Four Seasons Houston Spa (Win a Tata Harper Skincare Bundle!)

Win a Tata Harper Skincare Bundle Worth $225 / Four Seasons Houston

Not all Fridays are created equal, so let me tell you about my Friday at Four Seasons Spa in Houston— here’s a spoiler alert for those with a short attention span – the Tata Harper Serenity Ritual body treatment/massage (with Tristan) was one of the best I’ve had in Houston.

Another spoiler alert: comment on this post for a chance to win an amazing goody box from Tata Harper (and see our Instagram contest to enter again!). Contest valid 9/19/18 – 9/21/18 – commenting on this post enters you FIVE times to win this amazing $225 gift set.

But back to my glorious Friday…My afternoon began with a quick and easy valet at Four Seasons Houston, followed by a sun-filled afternoon at their pool deck with a split of Ruffino (in a cute little koozie, perfect for the ‘gram), surrounded by some amazing talkative people and then I headed inside to the spa, where I met my new best friend (her name was Tristan and she was ahhh-mazing).

Perfect pool + spa day at Four Seasons Hotel Houston

I’ve been to the Four Seasons Spa many times (in Houston and others cities) and this treatment was by far one of the best.

My Treatment

Serenity Ritual: Polished Perfection For Supple Skin (80 min. / $250.00)

Experience total relaxation with this comforting ritual. A top to bottom buffing with our powerful biodegradable Body Scrub leaving skin smooth, supple, and perfectly polished.

Slip into a sense of peaceful serenity during a soothing massage with a luxurious Body Oil for a complete sense of rejuvenation and well being. 

After that, I took full advantage of the steam room and the relaxing area to read my book (I get all my books at Amazon for super discounted prices, even though I absolutely love local bookstores too) before heading back down to valet. I promise, if you plan your spa treatments right, you can enjoy almost a full day of serenity and pampering for the cost of a massage, glass of rosé and a tip for valet (spa guests have access to the pool before or after treatments).

I love learning about new massage techniques and the products they use, and was blown away by the effectiveness (and amazing smell!) of the Tata Harper products they use at the spa. Don’t forget, comment on this post for a chance to win a Tata Harper goody box worth $225 – and you don’t have to be in Houston – they’ll

Win this Tata Harper gift bundle from The Blonde Side + Four Seasons Hotel Houston

ship to you!

More about Tata Harper’s 100% natural, anti-aging skincare line:

  • The brand began when Colombian-born Harper parlayed her industrial engineering degree to reinvent the beauty industry after a cancer diagnosis within the family.
  • Many of the brand’s product ingredients are comprised of highly effective plants and herbs cultivated on its Vermont farm.
  • All formulas are free from synthetic fillers, and pack between 9 and 29 active ingredients in every product.
  • Products are manufactured in small batches to ensure freshness.

To continue the natural treatments at home, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Houston carries the same Tata Harper beauty products used in their signature Tata Harper facials, allowing you to take that self-care up a notch in the comfort of your own home! Self care has become incredibly trendy over recent years and for good reason.

Comment below to enter to win…

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A Mighty Swell Texas Summer

Mighty Swell Spritzers – Perfect Drink of Summer

Summer is here and if you’re in Texas, you know finding any sort of refreshment (a pool, a vibrant and fresh drink, a car with properly working air-conditioning, etc.) is an absolute must.

I always love sharing my favorite drinks (y’all already know I’m a big fan of rosé), but this summer I have fallen in love with Mighty Swell, a “naturally fun spritzer” that tastes exactly like summer should (I also love the fact the spritzer was born and bred in Austin and we already know some amazing things come out of Austin!).

The bubbly and fruity cans are refreshing and only 120 calories and 4g of sugar, so it’s already more fit-friendly than some of my other drink choices. Oh, and for those wondering, it’s also gluten-free and 5% ABV.

I’m a big fan of the variety packs (mostly because I have a hard time making decisions) that come with all four of their vibrant and bold flavors: Grapefruit, Mango, Peach and Watermelon Mint. Although I’m usually a big fan of grapefruit seltzer/sparkling water mixed with my cocktails, the PEACH is my go-to Mighty Swell flavor.

Might Swell Spritzers: born & bred in Austin, TX

The Peach is definitely the most sparkling and refreshing flavor in my opinion, with a fruit forward taste and light citrus and orange blossom notes. I honestly like all the flavors, but the peach is surprisingly my favorite.

