaving before buying anything.

XX Jonathan Stinson

Thoughtfully Has Your Father’s Day and Housewarming Gifts Covered!

June 15, 2017

Thoughtfully makes the BEST CURATED GIFT BOXES!

I popped over to meet with Thoughtfully to get my eyes on their amazing gift boxes. Let’s just say, this is just a sampling of the goodies they have. I’ve since set up two friends with corporate house accounts as they flipped over what they saw on my Instastory.

BBQ Loving Dad

The Big BBQ

A Barbeque Sauce Lover’s Gift Set

You know the type: carnivore to the core. No sense in gifting books or socks… if it’s not related to meat, they won’t know what to do with it. Give our BBQ sauce gifts to these single-minded types. Our Real Sweet BBQ sauce, 2 Classic Smoky sauces and two spice rubs will keep them focused. And our wrench-shaped bottle opener means they don’t have to walk away from the grill. Our BBQ sauce sets are for guys always in their prime.

What’s In It:

  • Wrench Bottle Opener 
  • Real Sweet Bbq Sauce (5oz) 
  • 2 Classic Smoky Bbq Sauces (5oz) 
  • Jamaican Jerk Spice Rub (2.5oz) 
  • El Bufalo Loco Spice Rub (2.5oz)

Price: $49.99

 

Grill Master Dad

Branded & Grilled: A Barbeque Lover’s Gift Set

Ranchers know their cattle. And grillmasters know their beef. Now both can brand with pride. Our barbeque gift sets let your pit-boss master his domain. Our customizable branding iron and 5 grilling charms give his meat the mark of a pro. There’s also a stainless steel basting pot, a silicone basting brush, 2 salacious sauces and 2 robust rubs. Time to fire it up.

What’s in It:

  • Customizable Branding Iron Set 
  • 5 Stainless Steel Grill Charms 
  • Stainless Steel Sauce Basting Pot 
  • Silicone Basting Brush 
  • Sweet Fire Bbq Sauce (5oz) 
  • Holy Magma Bbq Sauce (5oz) 
  • Blazin’ Diablo Rubbing Spice (2.5oz) 
  • Scorched Mamba Rubbing Spice (2.5oz)

Price: $59.99

 

Game Night Dad: Saints and Sinners

A Whiskey Lover’s Gift Set

 

Saints and sinners can agree… if you’re going to do something, do it right. Take whiskey; there’s a dignified way to imbibe. It’s with slate coasters, whiskey stones lowball glasses and mixes to bring out the flavor of their preferred malt. Our whiskey lovers gift set is not about half measures. It even includes a deck of cards. Sin is inevitable; poor whiskey etiquette is not

 

What’s In It:

  • Four Etched Lowball Glasses 
  • Saints & Sinners Graphic Playing Cards 
  • Four Slate Coasters 
  • Eight Whiskey Stones 
  • Smoked Honey Drink Mix (2.3oz) 
  • Whiskey Sour Drink Mix (2.3oz) 
  • Blood Orange Drink Mix (2.3oz) 
  • Mint Julep Drink Mix (2.3oz)

Price: $49.99

 

Hot Sauce Loving Dad: Hot sauce Skull Gift Set

A Hot Sauce Lover’s Skull Gift Set 

The next Day of the Dead is going to be a hot one. Our hot sauce gift sets celebrate living with some serious heat. Raise spirits with ceramic skulls of salt and pepper, four skull shot glasses and our signature spicy peanuts. And what would our hot sauce sets be without a glass skull filled with 25 ounces of scorching sauce? The dead might return for a burn this good.   

 

What’s In it:

  • Ceramic Skull Salt & Pepper Shakers 
  • Set of Four Skull Shot Glasses 
  • Glass Skull Fiery Hot Sauce Bottle (25oz) 
  • Spicy Peanuts (3oz)

Price:$69.99

Coffee Loving Dad: A Cold Brew Coffee Lover’s Gift Set

 

Don’t get it twisted. Cold brew is not iced coffee. It’s not hard to make. And it’s not even new. Our cold brew set takes it back to the old school way of brewing smooth coffee in cold water. Instead of hot, acidic coffee and melting ice, our simple set provides crisp stimulation. The mason jar, the pouring spout, and a reusable cotton filter are all you need. And we’ve sent along some quality Colombian beans in our coffee gifts. Coldbrew is that simple. Act like you know.

