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!

 

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    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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How to Have the Perfect Girl’s Weekend in Chicago

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The Perfect Girl’s Weekend in Chicago

Rosé All Day in the Windy City

Chicago definitely ranks in my top 5 favorite cities, for a myriad of reasons. I’ve written about going to Chicago for sports before, but this time I tried my hand at another girl’s weekend (and spoiler alert: sports were still involved). Last month I hit up Chicago with two of my girls – Braidee and Shannon and here’s a little more about our weekend trip. 

 

For starters, getting to Chicago from Houston is incredibly easy with 10 daily flights on United alone. Of course, add in Southwest and Spirit for direct flights and take into account two airports on both sides and you’ve got a city that’s a breeze to get to. 

 

Stay: Loews Chicago

I’m a sucker for fancy hotels and ever since a recent trip to New Orleans; I have become a huge fan of the Loews properties. Loews Chicago is my pick for a Chicago hotel if you want to be in the center of all the action complete with luxurious amenities, a crowded bar on the regular, spacious rooms (ours overlooked the Navy Pier, which was awesome for my friend Braidee who had never visited Chicago before) and a walkable atmosphere with stuff in every direction. Lowes Chicago is located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, only a few blocks from all the fun shopping at The Magnificent Mile. The hotel is in the heart of downtown, one block from the Chicago River and made the perfect place for our girl’s weekend (start your day with coffee in your room or Starbucks in the lobby, order breakfast in bed from room service because their food is amazing, grab a cocktail before you head out for the night, work your booty off at the gym and more). 

 

Loews Chicago was just a $30 Uber ride, but if you’re balling on a budget or want to experience the

Loews Hotel Chicago: Luxury Hotel

 city like a local, you can also take the ‘El’ Train for $2.50. These were the directions from the concierge (I always call and get directions if taking public transportation because my navigation skills are severely lacking!): From baggage level, follow “Trains to the City” signs, then exit STATE/LAKE, about a 45-minute ride. Walk a few blocks to Loews Chicago and your vacation is ready to begin. Trains depart from the airport every 10-15 minutes, making it a breeze.

 

We arrived to the hotel just in time to start the evening with handcrafted cocktails from The Bellhop Bar in the lobby. It’s a super cute limited-edition pop-up bar inside a retrofitted steamer trunk boasting bespoke beverages, and the ideal way to kick off the weekend (5-7p daily).  

 

Our Girl’s Trip Chicago Itinerary

A girl’s weekend in Chicago is alwaysa good idea (though if I had to pick a favorite time to visit, it’s the summer hands down). The city has something for everyone including shopping, pizza, nightlife, culture, sports, fancy spas, brunch headquarters – the list goes on.  

 

We kicked off Friday night at a Blackhawks game. The game day experience in Chicago for any and every sport is unlike any other with some of the most ravenous and boozy fans around. (Another reason I love visiting the summer in Chicago is for a visit to Wrigley, which should be on everyone’s bucket list.) 

 

After the game, we hopped in an Uber and headed to dinner at Sushi Dokku thanks to a quick Google search that satisfied all three of us. Then we tried our hand at a number of the bars in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, since we were already there and each spot had their own vibe with varying music and great people watching. My favorite was the one blasting 80’s music, but if you think I remember the name of that bar that late at night, you’re crazy.  

 

Saturday morning we tried finding a nearby workout class on ClassPass, but couldn’t get our act together, so we headed to the hotel gym. I loved that they had Peloton bikes, and am always a fan of working out while on vacation – thought it’s not like we didn’t hit 20k steps every day walking around the freezing city. Another favorite outdoor Chicago workout is a run along Lake Michigan, a 20-mile lakefront trail, which is one of my favorite ways to experience any city.

