July 2014 - Page 2 of 2 - The Blonde Side

Jennie Finch Talks Capital One Cup at the 2014 ESPYS

Jennie Finch on the Red Carpet talking Capital One Cup at 2014 ESPYS. (Photo Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)

The ESPYS are known for awarding elite men and women in their respective sports. Different awards mean different things to different people. This year I was a tearjerk-sucker for Michael Sam receiving the Arthur Ashe Award, as well as Stuart Scott’s acceptance speech for the Jimmy V Award (also known as his finest moment on television, which alone speaks volumes), but another that has stood out for the past three years (since its inception) is the Capital One Cup, which recognizes the best in college sports.

ESPYS, short for Excellent in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, honors the best in sports, and how incredibly special to include athletes who give just as much throughout the year, perhaps on a smaller and without pay scale – NCAA athletes.

Capital One Cup Advisory Board member Jennie Finch was on hand along with the rest of the Advisory Board compiled of former NCAA student-athletes and college broadcasters including Lisa Leslie, Brandi Chastain, Clark Kellogg, Doug Flutie, Barry Larkin and Rece Davis at this year’s ESPYs to honor this year’s Capital One Cup winners.

The Capital One Cup season finally came to an end following the completion of the College World Series and this year’s winners are Notre Dame (98.5 points) for the men and Florida (152 points) for the women. Along with the coveted Capital One Cup trophy they get to hoist up, each school will be awarded a combined $400,000 in student-athlete scholarships.(Last year UNC women’s athletic program and UCLA men’s athletic program won for the first time ever.)

Amazing.

The Cup is awarded annually to the best men’s and women’s Division I college athletics programs in the country. Teams earn points toward the Capital One Cup and are tracked throughout the year based on final standings of NCAA Championships and final official coaches’ polls. Schools earn points in 20 women’s and 19 men’s sports – so everything matters. The Capital One Cup is the embodiment of hard work, dedication, and an enduring commitment to excellence that student-athletes and teams display throughout their yearlong journey.

Knowing firsthand how important awards, scholarships and recognition are in the world of college athletics, The Blonde Side had the chance to sit down and chat with former collegiate All-American and Olympian, Jennie Finch.

“Every year the race for the Capital One Cup is filled with drama, and this season was no exception,” said Jennie Finch, Capital One Cup Advisory Board member, Olympic Gold Medalist and former University of Arizona student-athlete and Women’s College World Series champion. “Seeing the University of Florida climb back into the race with a national co-championship in gymnastics and then surge into the lead with an amazing Women’s College World Series championship run was unbelievable—something every student-athlete at Florida should be proud of. An award like the Capital One Cup speaks volumes because it celebrates student-athletes across so many sports.”

Note from The Blonde Side – everything Finch said above about Florida was the complete truth, however, as a Florida State fan, this hurts my soul to include this. But major congrats to the women of University of Florida.

“Congratulations to the University of Notre Dame men’s athletics program on winning this year’s Capital One Cup,” said Marc Mentry, Senior Vice President at Capital One. “It takes a lot of grit to remain at or close to the top of the standings throughout the entire season and the Fighting Irish showed their resilience all year long. We’re looking forward to honoring Notre Dame at the ESPY Awards next month.”

Which men’s and women’s athletic program do you think will shine this next year? Florida State perhaps?

July 17, 2014/by Jayme

Mix-a-Rita JELL-O Shots

Blog

Jello Shots – the only time The Blonde Side excels in the kitchen

It’s no secret the kitchen isn’t really my forte, but thankfully JELL-O SHOTS are.

For the 4th of July, I decided to try something new, using the flavored Rita’s from Bud Light (Mango, Raspberry, Strawberry and Lime).

It’s super simple – make JELL-O as stated on package – when it’s time to add “cold water” simply add a cold Rita (whatever flavor you want). I made quite a variety of flavors, but in true blonde fashion, I didn’t label which ones had which flavor JELL-O OR which ones had which flavor Rita’s – so I did have a favorite, I just haven’t a clue which one it was.

These were actually REALLY good, but even with 8% alcohol in the Rita’s, they weren’t very strong (at least not for JELL-O shots). On the next go round I’m going to add some vodka (I’m a big fan of Tito’s) and I’ll let you know how they turn out. If you use the Lime-a-Rita and the lemon-lime JELL-O, you should add tequila instead of vodka.

The simplest way I’ve found to make these without making a huge mess is to place the shooter cups (I bought mine at Spec’s here in Houston) on a large baking sheet and used a large mixing bowl with a spout to pour them evenly and without spillage. And I have a super obese Chihuahua so he helped clean up the mess too.

If you need any additional Jello Shot tips, shoot me a note, I don’t mean to brag, but I’m kind of an expert.

Happy rest of Summer!

July 14, 2014/by Jayme

Petite Sweets – Summertime Splurge

Blog

This is my kinda double-fisting

A super cool part about running The Blonde Side, are the invitations to fun and exclusive events and trying things (products, food, beers, etc.) before they are open to the public. Today I got to sample EVERY single one of the new Frozen Custard Waffle Cone Sundaes ($5.50 each) at Petite Sweets.

