October 2013 - The Blonde Side

Rockets Opener

Welcome to H-Town D-12

Everyone sitting at home, raise your hand if you’re as excited as I am about the NBA season back in action? Although I do love me some basketball, I never thought I’d say those words, especially in week 9 of the NFL, but given the way baseball and football has played out here in Houston this year, I’m ready to see some W’s put on the board.

And the Houston Rockets are looking as if they may not give us a hat trick in the disappointment department.

As you all well know, the Dwight Howard era has officially begun in H-town. This year’s slogan, A New Age, promises a different team, and those all around the NBA have quickly noticed, thanks in part to the drama king himself and the $88 million that got him here.

You may have heard of James Harden and Dwight Howard (or seen them on those awkward billboards where it looks like Harden is telling Howard how to say Houston), but Daryl Morey scripted two of the most notable back-to-back offseasons to bring each of us THIS TEAM. And it’s damn exciting.

The NBA Season is here, and thankfully it’s a long one. The Rockets ran the Bobcats up and down the court to start the season with a 83-96 win over the team who has most recently come off an NBA-worst two-year record of 28-120 (sounds a little like an Astros record, doesn’t it?).

No surprise, Howard shined in his Houston debut with 17 points and 26 rebounds, tying his career high. He also added 2 assists and 2 blocks for the night. But a win over Charlotte and some of these lesser NBA teams doesn’t say much. After all, the highest scorer for the Bobcats was Josh McRoberts with 15 points for the night. The Rockets had three (THREE!) guys top that: Howard (17), Harden (21) and Garcia (19). The game felt a little like David and Goliath, so you can’t put too much stock in it.

Here are a few key things I’m personally going to keep an eye out for:

1. Potential Drama. For the first time in a long while, the Rockets have multiple big names; it’s no longer a guessing game of the roster. I think there are a few elephants in the room with this team, so we’ll see how that plays out as we get a little deeper into the season.

A New Age

You do recall just two seasons ago where ESPN announcers didn’t know a single name on the team, with K-Mart being our biggest name? My how times have changed in just two years.

2. The Rest of the Division. The Rockets play in the West, notably the toughest in the league. It will be interesting to see how the team plays, but equally to see how the other big teams will do. That will dictate our Playoff changes just as much as anything else. To put it simply: the Western Conference is stacked, like Pamela Anderson kind of stacked.

3. Back to the Drama (I am a girl, remember). Howard took his drama straight from Orlando to LA, and we’re all crossing our fingers he left it just outside Kobe’s locker. The Rockets are quite frankly boring on the drama front, which is probably a good thing. The team jells quite nicely and I’ll be interested to see if Howard left his dramatic ways and doesn’t drive a rift between this team.

4. Defense. This team has been so focused on offense, that’s just another reason Howard was such a key pickup. Last season the Rockets ranked 28th in the league (2nd worst in the league), allowing 102.5 points per game.

5. Patrick Beverly vs Jeremy Lin as Starter. I think Kevin McHale was genius in starting Beverly over Lin on opening night, but it’ll be interesting to see who wins that starting battle, who stays healthy and who can lead the team on offense better.

6. I’m certainly going to miss Carlos Del-THREENO. This team has got to find another perimeter shooter and clutch guy to keep this team going. As of opening night, it looked like Garcia may step up to those shoes behind the arch.

7. I will not miss: Royce White. Sorry buddy, but peace out.

The 2013 Houston Rockets Led by Dwight Howard

8. Where to Watch? I’m deeply saddened that on Howard’s highly anticipated debut, even in torrential downpours, the Rockets couldn’t sell out the home opener. The seats, especially the pricier ones the cameras kept panning around, were wide open for the taking. Furthermore, this Comcast-only option-Monopoly-nonsense to watch games will prove a little trickier this year with fans wanting to be more involved watching D-12. It’ll be interesting to see how involved fans can stay throughout 82 games of mostly watching at bars. Could prove to be interesting weekday nightlife of getting hammered, right Houston?

Oh, and if you thought a Dwight Howard / Wilt Chamberlain comparison seemed ludicrous, there’s this:

Howard is only the 4th different player in the last 50 seasons with at least 17 points and 26 rebounds in a season opener, the first since Wilt Chamberlain did it 43 years ago, where he had 31 boards (via ESPN Stats & Information).

