Where to Find All the 2019 Houston Astros Playoff Murals

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Here is a comprehensive list of all the new Houston Astros murals popping up all over town. I love all things sports, all things Houston and all things Instagram-photo-opp-worthy, so you know I love this idea commissioned by the Astros.

I also think this was a brilliant PR/Marketing move by the team – it’s a great way to get fans involved before and after games, and get fans in on a little more team spirit, for those who can’t afford World Series tickets. (PS: Click here if you’re looking to splurge for WS tickets.)

All murals – Things to note:

The team and artists agreed that all murals must have the winning score of the last game, and X to designate all wins so far and #TakeItBack in the mural.

They have to start as soon as the win is complete so it is live by the following morning.

Astros World Series Mural, Pearland Town Center, Artist Gonzo

Mural #10 World Series Win, Game 5

We are stargazing at the newest World Series mural created by one of Houston’s most talented and well-known artists, Gonzo
Located at Pearland Town Center
Astros over the Nationals 7 -1

Astros World Series Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

Mural #9 World Series Win, Game 4

Located at La Centerra (by the west garage, next to Sephora)
Astros 8 – Nationals 1
Artist: Erik del Rio | Photo Credit: Astros

We all love Breggy Bombs and this mural captures that perfectly. Speaking of Breggy Bombs, get you one of those awesome shirts from Running Game (use code TheBlondeSide for 10% off!)

Astros World Series Mural #8 | Photo Credit: capdavjon

Mural #8 World Series Win, Game 3 

Located at Towne Lake
Artist: David Maldonado/@capdavjon
The Astros came back to make this a SERIES, taking the first game in Washington, winning 4 -1 over the Nationals

Astros Win #1 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 1 – ALDS game 1 – “TAKE IT BACK” 

Warehouse Live in East Downtown

813 Emanuel Street

Artist @mrd1987  aka Mr. D 1987
Take it Back was the whole campaign theme this season, so it stands to reason they started with this slogan and mural for the first one of this series. The catchy slogan, which looks like it may pay off, was unveiled in February.

Astros Win #2 Mural | Photo Credit: wallstreethou on IG

WIN # 2 –  ALDS game 2 – Donkey Batter

Lola in the Heights

1102 Yale Street

Artist @tarboxx2 aka Tarbox
The Houston Heights neighborhood has so much stinking charm and already wonderful art murals, so this one perfectly fits into the neighborhood. I don’t know why, but I think this is my favorite so far.

 

Astros Win #3 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 3 – ALDS Game 5 – Texas Take It Back

Northtown Plaza

5402 North Freeway
Artist: @artkungf

 

This is one of the more simple murals, but again features the Take it Back slogan, so I love it. This Texas artist with local flavor has a website dedicated to a ton of amazing murals you can see here.

Astros Win #4 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 4 – ALCS game 2 – Orbit Astronaut

Velvet Taco

907 Westheimer Road Ste. A
Artist: @donkeeboy aka Alex Roman Jr.
(Speaking of Velvet Taco in Montrose, I included it in this list of Top 5 Montrose Hidden Gems, although it’s not really hidden anymore!)

WIN # 5 – ALCS Game 3 – Gerritt Cole

The Lawn at First Colony Mall

Astros Win #5 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

16535 Southwest Fwy – Sugarland
Artist @fcardona aka Franky Cardona

*Fun fact about pitcher Gerritt Cole — did you know he’s not the only pitcher in his family? His wife is Amy Crawford Cole, and the two were pitchers in college at  UCLA. You know I always root for a fellow softball player!

Astros Win #6 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 6 – ALCS Game 4 – “The Boys”

The Market at Springwoods Village – Jinya Ramen Bar

2174 Spring Stuebner Rd #390, Spring

Artist: @artboy76 aka NOJ Garner
This one is out in the burbs a little, but I love the artwork here and would definitely go pose with it!

