Time Well Spent
Summer is here, and with it comes a season that invites us to slow down, travel a little farther, and spend meaningful time with the people who matter most. I am especially excited to share this Men’s Issue with you.
In these pages, we highlight the next chapter for Glover Quin. After many years in the NFL, he has stepped into a new role as a visual storyteller, building a custom framing business centered around thoughtful design and craftsmanship. It is a compelling look at reinvention and purpose beyond the game.
If you are feeling the pull toward the mountains, come along with us to Jackson Hole, where we have created an inspiring itinerary designed to help you unplug and recharge. And a bit closer to home, our feature on the Albert Hotel offers the perfect excuse for a memorable Texas road trip.
This issue is also a celebration of the men in our lives, those who lead, support, inspire, and keep us moving forward. Summer has a way of creating space for connection, for laughter, and for moments that remind us what matters most.
And as always, do not miss “If You Eat One Thing.” Our Managing Editor, Gabi De la Rosa, has once again curated something you will absolutely want to try. Dig in and enjoy! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @riveroakslifestyle
SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Savannah Schakett
INTERN
Antonio De la Rosa
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Learn
Glover Quin’s Second Act
Former NFL safety Glover Quin builds GQ Frames in Houston.
If You Eat One Thing
Gulf
Jackson Hole offers
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Morgan Shin, Michelle Pucheu, Jessica Fields, Jay Landa, Marris Goldberg at TUTS Leading Ladies Luncheon. 2: Tracy Leiman, Katie, Pryor, Brittani Dorociak, and Annamaria Davidson the TUTS Leading Ladies Luncheon. 3: TUTS Leading Ladies Luncheon Chair June Deadrick with TUTS Artistic Director Dan Knechtges. 4: Ann and Jonathan Ayre at the 2026 Opera Ball that raised $1.8 million. 5: BenJoaquín Gouverneur and Khori Dastoor at HGO’s ‘Brilliance Ball: A Celebration of Light and Legacy.’ 6: Gracie and Robert Cavnar at 2026 Opera Ball honoring HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers. 7: Derek Charles Livingston, Gwen Watkins at Stages ‘Gala at The Gordy.’
MICHELLE WATSON
PRISCILLA DICKSON
PRISCILLA DICKSON
PRISCILLA DICKSON MICHELLE WATSON
Pregnancy
Prenatal
Yoga
Private
business monthly
Atmosphere Meets Creative Cuisine at Sushi On Post Oak
Nestled in the heart of the Galleria, Sushi On Post Oak combines traditional sushi with modern flavors. Their talented chefs offer a beautiful balance of taste and texture in every dish. Pair your meal with their incredible sake selection or extensive Japanese whiskey menu. Enjoy shareable bites and curated sips during happy hour from 2pm-6pm, as well as reverse happy hour from 10pm until closing. Whether it’s a date night, a group outing, or a casual lunch, SOPO provides welcoming service to make every visit memorable.
A New Weekend Brunch Worth Talking About at Best Regards
Best Regards has launched a new weekend brunch. Only available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the new menu stays true to Best Regards' commitment to prioritizing health and wellness even on your off days. The menu is split into two tracks: Slim Margins (macro-friendly, lower-calorie options) and Write-Offs (fully indulgent plates), so everyone at the table can eat the way they want without compromise.
Smooth Sailing at Discovery Green with New Cruiser Boats
Discovery Green is swapping out its LED-lit kayaks in favor of cruiser-style boats, offering a more relaxed, accessible way to get out on the water. The new boats are designed for easy, leisurely rides and can seat up to five people, making the experience even more appealing for families, groups, and visitors looking to take in skyline views without the learning curve of paddling. Tickets start at $12 for Bumper Boats and $25 for Cruiser Boats.
Photography Courtesy of SOPO
Photography by Ben Sassani
Photography Courtesy of Discovery Green
Monday
Former Houston Texans football player, Glover Quin works on a custom frame inside his Memorial shop, where precision guides every piece.
FORMER NFL SAFETY GLOVER QUIN BUILDS GQ FRAMES IN HOUSTON, TURNING PHOTOGRAPHY AND CUSTOM FRAMING INTO A BUSINESS ROOTED IN STORYTELLING.