October 31, 2013/by Jayme

Alpha: Product Review

Fitness

Alpha monitoring my heart rate on my left wrist

If you follow me on social media, it’s no secret I’ve been busting my rump to get back in shape. I’ve been going to Sculpt Fitness anywhere from 4-6 days/week and I’m seeing great results, thanks to their instructors that literally make me think I will drown in my own sweat.

Recently I received a MIO Alpha watch to use during my workouts. I’ve never really gotten into the whole heart rate thing, mostly because I thought it involved math and all these crazy wires and velcro straps and all that seemed like nonsense for a workout.

How it works: Algorithms are applied to the pulse signal so that the heart’s true rhythm can be detected even while running at performance speeds. It is also designed with simplicity in mind, which is perfect for us blondes (or basically anyone who would rather focus on the workout at hand rather than functions and buttons).

Function aside, it’s actually cute too. There is no cheststrap or wires or anything we usually associate with heart rate monitors. After working out I sometimes have to run errands, the watch stays on. It’s perfect.

It also goes with my outfit if I’m rocking a sporty look or traveling, it doesn’t need to just be worn in the gym. And I love the tag for this product: Train with Heart.

And The Blonde Side isn’t the only one that loves this new advancement in sports technology. Check out all the other rave

My Alpha goes perfectly with my Tiffany & Co bracelet

reviews media has recently given it.

The key thing you will need to figure out on your own (if you don’t already know) is what your ideal heart rate is, so you can help set a targeted heart rate. Here is an article in USA Today that is specifically meant for women to help determine their heart rate. The formula is basically to take 88% of your age and then subtract 206 from that number. Again, I’m not good with math, so go figure your own out!

I won’t lie, I did have a little difficulty setting it up, but I’ve never been good with directions. Once that is set up, you’re ready to run. Or climb. Or TRX. Or spin. Or whatever you choose. Your Alpha will track it, so you’re good to go.

October 27, 2013/by Jayme

Women’s Events: New Playing Field

Blog

Dorcey Kuti (and female fans) at “Game Day Girls Way” Texans Watch Party

I was recently approached by a group of amazingly avid Texans fans inviting me to one of their “Game Day Girls Way” watch parties. Ok, you have my attention.

Although I’ve yet to make one of their events due to timing, I found some time to interview the group to share it with the readers of The Blonde Side.

Here’s a look into my interview with the ladies of The Social Chix Collective (TSCC):

TBS: When, why and how was this group founded?

TSCC: Founded in 2009, The Social Chix Collective is a professional alliance initiative developed by PR entrepreneurs Kelly King, Dorcey Kuti and myself to promote the growth of public relations professionals through building business relationships and partnerships. We created our business alliance out of mutual respect for each other’s work ethic, recognition that we are much more powerful with the support of one another, and a desire to work on projects that are bigger than any one of us individually.

“Game Day Girls Way” is one of our women’s initiative designed to raise awareness of the influential female presence in what is known as the male-dominated sports world and in the general market. Women influence well over 85% of purchases made throughout the world. As PR and Marketing minds, we thought that was amazing! We want to send a message through Game Day Girls’ Way that in all areas, even sports, women are the influencers; we drive trends and shape our communities.

TBS: How many women in the group? How did you get the word out in this big ole city of Houston?

TSCC: It’s just three of us. One of the really cool things about it being just us is that we each can use the projects we work on together as a platform to raise awareness of our individual companies and projects we support on our own. Simultaneously, we are also garnering attention for The Social Chix as well. Through our partnership and the projects that we take on as a group, we hope to encourage other women to build alliances with women within their networks too. We brand The Social Chix Collective by developing cool initiatives like Game Day Girls Way.

The Social Cix: Dorcey Kuti, Marjorie Sheriff & Kelly King

TBS: I gotta ask, what is the dress code? Must you come blinged out in Texans wear?

TSCC: There is no dress code for the Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties”– we encourage the ladies to dress up in their favorite football fan gear. During the month of October we were spotlighting breast cancer awareness so we encouraged the ladies to dress in pink or incorporate into their fan gear.

TBS: How can other women join in on the fun? Is there a website, do you pay dues, give me the nitty gritty details?

TSCC: The ladies can follow us on Facebook or checkout our blog.

TBS: Where do these “Watch Parties” take place?

TSCC: Each of the Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties” takes place at Mosaic Bar & Lounge (5927 Almeda Rd., Suite 190K, Houston, TX 77004). There will be more Game Day Girls’ Way events beyond football season. We use many different major sporting events as playing fields for bringing women together for all sorts of fun!

