My First Orangetheory Fitness Class

The Blonde Side’s first Orangetheory Fitness workout in Houston

I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve fallen off the fitness wagon recently. In large part to my recent knee surgery (November) and in large part (and full disclosure) because I’ve gotten lazy and continued to use my surgery as an excuse, even after the doctor cleared me to workout again. (Anyone else ever been guilty of using an injury as an excuse?)

I had heard the craze about Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) for quite some time, but recently decided to give one of their 11 Houston studios a chance.

My past experience with heart rate monitors or any gadgets while working out hasn’t really been my thing. As a former athlete, I know when my body is working hard, when I can keep pushing it and when I need a break. I realize that’s not the same for everyone, but I always wanted my workouts to be pure – without the need for monitoring heart rate and such (though I do know there is an actual science behind those numbers).

Anyways, fast-forward to my experience at OTF (my first few classes have been at the Tanglewood location), and they strapped a heart-rate monitor on me. Charlotte, the instructor, went through everything thoroughly so I truly understood what the zones (and corresponding colors) meant and what I noticed about wearing the monitor and checking the screen was that if it showed that I was in green, it meant I could (and I should!) push harder. My heart rate was showing that I wasn’t working as hard as I could or should be, so it’s nice to get that push, especially on particularly lazy days. Even though I may have felt like I was dying on the treadmill portion, my heart rate monitor shows me that I was just being lazy and looking for more excuses.

I enjoyed my first few classes so much, I signed up for a pack of 30 classes, which I hope to blow through in the next month, SINCE I AM LEAVING FOR HAWAII IN A MONTH. Yes, I’m going back to O’ahu, where I used to live and cannot wait (more on that later).

But in the meantime, I’m going to keep pushing through with OTF and hopefully seeing results and the muscular shape I once took so much pride in. I’m already feeling more challenged than I had working out solo for the past few months, and tracking my colors and zones keeps pushing me through the hour-long classes, making me want to beat my previous numbers and work even harder.

Who wants to try it with me in Houston? I have a few free passes and would love to get in a workout with some of you (possibly followed by brunch afterwards?)! Leave a message below or reach out via social media and lets get our sweat on!

Living at The Millennium Kirby makes it easy to workout  – close to multiple OTF locations, a great on-site gym at the apartment complex and close to Houston’s brand new Levy Park. 

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Every Outdoor Spot In the US You Must Visit (Thrillist)

SNEHIT/SHUTTERSTOCK

Everybody you know is going to the Jersey Shore or the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore, now that the weather’s warm. What do they know? Instead of falling in (very long) line at the same old destinations, check out this underrated coast-to-coast guide to make your time outdoors truly breathtaking. Mother Nature took time to create so many beautiful places — you owe her to check them out.

To read this full travel article, visit Thrillist. 

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Microblading – My First Tattoo

Houston Microblading

Ok, so it’s not really a tattoo, but it’s close and I’m not sure I could be more in love. I recently was turned on to the trend of microblading, which is a form of semi-permanent (can last up to 18months) tattooing that involves tiny needles (instead of a regular tattoo gun) that make up a small blade to help deposit pigment under your skin. Basically a beauty miracle. 

Still confused? Don’t worry – I was too.

Luckily I was introduced to Ashley at Beautopia Skin Studio and she answered all my questions and even performed microblading on yours truly!

I’m not very good with makeup, lets face it. That’s why I rely heavily on Andrea at FaceForward to help me with my makeup and giving my eyebrows some definition and making them look put together is what I struggle most with. So obviously, if someone (like Ashley) could help me create the exact look I want so I don’t have to get on the struggle bus everyday when it comes to my eyebrows, I’m all in!

I took a few minutes to interview Ashley and check out what she says below

Houston Microblading

(spoiler alert: she’s offering 15% off any services when you mention The Blonde Side!):

The Blonde Side: How long have you been in the beauty industry?

Ashley: In the industry for 6 years and Microblading for 1 1/2 years.

TBS: What’s the main question or misconception you get about microblading?

Ashley: The most common question I often get asked “Is Microblading permanent”. This is a form of tattooing, however, we are only entering the top layer of the skin (epidermis) so no it is not permanent. Microblading can last up to 18 months if properly cared for.