Although each flavor tastes perfect as is, I have tried a few different recipes to help add a new taste to them. Check out their recipe page– my favorites are the Swell Peach Fizz and the Groovy Greyhound (most of their recipes just include the spritzer mixed with one liquor, so it’s super easy to make and they go GREAT in a pitcher at the pool!).

I’ve also been traveling with these on a few recent road trips from Houston to refrigerate in the hotel room for cocktails while we’re getting ready. Some call me a genius, others call me a baller on a budget – I’ll take either!

*This was a sponsored post, but all thoughts and opinions here are my own, keeping it real like always!

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Reasons to Love The Limelight Hotel in Aspen

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Reasons I Love the Limelight Hotel in Aspen

I love Aspen and how it makes me feel unlike any other city I’ve visited over my years as a travel writer. And yet, no matter how many times I visit Aspen, I fall more in love each time.

Though I’ve always heard good things, I hadn’t ever stayed at the Limelight in Aspen until this most recent trip, and of course, I fell in love all over again. This downtown Aspen location has everything a  4 star luxury hotel should have, withoutall the stuffiness that many expect with such hotel standards (especially in Aspen, which I think gets a too-stuffy wrap sometimes).

A few reasons to love the Limelight in Aspen

The Limelight has complimentary bikes for hotel guests, a fun pool environment (another great thing about not being a super stuffy Aspen hotel is that the guests are usually fun to chat up and share a beer with), a great location to everything you need in the small town, spacious rooms, and a free breakfast every morning (that is well beyond your standard continental breakfast).

This modern, luxury hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the hotel (it’s usually the only time you’ll need a car while in Aspen), it’s pet-friendly and they also offer free SUP’ing for hotel guests if that’s more your speed than a cruiser bike (most of you know I don’t do bikes of any sort!).

I also love The Lounge, which was my first introduction to Limelight many

Summer Adventures in Aspen, CO

years ago. Whether you’re a hotel guest or just hanging out, The Lounge at the Limelight is a great place to grab a drink before heading out, or right before you head off to bed. The atmosphere is always inviting and the prices aren’t nearly as high as other hotel lobbies (trust me, I’ve tried them all!).

Hiking in Aspen

Aspen was the city where I fell in love with hiking, thanks to my friend Sarah, when we first visited a number of years ago. I cannot go to Aspen without spending 75% of my time outdoors because of the absolute beauty and hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy it.

My best advice before hiking in Aspen is to ask a local (or the concierge at the Limelight), because you never know what is going on with the trails (for instance, this last trip I heard The Ute had a lot of bear sightings – no thank you, and sometimes trails don’t open as early in the season because of weather). Some of my favorite trails are The Rim Trail, The Rio Grande Tail (taking it all the way to Woody Creek Tavern) and Hunter Creek Trail, or check this out for some of the best Aspen hiking trails.

Food (and Shopping!) in Aspen

Aspen has a unique culinary scene, which is rare for a mountain town (the chicken sandwich at White House Tavern is well worth the two-hour wait, in my opinion), as well as amazing places to shop (the Gucci store there has the best customer service – ask for Robyn!) and lots of fun people to chat with at the bars and on the streets, but that’s not even the best part. The best part about Aspen is being able to disconnect and enjoy nature and the mountains – something this Texas-girl doesn’t get to do at home. Actually, the best part is being able to disconnect and enjoy the beautiful mountains, and then heading back to your hotel for a quick shower followed by an evening at one of the great restaurants and bars Aspen is known for. It’s the town that literally has it all.

Have you ever been to Aspen? I’ve been during the winter and summer and I have to admit the summer is by far my favorite!

Here’s another piece to check out: 8 Things to Know Before You Go to Aspen, I wrote for The Points Guy earlier this year.

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Unique Boutique Amenities at Denver’s Halcyon Cherry Creek Hotel

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Denver’s Halcyon Cherry Creek Hotel

It’s certainly not a secret I love all things Denver. It’s just a fantastic city, especially during the summer. Last month, I spent a week at Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek (pronounced Hal-see-uh n) and I could not have been more impressed (not just with the hotel and all its uniqueness, but the overall vibe and amenities around Cherry Creek).