TBS: What about the guys? You don’t like watching football with them? You do like beer, right?

TSCC: Well, it just so happens that there are quite a few guys who come out too! (After all, women like a little eye candy!) However, the atmosphere is conducive to a night out with the girls. This definitely isn’t your man-cave kind of party. There are cocktails, trivia games, music, door prizes, women’s product giveaways and gift bags, vendors and fun that appeals to women. Lady football fans are there and believe us, there’s a lot of game watching going on, but there’s a lot of mingling and chatting too. There’s a vibe of sisterhood involved and there’s really nothing else like it!

Kelly King with Lady Texans Fans at “Game Day Girls Way” Texans Watch Party

TBS: Do you get any support from the team, players, or their wives?

TSCC: During the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston we actually hosted a Game Day Girls Way “Glam Slam!” weekend in which many basketball wives participated in such as Candace Ford (wife of TJ Ford), Ashley Alston (wife of Rafer Alston), Clarenda McGrady (wife of Tracy McGrady), and Shelby Francis (wife of Steve Francis). Some of the ladies have come to the more recent Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties” and we greatly appreciate them coming out and supporting. There’s a mutual respect there as well. During NBA All-Star we used our events to create awareness of My I.N.C. (headed by Kisha Beard and Candace Ford) and we look forward to working with other groups involved with the sports we touch.

TBS: What are the benefits for girls coming? Why forgo how they currently watch games?

TSCC: It’s really about the experience. The freebies and giveaways are great items to take away from the event, but it’s more about the fun atmosphere, being among women in a fun and positive setting, having a girl’s getaway for the day. The Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties” offer women the chance to experience something different every time they come out and share experiences with friends or network and meet other women who are doing cool things in this city.

Thanks to the ladies of The Social Chix Collective (us brands that adamantly start with “The” in our business names gotta stick together!) for the invitation and all the information. Be sure to check out their group for upcoming dates and fun pieces on this new playing field with some of Houston’s most spirited fans. Go Texans!

October 24, 2013/by Jayme

Bye Texans

Football

Texans Brian Cushing out with season-ending injury yet again

The Texans have a bye week, but is it time to say bye to the season?

What’s left of the Texans? That seems to be what everyone is asking. Here’s my motto for the rest of the season:

One. Game. At. A. Time.

Sunday’s game against the undefeated Chiefs including Case Keenum’s performance and the rest of the moving parts FINALLY pulling their acts together was in fact encouraging, although it didn’t add to the positive side of the now 2-5 record. I don’t know about y’all but football looked fun again.

I can’t sit here and say the Texans still have a chance at the playoffs, at least not with a straight face, but it’s not completely out of the question. Crazier things have happened. Case in point: the Astros being the most profitable team in Major League Baseball even with three straight seasons of 100+ losses.

The good thing about Sunday in Arrowhead was that the Texans showed they had just a little bit of life left in them. They looked excited. They had heart. They had faith. They fought. All things we hadn’t seen much of in the past few weeks. The defense stepped up in the second half allowing just one field goal – all positives.

The other good thing is the team is headed into a much needed bye week. But is there any hope left for this team this season?

While fans have probably halted their searches for airfare deals to New York in February, we can still hope for an exciting eight weeks left of good football and improvement. At least I am. Because eight weeks of anything boring is, well…a waste of time.

If there is a chance, and that’s a Texas-sized if, time is as big of an enemy as the current 2-5 record. Each of the 32 teams are given 16 weeks to showcase how good they are on the field, and the Texans have squandered away five straight weeks by showing the world the complete opposite. And if we’re being honest, the first two wins weren’t really the All-Star indicators we had expected to see – you shouldn’t have to bust your tail to comeback like that.

Duane Brown and Texans Offense (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

A few pieces to keep this season on the up and up:

Confidence. Our players have got to find this again. Our quarterback, whoever it is, needs confidence in the pocket. Confidence also comes from not being drilled into the ground on every other offensive play. Keenum was sacked on every third down in the fourth quarter (five total). Two of those were his own mistakes not reading the blitz, but as a rookie, the confidence and performance displayed by Case Keenum was spot-on.
Time management. I never thought I’d see a day where Andy Reid managed the clock better than his opponent, but Sunday in Arrowhead showed otherwise.
Fix the details. It’s too late to reinvent this wheel and this isn’t really a wheel that should need reinvention. I’d be hard-pressed to say that Kubiak is getting fired mid-season or that Schaub is getting traded, but it’s the details we need to focus on. Figuring out our running back situations in case we run into another game where both Foster and Tate are out.
Here’s another detail I’d like to see fixed: get Derrick Newton OFF THE FIELD.