 

What’s in It:

  • Large Mason Jar (64oz) 
  • Spout for Pouring Brew 
  • Reusable 100% Cotton Filter 
  • Aluminum Scoop 
  • Colombian Coffee (10oz)

 

Price: $59.99

 

Make his Father’s Day a fragrant and fresh one with these products from Jack Black, Scotch Porter & LAFCO!

June 14, 2017

Make his Father’s Day a fragrant and fresh one with these products from Jack Black, Scotch Porter & LAFCO!

 

 

Jack Black Double-Header Shampoo + Conditioner

Put Dad’s products to work double time with the Jack Black Double Header Shampoo + Conditioner. This Creamy sulfate-free lather gently cleanses to remove oil and product build-up while conditioning, detangling, and soothing a dry and dandruff-prone scalp. Hydrates and conditions to improve the overall health of the hair. Creatine fortifies hair to increase strength and shine. 

Jack Black Double Header Shampoo + Conditioner is available for $32 at GetJackBlack.com

 

 

Scotch Porter Charcoal & Licorice Skincare Collection

Detox Dad’s skin with the activated charcoal and licorice in the Scotch Porter Face Collection These powerful ingredients work together to draw out impurities, brighten skin and fade dark spots.

 The entire Scotch Porter Charcoal and Licorice Face Collection is available for $51 at ScotchPorter.com

 

 

 

 LAFCO Redwood Bath Soap

 This woody & warm fragranced bar soap with a hint of green is exactly what Dad would want to smell like the fresh scent of the great outdoors! 

Dad loves the smell? Also purchase for him in a 3-pack and you won’t have to buy another until next Father’s Day!

 

LAFCO Redwood Bath Soap is available starting at for $11 at LAFCO.com

The ONLY Swimwear Your Family Needs This Summer! Snapper Rock UV50

June 12, 2017

Snapper Rock is the only brand of swim suits and beach wear that my kids sport all summer. Period. Not only are they quick drying UV50 but they are CUTE beyond cute. And not just the kids stuff but the men and women line’s are amazing too.

The little girl kaftans and jumpers are so great you’ll want to wear them yourself. My 11 year old lives in them and not just around pools or at the beach. She wears the rash top as a top with jeans. Same with my son. They just love the line because it’s also all so comfy. The patterns for boy board shorts are so friggen adorbs.

I mean just LOOK!!

Scoop up a few pieces and you will feel that much better about your kid’s being in the sun all summer.

Why Snapper Rock? – From Founder; Liz Eglinton

As parents we make sure that what our kids like to wear is what we launch.  We ensure that our swimwear has the functionality that parents want – UV protection (blocking 98% of all harmful rays) lightweight, breathable and quick drying without compromising on style.  Designed in New Zealand, where our ozone layer is very thin, we have the expertise in ways we can protect our kids in the sun, without taking away their fun.  We use the latest fabric technology, colors and designs to ensure Snapper Rock continues to lead this market segment.

From baby one piece sunsuits, to cool mix and match swim sets, rash tops, boardies, hats and kaftans, Snapper Rock has your kids covered head to toe.  Our new beachwear range features after-sun kaftans, towelling onezies, swimbags, sundresses’s and accessories.  Choose a set or mix and match our separates to create your own Snapper Rock look.

We love summer and the sun, and we all need Vitamin D, but like all good things its about moderation.  We don’t want to take away anymore of our kids freedom, we want them to enjoy the type of carefree summers we had, we want them to be outside playing, and with Snapper Rock you can relax a little, knowing your kids aren’t the ones getting sunburnt this summer –  Have a rock’n summer

Male Must Haves for the Diligently Dapper

April 14, 2017

As you enter your 30’s men start seeing signs of aging and for some it sneaks up sooner and for the lucky ones it’s not until your mid 30’s. No matter how blessed your gene pool either way, a daily routine is needed to slow down the pace while exuding radiant confidence. Being conscientious in our demeanor is what makes us truly dapper. Its not always easy with balancing work, play, dates, hopefully sex and sleep so I’ve made a list to narrow down your search for the products that sincerely work and will add that extra vigor needed to remain on top of your game. Botox and Hydra Facials take time and not every man likes to spend an hour or more in a doctor’s office, so I’m here to help you stay fresh and poised for the elegant man on the go.