GLOVER QUIN’S
SECOND ACT
After more than a decade in the NFL, Glover Quin is building something more low-key, but just as intentional. The former Houston Texans safety, who started 60 games during his time in Houston, has turned his focus from the gridiron to a studio, swapping game film for photographs and custom frames. What began as a hobby has grown into GQ Frames, a business focused on quality craftsmanship and personal storytelling.
Quin’s Memorial storefront at 1500 Brittmoore Road offers a closer look at the craftsmanship behind his growing framing business.
Quin recently opened his first storefront it 1500 Brittmoore Road, giving the business a dedicated space to meet clients and showcase his work. He chose the location because he has spent years in the area and saw it as a natural fit for the kind of clientele he wants to serve.
Quin’s path into photography began after his 2018 retirement. With more time, he began photographing his children’s sporting events, and what started out as a hobby quickly became something more structured. He enrolled in film school, took classes in photography and Photoshop, and spent years refining his skills, often using his own family as subjects.
From there, framing became part of the process. Quin wanted a better way to present his photographs at home, which led him to try out store-bought frames and matting. Eventually, he began building frames himself, learning through trial and error. Precision was necessary for his work. “If the frame isn’t cut perfectly, nothing else works,” he said.
Without formal training at the start, Quin gradually developed a process that worked. He later earned certification from the
Professional Picture Framers Association, strengthening the technical side of his practice.
A turning point occurred in 2022, following the Houston Astros' World Series win. Quin created a custom-framed newspaper piece for his own home and shared it on social media. The response was instant. Requests started coming in, first from friends and then from a larger audience.
“What started as something for my house turned into people asking if I could create something for theirs,” he said.
Inside GQ Frames, Quin meets with clients to design custom displays that bring personal stories into focus.
“ I RECENTLY TOLD SOMEONE THAT I SHOULD CALL MYSELF A VISUAL STORYTELLER, BECAUSE EVERY PIECE THAT GETS FRAMED HAS A STORY. PRESENTING A CUSTOM FRAMED PIECE TO A HAPPY CLIENT GIVES THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO TELL THE STORY BEHIND IT.”
Those early projects focused heavily on sports memorabilia, including jerseys and keepsakes. Working out of his garage, Quin handled each order himself, building the business steadily through word of mouth. The same principles that guided his football career carried over. “All I know is the NFL,” he said. “Production wins almost all the time, but accountability is key.”
Today, GQ Frames goes beyond memorabilia into custom framing for art, photography, and interior design projects. Quin
works with clients across the country, designing pieces meant for personal as well as curated spaces. The Memorial storefront adds more ways for Glover to interact with customers and deliver a more hands-on, collaborative experience.
Quin sees each piece as part of a wider narrative and prefers to think of himself not simply as a framer, but as a visual storyteller. Every project carries meaning, and his role is to help present it in a style that feels complete. gqframes.com
A selection of framed sports memorabilia highlights Quin’s transition from Houston Texans standout to business owner.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MCEWAN
IF YOU EAT ONE THING
In Midtown, Josephine’s brings delicious Gulf Coast flavors to the forefront without trying too hard. Named for executive chef Lucas McKinney’s great-grandmother, with a nod to a shipwreck of the same name, the restaurant focuses on family roots and regional flavor. The menu is seafood-forward, pulling heavily from Gulf waters, with dishes like raw oysters, po’boys, shrimp and grits, and rotating daily catches. It’s casual and welcoming, whether you’re settling into a booth or grabbing a seat at the bar. And when blue crab season hits, there’s one dish that stands out – here, chef Lucas McKinney explains what makes the BBQ Blue Crab dish so delicious. josephinesgulfcoasttradition.com
THE CRAB
The team at Josephine’s sources blue crab from Captain Fred McBride in Galveston Bay, and it is usually a mixed batch with larger-sized crabs. Once they arrive, the prep is minimal. The top shell and gills come off, and the crabs go straight onto the grill with their boiling spices.
“This dish captures our overall philosophy: start with a great product, source it as close to the origin as possible, and do very little to it,” says McKinney. “We let the natural quality speak for itself.”
There’s no extra fuss, just a focus on letting the crab do its thing. It’s also meant to be hands-on. “It’s meant to be a hands-on experience, so don’t be afraid to get a little messy,” he adds.