Check-in at HALCYON, a hotel in Cherry Creek

You’ll notice at check-in it’s almost hard to find. Off to the right side of the lobby sits an unassuming kitchen counter with laptops at a coffee bar serving drip coffee, espresso drinks, lattes and more (pretty much 24/7) with super friendly staff waiting to get you into your amazing room. It’s also the same spot that serves complimentary beer and wine from 3-9p every day, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself hanging around the Kitchen Counter throughout your stay (guilty right here).

Another fun feature – their front desk agents are called “hosts,” because just like the entire vibe around the hotel, they are hosting you. That’s why you hang out in the kitchen or sit in the living room and play games (which I noticed groups doing every night we were there). It feels like home, but obviously so much cooler (and if you have a home this cool, I’d like an invite please).

Unique Amenities Unlike Any Other Hotel

Unique Hotel Amenities like the Gear Garage

Y’all know I travel a lot, so when I say it’s a unique amenity it absolutely is. Like the Gear Garage, which is exactly what it sounds like. In

fact, it’s like a dream garage with all sorts of tools, toys and gadgets you’d want at your home. Things like a Piaggio Scooter, Cruiser Bikes, Longboards, Adventure Kits, Cameras, Board Games and more – all complimentary for hotel guests. Not only does it make the perfect prop for Instagram photos (sorry, guilty!), but also a fun and adventurous way to scoot around Cherry Creek and the nearby neighborhoods. And you know I love unique fitness while traveling, and they won a 2017 Shape Healthy Travel Award.

The hotel also has an activity guide in the room with walking and running trail maps, which is probably my favorite way to get to know a new city. I have a rule when traveling (usually) and that’s anything under a mile, I tend to walk there. Of course Halcyon has a house car (a beautiful Range Rover) that will take you within 2-3 miles, which is great for bad weather, but if not,  embrace the beautiful surrounding areas!

Halcyon Rooftop Artwork

You’ve also got an amazing rooftop pool with a super unique eye wall (you’ll definitely want to take your picture in front of this bright beauty).

Probably my favorite part about the hotel (get ready to call me a nerd…) was the unique doormats at each room. They all had unique messages and I literally walked around the entire floor taking pictures of all of them.

I loved the gym (basement level) because both times I visited I had the entire space to myself and they had kettle bells, which I hardly ever see in hotel gyms. Hotel guests also get complimentary day passes to Pura Vida Fitness & Spa just around the corner. If you’re not into the gym to get your workout, don’t forget the hotel is set in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods to go for a run or a long walk.

Rooftop Pool at Halcyon Hotel, Cherry Creek

Hotel Activations

Another unique thing about Halcyon are the activations they do. Sure, usually when you travel, you have your own agenda, but sometimes it’s fun to just sit back and let a local or a guide take you on a local adventure. For instance, they do fly fishing, which is also open to locals who sign up in advance.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

In the same area is one of the most diverse and walkable shopping areas in the city – Cherry Creek North and the mall just across the street. You know I love to shop when I travel, but this has the best of both worlds – the locally owned boutiques as well as the mainstream stores (even the high-end ones I love like Louis Vuitton).

It’s also a fun little bonus that during this stay we noticed that not one, but TWO of the bands that were playing at Red Rocks during the week were staying at Halcyon, so you know it’s a fun place to stay with amazing and friendly staff – all things Denver should be!

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The Ultimate Donut Guide in Houston

Lee's Fried Chicken & Donuts

Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts

[Updated 6.1.18, original post 10.5.16]

It’s been made very clear that I have an obsession with donuts. Donuts are my love language, remember?

One of my absolute favorite things about living in a big, sprawling city like Houston are all the dining options, which of course, includes donuts.

Without further ado, here is your ULTIMATE Guide to Donuts in Houston (and yes, I’ve tried them all)…

Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts

This is on the list, solely because of their donuts, the fried chicken is just a bonus. With their pleasant selection of donuts, you’ll want to stop in daily.

Some of their top donuts include: Red Velvet, Fruity Pebbles, S’mores, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch (PB, caramel, peanuts), Oreo, Hey Buttercup (glazed donut, chocolate icing and with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) just to name a few. Also, the Apple Fritter is huge and so good. The Blueberry Cake and Mexican Chocolate are popular daily donuts.
Definitely one of my favorite donuts in Houston, but I have to admit it’s partly because this little donut shop originated from my hometown on the east coast. When I first saw this being built (not to mention less than a mile from my apartment!) I seriously squealed with an awkward amount of joy. I love that their donuts are fresh (made to order) and I love getting the oreo crumbles with vanilla icing – this is probably the one donut shop I don’t just get a glazed donut.  Has anyone else been?

