5 Reasons I Love Hiatus Spa

5 Reasons to Love Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Tanglewood

I’ve been an H-Circle member at Hiatus Spa + Retreat for almost two years, and it’s one of the greatest uses of my money and a perfect excuse to treat myself (each month!).

Sometimes we find ourselves in a money crunch, but I wanted to share 5 reasons I love Hiatus Spa + Retreat and why I think it’s a good use of my (usually limited) income.

Reasons to Love Hiatus:

  1. The monthly membership ($69/month) ensures that no matter what happens in the month, I always leave room for a little me-time and well-deserved pampering. I usually get a massage or facial, and multiple studies show taking time for yourself is actually a really, really good thing.
  2. Also, there is definitely an added bonus of seeing the same esthetician or massage therapist each month as they’ll get to know your daily routine, workouts, body tendencies and skin changes on a regular basis. I’ve found seeing the same people means I get much more personalized and effective services with lasting benefits.
  3. Ronald Slaughter. He recently started at Hiatus (the Tanglewood spa location) and he is one of the best massage therapists I’ve ever had. I also feel like his name was made for this profession. He’s great at stretching and deep tissue massages, which is great for athletes and those who workout a lot. I’m sure he can do a more relaxing massage if that’s your preference, but I guarantee you’ll be sore in a good way after a Slaughter Session!
  4. The Aveda tea they use in the quiet area is my absolute favorite. I get to the spa early so I can catch up on some reading or even emails (probably not smart before a massage, but it works) and enjoy at least 20-30 minutes of hot tea before my treatment.
  5. The Tanglewood location. Hiatus is so close to everything I visit on a regular basis and I love that it’s smack dab between Dish Society and Local Foods – two of my favorite Houston restaurants. Usually I’ll head to Tanglewood a few hours before my treatment and post up at one of their patio spots for lunch and WiFi and then pop over my amazing treatment.

Also, check out my latest Houston blog post on 6 Reasons to Get a Massage Right Now.

If you visit this Tanglewood spa, use code JaymeHIATUS20 when booking at any of their locations to get 20% off! 

Click here to score more discounts at other spots too.

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Easy Workout Tips and Links for Apartment Workouts

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Home Gym Tips & Tricks

If you’ve followed me on social media or this blog for a while, you know fitness is one of the things I focus most on. I love sharing workout tips, my favorite athleisure brands and of course the reasons why I love Orangetheory Fitness Houston (OTF).

 

While I try to hit OTF 3x a week, that still leaves 4 days, that’s why when I’m apartment hunting, the apartment gym is a key thing I look for, and Encore Montrose hit the nail on the head with their gym setup. They have a full gym on the first floor with all the cardio machines and free weights you’d ever need and have a private spin and pilates studio located on the second floor.

 

With that said, I know finding the motivation and a workout you’ll actually do isn’t as easy as all the bloggers make it sound. As someone who travels a lot and finds herself trying to get a good workout in on the road, I’ve narrowed down a few workout tips and tricks to share.

 

Sometimes I head down to the apartment gym and give myself a quick goal – whether that’s 30 minutes in the gym and I can choose what I do on the spot or that’s 2-miles on the treadmill plus 2 sets of 3 arm exercises. For me personally, my goal is usually just movement. I’m not all about pre-workout shakes or having to hit a specific calorie burn on my Apple watch, but I realize it’s different for everyone. 

 

4 Easy-To-Follow Workouts You Can Do At Home:

  1.   Fitness Blender – No Equipment Workout– No equipment workouts are usually my favorite, especially when I’m short on time. You don’t have to waste time gathering equipment or waiting for someone to finish their set, plus these are pretty easy to do in a small hotel room or in my own apartment. Time: 20 minutes (and don’t forget to stretch)
  2. Nike Training ClubApp– I wrote about this app back in 2013, so clearly I’m a big fan. I love how easy it is to use – you can search based on muscle group (i.e. core, back and glutes) as well as time, which is more than ideal when I only have 15 minutes to get a workout in. They go over all the exercises and show proper technique, provide motivation (“You got this!”) along the way and you can even listen to your own music during the workout while they count you down through each move. Time: varies
  3.  Kayla Itsines–Everyone’s heard of Kayla before as she has taken over the Internet by storm for a few years and for good reason. There are a lot of workouts you can find from her, like the 7-minute YouTube one linked above, following her YouTube channel, following her on Instagram or buying her guide. She is well respected in the industry and has a workout for pretty much everything. Time: 7 minutes (and many others)
  4.   Pamela RF – Best 20 Minute Workout at Home– Again, all you need is a yoga mat (and that’s based on personal preference), and it’s a quick burst of HIIT that’ll be a good way to get in a fast workout and get those endorphins pumping. Time: 20 minutes