Keep in mind that all skin types are different, however, following this routine you should never worry about looking dull, tired or hung-over again. Here is some gentlemanly advice to keep you on the right track.

Morning Routine

Exfoliate your face and body everyday!

Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Face Scrub wipes away toxins and invigorates with finely ground Ecuadorian Palm Seeds.

Malin Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub is a foaming exfoliate mixing peppermint, amino acids, bamboo and pumice to help shed dead skin and stimulate cell renewal.

Never forget to use a toner after you cleanse your face!

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner is alcohol-free and uses rose-petal water, aloe vera and Thayers’ proprietary Witch Hazel extract for smooth toned skin.

Facial oils, moisturizers and eye creams are a MUST in maintaining youthful hydrated skin.

Herbivore Phoenix Face Oil is an absolute favorite using natural CoQ10 to dramatically rejuvenate your skin at the cellular level.

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Moisturizer SPF 15 replenishes skin and protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays and is formulated mixing Sesame Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid.

Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment is a proprietary blend of fruit stem cells and antioxidant-rich botanical juices as well as Vitamin C to reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Body oils and mists are the new body moisturizer and lasts longer.  

Immunocologie Body Serum is an anti-inflammatory treatment using a unique combination of African desert date seed oil, sunflower seed oil and Brazilian protium heptaphyllum resin to boost skin vitality and radiance.

Jack Black All-Over Body Spray combines mint and rosemary to create an invigorating scent for all men and can also be used as a deodorant for those who don’t like aluminum based products.

All dapper gentleman need to maintain a proper hairstyle.

Moroccanoil Original Treatment can be used as a conditioning, styling and finishing tool. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine boosting vitamins, this completely transformative hair treatment detangles, speeds up drying time and boosts shine. I use it before I blow dry daily for silky smooth hair.

Baxter of California Grooming Cream is the perfect pre-style cream. Apply to hair as a “primer” for manageability and overall conditioning then follow with normal styling regimen, including Baxter of California’s collection of versatile pomades.

Baxter of California Pomades is easily applied to wet hair for a wet-look finish, or to dry hair for a more natural look with less definition.

 

Nighttime Routine

Always use a gentle enzyme face wash before bed and never go to sleep with a dirty face or without repairing eye cream.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is perfect for all skin types and is a refreshing gel which features fruit enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids found naturally in Papaya and Grapefruit Extracts to dissolve away impurities.

Herbivore Brighten Instant Glow Mask uses gentle Pineapple and Papaya enzymes combined with micronized Brazilian White Tourmaline gemstone and rice powder, which has been used in Japan for centuries, to give you a vibrant complexion.

Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water Get-Toner immediately melts from a treatment gel to a water toner as it is massaged into the skin. Marshmallow and green tea soothe and diminish the look of redness, while cucumber and witch hazel extracts tone and tighten. Manuka, a relative of tea tree oil, in conjunction with black cumin and magnolia bark extracts, provides purifying properties to balance oily and problem skin conditions while promoting a visibly improved, clearer, smoother, and shine-free complexion.

Sunday Riley UFO Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil is a quick-absorbing, medicated dry oil to clear congested pores, prevent and treat blemishes, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for clearer, perfect skin.

Immunocologie Intense Eye Cream stimulates blood flow and eliminates impurities from around the orbital eye area. The Lannea Microcarpa fruit extract, has a vasoconstrictor effect when applied on the skin, reducing the capillary enlargement that causes puffiness and dark circles.

XX Jonathan Stinson

Photo credit: Immunocologie, Sunday Riley, Baxter of California and
Jack Black images by MaryGray.co