MA1 Fitness Studio, Q&A with former NFL Player Jonathan Holland

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Jonathan Holland of MA1 Fitness Studio in Memorial City

It seems every corner you turn, there is a new gym (or studio or box or whatever they are called these days) in Houston, but one of the latest (and greatest) I’ve found is MA1 Fitness Studio, located in the Memorial City area. (You can check them out via their FB page.)

I had the chance to speak with one of the gym-owners and trainers (and good friend of mine) Jonathan Holland, and his list of credentials are about as big as his biceps. (Seriously, both are impressive.)

Holland is a Retired NFL player for the Oakland Raiders, but he’s also a health and wellness coach/trainer, NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified personal trainer, he is CPR certified, and is currently studying to receive his nutritionist certification. He’s kind of an all around badass, and if I had to describe my perfect trainer, Holland would pretty much fit the bill.

Here’s a look at The Blonde Side’s exclusive interview with Holland: 

The Blonde Side: Does being a former NFL player scare off some clients (do you think you’re all about meaty and hardcore work or are your clients pleasantly surprised?):

Jonathan Holland: I honestly think being a former NFL player has been one of the major benefits to my success thus far as a trainer. It actually tends to attract more potential clients rather than run them off. I think they see it as a plus to have a former professional athlete train them due to the versatility of different methods of training.

The minds (and bodies) behind MA1 Fitness Studio

TBS: Do your consider your gym a “gym?” Some are not studios or crossfit, etc, what does yours fall under?

JH: It’s definitely not a corporate styled gym, nor is it a crossfit or box as the crossfitters like to call it. I would describe our gym as a training facility for those who are looking to get serious about their overall health and wellness while training like an athlete.

TBS: Why did you decide to open up your own gym?

JH: It’s always been a dream of mine to one day open up a gym so when the opportunity arose I hopped on it without hesitation! The opportunity presented itself while I was training at another location. The owner came to me and two of my best friends who were also trainers at the gym, with the idea of opening up another location in the Memorial City area. What’s funny is that my business partners (Anthony James and Lamar Vaughn) and myself had already been thinking about our next move. So when the gym owner told us his vision and what he wanted to do, we automatically hopped on board. Not to take anything away from the trainers that we were working with at the previous gym, but we just had different visions. Our vision was to create an atmosphere where we could train and coach individuals with a more diverse and unique athletic training style no matter what their level of fitness experience would be. I think what sets us apart from other locations is that we treat everyone who walks through our door just like they’re family. It’s one thing to offer your services to people, but it means so much more when you can help to brighter up their day by doing the little things.

TBS: Do you personally have a mantra that you use to stay motivated?

JH: We have a sign that hangs up in the clients changing room that states: “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” I think that says a lot!

TBS: What type of clientele are you trying to attract?

Don’t let the smiles fool you – these guys mean business!

JH (laughing): It’s like my pastor used to say: “The doors of the church are open!!” The meaning is we welcome all to our gym family. Whether you’re someone who has no experience in the fitness world but you’re looking to get started, someone who may have stopped and needs to hit the restart button, someone who may have health issues and needs help towards getting better, or even if you’re a former or current athletes!!

TBS: Do you offer any first-time free classes?

JH: First-time sessions are always free! We love seeing new faces walk through the door. We recently had our Saturday morning boot campers give us some feedback on the group session and they absolutely love it! “Sucka Free” Saturday boot camps go down each and every Saturday morning @9:30a.m.

As a late note: group training sessions are on Mondays and Wednesdays evening at 6p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday mornings at 6a.m. and as mentioned before on Saturday mornings at 9:30a.m.

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Shell Houston Open – Fan Enhancements

The Blonde Side at the 2016 Shell Houston Open

This weekend marks one of my favorite Houston events each year – the Shell Houston Open.

Aside from my favorite part of the event – the caddy races on hole #16, there are obviously a lot of other cool things about SHO, and even some new things, like the fan enhancements.

Here are just a few additions fans can expect to see at the 2017 SHO, the ones I think are the best, obviously!

Shell Houston Open 9-Hole Social Media Challenge: Patrons can participate in a fun social media challenge by completing a scorecard of different social media activations, like selfies, twitter questions and other fun photo opportunities located around holes 18, 17 and 16. Completed and returned scorecards result in free prizes Thursday through Sunday.

