Houston’s Best Gyms & Fitness Giveaway

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Need to get your workout game back on track? Still trying to find the perfect gym/studio that fits your needs? Don’t sweat it — I’ve teamed up with some of Houston’s BEST fitness studios and gyms (and Clean Juice in the Heights) offering a variety of classes and workout routines and we are giving you AND A FRIEND a giveaway you can’t skip out on.

To officially enter the giveaway, go to this Instagram post to enter. For a bonus entry, leave a comment below. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, August 2nd at 5p CST.

Here is what we’re giving away, along with a little information on all the studios we teamed up with:

SPENGA Montrose Houston

SPENGA: Giving away a 5 pack of classes for you and a friend.

At SPENGA you get cardio, strength training, and flexibility all in a 1 hour class! SPENGA is the only workout to place an equal emphasis on all three essential elements of fitness: Cardio, Strength, and Flexibility. We promise you’; look netter, feel better, and move better. This unique workout combines Spin + HITT + Yoga all in one amazing 60-minute workout. Our studio is complete with luxurious appointment, DJ-inspired beats, and a cast of great instructors. This workout isn’t just designed to get you fit– it’s design so that you can be in the best shape of your life. Read about my personal experience at SPENGA, and remember that if you don’t win this contest, you (and a friend) can schedule a class FOR FREE by name dropping Jayme/The Blonde Side.

RYDE Houston Fitness Studio

RYDE: Giving away a 1-month membership for the winner and a friend to both of their studios.
​RYDE is the next generation of indoor cycling — with top-of-the-line equipment, premium amenities, and unparalleled service — this is so much more that just a 45-minute full-body workout. 
Discover the next generation of indoor cycling. RYDE embodies the essence of invigorating fitness, unparalleled service, and maximum burn in a luxurious boutique environment. Featuring exhilarating music and highly skilled instructors, you will be inspired to exceed your goals, RYDE after RYDE.​

Ride Indoors in Houston

RIDE Indoor Cycling: Giving away 5 classes for you and a friend.

The mission of RIDE is provide a platform where people feel accomplished, liberated and joyful. The best workouts are fun. And we believe that when people enjoy their workout they find strength in their body, realize clarity in their mind and begin to welcome fitness as a lifestyle. As they see their bodies change, they see anything is possible and they see their lives change too. We are in the business of making people feel good, on and off the bike, in the studio and at the front desk. We are here to welcome everyone to our Tribe…to RIDE.

Revolution Studio: Giving away 4 free classes for you and a friend.

Revolution Studio – Houston Yoga and Cycling

At Revolution Studio, we hustle, flow and get RIPPED with purpose — each class is designed to help you achieve your strongest, leanest you — you’ll be moved by the experience and by each other. Our innovative cycle program, creative Vinyasa yoga classes, and epic high intensity interval strength training are the perfect compliment to each other, just ask our Warrior tribe. We’ve intentionally crafted our schedule to create the opportunity for you to take your favorite classes back-to-back, or better yet, make it a triple! Trust us, you’ll push yourself to the limit regardless of which class you take – whether on the bike, on the mat, or getting RIPPED, we guarantee your sweat session at Revolution Studio will leave you feeling inspired, empowered and transformed. With our vibes high, we bring the lights down low and turn the music up so you can Clip In. Rock Out. Flow Hard.®

VORTEX in Houston

Vortex: Giving away one week unlimited for winner plus friend.

Vortex is Houston’s luxury boutique fitness studio. A pure, no holds barred, un-adulterated fitness experience featuring RIDE, our signature cycling class, and RIP, the heads down, gloves up boxing class. Vortex features one of the most advanced lighting and music scene for your workout and is guaranteed to make you sweat.
Row House: Giving away one month unlimited for you and a friend.

Row House in Houston (Bellaire)

Row House is a low-impact, inclusive, team oriented workout designed to build muscle, torch calories, and strengthen your core in just 45 minutes. Rowing, redefined. At Row House, get ready to jump into an immersive, energetic indoor rowing class that blends low-impact cardio, resistance training, stretching, and rhythm-based rowing. We take the stigma out of rowing, and prove that people of all ages, sizes, and physical limitations can learn to row and achieve a level of accomplishment that is both physically beneficial and personally rewarding.