TBS: What’s your style of brows? (more natural, etc.)

Ashley: I tend to err on the side of caution and stick to a more natural looking brow versus bold. If clients ask for bolder brows I’m more than happy to adhere to their request.

TBS: Do you have a beauty mantra or anything you truly believe in?

Ashley: External beauty is something that helps boost our confidence and allows us to put our best foot forward amongst strangers and friends. However, it’s no substitute for the beauty within.

DISCOUNT ALERT: Anyone who mentions the Blonde Side receives 15% off!

Follow Ashley and Beautopia on social media here: Instagram: beautopiahtx and Facebook: thebeautopiahtx

 

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Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind

Photo: Sunshine Winters Photography

My dog (Denali), is no spring chicken anymore. Actually, he’s not a chicken at all, he’s a teacup (haha) chihuahua that is now 14 years old.

For starters, I don’t know how I’ve kept something alive for 14 years, but that’s besides the point.

The point is, Denali is my buddy, and it’s a sad fact of life that he’s aging, so it’s more important than ever to take better care of him. The first thing is making sure he’s eating a healthy diet, and one that is catered specifically to his breed and his age, that’s why he is on Purina® Pro Plan® Bright Mind® Adult 7+, which is specifically for dogs over 7 years of age.

Kind of like human nutrition labels, the ingredients you read first are the ones more prevalent in the food and Bright Mind is high-quality protein, including chicken as the very first ingredient. No difficult words that are hard to pronounce or bad for the little guy.

I’ll be fully transparent here – sometimes I get lazy (or cheap) and buy Denali whatever’s at the closest grocery store or what’s on sale, but this is the second time I’ve had him on this diet and his mental alertness, sharpness and all around energy is just through the roof. Having seen him react so well to this just within 30 days, has me committed to keeping him on this plan moving forward.

I did learn one trick to transitioning your dog to new food, which is actually explained on the back of the package, and that’s to slowly transition the new food over a course of 7-10 days, and not just all of a sudden. I think that was what I did wrong last time, but he isn’t a big fan of immediate change, so this definitely helped him adjust and keep eating regular portions.

The other thing I make sure is that he remains as active as possible. I always say for myself that a body in motion stays in motion, and that’s also true with our animals. That’s actually one of the benefits of living The Millennium Kirby because there is a huge pet park right at our complex that he can run around in. (Granted, he’s pretty old, so he doesn’t do a lot of actual running, but he loves the space and the sunlight, so it’s perfect.)

Anyone else out there have an aging dog that is a huge member of your family?

*This post was part of The Blonde Side’s involvement with being a Women’s Health Magazine Action Hero, but the content is true and my opinions only.*

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Homemade FROSÉ Recipe

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock and don’t know about FROSÉ – which is frozen rosé, like an adult slushy, I’m here to educate you on it. Not only tell you about how obsessed I am, but share an easy-to-make recipe at home.

The fine folks at Eight Row Flint, located in Houston Heights is my absolute favorite place to get this delicious drink. Actually, just watch the video:

But in case you want to make it at home, my new friends at Eight Row shared a great recipe for your to make frosé on your own:

3/4-cup of ice
4-ounces of your favorite rose’
1-ounce Aperol
1-ounce heavy simple syrup (1-part water, 2-parts sugar)
blend until frozen, garnish with fresh basil (they use Thai, but you can buy a basil plant)
Of course frosé is my personal favorite, but they also have frozen gin and tonics and so much more, plus the food menu is definitely a must while there. Happy hour is decent (note frosé isn’t on it, but lots of other great drinks are!).
Special thanks to Uproar.Design for the video work and hair and makeup for this video courtesy of the super talented Andrea Simmons with FaceForward.
Just one reason I love living at The Millennium Kirby is because there are so many fun and unique spots to where I live like Eight Row. Be sure to check it out – and if you’re looking for a Houston apartment, The Millennium Kirby is running some insane specials – drop my name to get $500 from yours truly! 
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FREELANCE + SPORTS + TRAVEL + FITNESS
COPYRIGHT 2019, THE BLONDE SIDE
CREATED BY JAYME LAMM