 

Regions Bank Greenskeeper Venue: Now presented by Regions Bank, the Greenskeeper located on No. 17 green features an open-air skybox. Food and beverages are included with ticket purchase.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Hole-in-One Challenge: Open throughout the tournament, fans are welcome to attempt a 50-yard chip shot for exciting prizes on The First Tee® of Greater Houston short course.

Hendrick’s Party Deck at 16: Get close to the action and excitement on 16. Guest will enjoy a cash bar, tables, and excellent views. Presented by William Grants & Sons, the deck is attached to public grandstands that offer additional seating options on the course’s famous par 3 hole.

Craft Beer Corner: Located by the No. 17 green, visitors can enjoy a wide selection of local Houston beers.

Click here to see the full list of fan enhancements for this year.

SHO is just another Houston event I’ve come to know and love and it’s one reason I have stayed committed to living in Houston at The Millennium Kirby.

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Pom Pom Beach Bag Ready

BoutiqueMexico.com pom pom beach bag

I realize it’s only March, but here in Houston, it feels like summer has already arrived. As someone who grew up on the beach, I’m a pretty no-mess beach gal. I don’t wear makeup or jewelry (yes, I used to live in Miami and couldn’t stand that), nor do I wear wedges or heels with my bikinis, but an epic beach towel, perfectly fitting bikini and a fun beach bag are necessities in my water-loving world.

I recently got this pink and orange pom pom beach bag and absolutely love it. Though I’ve only had the chance to take it to the pool, it makes me crave a beach vacation more than I usually do.

I love the vibrant colors, but most of all, I love that it’s 100% handmade by native artisans. The company, Boutique Mexico, is pushing through an initiative that proposes we buy handmade quality goods, consume less and contribute more to the earth, and if you’re a true beach lover like me, that is accurately aligned with things super important to me.

Today, Boutique Mexico has mutually beneficial partnerships with artisans in Guerrero, Hidalgo, Puebla, Chiapas, and Oaxaca guided by the principals of fair trade. They believe in across the board prosperity as a result of mutual respect and cooperation – they also believe in sustainability, in doing good and in being grateful. You’re already going to spend money on a new beach bag, why not join this beautiful movement and help support it?

Another bonus: all Boutique Mexico products are 100% artisan-made which means each is an original work of art. So no one will have your exact bag. Winner! 

Plus, what’s not to love about unique goods that add an extra pop of color and excitement to your day? Check out their website above – I warn you that you could get lost for days and continue adding beautiful bags to your shopping cart all day. Then you’ll want to jump on a travel website and purchase a one-way ticket to the closest beach.

Consider yourselves warned beach babes! Who else is ready for summer? And speaking of summer, anyone else wanna get back on this water challenge with me?

Unfortunately the beach isn’t real life 24/7, but luckily the pool at The Millennium Kirby is pretty amazing, so be prepared to see lots of pool selfies with my new favorite pom pom bag coming in hot! 

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Toulouse: Half Priced Bottles of Rosé and Beignets

Beignets in Houston (photo courtesy: Toulouse)

Do I need to say more?

In case you still need some enticement, Toulouse Cafe and Bar is a cute little spot, located outside the Galleria, in the new River Oaks Shopping District and it is one of my favorite new brunch spots (spoiler alert: top reasons listed in the headline of this post!).

Here they offer half price rosé, which pairs perfectly with an order of beignets. This Paris-like spot has been open for almost a year now – so it’s time to check it out if you haven’t already. Plus, you’ll love their amazing and spacious patio with retractable screens to help with Houston’s notoriously inconsistent weather – you know the kind, where we experience all four seasons in just one week. Yay!

Note that brunch is only Sat and Sun starting at 11a-330pm or perhaps until the rosé runs out. Which can totally happen by the way, especially if I’m there.

Toulouse creates a warm Parisian feel throughout the establishment, and weather permitting, the expansive patio is the perfect place to partake in brunch where you can start (or finish) with beignets, grab a half-priced bottle of rosé (you guys seriously had me at hello), Orange French Toast, Eggs Florentine, or about 20 other delicious options to choose from.

This cute little brunch spot is just another restaurant located within 10-15 minutes from my home at The Millennium Kirby, so don’t be surprised if you run into me here. I blame the half-priced bottles of rosé!