WIN # 7 – ALCS Game 5 – AL Champs

Baybrook Mall – Salata

Astros Win #7 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

700 Baybrook Mall Suite F

Artist: @gapsmack87 aka Gabriel Prusmack

(Speaking of Baybrook Mall, did you know my favorites at ACQUA Med Spa are located just across the street from there?!)

Stay tuned for Houston Astros World Series mural updates – if all goes as planned for Astros fans, the city could have 11 total new murals, culminating with the highly anticipated World Series win and accompanying mural. Follow along on Facebook for updates too.

*Thanks to Hollie Fulsom of CharitaBulls for helping compile this list!

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Chicago Road Trip with Chevy

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Weekend Roadtrip

A few months ago I visited one of my favorite summertime cities: Chicago! My annual family reunion takes place every August in Wisconsin, so I always try to fly into Chicago, take the train or make an easy drive to Wisconsin to see my family and voila – it’s one of the best ways for me to end my summer, take in a Cubs game at Wrigley and see family for a few days. (Chicago also makes the perfect girl’s weekend!)

This year Jason came with me – yay for meeting family for the first time, yikes! Definitely check out our romantic weekend in Chicago, but the roadtrip to Wisconsin was equally as fun as our time in the Windy City.

We drove the 2019 Chevy Equinox for the 440-mile roundtrip trek from Chicago to New Lisbon, Wisconsin and had such a comfortable ride. We had plenty of room for both of us (for Jason being 6-foot-2 he needs plenty of leg and head room when driving and of course for me to stretch out like the lazy passenger that I usually am), and our Equinox came with all the bells and whistles for an ideal road trip. We typed the address into our phone and our route showed up on the dashboard thanks to Apple CarPlay, making hands-free driving easier than ever.

The small SUV crossover was the perfect size and the gas mileage was better than expected (EPA-estimated 39MPG HWY). We didn’t have to fill up until the very end when we returned the car, before heading to the airport.

We felt safe, comfortable and connected, thanks to some of the features listed below:

2019 Equinox Tech & Safety Features

·         4G LTE Wi-Fi availability
This feature allows you to stay connected on the road, Skype or video chat, stay on top of

Roadtrip from Chicago to Wisconsin with the 2019 Chevy Equinox

work if needed, and stream movies, etc. from the road. Can connect 7 devices at once- that means your family will be entertained and can download movies, TV shows or books to your device on the road without using any data!

·         OnStar Technology
OnStar offers Turn-by-Turn Directions with the touch of a button and simply telling an Advisor where you want to go. Directions can also be sent to your in-vehicle navigation system by asking the Advisor to download directions to your vehicle. OnStar AtYourService is a new way to discover value in the places you go, providing you with better ways to eat, shop, and play. AtYourService connects drivers with retailers and merchants on their drive, providing information, convenience and money-saving values tied to their specific destinations. When you’re not driving, get valuable offers delivered directly to your myChevrolet app or through an Advisor with a simple press of the blue OnStar button.

·         Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display- so you can make calls, send/ receive messages and listen to your favorite playlists right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Android Auto is built around Google Maps giving you the ability to talk to Google and use several different apps straight from your cars display screen.

Ready to shop for your new Chevrolet? Visit Castle Rock Chevrolet Buick GMC for the best deals and Warranty Forever.

·         360 Surround Vision Camera
Surround Vision, a technology that provides a literal look at the vehicle’s perimeter. This available system uses strategically located cameras on all sides of the vehicle to provide a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, helping drivers quickly view the surrounding area at a glance.

·         myChevrolet Mobile App
The myChevrolet app turns your mobile device into a command center for your vehicle. This app allows you to start/stop your engine and lock/unlock your doors from your smart phone. You can even send destinations to your available navigation system, view diagnostic information, customize Wi-Fi settings and set parking reminders from virtually anywhere.

·         Rear Seat Reminder
When a second-row door is opened and closed during or just before a trip, this feature reminds you to check the back seats with five audible chimes and a message in the driver information center.