THE SAUCE
The sauce pulls everything together without stealing the spotlight. It’s a combination of a tomato-based barbecue sauce and Creole mustard, built into one smooth, balanced mix. It starts with the trinity, then layers in tomato, tomato paste, Worcestershire, hot sauce, brown sugar, and Zatarain’s Creole mustard, then finishes with butter.
“Blue crab is naturally sweet, so the sauce is designed to complement rather than overpower it,” McKinney says. “It adds a tangy, slightly rich contrast that enhances the crab’s natural flavor.”
Instead of serving different sauces on the side, everything is combined. “The BBQ elements are incorporated directly into the mustard-based sauce rather than served separately, creating a balanced, all-in-one glaze for the crab,” he explains.
THE TOPPINGS
Don’t go looking for extras here. There aren’t any. “Nothing else is added,” McKinney says. “We intentionally serve the crab on its own so the flavor can stand out without distraction.”
GULF COAST FLAVORS SHINE AT JOSEPHINE’S, WHERE SEAFOOD, TRADITION, AND SIMPLICITY COME TOGETHER IN HOUSTON.
Josephine’s, BBQ Blue Crab
WILD BEAUTY & MODERN LUXURY
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
Jackson Hole is a year-round getaway with breathtaking views and endless outdoor adventure. Photo by John Hoffman
JACKSON HOLE BLENDS RICH HISTORY, BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES, AND MODERN LUXURIES. FROM WORLD-CLASS SKIING AND WILDLIFE SAFARIS TO DINING AND WELLNESS, THE VALLEY OFFERS YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE.
The valley of Jackson Hole has been drawing people to its awe-inspiring landscapes for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that Indigenous people lived and hunted here as far back as 11,000 years, taking advantage of the abundant natural resources. In the early 19th century, fur trappers arrived-hunting beaver furs and other pelts in hopes of making riches from the fur trade. As word spread, the valley began earning a reputation for both opportunities and beauty.
Today, those fortunes look very different. Instead of trapping and trading, travelers come for riches of another kind: mountain air, plentiful wildlife, and some of the country’s best alpine outdoor adventures. Each year, nearly two million visitors arrive in Jackson Hole, most from out of state, due to its proximity to both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It has become a playground that is both wild and very accessible.
Galleries highlight the region’s arts scene, while a growing roster of restaurants offer local fare and globally influenced cuisine. Add in boutique shopping, wellness retreats, and luxury stays, and it’s clear that the same landscape that once sustained hunters and trappers now supports a style of living that blends outdoor adventure with elevated experiences.
WHERE TO STAY
Jackson Hole is a year-round getaway with breathtaking views and endless outdoor adventure, so it makes sense that a stay there should match the landscape’s grandeur. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is nestled in the heart of the valley with easy access to Grand Teton National Park and a walkable distance to restaurants and attractions. With a range of rooms and suites, the property is minutes from world-class skiing in winter
and scenic hiking or biking trails in warmer months. It is perfect for families excited to spend days outdoors, as well as for those who prefer the spa, poolside lounging, or slow mornings with stunning mountain views.
The resort has undergone a complete transformation over the past few years, with its newest feature being Steadfire Chop House. Drawing inspiration from the American West, the restaurant showcases locally sourced vegetables, seafood, and beef from Snake River Farms and Reminisce Angus Ranch. Guests can also choose from a variety of restaurant options across the property, from a speakeasy-style bar to a sleek PanAsian restaurant, ensuring that dining there is as memorable as the great outdoors.
WHERE TO PLAY
Adventure is always within reach in Jackson Hole. From tackling Corbet’s Couloir, one of the steepest ski runs in North America, to spotting bears, wolves, and other wildlife, the region has experiences for every type of explorer.
The Four Seasons Resort makes exploring easy through its curated excursions, courtesy of its partnership with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris. Guests can book half- or full-day outings led by naturalist guides into Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Park. As with all of the resort’s offerings, these tours come complete with everything guests need for the day, including meals, snacks, and binoculars for those can’tmiss panoramic views and up-close encounters.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a hub for year-round enjoyment. In the winter, it is all about hitting the slopes, while in the warmer months, a gondola ride delivers visitors to miles of hiking and biking trails. The resort is also home to the area’s only Via Ferrata experience. Adrenaline seekers can harness up for a high alpine private climbing adventure that involves getting vertical while traversing suspension bridges, ladders, and natural granite slabs. And no trip to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is complete without a scenic 12-minute tram ride to Corbet’s Cabin to enjoy freshly baked waffles at 10,000 feet.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
For those who want to explore beyond the resort, Jackson Hole’s dining scene is worth the short walk or quick drive. In Teton Village, Il Villaggio Osteria brings Italy to the mountains with wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and hearty fare that’s perfect after a hike or gondola ride.