 

Chicago is Brunch-so–So-Hard Headquarters

Chicago – Brunch so Hard

Then we freshened up for brunch at Beatnik. Brace yourself for Chicago’s brunch scene. I don’t mean to knock Houston, but this city knows how to brunch. Seriously, the brunch options alone are worthy of a visit. Beatnik was an unassuming spot in West Town, but as soon as you walk through the revolving doors, an amped up DJ with a brunch spectacle straight out of Sex and the City awaited us. It was a bit too intense for my hungover self, but they serve tapas style bites with cocktails available in pitcher-servings and was an Instagrammer’s delight. (Tip: we made reservations for almost every spot the morning of, but reservations are highly recommended.) On the way back, our Uber made a slight detour to snap a few pictures at the West Hubbard Street Murals, which was an entire street with so many murals, a super indigenous way to check out a new part of Chicago I hadn’t visited before. 

 

No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Stan’s Donuts (y’all know I love my donuts) and well worth the calories, since we were off for an evening of ice skating. We went to the Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which was only $15 (free if you bring your own skates), and you can knock a picture at the Bean off your Chicago bucket list (though the picture is usually best in the daytime). 

 

Obviously libations are needed after an evening of awkward ice skating (because I was so bad at it, let’s be real), so we walked a few blocks to Cindy’s Rooftop, located inside The Chicago Athletic Association, but be warned – having dinner in the sky comes at a price (and reservations are a must). I also fell in love with cannedroséhere a few summers back, so it holds a special place in my heart. 

 

After drinks I headed back to the hotel for dinner (the girls went somewhere else, but I had heard the hotel restaurant was the best) at ETA Restaurant + Bar where I had one of the most delectable ribeye steaks and “Mashers.” I am a steak queen and I promise the steak here rivals any Texas steak I’ve ever had. I sat at the bar, because dinner at hotel bars is one of my favorite things while traveling, especially solo. 

 

Thanks to a late hotel checkout we were able to enjoy a little Sunday Funday. We started with

The Hampton Social

brunch at The Hampton Social, which just opened a new location in Streeterville, walking distance from the hotel. This is where the signature Instagrammable neon-lit “RoséAll Day” sign is. I love “basic brunch spots” and live acoustic music and their East Coast menu make for the perfect Sunday in Chicago – (followed closely by a game at Solider Field). Then we walked over to the Christkindlmarket, which is an open-air traditional European market in the heart of downtown, which was fun to see but not really my thing, then more shopping on Michigan Avenue followed by one farewell glass or roséat Eataly. If you’ve never been to an Eataly before, you should go. What a novel concept – genius in fact. 

 

One of my favorite blogs is based in Chicago and they also wrote a Chicago City Guide. 

I also wrote about 48 Hours With the Girls in Chicago for Houstonia Magazine. 

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My Lip Filler Experience: Houston’s ACQUA Med Spa

My Houston Lip Filler Experience: ACQUA Med Spa

Lip fillers are having a moment and I’m here for it – front row, center. I began my love affair with lip fillers back in 2016, but relax. I’ve only had it done three times, so I haven’t gone overboard, nor am I an expert (thankfully I worked with people who are, so read on). Remember this lip filler piece I wrote for Elite Daily?

 

Below are my thoughts and experiences about my lip filler experience at ACQUA Med Spa (it’s run by Dr. Ciaravino, who has a stellar reputation in Houston) mixed in with some advice and assessments from Braidee Ireland (nurse, injector and good friend of mine). 

 

Lip fillers are a weird conundrum – men always think they’re awful (but only when they know you’ve had them done) and women are usually judging or keeping their own lip filler experience a top-secret covert operation. And I’ll be honest – it’s a fairly expensive procedure and it definitely hurts a bit, but if you come from the IBLC (Itty Bitty Lippie Committee) like me, I think it’s well worth the investment. Pain is beauty, right?

 

It’s important to note that lip fillers are an aesthetic treatment, but it’s not surgery or anything you have to be cautious of – other than going to someone good (like any of the injectors at Houston’s ACQUA Med Spa). You basically can’t workout for 24-hours and may experience bruising (I bruise easily so take Arnica to help), and chapped lips, but that’s it.

 

Here are my quick thoughts on lips – it’s not an area of the face/body you change on your own. It’s not like working out or wearing a different shade of lipstick will magically change the shape or volume of your lips and guess what? Lips are something I look at every single day and so does anyone who talks to me. So I know there are haters out there saying, “don’t change anything about yourself,” or “don’t be that girl,” but it’s my choice.  My lips don’t define my beauty or confidence, but if I feel an extra pep in my step because I have fuller lips and a larger canvas to play with fun lip colors, then that’s my prerogative (in the words of Bobby Brown!). 