·         Final Thoughts

Make the road trip easy for yourself and your car. Keep your Chevy roadworthy and ready for the journey with accessories serving as fine and functional upgrades. Dash mats are one; they are designed to preserve the dashboard’s condition and keep it free from dust and dirt. Check here for dash mats that are compatible with Chevrolet models.

Small comforts create a huge impact on your road trip experience.

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My October Top 5 Amazon Picks

R+Co Shampoo & Conditioner From Amazon

Amazon Prime has me all in my shopping feelings once again. I’m back with a new monthly installment on my Top 5 Amazon Picks, which are all amazing in their own ways.

  1. R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo and Conditioner: Long gone are the days of cheap shampoo. My hair has gone through too much coloring and curling iron heat to not treat it like it matters. My hairdresser Roi uses this stuff and not only does it smell incredibly wonderful, it does wonders for my hair.
  2. Therapeutic Memory Foam Neck Pillow for Travel: I finally gave in and ordered one of these with as much travel as I do, and let’s just say it was a gamechanger!
  3. Yeti Wine Tumbler + Lid: I am all aboard the Yeti train and having my very own wine cup was an obvious choice for me (I got navy, but they also have a new Eagles-green looking color that is awesome).
  4. Whataburger Honey Mustard: If you know me, you know I am a honey mustard snob and the Whataburger Honey Mustard is the best on the planet. When I’m in Houston, I easily pick this up at HEB, but I love that I found it on Amazon, so I can order it when I’m in Denver! Plus, talk about a great gift idea for an out-of-state Texan!
  5. Biofreeze Pain Relief Spray: I have used this stuff for a few years and haven’t looked back or tried anything since then. The spray is my absolute favorite and gives you immediate relief. If you know anyone suffering from arthritis or joint pain or someone who works out a lot, this stuff is a must to have on hand. My boyfriend and I use this every night and helps alleviate some of our neck, shoulder and back pain.

If you’re doing any other Amazon shopping, please help me out and use this link!

Did you see my Amazon picks from July and August?

This post contains affiliate links.

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10 Fall/Autumn Decorating Ideas and Hacks

Velvet Pumpkins from ShoptheManor.com

Fall in Houston brings about a whole new breed of people. It’s the Uggs and scarves wearing folks in 80 degree weather, but I love everything about it, especially an excuse to change up your home or apartment decor.

Here are a few of my Fall decorating essentials and tips, which make my Montrose apartment feel a bit more cozy leading into the holidays:

  • Pumpkin scented candles are the quickest way to get into the fall spirit
  • Autumn themed doormats are also a favorite. In an apartment, you don’t have a ton of room to decorate from the outside (your doormat, perhaps a wreath on your door and your balcony lighting if you’re lucky to have a great balcony like I do!)
  • These velvet pumpkins are great for fall decor and reusable each year, which makes them worth the extra money
  • There are all sorts of DIY projects that double as a great evening with friends/family while also creating your very own fall decor. Check out my DIY Pinterest board.
  • I’m also a fan “less is more” when it comes to decorating. If you don’t want to invest in fall-specific decor, try going for an autumn-like color palette. Perhaps decorate with golds and silvers, or do an orange and white theme. Rather than getting a ton of pumpkins or specialized decor, go for the colors. Bring out those throw pillows, candles or blankets that hit on that color scheme. On that same note, it can even be as easy as making a coffee bar with a fall or Halloween-themed mug set out as decor.
  • Be smart with the items you do purchase. If you go all in on Halloween-themed pumpkins and jackolanterns, they may be obsolete in a matter of days. Instead, use white pumpkins as centerpieces, that way they’ll last you all the way through November!
  • Add plaid. You likely have some plaid prints laying around or can score some at Target. Plaid is easily one of the most festive “colors.”
  • Use spaces/things you already have. If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, clean it up and add one or two small items to make it stand out. If you have a balcony (yay for the fact Encore Montrose does!), add a pumpkin out there or a string of holiday lights. They don’t need to be tacky orange lights for Halloween – even a set of classic white lights will add so much.
  • Change up your centerpiece. Odds are you already own a vase or two, so stop by a local craft store and grab a few fall colored fake flowers to spruce it. It’s such a small investment, but makes a huge statement.
  • Letterboards for the win! Probably one of my favorite at-home decorating/welcoming guests/motivating myself hacks is having a letterboard you can easily change to fit any theme. If you’re rooting for the Eagles at a watch party in your apartment, change up the message to FLY EAGLES FLY. Or add something like “Basic Witch,” “Leggings, Leaves & Lattes, Please” or something else clever like “You’re BOO-tiful” to add a little festiveness to your space.