Downtown, The Bistro, located inside The Cloudveil hotel, offers a European-inspired menu and extensive wine and cocktail list, making it a favorite for date night or a leisurely evening out. The menu features everything from carrot risotto and croque madame to classic dishes like burgers and pork chops. Both restaurants are part of the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, the team behind several of Jackson Hole’s most buzzy spots, including The Kitchen, Bin22, and Bodega. Each has a distinct personality, giving visitors plenty of ways to taste the town.
Via Ferrata, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris
Il Villaggio Osteria, Cauliflower Steak.
Photo by Rachel Zaccardo Photography
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole
Summer in Houston starts here. All-suite comfort in Uptown Houston, with poolside downtime and easy access to The Galleria, NRG Stadium, and Daikin Park. The Chifley Hotel is built for how you travel, whether you're here for business, game day, or a weekend escape.
Destination: Albert Hotel
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DANIELS
The Albert Hotel blends timeless design, local flavors, and modern comfort in the heart of Fredericksburg.
Albert Hotel, Fredericksburg
The Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg offers more than a place to stay—it’s a thoughtfully designed destination that blends history, hospitality, and local culture. The expansive Hill Country retreat features 105 guest rooms, all-day dining, a full-service spa, and versatile event spaces.
“This project represents our vision of hospitality,” said Bart Knaggs, CEO of New Waterloo. “The Albert Hotel is more than a property; it’s our love letter to Fredericksburg, which embodies years of meticulous planning and a profound respect for local history.”
Dining at the Albert Hotel is made up of four distinct experiences, each showcasing the best ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. The hotel recently debuted The Wellhouse led by executive chef Michael Behan. The restaurant offers signature classics including Crab Claws, Truffle Mac & Cheese, and Chicken Fried Steak. The Saloon provides a relaxed gathering spot for whiskey and beer, while The Pharmacy serves coffee, espresso, pastries, and scratch-made sandwiches. Junebugs BBQ adds another delicious component with brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage. Guest rooms range from cozy bunk rooms to luxurious suites, including the Albertina House, a four-bedroom historic residence ideal for group stays. Thoughtful design details include rich green palettes, custom textiles, expansive showers, and bespoke robes from Houston brand, Mirth.
The Spa at Albert Hotel invites guests to explore wellness through Texas-inspired treatments. With seven private treatment rooms, the spa offers signature experiences like the Albert Signature Massage and Enchanted Rock treatment.
The hotel features 3,600 square feet of flexible space for events, including a mezzanine, outdoor lawn, and private dining rooms. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, every detail is managed by an expert team of hospitality professionals. alberthotel.com
Two distinct green color palettes, rich sage and deep emerald, create a nuanced visual experience that reflects the property's design philosophy.
The property features a pool, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, and onsite valet parking. Photo by Dillon Magnusson
LEARN ABOUT ADVANCED SKINCARE PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS MEN’S UNIQUE SKIN CONCERNS WITH TARGETED SOLUTIONS.
A R E F I NED
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KIEHL'S
R OUTI
N
E
Men’s skin is fundamentally different from women’s. It is thicker, rougher, and more prone to oil buildup. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare just doesn’t cut it. With advances in skincare science and more targeted options than ever, it’s finally time for men to elevate their routines beyond the old bar of soap. Whether battling breakouts, dryness, or early signs of aging, the right regimen can make all the difference.