Eat Glazed: The Doughnut Cafe

We now live just TWO blocks away from Eat Glazed (yay for the Millennium Kirby!) and I’m still trying to figure out if that is a mean trick the universe is playing on me, or something dreams are made of.

Even though it’s called Glazed, they focus on specialty and unique donuts, like their most popular, #TheMacon (maple bacon donut). They have S’mores, Charlotte Webb, Coco Pebbles, and Oreo, among many others, all made fresh while you wait.

They are also located right across the street from NRG Stadium and on Sunday’s they open in time to stop by before a Texans game – even for your early tailgaters. Donuts are the

Lee's Fried Chicken & Donuts

Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts

perfect tailgate food, trust me.

Hugs & Donuts

The name alone is what dreams are made of, but add a donut to those dreams and well…that’s not suitable content for this website…

This is probably the finest spot for gourmet donuts in Houston, and if you’re going to indulge in those kind of calories, I’m all for the gourmet variety.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, go for the Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mints donut or The Homer (yes, like Homer Simpson) and if you need something savory to balance out your sweets, check out the Willow’s Brisket and Cheddar Kolache. Then finish off with another donut, because, well…treat yo’self.

Pena’s Donut Heaven & Grill

This is outside the loop, but definitely worth the gas mileage, even if you drive an F-250. It is a cute, family-run business (they even have an att.net email address under the “contact us” spot) that has definitely perfected their donut recipes over the years.

They don’t offer a million choices – they keep it simple with glazed, maple bacon donuts and of course – OREO donuts (my favorite). They have a ton of other offerings, like kolaches and cinnamon rolls, but you’d be making a big mistake if you skipped out on one of these donuts.

Oh, and we can’t forget the Dosant – which is their signature Doughnut croissant hybrid with filling.

River Oaks Donuts

A fairly standard donut cafe located in River Oaks has a delicious array of donuts. River Oaks Donuts stays on trend with seasonal donuts like none other I’ve found in Houston (i.e. pumpkin spice) and offers a huge variety.

If you go early enough on a weekend, they have an iced donut with Captain Crunch and it’s the bomb. Also important to note that they close at 1p everyday.

Shipleys

You can’t do a Houston donut post without mentioning Shipleys. I am a BIG fan of their glazed donuts (hey, if that is the only boring thing about me, so be it) and they definitely have the best glazed donuts around. Yes, even more than Krispy Kreme, and that says a lot coming from this east coast gal.

Super amazing that there is a Shipley’s on just about every corner of Houston and some are even 24hours! Oh, and look, there’s even some coupons for you.

Krispy Kreme

So now that we brought it up, I wouldn’t be mad if you brought me a dozen glazed donuts from Krispy Kreme, anytime day or night. But do not judge me if they are all eaten within 30 minutes. I’ve found that these don’t last well after a day, so I’m only eating them all to ensure I get fresh donuts.

Plus, that line on Westheimer has finally died down some.

Living so close to so many great places (like all of Houston’s best donuts!) is just one reason I love living at the Millennium Kirby. And thankfully, they have a pretty sick gym that is usually unoccupied so I can work off some of these donut-calories. [SPONSORED]

What is your favorite donut spot in Houston?

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Beauty Treatment: Microblading and Shading in Houston

new brows, who ‘dis?

Finding the time, patience or even the knowledge to get all dolled up and keep my makeup fresh and glam isn’t really my thing. It’s not that I don’t like looking like I have my life together and care about my appearance, but some gals were blessed with a steady hand for eyeliner and the line and your girl here wasn’t.

You may recall about a year ago I got microblading here in Houston. I went to Ashley at Beautopia Skin Studio (she recently moved to a darling new office in the Heights) and loved the result. But, like a lot of things, maintenance and upkeep is pretty important with beauty procedures like microblading. Spoiler alert: I didn’t really take care of my new brows.

When I went in for a touch-up this time, Ashley did two things: 1. She strongly reminded me some tips for taking care of my microbladed eyebrows (see tips below) and 2. She did a power combo of shading + microblading.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what the difference was, so she helped me out there too (which is solid info to know if you’re considering microblading or shading).