 

Tips for Getting Lip Fillers

 

Here are a few tips on choosing the right lip filler, the injector and overall experience:

  • Go to someone GOOD. Just because you see discounts on Instagram or you’re friends with them, does not mean they are good. To be honest, Braidee (one of my best friends) has been doing this for years and I waited until I felt comfortable going to her and saw tons and tons of examples of her work. Do your research – check out their social media feed, read their reviews, ask friends who they go to or have heard about.
  • Take advantage of the FREE consultation, but don’t feel obligated. ACQUA gives everyone a free consultation and this is your chance to ask questions and make sure it’s a procedure you want. Just because you go to the office and spend 30 minutes with the team doesn’t mean you’re trapped into anything.
  • Bring pictures so you can realistically and easily share what look you’re going for. Create a photo album on your phone and show the injector all those pictures. It will give them an idea of what you want and make your end result that much better.
  • Be prepared. As I mentioned above, I bruise easily, so I make sure to have Arnica on hand. I also have a history of cold sores and unfortunately, the “trauma” of lip injections can bring about cold sores for me, so I start taking medicine the day before (and that seems to work). I also tend to swell (quite a bit) afterwards, so I make sure not to plan any important meetings or dates on the same day!
  • Stay in contact with your injector. When I get my lips done, I make sure they know that I want to start off subtle and natural, and the team at ACQUA operates the exact same. They start off natural and after two weeks if you want more, they invite you back in (usually at no charge), but each case is different. 

    ACQUA Med Spa’s Braidee Ireland and The Blonde Side’s Jayme Lamm

ACQUA’s Lip Filler Process

 Below gets technical, but it’s directly from my injector, Braidee and gives insight into the process for those thinking of trying it.

 “Thorough assessments, product knowledge and facial anatomy are just a few of the many important things in providing safe and natural work to clients. Here at ACQUA we give assessment consultations with our PA, which include careful examination and questioning of clients’ desired results that allows our nurse injectors to inject the appropriate product for the client to achieve a great outcome. We use topical numbing cream, along with other distracting comfort measures. As an injector, it’s important to understand how these products work, best places to use them and give the patient expectations for healing based off the type and amount of filler used. 

 As explained by the patient in the consult, Restylane and Restylane Silk products have previously been injected and the client felt the products did not hold to desired look for any reasonable amount of time. Suggestion of Juvederm Ultra product was given in regards to having a fuller, firmer hold once injected into the area. Juvederm Ultra in the lips can give a more noticeable volume from baseline but also, if injected slowly and efficiently, can be seen as a natural fullness. Lining the lips to create a base shape that will give the lips a wider structure can be a great start before volumizing the lips. For me, using insulin syringes allows me to put the product exactly where I want, without overfilling. Patients seem to respond well to insulin syringes for the lip area because the size of the needle is smaller. The key to great injections is knowledge, comfort and communication. We give as much information as we can to our clients so they are fully aware of what is being done and what to expect. We encourage patients to come in with questions, concerns and desired expectations so we can provide appropriate education and services. 

 Jayme presented with a smaller base lip structure with the top lip having a natural tendency to fold under. This creates more difficulty with injections because you do not want to overload the lip with filler trying to create more volume and lift because it can easily get hidden in the tissue and fold under as well. Proper placement of small droplets along the lining of the lip and even, linear injections on the “wet-to-dry” area of the lip will create more volume and space. We also put filler in the lower fat pads of the lip and again small droplets along the lining to create a soft, more volumized bottom lip for all around symmetry.”  — Braidee Ireland, RN

Ready to try lip fillers? I highly recommend ACQUA Med Spa and if you mention me, you’ll get 10% off any service. 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.