Not sure where to start? No problem. From deep-cleansing face washes to nourishing moisturizers and lightweight sunscreens, here’s an essential guide to building a smarter, more effective men’s skincare routine. Kiehl’s offers a powerhouse lineup of men’s products each formulated with effective, skin-loving ingredients, and tailored to tackle men’s unique skin concerns. kiehls.com
Original Musk Eau de Toilette is Kiehl’s timeless unisex fragrance, blending warm musk with soft floral and woody accords for a clean scent. $50
1
Filled with Caffeine, Menthol, and Vitamin E, this face wash effectively removes debris, dirt and oil with a non-drying cleanse. This men’s facial cleanser is paraben and alcohol-free, and an energizing way to start the day, by reviving and awakening the skin for a healthier appearance. Price: $42
3
An anti-aging treatment for men’s skin that targets fine lines and wrinkles while visibly firming skin. Kiehl’s first all-in-one anti-aging moisturizer for men is specifically formulated for men’s thicker, coarser skin. This revitalizing anti-wrinkle cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, healthy-looking skin. Price: $47
This men’s face moisturizer re-energizes and revives fatigued, dull skin. Formulated with Caffeine and Vitamin C, it provides antioxidant protection, while softening and hydrating the skin. It is fast absorbing, non-greasy, paraben and sulfate free. Price: $42
2 4
The formula provides SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight, sheer, and ultra-blendable texture, achieved through a precisely calibrated mix of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. This mineral system is engineered for optimal dispersion, delivering a non-greasy, no-drag application that layers comfortably on all skin types. Price: $36
2202 W Al abama St #C Houston, TX 77098
281-520-3722
www.albiwellness.com
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Red Light Therapy
PEMF Therapy
Superfoods & Supplements And
Modern Fatherhood
Natalie Malveaux
ARTICLE BY RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SIMPLER HAIR COLOR
“I wanted hair color to feel effortless, not intimidating, so people can look their best without the mess or complicated steps.”
Simpler Hair Color founder, Snehal Patel
Clean Color Shift
A Texas founder rethinks at-home hair color with a cleaner, simpler, and more reliable approach.
Gray hair used to come with limited choices: embrace it or deal with messy, time-consuming dye kits. Simpler Hair Color is offering another option, one that is less of a chore and more like a streamlined part of a routine.
Founded by Texas-based entrepreneur Snehal Patel, Simpler Hair Color was created because of personal frustration. “I started seeing gray hairs in my twenties,” Patel says. “Sometimes I liked them, sometimes I didn’t. But every time I tried to color, it felt overly complicated and harsh.” Traditional box dyes, he adds, often left behind stains and irritation, while salon visits required more time and money than he wanted to spend.
That led him to develop a product that combines simplicity with results. “I wanted something that fit into a modern self-care routine,” he says. “Not something that felt like a science experiment in your bathroom.”
The result is a no-mix, no-drip formula dispensed directly onto an applicator comb. Users apply it in minutes, with no shaking, pouring, or guesswork. What also sets the brand apart is what it leaves out. “We made a deliberate decision to remove Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause irritation for some people,” Patel explains. Instead, the formula uses an alternative ingredient that is generally gentler on skin while still delivering natural-looking color.
Originally marketed to men, Simpler Hair Color has recently expanded into the women's market. The kit works across hair types and doubles as a beard product or for quick touch-ups, eliminating the need for multiple products.
For Patel, the goal was always very straightforward. “If people are going to color their hair, it shouldn’t feel intimidating,” he says. “It should feel easy, reliable, and clean.” simplerhaircolor.com
Simpler Hair Color offers an easy, no-mix solution for covering gray hair at home effortlessly.
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
ARTICLE BY KIM HILL
GUYS’ GUYS’ GETAWAYS GETAWAYS
FOUR GREAT PLACES FOR GROOVES, GRUB AND GAWKING WITH BEST BROS
Has it been too long since your tribe gathered to rib and one-up each other as only guys can do? To help plan a getaway for just the guys, City Lifestyle gathered an eclectic list of locations offering tons of things to see, do and experience. Here’s hoping the only ribs one will get on this guys’ getaway are the kind to hold in hands while barbecue sauce drips onto shirts.