Luckily these guys get to take next Sunday off (so I can focus solely on the Eagles and the improvements needed there), which includes four consecutive and much needed days off (mandated by new NFL rules). That also means fans can take a week off too.

Thank goodness.

The only person who shouldn’t take a break this week? Gary Kubiak.

I’m fine with having a conservative state when it comes to politics, but not when it comes to football. In the fourth quarter against the Chiefs, the Texans had four possessions. Guess how many points were scored off those four possessions? ZERO.

Next Sunday when Andrew Luck comes into Reliant, we need to capitalize on every possession to keep ourselves in the game, and we need to force turnovers like we did against the Chiefs.

And I think every single Texans fan cried a little on the inside on the Cushing injury. Not only because he’s such a loss to the defense we still desperately need, but because he’s fought so hard to come back and these are the seven games he came back for? Again, you hate seeing any player injured (yes, even a pick-six-throwing quarterback), and definitely good guys like Brian Cushing.

Technically the season’s not over, but I’m not going to send any of my hard-earned money to Vegas on the odds we’re currently running.

So next Sunday, after a week off for all of us, the Texans (and the jersey-burning fans) will yet again find themselves on national TV during primetime, lets at least try not to look like the Vikings. And at least Josh Freeman won’t be sporting a Texans jersey. See, there’s brightside yet again!

October 23, 2013/by Jayme

Texans Positives

Football

This time Matt Schaub wasn’t to blame (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

It’s simple: you can’t blame Sunday’s performance on Matt Schaub. Not this time. He can’t be your scapegoat. I realize the guy in the pocket needs to be a leader, and right now, Schaub can’t be that leader, but there are A TON of other guys not only suited to be the leader for this Texans team, but want to lead it.

So what is the problem? I have tried to avoid social media and talk radio and Sportscenter and everywhere else the Texans are a huge focus. It’s just getting old.

But what’s really getting old are the uneducated fans out there saying stuff that doesn’t even make sense. Lets tank the rest of the reason to hopefully get a #1 draft pick? Where did you learn about NFL? Or did you not? It is still only WEEK SIX, and yes, four losses back-to-back-to-back are going to be hard to overcome, for anyone. As Andre Johnson said in Sunday’s postgame press conference – there are 10 games left. They need to find a way to win these 10 games.

It’s not pretty but it ain’t over. And gosh, has a team ever needed a bye week (not coming until Week 8) as desperately as

Gary Kubiak: The Leaky Faucet (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Houston needs it now? After all, we are still the reigning AFC South champs – that has to count for something right?

Kubiak acknowledged after the loss that the team “sprung leaks everywhere,” but I’m wondering if he considered himself a leaky faucet like many others do? All this talk of Kubiak being too conservative and he rolls out onto Reliant even more conservative than before?

Houston isn’t just losing, they are getting blown out. Every sports media person around has utilized their Thesaurus to find a new way to say “embarrassing.” On Sunday, the Texans were outcoached and outplayed, so there again, what is the actual problem? The Rams scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams.

Many of y’all thought TJ Yates was the answer, and immediately (his 5^th play of the game to be exact) he catches the Pick-Six virus that’s been going around.

For starters, 95 yards of penalties is no bueno. Especially when those were just in the first half. In comparison, according to teamrankings.com, the team with the highest average number of penalty yards per game is Tampa Bay with 82.6. Sunday the Texans had 10+ yards more than the highest average in the league. (Overall for 2013, the Texans have the second highest with 76.5 penalty yards per game.)

Turnovers: It’s no secret you can’t win a game with turnovers, plain and simple. Muffed kickoff returns have been a thorn in our side for almost an entire year. That part of the game needs to shape up. Not only turning the ball over on offense, but we aren’t forcing turnovers on the other side of the ball, which is equally important.

J.J. Watt and the Defense need to step it up

I love J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and all the other defensive guys just as much as all of you, but there’s an issue there as well. A big one. The Texans came into Sunday’s game ranked 29^th against the run – to put that in perspective, last year the team ranked 7^th. Quite a discrepancy and no wonder we heard Zac Stacy’s name over and over the loudspeaker at Reliant. I have faith in Wade Phillips just as I do the entire defense, rest assured they are making changes this week.