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5 Montrose Experts Dish on Their Favorite Local Spots

Now that I’m officially a Montrose resident, I find myself giddy with all the options for things to see and do (and EAT) in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. Montrose is without a doubt one of the most unique sections of Houston. Since I already shared my Montrose hidden gems, I asked a few Montrose experts what their absolute favorite things to do in Montrose were. Here’s what they said:

 

Eric Sandler is the go-to guy with all the insider knowledge on Montrose: 

Eric Sandler, Writer + Foodie

 

“Generally, I think Montrose’s restaurant options are pretty well documented, but I do have a couple of picks that are a little under-the-radar. The first is 369 Oriental Bistro; I just need a certain amount of Chinese-American food in my life, and this unassuming spot fits the bill thanks to its top-tier fried pork dumplings, General Tso’s chicken, and hot and sour soup. When other restaurants are slammed, I can always count on grabbing a table at 369 for a quiet dinner.

 

I’m also a fan of La Sicilia Italian Bakery & Cafe. A couple of cookies, a filled-to-order cannoli, or a flaky croissant will satisfy just about anyone’s sweet tooth. Family-owned and operated, the savory and breakfast options are good, too.”

 

Houston Blogger, Anastasia Hansen

Anastasia Hansen, Houston blogger at It’s Not Hou It’s Me:

 

“Montrose is a super quirky neighborhood with excellent nightlife, food and cultural gems. When I have friends visit me, I like to take them to Emerson Rose [Montrose location] for shopping, Present Company for insta-worthy pics, La Grange for drinks, and Goodnight Charlie’s for live country music! Also, you can’t beat Riva’s heavy $5 wine pours and massive bowls of pasta. The flamboyant and sassy servers are hilarious and spice up any dinner. For more Montrose and Houston recommendations, check out the Newstonian neighborhood guides on It’s Not Hou It’s Me.”

Craig Hlavaty, writer and part of Houston Museum of Natural Science: 

Craig on the left, Nick on the right

“When it comes to hidden gems in Montrose I am scared to give mine away. I don’t want everyone showing up and crowding the place! But if I have to share anything it would be the cool little corner of Hawthorne and Stanford. I love Mercantile Montrose’s iced coffee, fresh pastries, and relaxed ambiance. It’s next to the Stanford Laundromat, which is a great place to knock out one of my favorite chores, laundry. Pro tip: the Wi-Fi from the coffee shop works at the laundromat so you can get some work done or listen to a podcast while your unmentionables toss and turn in the drier. The laundromat’s owner, Duc, is always fun to talk to as well. He’s seen some stuff.”

Lisa Gochman, the PR Santa

Lisa Gochman, Houston Media Consultant & PR:

“Some of my favorites in Montrose are The Pit Room for BBQ, love getting a Feast which offers a little bit of everything and then I usually add on a chicken or brisket taco. I usually get my bbq and go sit at the The Patio at the Pit Room, when the weather is nice.

BuffBurger – did you know they serve breakfast seven days a week from 7am – 11am (all sandwiches come with homemade tater tots – life changing). If you can’t make breakfast, grab a burger, they make everything in house from the buns to the jalapeño ketchup (my fave ketchup in town). The Montrose location has a FULL bar and great classic craft cocktail menu.

[The Blonde Side note: both BuffBurger and The Patio at the Pit Room were listed in my favorite Montrose Houston spots, so now you have two people telling those are good spots!]

LES NOO’DLE is another good one in Montrose – spring roll and Chicken Pho!

Hot Bagel Shop – mini bagel dogs, lox and cream cheese bagel loaded on an everything bagel (that’s when I am eating carbs, ha)”

Nick Scurfield, @scurfieldgroup and @welcometohou Podcast: 

Nick on the right, Craig on the left

 

“I used to live near the intersection of Westheimer and Dunlavy, and I spent a lot of time at Brasil. A great place for coffee, breakfast, lunch or anything in between. You can hop across the street to Agora and next door to Common Bond for the coffee shop trifecta. Nearby are my favorite stores, Space Montrose (name-drop Craig Hlavaty and it’ll score you some points); my go-to bike shop, Ham Cycles; and a great new ‘Viejun” restaurant, Kau Ba. It’s all within short walking distance of bars like Camerata, Poison Girl, La Grange and Goodnight Charlie’s. Two of my favorite restaurants are Riel, where chef/owner Ryan Lachaine’s pierogies are a must, and Cuchara, whose mole verde is out of this world.”