The Difference Between Microblading and Shading:

The short version I’ve learned is this: microblading creates a more natural look and shading is a more drawn-on look (perfect for people who almost always wear makeup, which is not me). 

Microblading is a manual technique that creates fine 3D hair strokes in the skin to fill in sparse areas (to help with spotty eyebrows, too thin, etc.) This look is great for those that wear little to no makeup and can typically last 12-18 months depending on lifestyle and skin type  (see tips below).

Shading is a technique that creates a powder-like appearance and is similar to filling in with makeup. This look can be more defined, yet still very natural once it is fully healed. Great for all skin types and can last 18-24 months.

Tips for Longer-Lasting Microblading and Shading:

–       Once completely healed, (2-4 weeks) always apply a layer of SPF 30-50 directly on/in your eyebrows – Keep acne/anti-aging products away from the brows

–       Products that contain exfoliating agents WILL fade the eyebrows

–       If you get facials, microdermabrasions, chemical peels or laser treatments, tell your technician to avoid those areas (tell him/her your brows are tattooed on)

–       If using retin-a, retinol or tretinoin, stay two finger lengths away from the brows as it causes exfoliation and will fade the eyebrows

–       If your eyebrow tattoo feels dry or looks dull, use castor oil to help hydrate, which also helps potential increase in hair growth (tip: do this at night as it’s oily and will cause major shine)

Tips like these and Ashley’s in-depth process for microblading are just a few reasons she’s the best microblading in Houston. Let me remind you – you’re literally getting a tattoo on your face, so going to the best should be your only option. She’s incredibly detailed and knowledgable; not just microblading, but in facials and other beauty treatments in general, ensuring she does the best work for your skin type (because we are all so different!), helping create a plan of action to keep them lasting longer.

If you do visit her for a consultation, be sure to tell her Jayme from The Blonde Side sent you! 

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Lionel Richie in Las Vegas

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Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

If you follow me on social media or have ever met me in real life, you know that I am obsessed with Lionel Richie. Seriously, it’s almost an unhealthy obsession.

When I went to Vegas earlier this month, my timing was perfect and I was able to catch Lionel Richie’s “All the Hits” tour during his residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The show takes place at Zappos Theater, which showcases other resident headliners Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Backstreet Boys. Trust me – it’s a fun and intimate atmosphere.

Known for his mega-hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,” “Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” and his song catalog also includes early work with The Commodores, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Easy.”

Seriously – how can you not be obsessed with this man and these hits?

As a travel writer, I get a lot of people asking about Vegas; where to stay, tips for balling on a budget, the best pool parties, etc. A top tip for Vegas (although I do have many) is to see a show. It’s part of the Vegas vibe. It’s a must. I’ve seen many shows, and catching a residency from a famed artist like Lionel Richie is seriously at the top of my list. (If you’re asking for other shows to see, I cannot say enough good things about Absinthe.)

If you’re in Vegas (or looking for an excuse to book a trip) August 15 – October 20, be sure to look into tickets for this iconic show.

Here are the dates he’s scheduled to perform in August and October later this year:

Aug. 2018: 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28

Oct. 2018: 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20

How a man of his age (he is 68!!) can move around stage like that and perform so many hit songs is beyond me. Lionel Richie is like a human Red Bull and I want all his secrets.

What shows have y’all seen in Vegas or what artists or celebs do you have an unhealthy obsession with? Let me know in the comments below and let’s chat!

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Homegating and The Chocolate Bar

The Chocolate Bar Homegating Platter (Photo: Roxy Patterson)

On Sunday I hosted a homegating party (for those not in the know, it’s basically a tailgate at your home) for the Houston Texans vs. LA Rams game.

As much as I wish I had the Pinterest gene that so many others have, I just don’t. I enjoy cooking and attending parties, but actually throwing one and somehow trying to pay attention to the game at the same time is pretty difficult. I have fun making a few recipes here and there, like this football-shaped cheese/Oreo dish (I didn’t do as bad as I thought), but I definitely lucked out ordering a few snacks and dessert platters from The Chocolate Bar. Not only were they delicious and came on a party-ready platter, I didn’t have to do anything other than place the order and pick them up!

These Smothered Oreos were definitely a fan-favorite (more so than the outcome of the game!) and I couldn’t get enough. I’ve always been a huge fan (ok, more like obsessed) of Oreos (i.e. the football-shaped dessert above?), so for me, it’s always a snack I have on hand for lonely Friday nights on the couch and at parties. Even if you’re not the one hosting the actual party, you can step-up your “bring your favorite dish” game by bringing one of these dessert platters.