Clean Juice (Heights): Giving away a $25 gift card for you and a friend (to help refuel after

Clean Juice in Houston Heights

all these tough Houston workouts!).

Clean Juice Heights is an USDA Certified Organic juice bar located in the heart of the historic Houston Heights, right off of Heights Boulevard and 11th street. 

All of our smoothies, juices, açaí bowls & toasts are made with the highest-quality, organically-sourced ingredients so that you know exactly what you are putting into your body.

We’re dedicated to promoting a healthy way of life in our Houston community, so you’ll always find us participating at various health and wellness events all over the city!

Stop by Clean Juice Heights for a light lunch, breakfast or post-workout meal. When you visit, be sure to ask about our cold-pressed juices and cleanses!

Contest is not affiliated, associated or endorsed by Instagram. Winner must comply with all rules and regulations listed by each individual studio/partner. Expiration dates, waivers, etc. may apply. 
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My Top 5 Amazon Picks: July

The Blonde Side’s Top 5 Amazon Picks This Month

Before I share what I’m loving, know that shopping my links (either linked here, Shop My Faves or messaging me for specific links) is a top way I earn money as a blogger. They are affiliate links – basically companies spend money promoting Google or Facebook ads to help sell their products or they will pay influencers a small portion as a “thank you” for the referral/sale. I don’t know your purchases, names, addresses, stores, etc. so if you’re buying some weird crap or want to surprise me with a gift, I won’t know!

Shop the above door mat or customize your own here.

I shared the above as it can be frustrating when friends, family, readers don’t seem like they are supportive, but in truth, maybe some just don’t know how incredibly helpful small things like that are. If you’re already shopping online, it seems pretty easy!

My Top 5 Amazon Picks This Month (July):

Spiked Seltzer Koozie – If you’re on the Spiked Seltzer bandwagon like most of us in Texas are, having a perfectly fitting koozie that keeps your drink cold for hours upon end is a must. It’s well worth the investment, comes in a variety of colors and makes it much easier to remember which drink is yours. Shout out to Wes for introducing me to these. No sweating (for your drink, not you), gets it 20x cooler and all kinds of other amazing perks.

Silk Pillowcase – Again, another shout out – this time to my friend Andrea for gifting me hers. It’s perfect for helping with your hair and is much softer and better for your face. Anything to help me sleep better and wake up looking less of a hot mess, I’m all about it. The one linked above comes in a variety of colors (yay for matching bedding) and both sides are silk – read the reviews before you buy!

Mrs. Everything – Jennifer Weiner has long been one of my favorite writers and this is her latest novel, an instant NYT Bestseller. I grab most of my books from Amazon (though I’m equally a huge supporter for local book stores).

SiO De-puffer Eye Patches – There are so many brands and variations, but these silicone eye patches are the best bang for your buck in my opinion. I like that you wear them overnight as they feel like they do more, rather than a 10-minute wear and then toss them. I’ve also had a few friends tell me to keep these in the fridge before you use them. Not sure if it helps, but they have flawless skin, so I trust them!

Sexy Racerback Bodysuit – Of course it’s Eagles green, but the comfort and fit of this bad boy is amazing and you simply cannot beat the price. It comes in eight colors (even a fun red, white and blue version) so if Eagles green isn’t quite your thing, you have other options.

Again, big thanks for using my links. If you click on any of the above, but decide to buy something else at Amazon, I’ll still get a small commission, which is a huge plus and thank you. Thanks for all your support on this ride — if you have any favorites from Amazon or elsewhere, let me know!

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The St. Regis Aspen

How to Summer in Aspen – Travel Guide

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This Aspen Summer Travel Guide originally ran on HoustoniaMag.

The St. Regis Aspen

Pool Day at The St. Regis Aspen

IF YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED AN ASPEN SUMMER, you know you don’t need a reason to visit again—you just need to make it happen. Aspen’s record-setting snowfall this winter has already kicked off an epically anticipated summer adventure. Not only did Aspen Mountain open early because of unprecedented conditions, they closed late (in June) because of extended ski conditions.

What does that mean for mountain rookies? Well, you can still expect a summer chock-full of multisport days that embrace Aspen’s altitude, sunshine and fresh air.The gates at Independence Pass are open. Hiking trails are clamoring for foot traffic. Rapids are fiercely flowing. Wildflowers are blooming, and the mountain sun is waiting to be soaked up.