 

Big thanks to these five Montrose Houston experts for dishing on their favorite places (and actionable pro tips) of where to eat and what to do in this fun Houston neighborhood. There were at least six places I haven’t tried, but now I have plans for the New Year…

 

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. I am sharing what I love about Houston, and specifically Montrose, plus all the unique spaces and food options in the neighborhood. These brand-new Montrose apartments are currently offering major leasing specials, including look and lease gift cards and a few weeks of prorated rent free, so don’t miss out. Drop a comment or an email if you’re interested in touring (they do champagne tours!) or stop by Encore Montrose and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! 

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5 Reasons to Get a Winter Facial 

Facials at Hiatus Spa + Retreat (Houston)

Y’all know I love a good spa day or spa service, which is why I’m an H-circle member at Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Tanglewood. I already shared why I love getting massages at Hiatus back in October, but now I’m going to give you some ammunition to book your winter facial, pronto.

1. Let a professional have their way with you. (I mean, your skin.) We’re so quick to layer moisturizer on super thick during the colder months, but maybe that’s not what you need. Your skin changes from summer to winter no doubt, but why not use a relaxing 60-minutes to let an expert tell you what your skin really needs for the next few months? Even if you don’t plan on buying any new products, knowing that you need to exfoliate more (or less) or you need to be using a moisturizer with an SPF will truly do your skin some good. Everyone’s skin is different, so reading a blog post (even this one) won’t be catered to your individual needs. And let’s face it – in all areas of life, knowledge is power. Letting a professional tell you what products or ingredients you are in major need of will be life changing. Invest in yourself!

2. Your selfies will thank you. Seriously, it’s the holidays and you’ll probably be spending a lot of family time with your great aunt who always wants an awkward selfie, so make sure you have glowing and bright skin in time for all the Santa selfies.

3. Moisturize like a pro. Moisturizing is a task that seems simple enough, even for the busy folks out there, but I guarantee you your skin will never be as moisturized and pampered as an esthetician can get it. They have tools and products you and I would probably never dream of owning (let’s face it – they’re expensive), so every once in a while, it’s smart to be extra with your skincare.

4. New Year, who dis? You’re probably starting the New Year off getting rid of baggage and toxic relationships (at least you should be), so why not get rid of dead skin cells and clogged pores? No matter what your New Year’s goals are, starting with a fresh, smooth and glowing face never hurt anyone!

5. It’s relaxing. Seriously, having someone massage your face (and neck and chest) is downright glorious. We all deserve to be pampered once in a while and taking an hour once a month will do good for more than just your skin. I promise.

Here is info on the Tailor-Made Facial (the one I get and included in your H-circle membership):

In this essential facial, our expert Esthetician will carefully analyze your skin, paying particular attention to imbalances and seasonal changes. Integrated aromatherapy, aromatic steam, lymphatic massage and acupressure techniques accompany this deeply relaxing, customized facial.

And even if your gifting season is over, you can always find an excuse to snag one of these Holiday Spa Packages.

Don’t forget 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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ACQUA Med Spa Open House – You’re Invited

Hey Houston! Here’s a quick note to invite you to a fun open house some of my favorite gal pals are throwing this Thursday (12/13) in Clear Lake.

ACQUA MedSpa is hosting a holiday open house this Thursday and I wouldn’t miss it! Why is this on my jam-packed December calendar? Well, here are six reasons I won’t miss this:

  1. I love boss babes. The ladies behind Houston’s best med spa are so fun to be around. They are killing it in their industry, always so uplifting and work together to make me look my best and that goes a long way with boosting my confidence. We could all use some blonde goodness in our lives (and yes, most of them are blonde, so I fit right in!).
  2. They will be running specials on ALL services. If you’ve ever thought about lip fillers (I’ll be writing a post about my experience with lip fillers with Braidee soon), BOTOX/Dysport or even a Hydrafacial, you’ll want to take advantage of these specials. You can buy your units and services Thursday and book an appointment for a later date. I am all about budgeting, especially for beauty!
  3. Grand prize raffle you won’t want to miss. I’m not sure if they’ve publicly announced the grand prize raffle, but trust me, I rearranged my schedule for this! (Talk about thousands of dollars for FREE if you win!)
  4. Free samples. I’m a sucker for free samples. Call me cheap, I don’t care!
  5. Houston networking. One of my goals for 2019 (a post about this later) is to network more in Houston, and being around these boss babes, their clients and friends is certainly a great way to do this.
  6. It’s a party! Who turns down free champagne, light bites and a DJ? Not this girl.