Last year the Texans gave up 28 sacks all year over the span of 16 games. Already this season, Texans quarterbacks have been sacked 17 times in just six weeks. Our quarterbacks are being rushed and not getting the protection they need. We’re not as bad as Oakland who has allowed 28 sacks on their quarterback this year already, but the Texans are 23^rd in the league for the offensive line allowing sacks.

And while the team is still getting a bad rap and national attention for their play on the field, add to it another week Texans fans are getting an even worse rap thanks to some ill-mannered fans who clearly CHEERED when Schaub went down with any injury. Here’s what J.J. Watt had to say about it: That’s a pretty tough life if you’re cheering for somebody else to get injured.

I couldn’t agree more.

I’m obviously not your mother so I can’t tell you how to act in public (you should know that already), but if you’ve ever played sports or you were a “real” fan of the game being played and the hard work and dedication that goes into it, you wouldn’t dare EVER cheer for ANY injury. Not even on the other team.

Most of y’all know I adamantly can’t stand the Cowboys or Tim Tebow, but I would never stoop to that level to hope for or cheer an injury. So I’ll leave you with that this week.

Sunday doesn’t look any easier, headed to KC to take on the 6-0 Chiefs. Lets hope Kubiak can pull a rabbit out of his hat.

October 16, 2013/by Jayme

Cornering for Tatas

Football

Guest of honor Kyssi Andrews with Houston Texans Brice McCain, from left, Brian Cushing, Arian Foster, Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson Photo by Micahl Wyckoff

While Sunday’s blowout loss against the Rams wasn’t pretty, the pre-game festivities were quite the opposite. Kareem Jackson walked onto the field with his beautiful mother, a two-time breast cancer survivor.

“It’s something I will never forget. For my mom to have fought breast cancer twice, it was definitely a blessing for my family and was an honor to walk on the field with her,” Jackson said.

Sunday afternoon the Texans equipped fans with “Texans Stand Together Against Breast Cancer” pink signs where each person could write who they “stand” for as part of the effort to raise awareness throughout the NFL and its fan base. And while the Texans are undoubtedly making some changes and trying to fix some costly mistakes from the game, cornerbacks Jackson and Johnathan Joseph switched their focus Monday night as they teamed up at the Houston Texans Grille for their “Tailgating for a Cure” fundraiser.

“We all know someone touched by this disease and anytime you have an event, you want to come out and support your brother that plays next to you and the guys in the same locker room.”

The event is personal to both players, as Joseph’s father is currently battling lung cancer and Jackson’s mother is a breast cancer survivor. Proceeds benefit the American Lung Association and Sister’s Network, Inc. Fans showed up in droves to catch a glimpse of some of their favorite players, including Brian Cushing, Arian Foster, Wade Smith, Duane Brown, Andre Johnson, Ed Reed, and J.J. Watt, and support the worthy cause.

Smith knows firsthand how much it means having your teammates there for support. “I think it’s something we always do as a team. We’re kind of a brotherhood and we like to support each other on our various events and various charities. This one is near and dear to J-Jo and Kareem based on their family members’ experiences. Cancer is something that affects everybody and we wanted to come out and show our support. That’s why we’re here,” he said.

Jackson and Joseph were both in awe of their teammates’ turnout. “We all have the same heart, a close heart. We all know someone touched by these diseases and anytime you have an event, you want to come out and support your brother that plays next to you and the guys in the same locker room. I’d like to thank those guys for taking time out of their day and just coming out,” Jackson said.

Saluting the birthday girl

Houston Texans Cheerleaders with Kyssi Andrews (Photo by Micahl Wyckoff)

The highlight of the evening (even more than the touchdown dance contest or the silent auction) was the birthday celebration for Kyssi Andrews who was sporting a white tutu and bedazzled Arian Foster jersey. Kyssi was diagnosed with kidney cancer and eventually had one of her kidneys removed. Just three months later, she began her tough battle with Stage 4 lung cancer.

“Although the odds were against her, God said something totally different,” her mother, Marla Jones, said on stage just before the audience (Texans players included) sang “Happy Birthday” to celebrate Kyssi’s very special fifth birthday.

Jones said the Texans’ love and support “means the world to me, as a mother. This is a very special day because doctors didn’t think she would make it to her fifth birthday. She’s a fighter, that’s all she knows, she’s had to fight her entire life.”

