My Marine Experience

Our Houston group attending the Educators Workshop in San Diego

Our Houston group attending the Educators Workshop in San Diego

Last month I had one of the coolest experiences since I started this journey as a sports and travel writer – I was recruited for the Marines!

Well, sort of. They invited me along with a few other members of the media and some top educators from Houston to head to San Diego to experience what the new Marines (the ones recruited) experience upon arrival. What. An. Experience.

For starters, I love San Diego, I love our military and I love getting to know other professions (i.e. teachers). Little known fact: I have always considered (still do) becoming a teacher. More on that at a later date.

This Educators Workshop was a first-hand experience of everything the Marines go through – from the yellow footprints from first arriving, until the very end where these young men (we were only at the men’s facilities) earn the title Marine. And boy do I mean earn.

Probably the coolest experience started at 3am. You’re probably thinking 3am means some kind of party story, but it’s not – it was my wakeup call. And it was TOTALLY worth it. Myself and two other members of the media got to witness the Crucible, which is the culmination of their 3-month bootcamp. This is where Recruits officially become Marines. Here is my YouTube video of the experience, but be warned you’ll need tissues and the video won’t nearly do it justice. If you know any Marines, ask them about this experience. I imagine it’s one of the top moments of their lives.

I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, right near a Naval Base. I’m not afraid to admit that I grew up with a somewhat negative connotation of the military. I always thought men and women went into the Military if they had no other options. They were complete screw ups, but oh wait, at least one of the Military branches is bound to take you.

I walked away from this experience with a completely renewed view of the Military. I’m sure there are still some jack-offs in the Military, but I never knew how many options existed for those who enlisted. In fact, I met three different people who had MY JOB (writer, social media, public relations) in the Marines. How neat is that? And guess what – guaranteed they make more money that I do and get better benefits! But they deserve it.

I am so thankful for this opportunity. I have truly always respected those in uniform and the families that have loved ones in service, but I now have a much higher respect for the fitness – both physically and mentally – that go into being a Marine. I wish I could rewind 15 years and see if I would be able to succeed in such an environment. I’m one tough cookie, but not completely certain I could handle it.

A big thank you to the Houston Marines for inviting me out for this experience and an even BIGGER THANK YOU to everyone who has ever served our great country. America is a scary place right now and my respect and admiration for those who fight for our freedom is stronger today.

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The Union Kitchen

Pasta AND Seafood on a PIZZA. This is amazing! (photo courtesy: The Union Kitchen FB)

Pasta AND Seafood on a PIZZA. This is amazing! (photo courtesy: The Union Kitchen FB)

One of my favorite new Houston restaurants is The Union Kitchen (note: I’ve only been to the Bellaire location). I’m going to be honest – I didn’t have super high hopes for this place, and I can’t even figure out why. Maybe somewhere in an alternate universe I had a bad meal in a different city with a similar name, but even with tons of foodies telling me how much they loved The Union Kitchen, I just never put it on my list. But I finally did, and I’m so glad.

I have never seen such a huge menu with so many great things. There is not ONE thing on that menu I wouldn’t eat. They literally have a pizza with seafood and pasta on it. The burgers are massive and juicy. If you want to skip fries, opt for the parmesan risotto. The menu never ends and it’s worth every single calorie imaginable.

I truly cannot say enough great things about this place and the staff. It’s super casual (we came sort of straight from the beach), which is weird because the kind of food they serve, you’d think you should be in an evening gown.

I also had the chance a few weeks ago to try their Beer Pairing dinners with Spindletap, a local

The Union Kitchen menu has so much goodness, you can't go wrong. Houston dining at its finest.

The Union Kitchen menu has so much goodness, you can’t go wrong. (Photo courtesy The Union Kitchen FB)

craft brewery that opened up last year. Who would think that so much thought and creativity could go into a BEER dinner, but they proved otherwise. I am a huge fan of wine, but I would take another beer pairing with the great minds behind Spindletap and The Union Kitchen ANY DAY.

When you do stop by The Union Kitchen (at Bellaire), be sure to ask for Rob. He’s so down to earth, knows the menu and so much of Houston like the back of his hand. It’s truly a refreshing experience.

Ok, I’m craving this place again – who wants to meet me there?

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STOKED Tacos & Tequila

Stoked: The best tacos in Houston

Stoked: The best tacos in Houston

Forget Taco Tuesday – this’ll make you crave tacos ery’day (except they’re not open on Mondays!).