There you go – there are SIX reasons to join me at ACQUA MedSpa this Thursday! Plus if you book any services there (Thursday or anytime), mention Jayme or The Blonde Side for a major discount! 

Check out the FB Event page and RSVP. The event is from 5-8p so if you have a busy evening, swing by for an hour and grab a glass of champagne and hang out with me and some of my favorite babes! Or you can call to RSVP: 281.480.1200.

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The Blonde Side’s Picks for Houston Holiday Happenings

You’ll flip for this Houston holiday photo experience at TFTI

The holidays are upon us and I’m feeling super festive. There’s not a day where the city of Houston doesn’t have something amazing going on, but the holidays take the cake. If you have friends or family coming in town, here are my picks for what to do with them.

(Also, one of the reasons I love living at Encore Montrose is the brand-new on-site guest suite, so if my parents come in town, it’s much easier and cheaper to have them stay one floor below in my Montrose apartment complex than to put them up in a hotel!)

TFTI– Houston’s newest interactive photo experience is a great idea to take the family for the holidays (or maybe even to snap your very own holiday photo, like above!). Definitely check out their “Upside Down Christmas” theme to get festive AF. TFTI prides in offering a variety of themes and photo opportunities (9 total exhibits) all in one Houston space. 

A few tips from their website: Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately (shirts on, please!) and arrive within 30 minutes of their start time to maximize the experience.

TFTI will be open Friday through Sunday from 9 AM – 8 PM and Thursdays from 10 AM – 8 PM. The entire space has been designed to be toured in one-hour increments. Children under four years of age are free admission. Tickets are non-refundable and pets are not allowed. Purchase TFTI tickets.

My personal tips: Arrive 15-20 minutes early, bring clothes to change if you want (there are bathrooms scattered throughout), if you have an external flash you should definitely bring it (the lighting can be harsh, but depends on the kind of photos you want) and have fun! There is also a tiny little tennis interactive experience that you don’t see a lot on Instagram, and I wish I had brought my tennis skirt for a fun photo there. Now you know! 

Jingle Balls– December 6thmarks the 5thJingle Balls from The Blonde Side, benefiting Houston children in need this holiday season. Must be 21+ and bring one brand-new sports ball or a $20 donation to Pitch 25 in downtown Houston and you’ll get in on all the action, for a great cause. Click the link above to learn more about the event (dress code is game day glam, lots of raffles and silent auction and we have some amazing sponsors this year). Only happens once a year, so don’t miss out!

The ICE at Discovery Green; Photo by Katya Horner

Ice Skating at Discovery Green –There is nothing more festive than ice skating, amiright? Don’t miss one of Houston’s most ideal photo opps this holiday season at Discovery Green, and go ice skating anytime from now – Sunday, January 27, 2019. According to their website, “The ICE” is the largest outdoor ice skating surface in the Southwest and paired with hot chocolate and an appearance by Santa himself, you won’t want to miss it! And it’s not very expensive – only $15 including your skate rental. You can also time your visit to skate with Santa and be sure to share your favorite shopping list with him!

Bank of America Screen on the Green®– Outdoor movies are my jam, though I don’t do them enough. Be sure to check out Discovery Green this holiday season – go for a night of ice skating (see above) and/or pack a picnic and catch a movie on the hill. You can see Home Alone (December 6th, though that’s Jingle Balls so you’ll miss this one!), or A Nightmare Before Christmas (December 13th) or Polar Express (December 20th). Take the whole family or plan a romantic date night (just don’t forget to pack a light dinner and the wine!).

Zoo Lights– Full confession – I’ve never been to Zoo Lights, but it has been at the top of my list every year. Choose from Value Nights or Prime Nights and get your tickets online for a festive display of holiday lights at the Houston Zoo. Be sure to stop by the snack carts to make your own s’mores at the zoo – I’m all about s’more calories! Now in its seventh year, this is definitely one of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions (and it’s time I go!).