 

3 other pro tips when it comes to working out at home:

  1. Take a look around. Encore Montrose offers interactive fitness classes in the pilates and spin studio. You may not even need an app or extra motivation – ask someone in the leasing office (same holds true if you’re in a hotel and don’t know how to use the apps they have provided) and get started. Many hotels I’ve visited lately even have Peloton bikes and subscriptions set up for your use! 
  2. Google is your best friend. If I want a quick leg workout, I type that in and usually have pretty good luck finding a YouTube video specializing in that specifically. It won’t always work, but it’s worth a shot! 
  3.   I follow a lot of fit-related Instagram accounts. Many times they have captions with a quick run through of a workout or even videos showcasing a 10-minute sequence. I simply have a folder titled “Workouts” and hit save for future use.

This blog post is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about this eclectic Houston neighborhood and particularly my spacious apartment community, which includes the gym. These Montrose luxury apartments are offering some amazing leasing specials on all their floor plans, a few weeks free rent, so hurry in for a tour! If you stop by for a tour shoot me a note and be sure to tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! The address is 4508 Graustark Street, located right next to Black Hole Coffee. 

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4 of Houston Montrose’s Best Coffee Shops

Siphon Coffee in Montrose

It’s no surprise the coffee shops in Montrose are as unique and eclectic as the entire neighborhood (shops, eateries, tree-lined streets, tattoo shops and more). As someone who works from home, changing up my routine to local coffee shops a few times a week is key for my creativity.

 

Black Hole Coffee House– Located directly next door to our Montrose apartments is the cute and always packed Black Hole Coffee. Serving coffee, tea, snacks and desserts, plus there is almost always a food truck outside, so you’ll be able to eat, drink and work on your laptop easily. What used to be a convenience store (and still has the confusing sign to prove it) is now a local favorite boasting local food and even has beer and wine. I’m not much of a late night person, but they’re open until midnight if that’s your thing.

 

Agora– This two-story eclectic and full-of-vibe coffee house serves coffee and so much more (including a pretty broad selection of wines). This is the kind of place I have posted up for hours upon hours, thanks to the glasses and bottles of wine they serve. I’m a big fan of sitting on the second floor peering out onto Westheimer, because if you know that area of Houston, you never know what you’ll see. The ambiance and nearby walkability here is something Houstonians have adored for years. 

 

Inversion Coffee & Art– This is a smaller space, located on Montrose and offers great coffee and tea selections, but the bonus here is the Gelato! And according to some of their recent Instagram posts, they now serve donuts, so it’s time I add this one back into my rotation. They have pastries and other light snacks and the space is filled with lots of natural sunlight and artwork adorned on the walls. If you live in the Montrose area, you’ll likely run into a friend or two here, since it’s such a popular spot.

 

Siphon Coffee– This spot has beer on tap. Yes, they obviouslyserve coffee, but so much more including a pretty healthy breakfast and lunch selection that starts at 7a. I highly recommend the Stuffed Avocado – pasture raised egg yolk, potato hash, grand cru gruyere, basil and red chili flake stuffed inside a ripe and delicious avocado. This place is unique, and so is their brewing method and it’s definitely worth a stop on your Montrose Houston coffee tour.

 

This is part of a sponsored blog series with my favorite Montrose apartments, Encore Montrose. Encore Montrose is currently offering a few incredible leasing specials on one and two-bedroom apartments, including look and lease gift cards plus a few weeks free rent, so don’t miss out. If you stop by for a private tour shoot me a note and be sure to tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Also, ask for the Champagne Tour to help make the process even more enjoyable!  

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Pet-friendly Montrose (Houston) Apartments

Denali loves Encore Montrose

Denali and I are a package deal. Denali is my 15-year-old super grumpy, totally deaf and blind, overweight chihuahua. And to be frank, he’s probably more high maintenance than me.

Having a Montrose apartment that is dog-friendly (as in, one that actually loves dogs, not simply tolerates them) is incredibly important.