Joseph and Jackson presented the youngster with an elaborate Hello Kitty birthday cake and a walking life-size Hello Kitty balloon. Several Houston Texans cheerleaders gave Kyssi her very own cheerleading outfit, including the red knee-high boots.

Kareem Jackson and his mother, two-time breast cancer survivor (Photo by Micahl Wyckoff)

Johnathan Joseph’s wife, Delania Joseph, marveled at the event’s turnout and the upbeat attitudes despite the team’s loss a day earlier. “I didn’t expect for tonight to be this big, to have all these people come out and support me and Johnathan for such a great cause. It shows what kind of fan base we have in Houston.”

This article ran in the Social Scene section of Culture Map. Click here to see the original article.

October 16, 2013/by Jayme

NFL Cheer: Ben-Gals

Cheerleading

Bengals Cheerleader, Selina

First up: Selina

Originally from the great state of Texas, smarty-pants Selina moved to Cincinnati in 2009 after college graduation, thanks in part to a killer job offer at P&G. This second year Ben-Gal graduated college with two degrees, one in biomedical science/engineering and the other in general studies. But that’s not all. She also graduated with four minors (chemistry, physics, English and Spanish). At the age of 19.

So again, to debunk that silly NFL Cheerleader myth that keeps floating around the Internet that they aren’t educated or don’t have “real” jobs, I’d venture to say Selina’s job is more real than yours and mine…put together. But don’t let those degrees scare you away. If you happen to get ahold of her iPod, you’ll surely find every Disney song imaginable, as Selina admits she “grew up with a Disney Princess complex,” and happily discloses that information to anyone who asks.

Taking almost three years to muster up the spirit fingers to try out for the Ben-Gals, Selina, now in her second season, made the team on her first try. Since then, Selina has become one of the favorites on the sidelines, gets intensely involved in community events around Cincinnati, and has debuted her smokin’ hot bod on the cover of this year’s swimsuit calendar.

Selina is not only proud of her unique squad (the Ben-Gals have the oldest cheerleader in the NFL, to which Selina says, “She’s 45 and killing it!”), but she’s incredibly passionate about the fans and energy inside Paul Brown Stadium. She describes Bengal fans in three easy words: Die hard loyalty. “They also love props,” Selina laughs. “I’ve seen people show up in a full Bengal tiger mascot costume in 90-degree weather and body paint in the dead of winter. If you’ve never heard 65,000 fans mock up the guitar solo that kicks off Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” you haven’t lived,” she says.

Although she’s a big fan of that particular hard rock song, her favorite music to dance to is Latin, ranging from salsa, merengue and bachata.

“Sundays at Paul Brown Stadium are a production – from our Sound Engineer rocking the fans to Who Dey (the team mascot) hamming it up on the Jumbotron. Our players also know how to give the fans what they want – the occasional touchdown flip and pick six that culminates into a dramatic crowd dive are just a few examples. The Bengals family is worth experiencing first hand,” she brags.

Like most of the NFL Cheerleaders I’ve met this year, Selina admits she still gets nervous before performances. “The five minutes before are the most stressful because somehow I manage to convince myself I’ve forgotten the choreography. Once the music is on, muscle memory and ‘cheerleader brain’ take over,” she explains.

My favorite thing about the 5’3″ brunette (although she says she’s 5’6 because she’s always in heels) is her over-sized, larger-than-life, HUGE…heart.

Selina’s younger brother is autistic, so she has a huge passion for autism and has set a goal for herself to one day start a non-profit to help adults with autism live independent, purpose-driven lives. A calendar girl with a high-kicking passion for football and a heart of gold – is there more to life than this woman?

All Bengals fans love Selina

And since she’s single, I should probably tell all you Cincinnati boys Selina’s favorite date spot: Fountain Square in Downtown Cincy. “It is surrounded by a few of my favorite eateries – Via Vite, a fantastic Italian Restaurant and Graeter’s Ice Cream, which 1) Is the official ice cream of Cincinnati and 2) Makes Oprah’s favorite flavored ice cream. It’s also great people watching,” she says.

In her spare time, which there isn’t much of once you add the hours of a full-time job on top of being an NFL Cheerleader, Selina finds herself wanting to do laundry, watching TV or taking a lot of naps. You know, the normal stuff we do everyday.

Follow Selina on Twitter at @sssamano.