Scottsdale/Phoenix
There’s no other tournament on the PGA Tour like the Waste Management Phoenix Open and no hole like the legendary 16th, where 20,000 boisterous fans boo the tee shots that miss the green. The other 51 weeks of the year, golfers can play TPC Scottsdale or try one of more than 200 courses in the Scottsdale area, a top golf destination. Another winter event is the BarrettJackson Collector Car Auction. Even if one’s only collector car was a Hot Wheels, it’s a blast to peruse the acres of autos for
sale before heading inside to watch the unique or renowned cars crossing the auction block. When it’s time to get moving, the strenuous hike up Camelback Mountain in nearby Phoenix is a bucket-list item. Need a more moderate trail? Experience the same magic of the majestic saguaro cactus in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
New Orleans
It’s always a party in New Orleans (NOLA), especially when it comes to festivals, many of them centered around music. Folk to funk, gospel to jazz, zydeco, blues, African and other musical styles are celebrated on the Jazz and Heritage Festival’s 12 stages. If free admission is more desired, don’t miss the French Quarter Festival featuring local musicians and food vendors representing dozens of New Orleans restaurants. Part of the fun of Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is admiring revelers’ watercraft, some of them homemade just for this festival on the banks of Bayou Saint John. If one of the festivals can’t be attended, there’s still plenty of NOLA live music, particularly the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street. And when a break from crowds is needed, take a guided swamp tour. Kitschy, yes, but it’s a hoot to cruise around on a swamp buggy while looking for alligators.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
“America’s Sports Car” is produced at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where visitors can join guided tours to observe Corvettes being built and learn the fascinating history of these sexy autos. See examples of all Corvette generations at the National Corvette Museum. And if the need for speed is still felt, a few times a year Xtreme Experience offers driving or ride-along events in exotics like Ferraris or Lamborghinis at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. After getting all revved up, cool down at Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, where guided tours take participants through tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. And after all this touring, the Bowling Green area is the southernmost point in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail of distilleries.
Austin
Live music rules here, with iconic venues such as Antone’s, The Continental Club, the White Horse and hundreds of other locations, from dive bars to big stages. From rock and blues to country and urban, music is heard every night of the week (and many afternoons as well). When guys are hungry, there are tons of barbeque and Tex-Mex joints. Unique food trucks are truly a thing here, with nearly 2,000 food trailers in town. Burn some calories biking or running the Southern Walnut Creek Trail or one of many paved paths. Get out on the water in a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard on Lake Travis or Lady Bird Lake. Take a dip in the historic Barton Springs Pool, where the underground springs keep the water around 68 degrees all year.
Nice? Is Whiskey On Ice
In speaking to Whiskey lovers (most happen to be men, but do accept me in their brethren as a fellow enthusiast, writer, and educator), I’ve learned a great many opinions on how to drink Whiskey. Specifically, preferences on adding water and ice vary greatly.
A brand ambassador that I had the privilege of listening to recently said the obvious: both dilution and temperature change when you add ice, so if you are going to add something, a little water is best. I personally prefer to use a water dropper, so I can add one drop at a time until I get to the desired taste.
HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES:
THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY YOUR WHISKEY: ON THE ROCKS, ROCK, NEAT, OR WITH WATER
Rocks: Provides the highest rate of dilution as a lot of ice melts quickly. If you are drinking a barrel proof Whiskey, it kind of defeats the purpose as the distiller didn’t add water as they do in every other type of finished Whiskey.
On the Rock: The single rock, cube, or sphere is the slowest to melt and thought to be the most aesthetic. It’s nice if you want to stretch out your tasting. I often order on the rock if I want my drink to last longer.
Neat: This is the way single malt Scotch is served at a tasting event, in a branded Glencairn or Neat glass so that proper nosing for aromas can be achieved - and a dram of Scotch, smaller than an ounce, fits in them perfectly.
Water: As I mentioned above, quoting the brand ambassador, a little water is better for a fine Whiskey over any kind of ice. Often, if ordered with water, the water is served in a separate vessel on the side so you can add in as much as you want.
Quoting another expert on the subject, Richard Paterson of The Dalmore famously and enthusiastically demonstrates in his Scotch classes how to drink single malt Scotch Whiskey: Paterson fills a lowball glass to the rim with ice, adds Scotch and then ceremoniously throws it over his shoulder onto the carpet of the classroom – because that much ice makes the drink worthless. One more quote, never “add green tea or milk to Whiskey. You can add a little water, but not a lot of ice.”
Ultimately, the reason we add ice can be for aesthetics, to stretch out the time spent on one glass, for cooling, and for dilution. However, the number one reason enthusiasts add water is … drumroll please … because adding a little water actually opens up a Whiskey to show more aromas and flavors.
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