Here are some pet-friendly reasons I love living at Encore Montrose:

  1. There’s a huge dog run and pet spa. Denali loves his time to roam around and enjoy fresh air just like you and I, so this is a great spot (and it’s completely gated, so it feels super safe and easy late at night).
  2. The main reason I have a balcony is because of Denali (as pictured above). I wish I had a huge house with a big yard where he could soak up the sun all day long, but this is the next best thing, especially when the weather is nice. I leave the patio door open and he comes in and out as he pleases, and it’s quite nice for us both.
  3. There are tons of other friendly dogs on site. Not that he plays with them, but it makes me (as a dog owner) feel comfortable and always at home with him. (I’ve traveled to many hotels that claim they are pet-friendly, but we are both looked at as a nuisance, which never feels great.)
  4. Our Montrose neighborhood is walkable and a beautiful way to enjoy Houston. We live right next to Black Hole Coffee, which is surrounded by unique homes and plenty of space. We are also just a few streets away from Rice Village and Rice University and if you’ve ever been around those tree-lined streets, you know how gorgeous it is. Denali doesn’t “get out” often, but when I want some fresh air and sunshine for myself, it’s an easy place to take him.
  5. They just created a Pet of the Month contest, and Denali is dying to win.

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. Did you know these pet-friendly Montrose apartments offer a “champagne tour”? Champagne makes everything better, especially when it comes to moving and a yearlong commitment. Encore Montrose is offering major move-in specials, including up to two months free rent, so don’t miss out. Shoot me an email if you’re interested in touring or stop by Encore Montrose (4508 Graustark Street) and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! 

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6 Reasons to Get a Massage Now

6 Reasons to Book a Massage Now | Hiatus Houston Massage

If there is one thing where I take the whole “treat yo’self” mentality to new levels, it’s getting massages. I’m a firm (no pun intended) believer in massages and think they provide major wellness benefits especially as working out is a huge part of my life.

I’m an H-circle member at Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Tanglewood and have shared why I love massages at Hiatus in the past, but for this post, I want to share why getting massages is advantageous (no matter where you go).

6 Reasons to Book a Massage NOW (and Regularly):

  1. Massages help reduce the effects of some bad habits. For me, I don’t stretch as much as I should when I run and workout, and I need a massage (and even stretching from time to time) from a professional. I also spend a lot of time on the computer (hello, like right now), so my hands and forearms actually need to be worked out. If you’re on your phone a lot, you probably have something called tech neck and your neck needs help. Trust me – we can’t break all of these bad habits overnight, but regular massages help alleviate some of the longterm and negative effects.
  2. Reduces stress and anxiety. This one is simple. And if you don’t have stress of anxiety in your life, please write a blog post on how and I promise to read it. Because almost all of us are stressed to some degree. Plus, there’s some science behind massages helping alleviate this (i.e. lowers cortisol levels and increases serotonin and dopamine).
  3. Helps your immunity. If you get deep tissue or swedish massages, it promotes the movement of lymph and basically keeps things going.
  4. A chance to disconnect. I’ll admit getting off my phone and disconnecting is difficult for me, but for the 50 or 80 minutes you’re getting a massage, you’re forced to just breathe deeply and relax. It’s seriously so good for you.
  5. Deep breathing. Going along with #4, when I get massages, it’s the only time I really focus on deep breathing, which has numerous benefits for your overall health (mental and physical). It may be an expensive way to take deep breaths, but it’s well worth it for me. Plus, it feels good and helps me take that “self care” mentality into other areas of my life. I love long showers after a massage or challenging myself to drink obscene (which you should) amounts of water afterwards, etc.
  6. Helps boost productivity. There have been many studies that link a boost in productivity and creativity to massages. Read this Forbes article on why Executives Should Book Massages Now. 

Also, read 5 Reasons to Get a Winter Facial now.

So now that you’re ready for a massage, be sure to use code JaymeHIATUS20 when booking at any of their locations to get 20% off! 

Click here to score more discounts at other spots too.

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Galentine’s at Encore Montrose

Dani & Andrea (FaceForward Makeup) at Encore Montrose Girl’s Night

I never imagined I’d be one throwing a Galentine’s Party (I usually prefer to sulk around the V-Day holiday), but I did and it was a blast!

Did you know February 13th is officially marketed as Galentine’s Day? I thought it was just an idea, but it’s an actual day for celebration, and I for one am all about celebrating my gal pals any day of the week. 

I love having friends over and just gabbing over some wine and more (y’all know Infinite Monkey Theorem is my favorite wine). So I decided to invite some friends over and told them to bring business cards to network and just hang out – showcase our love for one another. We played games (include Mad Libs for adults, which was hysterical), indulged in way too many baked goodies, took selfies, boomerangs and more girly things (see below).

A few thank you/love notes:

Thanks to Encore Montrose for letting us use the amazing Club House. We

Encore Montrose Galentine’s Party

had plenty of room for Prosecco Pong (oh yes!), gathering and talking, eating and drinking, etc.

Thanks to Kendra Scott for donating some amazing pieces of jewelry for raffle items. I fully support and appreciate businesses who give back. The Rice Village Kendra Scott store donated the items, so GO SHOP THERE!