Don’t miss our blog post on Halloween easy decorating ideas too! And while you’re in the spirit of fall vibes, don’t miss this Houston Fall bucket list with so many date night and kid-friendly ideas to keep you busy!

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about these vibrant and fun Montrose apartments that make life so much easier. If you’re looking for a new Houston luxury apartment with a central Houston location, visit them for a tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) referred you! Happy apartment hunting and cheers to Houston living!

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Denver Fall Bucket List

Autumn Picnics in Denver

Autumn Picnics in Denver

Since I am officially splitting my time between Houston and Denver, it only seemed fair to make a Denver Fall Bucket List (don’t miss my Houston Fall Bucket List). I’m still fairly new here, so these are things I want to do – if you’ve done them and they are lame, please let me know. And if there are can’t miss fall things to do in Denver, let a girl know!
  • Nothing says Halloween like eating dinner in a mortuary. Wait, what? Partake in dinner or Saturday and Sunday brunch inside Linger, a mortuary in LoHi, that also offers tasty drinks, unique city views, and the expected quirky history of this haunt. Who says brunch has to be basic in Denver?
  • Go “leaf peeping” – this is a real thing to see the leaves turn colors for the season. Pack a picnic (see photo!) and some of your favorite rosé and call it the perfect fall day in Denver.
  • Autumn is the perfect time for some of Denver’s best canned wine in RiNo at Infinite Monkey.
  • Basically any concert at Red Rocks is a good idea, but hurry before winter gets here at the 2019 concert series comes to an end.
  • Go to Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens from September 27 through November 2 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out Colorado’s largest Halloween event as Elitch Gardens transforms into a haunted theme park.
  • Take a weekend afternoon trip to Boulder for hiking followed by shopping, which is the perfect way to spend an autumn Saturday or Sunday.
  • Speaking of Boulder on the weekends, catch a CU game at Folsom Field. Ok, not technically Denver, but being 45 minutes away makes it an obvious choice!
  • Breweries, breweries, breweries. Don’t know where to start? Check out this post on Best Breweries in Denver (and scroll to the bottom of this post for pumpkin-flavored beers to get you in the spirit!).
Denver Broncos Game

Denver Broncos Game

  • Take in a Broncos game. I’m an Eagles fan first and foremost, but a game with this scenery and altitude is a must. Plus, it’s such a nice change to see a game without it being 200 degrees (I’m looking at you Houston!). We’ll see if I’m singing the same tune in November.