Nowhere is more fitting for an Aspen stay than the exquisite and elevated experience at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, ideally located at the base of Aspen Mountain. The location alone is enough to plan a visit, but it’s the over-the-top customer service that makes you want to stay.

Many rooms come standard with butler service, which is the perfect way to be spoiled while

How to Summer in Aspen – the Ultimate Travel Guide

vacationing in the mountains. Not feeling well? They’ll run to the store for cold medicine. Don’t feel like packing? Give them a heads-up and your packing will be done quickly and perfectly. If you’re not looking to spend the extra money on butler service, that’s no problem because their entire staff goes out of their way to ensure your stay is nothing less than five-star.

Luxurious junior suites overlook picturesque mountain vistas. Downstairs, you’ll find a granola bar, a concierge—where you can ask for a hiking suggestion or where to ride the complimentary bikes—and Kitty Jacob Astor IV, the hotel’s first mascot and social media star—a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy born September 2018, who pays tribute to the St. Regis’ history and is a great cuddler.

Don’t miss the 11:15 a.m. daily bloody mary ritual in the lobby bar, Mountain Social, where you can sample the hotel’s signature bloody mary, the Downhill Snapper (every St. Regis Resort location crafts a local rendition of a bloody), mixed with locally-made Woody Creek Vodka, muddled dill and basil for a distinct flavor that will make you want to stay far beyond the free sample.

Hotel guests can reserve complimentary Lexus models for half-day excursions throughout Aspen-Snowmass. Make the 18-mile drive to Independence Pass or the 11-mile drive to Ashcroft Ghost Town, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, reserve the Lexus and a complimentary paddleboard for a day trip to Ruedi Reservoir. Rather not drive? Grab one of the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes and visit the Saturday farmers market or Rio Grande Park. These are all things to add to your summer bucket list, no matter where you stay.

Poolside Service at The St. Regis Aspen

And if you get sore from your outdoor adventures, Remède Spa at the St. Regis was recently voted the No. 1 spa in the world by Travel + Leisure. First-class services here include an oxygen lounge, steam caves, and a CBD healing customized massage, which uses CBD oils to help alleviate symptoms of pain and tension, decrease inflammation and reduce muscle soreness and tension.

Eventually, you’re going to want to check out Aspen’s great dining scene. Houstonians will rejoice in the brand-new and intriguing introduction of Kirby Ice House in the town center, adjacent to Wagner Park. The new restaurant also turns into the Bumble Lounge pop-up—sponsored by Austin-based dating app Bumble—at 9 p.m. each night with a DJ, late night food, free swag and hopefully a love (or networking) connection waiting for you.

Heading out to hike on the Ute Trail? Make your first morning stop at the corner of Spring and Hopkins, home to the Spring Café, which opened in 2013 as Aspen’s first 100 percent organic eatery, serving colorful acai bowls or smoothies. Aspen Tap is another corner hangout with coffee and doughnuts, or upon your return to town, a plethora of craft beer, too—order an Ajax Pilsner.

Mountain Social, the lounge inside St. Regis, has a delightful selection of drinks for you dinner pre-game and also does a nightly champagne sabering. Head back downtown for a night at Ellina, a quintessential dinner spot, especially for wine lovers. Serving Italian-American contemporary cuisine paired with a well-curated wine list, the restaurant provides an intimate atmosphere in the heart of Aspen and a bar menu not to be missed. As with most Aspen restaurants, do yourself a favor and snag a seat at the bar, which is usually quicker and always more fun.

Stop by the brand new Betula for cocktails after, where the delicate Yellow Paloma is served in a bird-shaped chalice for one of the most photogenic drinks in Aspen (and you’ll want photographic proof of the $20 Casamigos Tequila masterpiece), and the outdoor terrace offers views of Ajax Mountain. The town’s newest speakeasy Bad Harriet is a semi-secret lounge inside Hotel Jerome, in the recently restored Aspen Times building. As of right now, there isn’t a password for entry, but don’t expect that to last. The town needs to keep a few secrets reserved for the locals.

If you only have one meal in Aspen, save it for the chicken sandwich at White House Tavern. Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, which owns Houston’s, this unassuming literal white house doesn’t look like much. The restaurant is small and there’s usually a wait. But the chicken sandwich is huge—big enough to share, if you want. Grab a side of fries, glass of pinot grigio and you’re as close to a local as imaginable.