If you don’t have the major sweet tooth I was cursed with, you should check out their Texas Frito Brittle that’s the perfect amount of savory and sweet and an easy dish to bring to parties (especially with the holidays coming up).

I love supporting local businesses and The Chocolate Bar has been one of my favorites since I moved to Houston many years ago. There are two locations (one on West Alabama near River Oaks and the other in Rice Village).

Check out some of the styles and other game-day recipes over at NFL Fan Style. This season has been so fun so far (F-L-Y-E-A-G-L-E-S-F-L-Y!) and even better by being a Lifestyle Council Member for NFL Fan Style.

Shop some of the best NFL looks right now – tons of sales going on, so happy shopping!

Do you have a favorite party dish or local Houston business I need to check out? Comment below if so! 

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Rover.com and Jerri

This is Abbey

When people find out I have a dog with as much as I travel, they always have the same reaction. As if (Clueless voice) I’m some bad dog mom for always leaving my dog and it must cost a fortune (maybe both are just slightly true).

But one of the reasons I’m lucky enough to work as a travel writer is the team of people/resources behind me.

I fully realize that sounds super cheesy, but having a routine is super important to me – especially as much as I travel. Some months I’m on the road more than I’m at my apartment so taking care of a few things or having people I can count on (on a repeat basis) is ideal, like my dog-sitter.

It’s no stretch of the imagination to say that Denali has been around the block. (Remember when I moved to Hawaii and posted a Craigslist ad to have someone fly him back to Virginia so he could stay with my parents for a year? I paid half up front and the other half was payable upon receipt of the dog in VA, which was slightly genius since my mom had to pay the other half!) It’s also no stretch of the imagination that though he’s an easy dog, that at 14-years-old, he’s kind of a grumpy old man and likes a routine (who doesn’t?)

That’s why I was stoked when I was personally introduced to Houston dog-walker and dog-sitter Jerri (who is the mom to Abbey, shown to the left). She actually lives next-door to a good friend of mine and he introduced us, and Denali had such a great time. He was around other dogs, he was well taken care of and he didn’t want to come home when I was ready to pick him up!

Having someone like Jerri who I can trust with Denali and give him the cuddly attention he needs makes it so much easier to pick up and go for travel assignments. Book Jerri on Rover.com (or request her rates or anything else you might want to ask her), especially before she books up for the holidays. Who knows – maybe our pups will get to stay at “camp” together!

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OTF Heads to The Woodlands

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Orangetheory Fitness Heads to The Woodlands

To all my readers (and friends IRL), add the date October 27th to your calendars because my favorite fitness folks (Orangetheory Fitness, aka OTF) is heading to The Woodlands.

This will be the 13th Orangetheory Fitness studio in the Greater Houston area, and the first studio in The Woodlands.

If you read any of my fitness posts or follow me on Instagram, you already know I’m obsessed with OTF and the high-intensity (not to mention scientifically designed) workouts they offer.

I especially love the rush it gives me knowing if I hit 12 splat points (they have unique lingo, I must admit), my body will continue to burn calories up to 36 hours after my workout. That’s enough to push me past what I think might be my limit for the day just knowing my work at that very moment could prove even further benefits.

The new fitness studio in The Woodlands will feature 34 workout stations and  3,900 square feet, so you’ll have plenty of space to burn those calories before the holidays (like my birthday, just to name one) kick in.

It’s rare for me to workout for 60 minutes and feel like I’m done (i.e. worked out enough already), but after one of these heart-rate based classes, I literally couldn’t go any harder if I tried. I love being able to knock out such an intense workout in 60 minutes a few times a week and then carry on with my day (after a shower, obvi!).

The Woodlands studio will be located at 4747 Research Forest Dr., Suite 445, The Woodlands, TX 77381 in the Cochran’s Crossing Shopping Center.

And if you’ve never been, your first workout is FREE (just mention The Blonde Side).

My fitness hack: I truly think you’ll love it, but with all gyms and fitness studios, I always suggest giving it three tries before you decide against it (but if you decide after one session that you love it, sign up before you talk yourself out of it!). It’s the whole “fish out of water” mentality, and I know it takes me a few times to feel comfortable in a new training environment.

If you want to follow OTF The Woodlands on social media, check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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