2019 Denver Fall Events To Check Out:

  • Barre, Brunch and Beer. Join this FREE 45-minute class hosted by barre3 Highlands Ranch at Breckenridge Brewery on Sunday, October 20th at 9am. Sign up for FREE.
  • Glow at the Gardens, October 21 – 25 at the Denver Botanic Gardens is bound to be a good time. Glow at the Gardens™ is a luminous, nighttime celebration of America’s favorite gourd.
  • Drink a Beer at the Zoo from October 10 -24. Nightlife meets wildlife at Taps and Tails, with this open-air beer hall featuring beers from some of Denver’s top breweries, sustainably farmed fare, live entertainment and more, culminating with Animal Onesie night and costume contest on October 24!
  • The best way to cure a fall hangover? The Bloody Mary Festival on October 20, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Who knew there was a festival dedicated to tasting bloody marys, one of the best brunch cocktails around? Your ticket lets you sample bloody marys from tons of local restaurants, bars and bloody mary mix companies, plus food and drink samples from other vendors. At the end of your tastings, you get to vote for your favorite and help crown a winner for the People’s Choice Award.
  • THE WHISKYX DENVER on October 18th is another can’t miss event at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Taste over 60 whiskeys from around the world (and right here in Colorado). Hungry? Order from a variety of food trucks while listening to live music by St. Paul & the Broken Bones.
  • The Denver Mac & Cheese Festival is the perfect chance to see your childhood favorite all grown up! On November 2nd, the Denver Mac & Cheese Festivalinvites local chefs to put a creative spin on this beloved comfort food. Sample everything, vote for your favorite and then take home your very own commemorative spork.
  • Nothing says fall like football, so of course any Broncos game is a good time.

Did Someone Say Denver Pumpkin Beers?

Check out this HUGE list from KDVR.com (scroll to bottom for list of local beers):

4 Noses Pump Action

4 Noses Pump Action

Local Pumpkin Beers

A few of these picks were pulled from the The Denver Ear. Click here to see their full Denver bucket list

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Here’s Your Epic Houston Fall Bucket List

This Astros-themed Corn Maze is on Houston’s Fall Bucket List. Photo courtesy ABC 13

I love fall y’all. And in Houston, that means slightly cooler temps. Here is my fall bucket list  in Houston – tell me how many of these you’ve done, any recommendations or what I missed!

  • Visit the Astros-themed corn maze (pictured) in Montgomery – it’s a drive, but worth it (kicked off September 28th).
  • Carving pumpkins is cool, but DIY pumpkin projects are more my jam. I love this one I did with my friend Braidee a few years back.
  • Make some crockpot meals and other fall recipes. Follow me on Pinterest for some of my favorites or check out this Candy Corn Donut recipe, which was equally fun and easy.
  • Take advantage of “Patio Season.” Houstonians know there’s a limited time where patio bars/restaurants truly hit their stride. Axelrad is a Houston favorite where you can hang out with a cold drink in a hammock and watch an outdoor flick.
  • Go for a walk. There are fun Montrose parks like Menil Park super close to Encore Montrose, but I suggest going to check out the events and fun at Discovery Green or Buffalo Bayou for a beautiful stroll (all less than 5 miles from Encore Montrose).

    Houston Fall Bucket List: Go for a run or walk

  • Make hot toddies at home with friends. I’ve actually never made hot toddies, so share your recipes with me!
  • Sleep with the patio door or windows open (saves on your electricity bill too).
  • Go to a Texans game! Did you know our Montrose apartments are only 6.5 miles from NRG Stadium? Arrive early for the epic tailgating and wear your favorite Texans gear.
  • Houston doesn’t allow for too many days worthy of cozy sweaters, but make sure you have at least one or two favorites.
  • Do it for the ‘gram! Avant Garden at River Oaks District (ROD) features a partnership with Motus Red Photobooth that highlights one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences tailor-made for the Houston and Instagram. The complimentary activations invite all ROD visitors to experience this social media hot-spot – whether it be in #FlowerRain or #BringTheHouseDown – thus creating the ultimate Fall Instagrammable, go-to destination.”
  • Get a HydraFacial at ACQUA Med Spa.
  • Eat all the pumpkin-spiced foods, if that’s your thing. If you’re more into s’mores (me too), try this s’mores ice cream cake (I promise it’s easy!).