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My Houston Beauty Faves

Sharing Houston’s Best Beauty Businesses

I recently ran a HUGE contest on Instagram, giving away services from my favorite Houston beauty experts for one lucky winner. We already picked the lucky winner (congrats Erica!), but I wanted to share the Houston businesses that contributed to the contest and why I love them.

It goes without saying (though I’ll say it a lot), I highly recommend all of these folks and their businesses. Be sure to mention my name (Jayme or The Blonde Side) when booking or scheduling a consultation for a discount!

ACQUA Med Spa – The winner won a Hydrafacial + Skinceuticals goody bag, which has some of the best anti-aging skincare products around. I recently just had my first Hydrafacial by Alexis and it was wonderful. Once you learn the science behind good skincare or maintenance like a facial, it feels even more worth the money, plus they explained the best time to get them (for me, it’s before and after I travel to Colorado, more than any other time because of altitude changes, which can dry out my skin). I promise you’ll see results with this hydrating facial and have a good time while there (ask for a glass of champagne after your facial and just hang with the babes there!). They are so knowledgable on the best beauty tips and trends and you’ll feel like you have some new blonde besties when leaving there (not by design, but they’re almost all blonde!). 

281.480.1200 | 18201 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598

TEASE Color & Style Bar – The winner won a complimentary cut and highlight from one of their amazing stylists. Roi, one of the owners, has been doing my hair for nearly 7 years and is the best blonde colorist I’ve ever found. He does other hair colors and cuts and styles, but for me, finding the right blonde has been tricky (how many of you feel my pain?). TEASE has also been a huge supporter of The Blonde Side for photoshoots, giveaways and charity efforts since the beginning, so you know I love to support these guys and gals. Going into TEASE is always a good time – they are always laughing and having fun and the free champagne certainly doesn’t hurt! 

281.299.3356 | 2828 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098

FACEFORWARD – The winner won a complimentary organic spray tan, makeup lesson plus a few pieces of her brand-new makeup line (you’ll love it). Andrea, the owner of FaceForward, was one of my first friends when I moved to Houston 12-13 years ago, so we go way back. She has been in the business for almost 20 years and has a natural talent for finding the right look (makeup and tans) that fits you. She has done my makeup for countless events, photoshoots and more and has always been a huge supporter of The Blonde Side. She recently launched a brand-new line of cosmetics that are life-changing (plus, the biggest bonus – she’ll teach you how to use them, not just send you away with product and wish you luck). Her spray tan services are the best — she has an office, but can also come to you, so that’s a plus! 

Call or text her for pricing or appointments (she also does amazing wedding hair and makeup!): 832.489.8813

Hotel Alessandra – The winner won an overnight stay at this amazing downtown Houston hotel + valet + 30 min facial or massage + mani pedi (that’s a lot, I’m jealous). Not too long ago, I wrote about the best Houston spas, but at the time didn’t know about Spa by Alessandra and would have most definitely put this one at the top of the list! The pool at Hotel Alessandra is small and relaxing and makes for a perfect girl’s day or a solo day to catch up on your own thoughts – plus everything in this boutique hotel is decorated to the nines and is a great place for lunch or even happy hour before an Astros game! This Houston hotel really has it all and then some.

1070 Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77002 | 713.242.8555

Though these businesses aren’t in Montrose, it’s one of the reasons I love living at Encore Montrose, because of the central location. All of these Houston businesses are within 10- minutes of my Montrose apartment (except my babes at ACQUA, though they are worth the drive and are easy to get to once you jump on I-45, which is also easy from my apartment). TEASE is located off Richmond Ave, which takes me less than 5-minutes to get to from Encore — again, centrally located.

If you’re on the hunt for a new apartment in Houston’s quaint Montrose neighborhood, be sure to add Encore Montrose and mention me (Jayme or The Blonde Side) for an extra incentive, and definitely ask for the Champagne Tour! Are you sensing a champagne theme in this blog post?

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The Best Montrose Happy Hours in Houston

Houston happy hour is ALWAYS a good idea

It’s no secret I’m pro happy hour. As a freelance writer in Houston, I make my own hours, so the days typically end around 3 or 4 if I plan my work accordingly.