Win or lose, at least Cincinnati has inspiring women like Ben-Gals Selina (pictured) and Emily.

A rookie Ben-Gal, Emily found the time to chat with me after her first day back at work after months and months of studying for and taking the bar exam. Currently a Law Clerk, Emily is waiting for many big things in her life: mostly to find out the results of the bar exam and to see just how far the Bengals will go this year. Oh, and her upcoming wedding.

Not afraid to put in hard work and dedication, this is Emily’s first season on the Ben-Gals roster, after trying out three years in a row. For two years she made it as far in the tryout process as possible, without actually making the team, but this year was a different story.

“My now-fiancé has always had Bengals season tickets, so when we started dating, I started going to games with him. I knew absolutely nothing about football, but after a while I decided I wanted to know what everyone was screaming about, so he taught me and I became a Bengals fan,” Emily says. “Then one day I noticed the cheerleaders were doing a lot of DANCING, and not cheerleader stunts or pyramids or whatever they’re called,” she laughs.

Emily admits the weirdest thing as a rookie is signing autographs, but it’s part of the job. As this column indicates, there are fans of these gals, not just the hard-hitting players, all over the country.

Like Selina, Emily gets nervous before performing. The Syracuse native is fun loving and loves to laugh at herself, telling me one of her most random facts is that she graduated from college in three years “accidentally,” and is a self-proclaimed nerd.

“I graduated from Miami University (OH), and spent those years competing with the mock trial team. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we put on a mock trial, acting as attorneys and witnesses, using witness statements, depositions, exhibits, etc. and compete against other teams from across the country. I qualified for nationals every year in undergrad, competed at the national level twice (finishing both times in the Top 10) and received individual attorney awards throughout the years,” she says.

“I’ve been so nerdy for such a long time, it’s good to have an excuse to dress up and be sexy with a group of girls,” Emily gushes. “I gave up dance in college to compete with the mock trial team and continued to be involved in law school. It’s awesome to curl my hair and put makeup on!” (Emily has been involved in dance since the age of 2, as a studio dancer with concentrations in ballet and contemporary dance.)

Emily’s nerd-factor spikes once again when she admits to having the Law & Order theme song on her iPod. “I’m not really embarrassed about it. I’m okay with how nerdy I can be, but people usually laugh when they listen to it,” she admits. To give her playlists a little more street cred, she admits it’s pretty much dominated by Nicki Minaj with some Rhianna and random

Emily definitely has a bikini body

college songs thrown in for good measure.

Emily’s guiltiest pleasure? Dance Moms. “I cannot wait to be a dance mom…in a few years!” she says. For now, we’ll have to settle for watching her alongside Selina and a sea of other beautiful dancing Ben-Gals over at Paul Brown Stadium.

Follow Emily on Twitter: @BenGal_Esq

This article originally ran on The Blonde Side’s sports column on CBS Man Cave Daily. Click here to see the original piece.

October 16, 2013/by Jayme

Jockey Skivvies: Product Review

Blog

The Blonde Side loves comfort & flirty

One of the great things about being selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero is that they send us new products out in the market to test out and give feedback on. After all, we are very busy gals with a huge focus on fitness, which means a huge focus on: fitness related products. And we are women – we want to look flirty and feel good while doing it too, so clearly that means our undies should reflect all of the above, yes?

I get that underwear doesn’t really scream fitness, but because I’m always on the go as a travel and sports writer, comfort is at the top of my priority list. Plus, I’m 31 (eek!) and I’m more into wearing comfortable and flattering clothes for myself than for some guy.

The Jockey collection, preferred by Rachel Zoe, is a new line that has come out and I’m a pretty big fan of it. Just because these pieces cover more doesn’t mean they are any less flattering, trust me.

I was tempted to post a picture of myself rocking a pair of these but I remembered my dad reads this column and that would be just plain awkward, but what I’m saying is: it looks good on.

Having worked in healthcare briefly, I’m not a huge fan of g-string thongs (sorry if I just crushed a few fantasies?), so it’s hard to find sexy and flirty undergarments that are more full-coverage. I don’t want to look like a grandma, but I know what I’m comfortable in and ultimately, what looks best on me.

I tried the Lacy Dot Hip Hugger ($12) first. I have been working my butt off at Sculpt Fitness to get more toned than I’ve ever been, and these hip huggers definitely compliment all the hard work I’ve been doing.