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage– Don’t miss the brand-new touring production of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage by Charles M. Schulzon December 23rd. Featuring everyone’s favorite Peanuts gang – Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally, and more, all led by the lovable Charlie Brown – as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.  When Charlie Brown becomes discouraged by the materialism of the season, Lucy convinces him to direct the neighborhood Christmas play. In typical Charlie Brown fashion, things go awry and it’s up to Linus to save the day and remind everyone of the real message of the holiday.

King’s Biergarten’s gettin festive with Irish Coffee

King’s Biergarten has Irish Coffee and more to get you through the holidays! You can also head to King’s BierHaus as they’re giving away one free glass of Gluhwein on Wednesdays throughout the holidays — it’s their version of German Mulled Wine. And they just released this brand new holiday/winter menu, so it’s a fun place to check out with friends and family, especially visitors from out of town as one of Houston’s most unique spots.

Check out more Houston holiday happenings from the VisitHouston website. 

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. I am sharing what I love about Houston (especially around the holidays!) and specifically the Montrose neighborhood and walkability of my new home. Plus, did you see my tip above about the on-site guest suite for visitors in town? How perfect is that for the holidays?! These luxury Montrose apartments are currently offering major leasing specials, including look and lease gift cards and a few weeks free, so all them today. Drop a comment or an email if you’re interested in touring my favorite Montrose apartments and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you!

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How to Pick Your Perfect Houston Apartment

Picking the perfect Houston apartment doesn’t have to be tricky

Finding the perfect apartment can be tricky, no matter what city you’re in. But as I’ve shared before, I have moved my fair share of times, so I’ve dubbed myself somewhat knowledgeable on this topic.

5 Tips for Picking Your Perfect Houston Apartment:

Obviously, think about what is most important to you. If you love to cook, having a spacious kitchen with chef-inspired appliances and a large kitchen island is certainly going to be advantageous. If you never cook or entertain, you can focus on maximized square footage in the living room and bedroom or massive walk-in closets, without the need for a decent kitchen. I love to cook and love the white counters and cabinets and space I have in my new apartment at Encore Montrose.

Along with thinking about what you want, it’s equally important to think about what you don’t want or what is missing. Picture your old apartment or living situation — what was missing that is now a must have? Perhaps you had an old apartment with only a stand up shower, and you dreamt of an oversized garden tub. That helps narrow down certain apartment complexes and floor plans, because now you know you know a tub will make or break your new Houston apartment deal.

Be realistic. If you lived in an apartment and have a super active dog, finding a place with

Encore Montrose, Courtesy Photo

a huge dog park is probably a top-seller. One of the reasons I fell in love with Encore Montrose is their dog park. Neither my dog nor I have much time or interest in going for long walks. What he loves is being set loose for 10-15 minutes so he can sniff around and be off-leash and it’s a bonus because I can check client accounts, read or respond to emails. Another important note: an apartment saying they are pet friendly is one thing, but actually being pet friendly is completely different.

Location is obviously important, but it’s not always apples to apples. For starters it should go without saying you never know if you will remain in the same job for the next 12 months. As was the case with me ten years ago, I got laid off from the healthcare industry and I would have had zero other reason to live in or near Memorial City. Instead, I opted for an area that was centrally located – made me closer to some of my favorite restaurants, close to my friends so they could come over and visit for girl’s night, and still close to my gym, doctors and more.

It’s also important to keep in mind if you work remotely and only go to the office two days a week. Even if the commute is brutal, you may want to sacrifice a longer commute to live in a particular neighborhood or a better bang for your buck when it comes to an apartment since you’re only commuting once or twice a week versus every day.

Once you decide on a new Montrose apartment, be sure to check out these Montrose hidden gems. 

Encore Montrose, Courtesy Photo

For my current apartment, the view of a bright, beautiful plant wall is what sold me. Some apartments charge a premium for certain views (i.e. courtyard, pool or downtown Houston skyline views) so if it’s something you’d regularly enjoy, maybe splurging on a downtown view is worth the money but a dual bathroom vanity isn’t. Everyone is different.