    Fall Weather: Luv Ya Houston

  • Decorate for fall. Or live in an amazing Montrose apartment that does a lot of that for you. Fall decorating can be as simple as a cute doormat, a pumpkin of sorts and fall-scented candles. You don’t need to break the bank to decorate for the season; here are some tips for decorating for fall. Speaking of fall candles, try this one. You’re probably thinking that’s too much for a candle, but I guarantee you’ll love it and buy it again.
  • Read a book cozied up on the couch. Book of the Month (BOTM) is an awesome gift idea for any readers out there or get your books at Amazon.

2019 Houston Fall Events To Check Out:

  • Check out King’s BierHaus on Oct. 13 for the Young at Heart, the American Heart Association’s Young Professionals Group for an Oktoberfest Party on the patio from 2:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Attend Halloween-themed events like this Scream on the Green® at Discovery Green. The family-friendly annual citywide costume contest and Halloween celebration takes place on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. The free event features a film screening, an art festival, sing-along Scary-oke and DJ Mohawk Steve.
  • SUC it up with Uncle Bean’s Coffee Pumpkin Succulent Planting Party on Sunday, October 27 from 12 – 2 p.m. for $30.
  • Houston Cinema Arts Festival (HCAF) — November 14-18. This five-day, multi-venue film and arts festival includes narrative and documentary features, video installation exhibitions, multimedia performances, panel discussions, and workshops. Individual tickets are $12 and up and full festival passes are $129.
  • The Color Run comes to Houston November 23, so mark your calendars!

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about these luxury Houston apartments and the close proximity to so much that Montrose Houston has to offer. If you’re looking for a new Montrose apartment, stop by for a private tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Be sure to take a look at the infinity pool and ask for the Champagne Tour. Cheers to new Houston living!

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Workouts are Better with Friends

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SPENGA Montrose Workout Buddy

I am all about simplifying life these days. Working smarter, not harder. I travel a ton, so when I’m in Houston, making time to get together with my friends and getting back in a routine or sorts (mostly related to diet and working out) are at the top of my list. That’s why coordinating workouts with friends has been one of the smartest ways to combine a few of the things most important to me. Plus, I usually try to talk them into brunch or happy hour afterwards, because I’m all about balance.

You may have read that I have taken most of my workout classes at SPENGA in Montrose lately. I absolutely love the setup of these 60-minute classes, but it is a unique format.

Over the last month, I’ve invited a few of my friends/favorite boss babes to join me and here’s what they had to say about their SPENGA Montrose workout experience:

Braidee – I really loved the fun and active environment that SPENGA provides. Switching up the bike, to strength, to yoga allows for a constant push, using different muscle groups and intensity. You know you only have 20 mins at each area so why not go all out for those 20 mins!

Andrea – Had such a great time at SPENGA. The workout is challenging, but fun at the same time! I really like that they incorporate yoga at the end, so you won’t feel like you have skipped a post-workout stretch. Another plus is they’re less than a mile away from my place!

Cori – I love that the workout was broken up into 3 segments to diversify the class and it

SPENGA Montrose Workout with Cori and Coach Roz

makes it go by super quickly! It’s also like a 3 in 1 for me to do all of my favorite things in one class.

Emma – I have to say that I was nervous about my first SPENGA class. I’m not a big fan of spin classes, but what I enjoyed is that the spin class was only 20>60. It really made me enjoy that portion and I definitely put more effort into it than normal. Strength was good, but of course yoga rounds out a very enjoyable exercise experience.

Dani – SPENGA was a workout unlike anything I’ve ever done. I’ve tried several workout formats and this one had me engaged the entire time. The workout changes at just the right time, when I’m ready to be done. I love the fact that it goes from high intensity to low intensity and I’m not completely winded by the time I get to my car.

If you want to try SPENGA, you can check it out for FREE (usually $30) by mentioning my name (Jayme or The Blonde Side) or shoot me a note and let’s try to coordinate a time together. I think you’ll love this fast-paced workout as much as we all do!

Here are a few Houston SPENGA FAQs if you still want to learn more!

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