In fact, I much prefer a 5’oclock (or earlier) happy hour than a late night out, so here are some of my favorite happy hours in Montrose:

Hay Merchant 

This lovely spot has been around since February 2012, so most Houstonians already know about it. When it comes to Happy Hour, they have two daily happy hours – 11 a.m. – noon and again 3-630 p.m., so during those “work” lunch meetings, you can take full advantage. You’ll love Hay Merchant for their great business and sports loving crowds. Bonus: some menu items are still present from Underbelly days.

Night Heron

One of Montrose’s most lovable spots, Night Heron has been around since February 2018 and has all day happy hour on Mondays! Did you hear that? Other week days you can enjoy happy hour from your standard 5-7 p.m. Bonus: go on Monday for the all day happy hour or Wednesday for pasta night, which means for $15 you’ll get Cacio e Pepe pasta as well as a manager selected wine by the glass. Feed me and booze me for only $15, yes please!

Riel

Riel just celebrated their 2-year anniversary in January and has a great happy hour deal. Another all day happy hour on Monday (5-10 p.m. during their open hours) and Tuesday – Friday it’s from 5-6:30 p.m. A perfect spot for after work cocktails at a discount, special occasions or date night. Happy Hour not only includes a great selection of craft cocktails, beer and wine options, but also a recently revamped food menu. Come thirsty, leave full.

Postino

Coming soon (Summer 2019), we already know we love Postino, which offers a legendary happy hour every day before 5 p.m. Choose from $5 glasses of wine and $5 pitchers of beer before 5 p.m. every day; $25 board of bruschetta & bottle of wine after 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is a heck of a deal and my personal favorite. Perfect for a date night or outing with friends, Postino offers an ideal atmosphere for enjoying a range of wines and classic sharable plates with an approachable value.

Goodnight Charlie’s

Having been around since December 2017, this spot offers a daily happy hour from 4 -7 p.m. as well as all day Sunday happy hour (hello Sunday Funday!). Enjoy 1/2 price wine + frozen drinks or go for the taco deal: $10 for three tacos + a beer (bottle/can). It has a great patio with an open view to the stage and dance floor, to take your two-steppin beer-drinkin game to the next level.

B.B. Lemon 

Another Houston favorite brand-new to Montrose (in the old Pax Americana building) offers Lemon Hour, with food and drink specials every Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m. B.B. Lemon’s Lemon Hour is perfect for drinks with friends or an early bite before catching a game or show downtown. Enjoy our beautiful covered patio, yard games, indoor and outdoor TVs and unique Houston-NYC cuisine in the comfort of what feels like your own backyard. Our summer cocktail menu is also amazing to sip on during the hot months in Houston.

UB Preserv 

They recently celebrated their 1-year anniversary (congrats team!) and offers happy hour Tuesday-Thursday 5-6:30 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5-6 p.m. with 1/2 off Tiki Bowls, discounted wines and beers and a few delicious snacks (like Boudin Siu Mai, Calamansi Chicken Wings and Smoked Squash Tempura). Perfect for a seat at the bar or in the Record Room. Fun vibe for all, especially with half-off tiki bowls.

Upstairs Bar and Lounge

One of  my favorites, this happy hour/lounge spot is located on the second floor of Hungry’s in Rice Village (so I guess it’s not technically a Montrose happy hour, but if you live in a Montrose apartment, it’s just as close as any other spots). Happy Hour is everyday from 4-7 p.m. and includes $8 bites, $9 pizzas, $4 Texas drafts, $5 select wines, and $6 cocktails. Upstairs is Hungry’s 21+ concept in Rice Village offering an exclusive place to unwind inside at a table or lounge seating or on their expansive rooftop patio.

Those are my top Montrose happy hour spots in the neighborhood, but I know there are more. Do you have favorites (especially on skinny margaritas, wine that isn’t just chardonnay or all day happy hours)? I’d love to hear in the comments section so I can check them out or add them.

This is post is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, where I share what I love about this perfectly quaint Montrose neighborhood. These brand-new luxury Montrose apartments are offering a few leasing specials, so be sure to stop by Encore Montrose for a quick tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you. If you haven’t experienced all the fun that is Montrose living, you are 100% missing out!

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FREELANCE + SPORTS + TRAVEL + FITNESS
COPYRIGHT 2019, THE BLONDE SIDE
CREATED BY JAYME LAMM