I’m pretty sure tacos (and quite likely) tequila run through my veins at any given time. So it’s no surprise that I’m downright obsessed with Stoked Tacos & Tequila, the new hotspot for tacos in Midtown.

This farm to taco, all locally sourced eatery makes you crave the deliciousness. The inside decor is about as cute as you can handle (seriously, I haven’t yet asked if they could shut it down for a photoshoot for yours truly, but I’m planning on it!). It’s got an intensely fun vibe – like the Palm Springs of tacos.

You can’t go wrong with anything you order but you MUST try the Taco de Queso ($6 for two tacos) and everything on the menu is easy to share (and it’s encouraged). Plus, the margaritas! Ok, who wants to go?

If you’re thinking that tacos aren’t really your thing, think again. Owner/Chef Adam P. was a former chef at Eddie V’s for more than five years. Stoked is truly like the fine dining of tacos.

Stoked Tacos & Tequila in Houston

Stoked Tacos & Tequila in Houston

Happy Hour at Stoked every Tuesday thru Friday, 2-7p!

  • $2 OFF All “Share” Plates – Includes House Made Chips & Guacamole | Roasted Red Mole Wings | Queso Fundido | Stoked Tex Mex Queso | Stoked Nachos
  • $2 OFF All Margaritas – Includes House Margarita | Stoked Margarita | Cantarito
  • $1 OFF All Draft Beer
  • $5 Jamo Shots & Epspolon Blanco Shots
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Herm Edwards in Houston

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Former teammates Moran Norris and Chester Pitts (©Troy Fields)

Former teammates Moran Norris and Chester Pitts (©Troy Fields)

Former NFL player Moran Norris recently gathered a group of his celebrity friends to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his foundation. The Moran Norris Foundation believes that every child, when given the opportunity, can overcome negative obstacles and realize their dreams. But they need the help and the guidance to do that.

The star-studded and action-packed weekend included a free football camp for kids on Saturday and a celebrity-laden gala Sunday.

The Follow Me To The Stars Gala at Hotel ZaZa began with a VIP cocktail hour where guests mingles with former player and coach-turned-ESPN-broadcaster Herm Edwards. The evening included a robust silent auction, an introduction to six scholarship recipients from the Moran Norris Foundation, and many jokes. The event was emceed by KHOU sports anchor/reporter Matt Musil and KHOU meteorologist Chita Craft, who was still glowing and wearing white next to her new husband, Lane Craft.

Norris, with wife Tamara Norris, arrived in a 650i convertible, courtesy of BMW of West Houston. Norris and his wife both wore signature blue, which coincidentally matched the exterior of the car, and he even went the extra mile, matching his shoes to the “peanut butter”

Herm Edwards, Jayme Lamm & Travis Frey (©Troy Fields)

Herm Edwards, Jayme Lamm & Travis Frey (©Troy Fields)

insides of the vehicle. Talk about arriving in style.

In a keynote address, Edwards mixed solid leadership advice, jokes about the game (especially the NFC East) and a nod to the upcoming Super Bowl Houston will host in February.

“You will get an opportunity in life. Take advantage of that. Set your own standards of what you want to become. You have to be willing to bet on yourself – even if no one else will. You will be good enough. When you’re a follower you get the same view every time,” Edwards said.

He even made a reference to Houston’s own, Earl Campbell, saying his shoulder started hurting as soon as he saw Campbell’s jersey at the silent auction.

You can’t come to Houston with the football acumen Edwards has and not make a season preview for the Texans. “Houston has the ability to get off to a good and fast start. This is a team the arrows are pointing up. You have a quarterback that hasn’t played 16 games, that’s the question,” Edwards said. “Can Clowney become the guy everyone wants him to be? I don’t know. I didn’t say that. They’re all good on paper until someone hits them in the mouth.”

“Houston’s going to be a playoff team,” he continued. “I think you should be excited about hosting a Super Bowl, but temper your excitement. This city does a great job. When you have the ability to give back, give back.”

Saturday afternoon’s football camp, hosted at Houston Baptist University, was filled with nearly 300 kids running drills and learning basics from the pros in the scorching Houston summer heat. Music station 97.9 The Box was on site playing music so every inch of the field had a fun vibe to it.  “Giving back is so important. I grew up in Houston and I just like giving back. I do it because it’s something that’s in my heart, and I enjoy putting a smile on kid’s faces,” Norris said of his foundation.

Others in appearance for the weekend included Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Chester Pitts, Travis Johnson, Chad Hedrick and more.

The annual weekend has had such a huge impact on Houston for over a decade that Mayor Sylvester Turner officially named June 26 as Moran Norris Day.