My friend Andrea with FaceForward Makeup and Tanning gave out some free makeup lessons and applications and showcased her brand-new line of makeup. I have long supported this gal and so proud of her new line!

Best Houston Dentist: Dentistry of the Oaks

My friend Katie (Dr. Stuchlik ) at Dentistry of the Oaks donated the wine glasses. Not only is she a good friend from years and years ago, she is my dentist and I highly recommend her and her brand-new practice over near the Houston Heights (on West 34th St.).

My pals at Orangetheory Fitness Houston donated some free workout cards too, so I’m trying to talk some friends into a sweat sesh soon. Stay tuned on that!

This is post is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose. I am using the blog to share what I love about Houston, and specifically Montrose, plus all the tips, tricks and amenities along the way. These luxury Montrose apartments are now offering some great leasing specials. Drop a comment or an email if you’re interested in touring or stop by Encore Montrose and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you!

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OTF Midtown: Now Open

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OTF Midtown: Now Open

I’m not one that’s all into the New Year/New Me concept, but I do love the fresh start of a brand-new year. Whether you have goals to be a more patient and tolerant person (yes, those are at the top of my list) or want to lose a few pounds or create a healthier lifestyle, the start of a New Year (or even month or week) is a great reason to get motivated.

For me, fitness has always been a part of my life and over the last two years, I have become a major fan of Orangetheory Fitness (OTF).

I love the science-based HIIT workouts at OTF, and I love the coaches who also push me when I think I’ve completely emptied my tank, but I also love the amount of locations. In Houston alone there are 13+ and more coming and within two miles of my Montrose apartment, there is West University (my usual location), Bellaire (been a few times) and the brand-new Midtown studio, which is the newest location inside the loop.

Having multiple locations helps me for various reasons. Depending where I’m working

OTF: Midtown Studio Now Open

for the day (i.e. a coffee shop or business meeting), I can easily schedule a class on the app at any of the locations and go there. If one of the studios is full for the 3p class, odds are other studios may have openings, so I don’t get a “pass” for skipping the gym that day. I have a few friends that also go to OTF, so if they want to work out (two of them go to Midtown), I can take a class with them and grab coffee or happy hour before or after. I’ve found it’s usually helpful to workout with a buddy. Also, when I’m traveling, there are OTF studios pretty much everywhere, so it helps me stay in a routine.

Reasons To Check Out Midtown OTF:

  • The Midtown are is very pedestrian friendly and accessible for walking/biking, especially if you live in one of the nearby apartments! Plus it’s in an area with lots of great coffee shops and restaurants, perfect if you’re like me and want to catch up with friends after working out together.
  • The Midtown studio is one of the largest OTF studios in Houston so you’ve got plenty of room to do your burpees and jump squats, plus the studio is configured in one big square making it super easy to switch between stations!
  • Coaches Sarah, Michael, Macy and Courtney are super high energy and make the workouts fun.

Also, if you’ve never tried OTF, your first class is FREE. And yes, it helps if you drop my name when you sign up at the studio. If you’re in Houston and want to try it out together, drop me a note and let’s see if our schedules match up.

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ACQUA February Specials to LOVE

February ACQUA Med Spa Specials

I’ve blogged about my recent amazing experiences at ACQUA Med Spa, especially my recent lip filler experience with Braidee. Well guess what? It’s February and they are all about spreading the love – in the form of amazing specials and discounts.

Check out a few of these February Houston Med Spa specials below:

  • $100.00 off all fillers for February to get that perfect valentines pout
  • $250.00 off a package of Votiva
  • 10% off a package of 6 laser hair reduction treatments (I had this years ago and yes, it takes about 6 treatments for the best results and no, it doesn’t really hurt!)
  • During the week of 2/11/19 – 2/15/19, take advantage of $10/units of Botox – but there’s a catch – you’ve got to bring a friend who is new to ACQUA (and then you can both go out for drinks and selfies afterwards!), so win-win.
  • As always, mention me (Jayme or The Blonde Side works) and you’ll get 20% off any other services (not on top of the specials above, because they’re already amazing specials)

Schedule your FREE consultation by calling 281.480.1200. They have three amazing injectors on-site (Braidee, Alexis and Arika) and they’re all equally awesome, plus Kendra does on-site CoolSculpting as well! 

If you have any questions about lip fillers or Botox or anything else, let me know in the comments or shoot me a message. I love finding out the info and am happy to share it! I know most people are hush-hush about these things, but not your girl over here!