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The Blonde Side’s 5 Things – March 2017

The Blonde Side’s Jayme Lamm shares her top 5 things to do in Houston this month (March), including the Houston Rodeo, some of Houston’s best brunch spots, art fairs, festivals and even more. Houston’s got a lot going on, and a lot of it needs to be done before the weather gets too hot!

#1 It’s March and we’re in Houston, so kicking off this new 5 Things series, it only makes sense to talk about one of the main things you need to do this month – the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!

The Houston Rodeo is also the largest in the country, so it should go without saying, this is a thing to do this month.

#2: SpindleTap Brewery: Does anything say Houston more than local beer and crawfish? I think I’m in love. They do crawfish and beer on Saturdays and are a great spot to hang with friends. Don’t let the fact it’s just outside the loop fool you – it’s well worth the visit. But if you plan on doing some drinking (which I usually do!), make sure to have a designated driver or plan for Uber. We shot this video LIVE from this spot and stay tuned for more!

#3: Make yourself feel extra classy and extra bougey this month (for just $15 at the gate!) by checking out some art this month at the 2017 Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial park on March 24 – 26. Over 300 artists from around the country and 19 different disciplines will showcase their art at the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on Friday – Sunday, March 24- 26, 2017. As the nation’s premier outdoor fine art event, the three-day festival will provide guests with the opportunity to personally meet artists, view original works, and purchase world class art. The festival will benefit local non-profit partners and will feature music, local food vendors, beverages, entertainment, gigantic bubbles with Hilary Scullane, a Children’s Creative Zone and much more. This year’s featured artist is Amanda Bennett, a mixed media artist from New Orleans. Bennett transforms mid-century advertising, acrylic mediums and photography into a mash up on plywood, inspired by pop art and funk style. It is rain or shine and yes, there is alcohol for purchase, in case you’re into that kind of thing.

#4: Time to hit up Toulouse for brunch where they offer half price rosé, which pairs perfectly with an order of beignets. This Paris-like spot is in the River Oaks District and has been open for almost a year now – so it’s time to check it out if you haven’t already. Plus, you’ll love their amazing and spacious patio with retractable screens to help with Houston’s notoriously inconsistent weather – you know the kind, where we experience all four seasons in just one week.

Note that brunch is only Sat and Sun starting at 11a-330pm or perhaps until the Rose runs out. Which can totally happen by the way.

#5: It’s SHO TIME! One of my favorite Houston events each year is the Shell Houston Open. Not only am I fan of golf, but I love the caddy races on hole #16. It’s quite the scene and you have to check it out for yourself (oh, and bring cash!).

Also, big thanks to Uproar Design for filming and being part of this fun little project, and FaceForward for keeping my hair in decent shape!

I love living at The Millennium Kirby because I’m right in the middle of so much fun stuff in Houston. Stay tuned for our “5 Things” Series on YouTube. SPONSORED

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Things to LOVE About Houston

It’s no secret we live in a big city. In fact, did you know that at 655 square miles, the city of Houston could contain the cities of New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis and Miami?

And in the spirit of Valentine’s Day (ugh), now on to things I love about the city of Houston…

My favorite thing about Houston – and it’s one that always gets me in trouble with the locals – is that we have 2 International airports. That is great for my job (as a travel writer) and just anyone with a Wanderlust spirit. I love that it’s easy to escape the city and that Austin – one of the best cities in the U.S. is just a 2.5-hour drive away.

But on to other great things about our city:

The Houston Rodeo is about to hit this town, almost as hard as Super Bowl 51. Except it’s not a week full of events, it’s an entire month. I love being able to wear cowboy boots with any and every outfit and feel totally Texan.

The lineup for the rodeo every year is always a big deal, and for the first time in quite a few years, I’m quite impressed with this year’s lineup.

Chris Stapleton, Alicia Keys, Luke Bryan, WILLIE NELSON (!!), Blink 182, and Dierks Bentley just to name a few.

Moving on to a whole new topic, sports, duh. While I won’t go crazy into detail here, because again, duh, Houston is one of like 14 cities that has four pro sports teams. We’ve got the Texans, Astros, Rockets, Dynamo and now the National Women’s Soccer Team, the Dash. Yes – JJ Watt’s girlfriend’s team. But more importantly girls like Carli Lloyd, Mo Brian, Janine Beckie and so many other amazingly talented females that could literally kick all our asses. See what I did there?