This article originally ran on Culture Map – click here to see the original version and more photos.

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BMW 428i Weekend in Houston

BMW West gave us a 428i convertible for weekend fun

BMW West gave us a 428i convertible for weekend fun

One of the few cons of being a writer and running your own business is that the weekends are typically my busiest times. This past weekend was no different, except it was a little more fun, thanks to my partnership with BMW of West Houston – they hooked me up with a 2016 428i convertible to help make working the weekend a little more exciting (and faster!).

Plus, in my personal effort to love Houston a little more, it’s nice spending a weekend enjoying some of the best parts and hanging out with friends.

Here’s a quick glimpse at my weekend:

As soon as I got the car, I picked up my friend to cruise around and have some fun. Friday night we went and saw Green River Ordinance at Firehouse Saloon and I have to say, I am a big fan of them. I hadn’t heard much about GRO before and they were fantastic and put on a great show. If you’ve never been to Firehouse, it’s a great place to catch LIVE Texas country music.

Saturday afternoon I headed off to HBU for the 10th annual Moran Norris Foundation football camp, which was free to kids. Hundreds of kids braved the hot Houston temps to take advantage of the camp (they lasted outside much longer than I did!).

Sunday night was the Follow Me To The Stars Gala, put on by the Moran Norris Foundation, with Herm Edwards as the evening’s keynote speaker. Click here to read about the entire weekend with this great foundation on Culture Map.

Herm Edwards and The Blonde Side at the Moran Norris Foundation Gala, June 2016 (Photo Courtesy: Troy Fields)

Herm Edwards and The Blonde Side at the Moran Norris Foundation Gala, June 2016 (Photo Courtesy: Troy Fields)

My review of the 428i convertible:

Houston is super hot, but if you go for a nighttime drive, having the top down on this fun and fast car is a treat! (As long as you have a ponytail holder!)

And with the unpredictable Houston weather changing every 10 seconds, it’s nice that the top will go up or down in just 20 seconds.  (Technically you can lower or raise the top if you’re going under 11MPH, but since I was just borrowing it, I didn’t want to chance it. I hope my insurance company is reading this!)

Inspired by the 3 Series, the 428i is the first ever convertible to offer xDrive, which—paired with a hardtop that exudes coupe style—makes this one convertible that performs all year round. And yes, that includes any and all Houston weather.

The gas mileage (combined 24MPG) wasn’t too bad for such a sporty car. I did all of my weekend driving (much more than usual) in just one tank.

Talk about fast! I never thought fast cars were my thing, but being able to go 0-60 in 5.2 seconds is insane. This is definitely the sportiest open-top car on the road. Not to mention the sportiest car I’ve ever driven.

Now that I’m a seasoned pro at the 428i, here are two tips: keep sunscreen and a hat in the car. You’ll need it! 

Stop by BMW of West Houston today to check out this fast ride. From now until September 30th, they are donating $50 to Houston Children’s Charity for every single test drive. So if your significant other gripes that you shouldn’t be test driving new cars, tell them it’s for charity!

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Happy Birthday Hank

Happy Birthday Hanklin

Happy Birthday Hanklin

Tonight our sweet bulldog (Hank) turned two-years-old. Although he’s not quite potty-trained (a recent major surgery kind of derailed that training process for us), he’s a sweet boy and we wanted to celebrate his birthday (OK, to be honest, I just wanted an excuse to keep obsessing over things on Pinterest).

In honor of his special day, I tried these Apple & Peanut Butter Pupcakes (get it!?) from Sugar and Soul and both doggies loved them! (You’re probably thinking I’m a crazy dog-lady because they can’t tell me they love them, but trust me, it was obvious!).

Apple & Peanut Butter Pupcakes Recipe 

Ingredients 

Birthday Pupcakes

Birthday Pupcakes

    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 2 large eggs
    • 6 oz. plain yogurt
    • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
    • 1/3 cup creamy unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter
    • 1 cup grated apple, peeled and cored
    • 2 tbsp honey
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 12 mini dog biscuits
Optional:
  • 1/4 cup carob chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Line a cupcake pan with liners and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the flour, baking powder, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce and mix until combined.
  4. Beat in peanut butter, honey, and grated apple.
  5. Add a 1/4 cup of batter to each cupcake liner and bake for 20-25 minutes, until toothpick comes clean when inserted into the center. Allow to cool in pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  6. Once pupcakes have cooled, beat heavy cream until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Pipe whipped cream onto the cooled pupcakes and top with a dog biscuit. Serve shortly after frosting or store in the fridge or freeze them. Dogs should only be given one a day.
If you’re the kind of person who loves baking for and pampering your pooch, check out my
Kait Hanson's Sweet Eats & Dog Treats E-Book

Kait Hanson’s Sweet Eats & Dog Treats E-Book

Hawaii-pal Kait Hanson’s E-Book Sweet Eats and Dog Treats, which is a super fun and unique cookbook concept. And it’s only $4.99, which is cheaper than any of the ingredients you’ll buy and it’ll last a whole lot longer!