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Tour an Eclectic and Urban Montrose Apartment

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I know I’m kind of an Internet nerd, but one of my guilty pleasures has always been reading about home tours. For those who aren’t super familiar with home tours, it’s just a quick tour of someone’s (usually) unique space and their décor style. For instance, here’s a plant-filled sunny Manhattan loft, and how the couple decided to decorate and utilize the small space.

Eventually I’ll give you a tour (maybe) of my actual one-bedroom Montrose apartment, but I still have my Christmas tree up, so that’s going to have to wait. For now, I’ll take you on a small tour of my new Montrose apartment community, highlighting all the amenities!

 

  • Slide 1 of 8
    I live alone in my one-bedroom, one-bath 800-square-foot apartment, unless you count my extremely old and grumpy Chihuahua, Denali. I choose the Montrose neighborhood because it’s central to every part of Houston and I love the bright and eclectic vibe – not only of Montrose as a whole, but the complex itself. I also work from home, so needed a little nook area that I could make a home office (more about my tips for working from home here).
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Actionable Tips for Working from Home

Working from home tips: Montrose Apartment

I definitely have a non-traditional job, having created my own niche as a sports + travel + fitness writer as well as corporate copywriter and micro-influencer (no wonder my parents have a hard time understanding what I do), but with that comes the opportunity (and distraction) of working from home.

It’s been a daily struggle for me (going on eight years now) working from home, so I thought the New Year was the perfect time to share some personal tips working from home and how to excel, even if it’s from the comforts of your couch. Because we all know, I love my couch.

If you have the option, choose a house or apartment that is conducive to working from home. I have a one-bedroom at Encore Montrose, but I choose a floor plan with a tiny little nook tucked away in the bedroom that was the perfect office space. Plus, it overlooked the courtyard’s bright flower wall, which was a huge seller for me. Obviously I’d prefer a two-bedroom, but it wasn’t necessary, nor was it in my budget, so the little office nook was more than enough.

Along with choosing the right floor plan (I’m not saying move just for a nook, obvi), I love that my Montrose apartments have a brand-new Conference Room, where I’m able to work when I’m on deadline. In fact, I’ve already had a few friends come over for “co-working days,” which allows me to knock “work harder” and “spend more time with friends” off my New Year’s resolution list all at once. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi, a huge conference table, a latte bar and more.

One of my top tips first thing in the morning is to give myself some time to spend with my dog, do household chores (i.e. empty the dishwasher) and enjoy my coffee. I don’t jump right into work. I also make a reasonable to-do list, and sometimes it may just have one pressing item on it. My to-do list usually has 30-40 pressing items, but being realistic and tackling a few key things works best for me.

Change it up. Once a week, schedule a co-working date with a friend (who also has stuff to get done, not just an excuse to catch up on gossip and boys) or check out a new, local coffee shop. For me, changing the scenery really helps boost my creativity, so it’s something I try to do often.

Along with changing it up, have a go-to reliable spot when you’re on serious deadline or having writer’s block or lack of motivation. For me, that’s the Starbucks by the Galleria. Not sure why the vibe and familiarity there works for me, but it does. I’m not tempted to leave early or walk around the area, I just go and get my work done and leave.

One tip I often hear is to set “working hours” from your home office. While I don’t, I do try to stop working by 6p at the latest, because it takes me a few hours to clear my mind, so I don’t want to get in bed thinking of past-due articles or needy clients. That’s the worst.

Creating a daily work schedule is often helpful, but I’ll be honest – only sometimes. For instance, scheduling breaks to make personal calls or walking the dog if it’s nice out is great, but if I get stuck and need an extra break or if I’m really into whatever I’m doing, I’ll keep going. I like heading to the leasing office and chatting with them – they are always so fun and friendly and it’s a quick and easy walk from my apartment. Black Hole Coffee House is one of Montrose’s best coffee shops and it’s right next door, so that’s another easy, quick break for me during the work day.

For me, the key to working from home is staying flexible. One of the benefits of working for myself and working from home is that I have that flexibility. A friend gets off work early wants to hit up happy hour – I’m game! I’m in a creative rut and want to get in a workout – let’s do it! But that’s the double-edged sword working from home – the flexibility needs to be in moderation. If friends call me every day for a 3p happy hour, I can’t go all the time. Or can I?

Montrose Houston Apartments Offer Champagne Tours

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. Did you know you can ask for the “champagne tour” while touring these brand-new Montrose Houston apartments? Champagne makes everything better, especially when it comes to moving and a yearlong commitment. Encore Montrose is currently offering major leasing specials, including look and lease gift cards and a few weeks free rent, so don’t miss out. Shoot me an email if you’re interested in touring or stop by Encore Montrose (4508 Graustark Street) and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Cheers to your new Montrose home!

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