These are flirty panties with a silky-smooth nylon blend that feels light and comfy with “major sass and the perfect touch of

The Blonde Side loves glam too

class.” Funny, I could have rhymed sass and class with something else…

I also tried the Clean Edge Thong ($12). Even though it’s a thong, it’s not as invasive and is fabric feels amazing.

These are yet again flirty panties with laser cut edges both at the waist and leg openings offering a flawless finish (i.e. no panty lines) under clothes.

Each of the above marries Jockey’s trusted expertise in creating comfortable, stylish, solution-based apparel with Rachel Zoe’s enviable style and sophistication. It’s not just about what we wear on the outside – what’s underneath is just as important.

I guess I was totally off base thinking Jockey was just for my mom…not the first time I’ve been wrong about something, and definitely not the last.

Also, for those wondering, I’m not that girl that wears underwear under my workout tights. Here are the other things I can’t stand at the gym.

October 14, 2013/by Jayme

Dynamo Twitter Contest

Contests

Budweiser Patio at BBVA Compass Stadium

Our friends at Bud Light are supporting another Houston team this week for readers of The Blonde Side. Today, we are starting a new contest for a chance to win FOUR Houston Dynamo tickets (game on 10/20).

As the Dynamo push for the playoffs, it’s a great time to see your favorite team in action, or even if you’re new to the sport, you’ll love all the action and atmosphere.

Here’s what’s up for grabs for the 10/20 match against New York Red Bull:

– 4 Budweiser Deck tickets

– 4 food and beverage wristbands @ the Bud Deck

– 4 tickets to pre-game tailgate party @ Budweiser Beer Garden celebrating Oktoberfest!

– 4 commemorative pint glasses

– OH AND A DYNAMO JERSEY SIGNED BY THE ENTIRE TEAM!

Here’s how to enter to win – remember, this is a Twitter contest:

1. FOLLOW @BudLightHTown on Twitter

2. FOLLOW @JaymeLamm on Twitter

3. Send a TWEET to @BudLightHTown telling us why you want to win this prize. MUST USE #herewegoDynamo so we can keep track. One lucky winner will be selected (and announced) Wednesday at noon so you can have a few days to get all Oranged out!

Must be 21 to enter this contest, and all other legal mumbo/jumbo when it comes to online contests and beer so y’all don’t get mad at me…

Thanks for your continued support of The Blonde Side and Bud Light, here we go Houston!

October 13, 2013/by Jayme

Run10Feed10: Houston

Blog

Every Run10Feed10 Registration gets this FEED bag

As part of being selected a Women’s Health Action Hero, I’m charged with putting together an informal & friendly 10k, right here in Houston, TX. This particular 10k will not be a large/timed event, it will be pretty much the opposite, but fun and for a good cause!

On Saturday, October 26th at 10a, a handful of us are meeting at Memorial Park to run two laps (a 10k!). You can sprint, jog, walk, bring your dog, your baby stroller, come hungover, anything goes.

The race is part of the Run10Feed10 Series with Women’s Health – the cost is $28 to register – BUT you get an awesome FEED canvas bag (like the celebs carry around and pictured above), koozies from The Blonde Side & Bud Light, AND the best part: your registration fee AUTOMATICALLY feeds 10 people RIGHT HERE in Houston. So your donation to run this awesome morning stays right here in our city, which is awesome.

To sign up for the 10k:
1. Go to Run10Feed10.com
2. Top of page, click Run Registration, in the drop down menu, select Run My Own 10k
3. Once you sign up, please send me an email (jayme@theblondeside.com) so I can keep in touch with you in case of any changes

To donate:
If you can’t run, don’t want to run, aren’t in town, etc. but still want to donate a few bucks to the cause, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I will be doing a blog post on The Blonde Side about this event and anyone (or business) who donates $40 or more will get a huge shout-out from me. My goal is to raise $2000, so your help is greatly appreciated.

Help Fight Hunger in Houston

My Goals:

40 runners & $2000

Share with friends:
Even if you can’t run the event or don’t have extra cash to donate right now, you can still help by sharing this blog post and encouraging your friends, co-workers, parents, even your company to join the 10k or donate to this worthy cause.

As always:
Thank you for supporting The Blonde Side and our charity efforts. I am beyond honored to be selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero for two years in a row. Only a handful of amazing women get this opportunity and I want to make the most of it.

Also, I’m happy to be back in Houston full-time’ish and looking forward to re-catching up with many of y’all!

October 12, 2013/by Jayme