This new menu includes seven sundaes:

1. Chocolate Covered Pretzel – for those salty and sweet all-in-one lovers.

2. Big Island – if you love pineapple, give this one a go.

3. Lemon Ice Box – a big favorite of many.

4. The Turtle – caramel and chocolate – how can you go wrong?

5. The Funfetti – smashed up sugar cookies IN your waffle sundae!

6. Makers Chocolate Covered Cherries – a rather bold taste, but I’m not much a fan of cherries, unless it’s cherry vodka.

7. Balsamic Strawberry – this one was my favorite. It is typically served with vanilla frozen custard, but in true blonde fashion, I always change things up a bit, so I got chocolate frozen custard. There is something about a chocolate | strawberry combo that is sinfully good – and of course the strawberries (A FRUIT!) makes me feel it’s sort of healthy!

Petite Sweets is located at 2700 W. Alabama near Kirby, in Houston.

Pro tip for dudes – This is a cute after-dinner date spot. Ask the girl “mind if we hit one more spot before I take you home,” and take her to this deliciously adorable shop. Trust. Me.

July 11, 2014/by Jayme

Win Tickets: Roger Clemens Celebrity Softball Game

Contests

Win 2 Tickets to Rocketman Celebrity Slam Softball Game from The Blonde Side

It’s no secret Roger Clemens has had a huge impact on the city of Houston and all of baseball. The seven-time Cy Young Winner is an athlete I’ve long admired and had the pleasure of meeting a handful of times, but his love for giving back is what makes him particularly awesome. (Remember Jingle Balls where he donated A TON of silent auction items for Ronald McDonald House?!)

Here’s your chance to win TWO Tickets to the Rocketman Celebrity Slam Softball Tournament held on July 15th (6:30p) at Minute Maid Park. The Tuesday night event will benefit the Roger Clemens Foundation.

Simply comment on THIS POST telling us why YOU want to go to this great event. We will choose one lucky (and random) winner for the tickets. ALL entries must be posted by 5pEST on Friday, July 11th – please use a valid email address when posting comments as that is how we will notify you – it will not be public or used for SPAM, promise!

Keep your eyes peeled for these celebs who will also be in attendance: Former Astros greats Roy Oswalt and Jeff Bagwell are scheduled to participate along with country music star Toby Keith, local rap star Paul Wall, Dynamo icon Brian Ching, Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley, Texans punter Shane Lechler and former Rockets star Tracy McGrady and actor Lee Majors (via Houston Chron).

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Minute Maid Park’s Box Office and Ticketmaster (you know, in case you don’t win, but still want to support a good cause!).

More about the Roger Clemens Foundation (via their website):

The Roger Clemens Foundation is an entity dedicated to helping children. It was established in 1992 by Roger and Debbie Clemens in order to ensure that funds raised by the Foundation through golf tournaments, silent auctions and other events, would be properly distributed to the charities and organizations that they have committed to support.

The Foundation exists for the purpose of carrying on and supporting educational, charitable, literary, scientific and religious activities for children, with a special emphasis on underprivileged and at-risk children, and children with special needs.

Who doesn’t remember Rocketman as an Astro

Among the numerous organizations that The Roger Clemens Foundation has supported are: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Variety Clubs International, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Make A Wish Foundation, The Jimmy Fund, Sunshine Kids, Periwinkle Foundation, and the National Paralysis Foundation, Starlight Children’s Fund of Canada.

The Foundation has also provided either ongoing or one-time support to a number of local organizations benefiting children in Texas and the Houston area: Spring Branch Education Foundation, Paws For A Cause, Initiatives For Children, Arbor House Preschool, St. Francis Episcopal School, Bunker Hill Elementary School, Memorial Drive Elementary School, Memorial High School, Spring Woods High School, Boys and Girls Clubs of Houston, the Texas Chapter of Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA), Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Support has also been provided through the years for numerous organizations in Boston, Toronto and New York.

There are many organizations that Roger has supported and continues to support since the Foundation’s inception through donation of memorabilia for auction, and with gifts and personal appearances in hospitals and shelters. Among these in the Houston, Texas area are the Star of Hope Family & Children’s Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the Mission of Yahweh Women’s and Children’s Center. Roger and Debbie also donate their time by participating in special charity events.

The Roger Clemens Foundation is the realization of a dream Roger had early in his career to help fulfill the needs, ease the suffering, and encourage and support children from all walks of life. In doing so, he and Debbie have been and continue to be able to give back to their community by sharing a portion of their success through the efforts of the Roger Clemens Foundation.

July 10, 2014/by Jayme

Physician’s Formula Super CC Color Correction + Care CC Cream SPF 30 | Product Review

Blog

The Blonde Side’s newest must-have beach essential

Physician’s Formula Super CC Color Correction + Care CC Cream SPF 30

This is the first of its kind and now, something I can’t live without – it’s basically a tinted moisturizer that protects AND corrects your skin while it’s giving you SPF 30 coverage. It’s great for my face and doesn’t give a lot of shine like most face moisturizers and sunscreens, plus it makes me look a tad more presentable! And for only $14.95 – how can you not love this?

This new CC Cream has been added to The Blonde Side’s list of must-have beach essentials – give it a try, you’ll love it.

To read a more detailed product description, go to their website.

July 9, 2014/by Jayme