Set a budget and stick to it. Figuring out what you can and can’t afford is obviously a key step. I recommend using an apartment locator (they usually know the best deals) or a resident referral (use my name and we both score!). Finding a brand-new apartment (known in the industry as a “lease-up,” usually means you’ll find great specials, like mine currently is. Taking advantage of a few free weeks or months that is prorated is more than ideal.

I am also a fan of living in brand-new apartments, like this one. There’s just something refreshing about being the first person to ever live there, which is another reason I love Encore Montrose. The staff is proud of their building and amenities, so they always keep it clean. Since it’s a new building, everything is new – the pool chairs, outdoor grills, commercial-grade gym equipment (like Jacob’s Ladder, which is hard AF) and more.

This is part of a sponsored blog 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 currently offering major leasing specials, including look and lease gift cards and a few weeks free, so don’t miss out. 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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Dry Rosés are Perfect for Holiday Entertaining

I don’t know where my love for cooking and entertaining (or drinking wine for that matter) came from. It’s not something my parents ever did or enjoyed, but I definitely do!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner (yay for stretchy pants), I thought I’d share a little about some of my favorite rosés to entertain with and why. I’m a sucker for dual-purpose things – like Inspiration Rosé ($19.99) from Château de Berne and UP Rosé ($22.99) by Ultimate Provence, which are dry rosés that not only taste amazing with a nice meal like Thanksgiving, but also double as beautiful hostess gifts or bottles that can also serve as décor around your house (until you decide to drink it.)

Now that I live at Encore Montrose, I’ve been more into hosting friends for dinner or a casual mid-week girl’s night. Nothing fancy – I either choose to make something from my Pinterest recipe board or order FAVOR (if you’re new, sign up with code JAYML8 and we both get $5 FREE) and I always have a good rosé on hand, like Inspiration or UP.

My new Montrose apartment is definitely big enough to host a few friends or a few couples, but I also love that I can rent out the clubhouse if I’m having a bigger event or want more space to relax. You can rent the beautiful clubhouse in my apartment complex for up to three hours and 20 guests for a small fee and deposit, which is key if you don’t want the hassle of friends and family inside your apartment.

Reasons to pair Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinners with a dry rosé? It’s simple. Your Thanksgiving feast usually includes a ton of random food. It somehow all goes together marvelously on your plate, but finding a wine that goes with all of it is difficult. A dry rosé has acidity and fruit and it’s refreshing when chilled.

And for those wondering, rosé isn’t just for the warmer months—these refreshing wines from Provence, France combine brightness with structure and fruit that make them ideal for nearly any pairing year-round.

Personally, I love the design-forward bottles that make a statement on the holiday table and pair well with whatever you (or your mom) are serving for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspiration Rosé matches the delicateness of poultry or succulent ham. With tart notes of strawberry, this Grenache-dominated rosé also pairs well with delectable cranberry sauce and veggies like green beans or squash. Its square bottle shape, modeled after Château de Berne’s tower, adds Provençal charm to your Thanksgiving gathering.

Baroque meets chic in UP Rosé’s intricately etched and intrinsically elegant bottle design that mirrors its palate. The light and bright red fruit aromas from Grenache coupled with the vivacity of Syrah complements a herb-roasted turkey or cuts through the richness of stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy. And if everyone else is doing the cooking and you just need to show up, bringing one of these two dry rosés will look like you know what you’re doing and besides – who doesn’t like a good pink wine? You can buy both of these in Houston at Houston Wine Merchant, Brix Wine Cellars or most H-E-B Grocery Stores. 

Here’s a random fact for Thanksgiving – did you know pizza is the single most popular food for the night before Thanksgiving, according to Food & Wine.

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. I am sharing what I love about Houston, and specifically Montrose, plus all the tips, tricks and amenities along the way. These luxury Montrose apartments are currently offering major leasing specials, including look and lease gift cards and a few weeks free, so don’t miss out. 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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FREELANCE + SPORTS + TRAVEL + FITNESS
COPYRIGHT 2019, THE BLONDE SIDE
CREATED BY JAYME LAMM