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.

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 6^thmarks the 5^thJingle 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 23^rd. 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!

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!

Hiatus Spa + Retreat in Houston’s Tanglewood Neighborhood

There are few things I would deplete my bank account for and regular massages is definitely one of them.

One of my favorites is Hiatus Spa + Retreat, located in Houston’s prestigious Tanglewood neighborhood. I love this spa in particular for many reasons, but what I love most boils down to their monthly H-Circle membership, which is a discounted rate to receive one of their essential treatments each month (also: use code JaymeHIATUS20 for 20% off all services).

Your monthly $69 H-Circle spa subscription includes a credit for one Essential Service each month – choose from The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial (those two are my faves), The One & Only Mani-Pedi, The Body Glow, Acupuncture, or The Body Wrap.

Having a monthly spa membership (I really only use mine for The Signature Massage or The Tailor-Made Facial) reminds you to take care of yourself, at least once a month. Sure, massages feel good, but they offer practically unlimited health benefits. You can “rollover” your treatment into the next month, so if timing gets busy or you just forget (but the point is not to forget to indulge in self-care each month), which is an advantage for how much I travel.

The membership is also advantageous because you can easily book your treatments via the app, get 10% off all retail products and get discounts on additional treatments throughout the month (check out all the services they offer).

Next time you’re looking for a little escape from Houston’s busy life, want a girl’s day with your bestie or need to get someone a simple “thank you” gift, be sure to check out Hiatus. I’m a big fan of flowers, but if I can get a luxurious and pampering massage for nearly the same price, it’s no secret what I’d go for.

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.

Moving tip: do any and all shopping (grocery, plants, toiletries, etc.) AFTER your move

Over the years, I’ve moved my fair share. If I’m being honest, I think moving is one of the most daunting tasks around, yet I seem to find myself in the same stressful predicament. 

I relocated to Houston in 2006 for a job with the Houston Astros and have since bounced all around the Houston area, but I definitely have to say that Montrose is my absolute favorite. I’ll get more into why I love living in Montrose, but for now, I wanted to share 8 tips on how to move like a pro. 

Tips for moving like a pro in 8 easy steps: 

1. Use an Apartment Locator

Growing up, my mom always said, “let your fingers do the walking.” Now as an adult, I totally get it. Sure you could jump in your car and visit 10 different apartments in your desired part of Houston, but many of them may not have one bedrooms available at the time of your move in (or whatever your needs may be), may not be pet-friendly, may not offer any move-in concessions, etc. In my experience, using a knowledgeable apartment locator will help weed out any properties that don’t fit your specific needs and they’ll be able to set appointments for tours, find out about leasing incentives (which is something I strongly recommend). When I chose to move into Encore Montrose, they were offering two months free, which prorated my rent to a much more manageable amount. So basically I got a nicer apartment (bigger than I needed) for an even lower rate. 

2. Think of Moving as an Advantage/Positive

I knew I wasn’t going to renew my lease at my old apartment months before I began looking for a new one. The thought of moving all my stuff (I may or may not be a hoarder) was completely consuming. About 60 days before I was scheduled to move out, I pulled out all my half-used bottles of face cream, facial masks, samples from Kiehls and more and kept them on my bathroom counter so I would remember to use them. It was glorious because it was like self care had become part of my daily routine now – imagine that. I also took the time to merge bottles (travel bottles of shampoo that had accumulated, etc.) so not only was it more manageable to go through, but it was a little less stuff to move. Same goes for all those 3-wick, super expensive candles I was using for a “special occasion” – I started using it all and felt like a pampered princess.

3. Get Drunk

Totally kidding (sort of), but being a hoarder doesn’t discriminate what you stock up on, and wine (particularly rosé) was in abundance in my home. Stop waiting for the perfect time to savor that $20 bottle of wine (hey, I ball on a budget, don’t judge and to be totally honest, I think a $12 bottle is a bit pricey) and drink up (wearing your face masks and burning all those fancy candles, see tip #2). Also, do you know how heavy bottles of wine (in bulk) are? It isn’t fun to move, plus they are breakable, so drink up and restock when you move into your next spot. Invite friends over, especially for the next tip.  