Our stadiums and arenas are pretty legit too – even enough to have hosted 3 Super Bowls, which has been awesome – none could top this last one though. Air-conditioned baseball was hard to get on board with at first, but now, I’m in LOVE.

The fans here – that may be a different story. I personally know a lot of hardcore fans, but Houston hates to admit how this city is actually built. Most of us are transplants (myself included, though after 10 years, I think I can and should be considered a Texan) and our love for our sports teams is about as varied as they come.

And while we’re still on the topic…our teams play their games IN our city. Not like that other Texas city up north!

Also, while we’re on the topic – I love the Houston Texans too. But those of you constantly complaining that you’ve never won a Super Bowl, you’re talking to an Eagles fan here. And trust me, there are other teams who have put in their dirty work over decades and decades worth of play, so I don’t feel so bad for you. Yet…

Need another reason to LOVE this city? How about the fact there are fajitas, queso and margaritas practically everywhere? I’ll confess – when I moved here back in 06, I didn’t like Mexican food or margaritas. My life basically sucked. But now I’m outrageously obsessed with both!

My favorite: Lupe Tortilla (the one on Shepherd and 59!)

While I love traveling to get out of Houston, I also love the allure much of our city has to visit here. Last week interviewing more than 50 celebs and athletes about our great city, it dawned on me that so many people love it here, and for good reason.

Like the brand new Texas shaped lazy river at the new Marriott Marquis Downtown.

Lastly, let’s not forget about all the artwork – both museum style and murals around town. This city has more going on – promise!

As much as I say this is a small big town (which it is), I too need to remember there are 2.2 million residents here. So back I need to remember that when it comes to dating and finding new brunch spots – I am such a creature of habit and it’s time to expand my bubble. You too!

You can also check out the YouTube video on Things to Love About Houston here. Thanks to Uproar.Design for the video work and the video was sponsored by The Millennium Kirby and The Millennium High Street.

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Sports By The Numbers: 59 Questions

Hi sports fans, we just posted a new video, taking a little page out of Vogue’s 73 questions book, but making a sport’s reference. This first Sports By The Numbers is “59 Questions” based after one of The Blonde Side’s favorite interviews, Whitney Mercilus, who happens to wear the #59 jersey for the Houston Texans.

We are still trying to figure out a way to brand these YouTube videos and make them consistent, so any ideas or suggestions are very much welcome!

Thanks to Uproar.Design for the video work and the video was sponsored by The Millennium Kirby and The Millennium High Street.

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Welcome to Houston: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

BRUNCH! (photo: @bckitchen Instagram)

To say I’ve been stalking these guys on Instagram for some time would be an understatement. Their brunch game looks strong and it’s finally coming to Houston in about a month. In my mind, I am already in line. Seriously, they have brunch items like a Fruity Pebble Pancake Souffle (pictured), and don’t forget bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for the win.

But back to my dinner the other night. Short and sweet: it was fabulous. It’s definitely a cheat-meal kind of spot (though the salads were definitely worth a look if that’s more your thing) and the vibe of the entire spot was something Houston needs to embrace with open arms.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations is definitely comfort food, they’ve got TVs to keep up with your sports, and don’t forget about their 260+ whiskeys to choose from. If you’re more of a wine gal (or guy), you won’t be disappointed with the wine list. Or the barrel-aged cocktails. Speaking of their cocktails – here’s just a little peak – The Bosscat (Basil Hayden’s bourbon, citrus bitters, rosemary), House Old Fashioned (made with Maker’s Mark) and Bosslady Vol. 2 (Wild Turkey bourbon, blackberry citrus-infused syrup, thyme). The spot also promises to have a seasonally rotating cocktail menu, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

And when it comes to comfort food, these folks know just what the doctor ordered. Try the Pork Belly Poutine (Bosscat Fries with crisp pork belly, Ellsworth Creamery cheese curds and Andouille sausage gravy, optional duck fat fried egg) or the Bosscat Press (slow-roasted BBQ pulled pork, ham, cheese, house-made pickles, mustard on an American baguette), just to name a few.