4. Declutter

Once again, as a hoarder, I realize I have way too much for one person. I used moving as an excuse to get rid of stuff I didn’t wear anymore, stuff that had holes or looked too worn and even duplicates of things. The best part about getting ahead of the game for this one is you’ll have time to post your stuff on Craigslist or Facebook in hopes of selling it. I actually posted a few Instagram stories of my Texans stuff and sold about 70% of it within 24hrs. This gives you time to post multiple times (I’ve had success on Craigslist renewing my posts so it shows at the top), meet up to drop off stuff and get at least a few bucks for it. Also, I donated about 20 bags worth of stuff to Goodwill Houston. (I love learning about worthy organizations to donate stuff, so leave a comment below if you have any you recommend.)

5. Transfer Prescriptions and Forward Mail (Tip: BEFORE)

The sooner the better, because I don’t have a lot of faith in USPS. It’s obviously much easier to stay with the same pharmacy (i.e. moving from one HEB to another where it’s a seamless process), but the easiest way if you’re transferring to a completely different pharmacy is to get the business card/contact info of the old place and give it to the new one. Again, they will do all the work for you (they want your business, so don’t stress trying to do it on your own). 

6. Get FREE Boxes

A little known fact about me – I’m pretty cheap. Unless it’s an alcoholic beverage or coffee, I think spending money on iced tea or a soda at a restaurant/fast food is a waste of money. I hoard all the travel sized beauty products at the nicer hotels I stay at to avoid buying more. And when it comes to buying boxes that you’re just going to rip up and throw away – no thank you. So many people told me to buy boxes and I just wasn’t having it. I learned a few tricks when it comes to locating boxes, which was clutch during my move. For places like HEB, Kroger and Target, if you call the night before (around 10-11p) and ask them to hold boxes, they usually will. Someone told me this little tip and I thought they were lying or the manager would forget to put them to the side, but I can verify as it worked a few times and I didn’t have to pay for any of them. (The manager at Target had them loaded up in a shopping cart with a post-it with my name on it and they were quality boxes.)

7. Transfer Utilities (When Possible)

Courtesy Photo, Encore Montrose

Instead of signing up for all new service (and getting your credit reran, etc.), I’ve found that transferring utility services usually is the way to go. They already have your billing and credit info on file and it usually saves you a connection fee, which can be up to $150 for electricity sometimes. Pro tip: when transferring services, ask for any loyalty rewards (my electricity provider is sending me a $50 Visa gift card as a thank you, but if I hadn’t asked, they wouldn’t). Another benefit for this is that my electric provider knew my estimated usage each month and was able to recommend a less expensive plan. 

8. WiFi 

Working from home, this is a big one for me and it’s never an easy process. Luckily, Encore Montrose has complimentary WiFi in common areas and it reached to my apartment, so I wasn’t completely out of the loop, and their Resident Lounge area is so posh and comfortable, I didn’t mind working from down there one bit. Also, my boyfriend was kind enough to give me his DIRECTV password so I was able to watch my favorite shows on my iPad (but I needed the apartment WiFi). I also downloaded a bunch of Netflix shows before my actual move, so I had that too. Even if you don’t have Netflix, ask a friend to borrow their password and head to a Starbucks and download some shows so you have stuff to watch. 

This is part of a sponsored blog series with Encore Montrose. I am sharing what I love about living in Houston, and specifically Montrose, plus all the tips, tricks and amenities along the way. These luxury Montrose apartments are currently offering two months free and the best part is that we get to be neighbors. Drop a comment or email if you’re interested in touring or stop by Encore Montrose and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Or you can call them at 281.843.1578.