Photo via @bckitchen Instagram

Menu aside, if you want to know why this place will be a popular Houston spot, here’s another reason: It’s a quaint, rustic, industrial-chic interior – with 14-foot ceilings, stained concrete floors and expertly finished reclaimed wood, steel and brick. Plus, it seats 220 of your best friends, with 40 additional patio seats. Not a bad little spot for dinner, pre-game or brunch (yes, I’m still stuck on brunch).

Also, one more thing I found totally random but I adore. When your server greets you, they will say “I’ll be your best friend for the evening.” I thought it was kinda cute, but then when the drinks kept coming, I realized he really was my new BFF.

This spot is just another restaurant located near The Millennium Kirby, making it a favorite in the making! 

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Lee’s Fried Chicken and Donuts

Photo courtesy Lee’s Fried Chicken and Donuts

I have a confession to make. I’ve never had chicken and waffles. I know, I know. I claim to be a southern gal and a foodie no less, but I’m kind of a mad freak when my food touches. I’m the adult that still wants those portioned out plates so my food doesn’t touch. Thanksgiving has always been tough for me, but I digress.

The reason I admit that to all of you is that I finally had a similar combo and I want to punch myself in the face for missing out on this for so long. I went back to Lee’s Fried Chicken and Donuts recently and I won’t lie – I was basically forced to try the Double Donut Fried Chicken Sandwich (chicken tenders between two amazing glazed donuts with your choice of sauce). And if I’m being really honest, I ordered this but asked the food to be separate and then ate a few bites together. And that’s all it took. I was sold. More like obsessed.

Photo courtesy @leeschickendonuts Instagram

For starters, their glazed donuts (only $1.25 each) are some of the best glazed donuts in Houston and secondly, the combo of the salty fried chicken is seriously out of this world. I am a converted believer that certain foods can and should touch and be eaten in one big bite.

This is one of those places that definitely is not good for the waistline, but I have no problem adding gym time to each such tasty southern food. Plus, donuts y’all!

This spot is just another restaurant located within about 15 minutes from my home at The Millennium Kirby, so don’t be surprised if you run into me here. Frequently! 

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Conversation Heart Donut Recipe

Conversation Heart Donut Recipe

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I tested a few festive recipes and this one was the cutest and most fun (although be warned, I bought a crappy kind of conversation heart candy, so that part was kind of gross). I mean, what else am I going to do on Valentine’s Day other than frolic in the kitchen in my underwear?

I got this Conversation Heart Donut recipe here from Aww Sam, which has amazing stuff to try out if you want to make some impressive stuff in the kitchen (or just social media, haha).

Check out the recipe below (with a few modifications and cheats from yours truly!):

For the donuts:

2 cups flour
3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
3/4 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Gel food coloring in pink, green, blue, yellow, and purple

For the glaze:

1/4 cup melted butter
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 teaspoons hot water
Crushed conversation hearts

*I cheated and used vanilla frosting, as it coats thicker.

Dog-Approved Donut Recipe

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix vanilla, eggs, milk, and butter. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Separate batter into 5 bowls.
  3. Color one bowl pink, one green, one yellow, one blue, and one purple. (I tried to get the colors close to the colors of the conversation hearts.) Put each color of batter into a piping bag (I just use a ziploc bag and cut off a corner, since I’ve yet to purchase a piping bag.)
  4. Followthese instructionson how to marble the colors together in a greased donut pan. Put in oven for 10 minutes and allow to cool completely. (Basically get a toothpick and swirl the colors around to they get that tie-dyed look. I suggest making sure your toothpick gets all the way to the bottom or the bottom will look just like your base color, which is boring.)
  5. Crush up 1/2 cup of conversation hearts. Combine all of the ingredients for the glaze. Dip the donuts into the glaze and top with the crushed conversation hearts. Give to your bestie for Galentine’s day!

Here are some other Pinterest-worthy Valentine’s Day ideas, recipes and DIYs.

And it should come as no surprise how much I love donuts. Check out Houston’s ultimate donut guide.

This post is part of my “learn and love to cook” resolution for 2017 and getting in the “holiday” spirit – even if it is a Hallmark holiday. I love living at The Millennium Kirby because of the massive kitchen, to test out and DEVOUR these great recipes.  SPONSORED

 

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