Curious though – anyone else celebrate their dog’s birthdays? 

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S’more Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Smore Ice Cream Cake Recipe, via Yummly

Smore Ice Cream Cake Recipe, via Yummly

The thought of homemade ice cream cake seems beyond most people’s capabilities (including and especially my own). But this amazing S’more Ice Cream Cake recipe, made with Breyers, is so easy and worth every single calorie, you gotta give it a go for yourself.

The easy-to-follow recipe, via Yummly, is pretty quick and easy (although you do have to let a portion freeze for about an hour, so include that in your prep time).

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Country Crock® Spread, melted
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 package (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows, divided
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup crumbled graham crackers
  • 1 container (1.5 qt.) Breyers® Chocolate Ice Cream
  • 1 container (8 oz.) whipped topping

Directions:

  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted Country Crock® Spread and sugar in medium bowl; press into 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
  2. Microwave chocolate chips, 2 cups marshmallows and milk in small microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 4 minutes or until completely melted, stirring once. Cool 10 minutes, then stir in remaining 2 cups marshmallows. Spread over crust; freeze 1 hour or until firm.
  3. Sprinkle crumbled graham crackers over chocolate layer. With scissors, cut carton from Breyers® Chocolate Ice Cream. Arrange Ice Cream on its side, then cut crosswise into 4 slices. Arrange slices in baking dish, pressing to form an even layer. Cover and freeze 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Frost with whipped topping just before serving. Sprinkle, if desired, with additional graham cracker crumbs.
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Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies

Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies (Recipe)

Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker Cookies (Recipe)

Get ready to fall head over heels in love with the best cookies ever. Seriously. If I’m ever blessed enough to be an old lady with lots of grandkids, these will be the cookies I’ll be known for.

I got this recipe from Yummly, a new recipe app that is just amazing. Below is the Chocolate Chip Graham Cracker cookie recipe (taken from Yummly), which takes less than 30 minutes to make and doesn’t have any crazy weird ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature) 
  • 1 cup brown sugar 
  • 2 tsps vanilla 
  • 1  eggs 
  • 11/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda 
  • 1/4 tsp salt 
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Beat in the vanilla and egg until well combined.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. Grease pan with cooking spray.
8. Bake for 7 minutes.
9. Cookies will look slightly underdone, but should set up nicely as they cool.

Eat as many of these as you want. But just set your alarm for the gym in the morning!

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Houston Summer Running Tips

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Wings for Life World Run starts in Houston at 6 am Sunday with 34 cities worldwide participating. Photo by Marv Watson for Wings for Life World Run

Wings for Life World Run starts in Houston at 6 am Sunday with 34 cities worldwide participating. Photo by Marv Watson for Wings for Life World Run

Avid runners in the Houston community have likely heard Calum “Cal” Neff’s name before. Neff has a number of running accolades credited to his name. To name just a few, he is the Guinness World Record Holder for Fastest Half Marathon pushing a stroller (which he dominated in Katy for a time of 1:11:27), he came in 23rd overall in the 2016 Houston Marathon, and he won the 2014 North American Wings for Life World Run.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Wings for Life World Run (WFLWR), it is a global run taking place at the exact same time in 34 locations this year across the world. The purpose is to raise funds for research in finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.

As Neff gears up with hopes of adding another title or personal record to his stat card, he is encouraging other runners, of all levels, to join him for the Wings for Life World Run Selfie Run this Sunday, May 8th. Houston’s official timeslot for this virtual groundbreaking Selfie Run is 6 am –  plenty of time for Mother’s Day celebrations and brunch afterwards!

Runners can sign up for free, and run anywhere at their own pace. The Selfie Run, which uses the all-new Wings for Life World Run app, is perfect if you want to train for the big day, set your own course, race at exactly the same time as everyone else worldwide and share the experience with real time results, right down to a virtual Catcher Car. Like all things, running is enjoying new trends to keep it fresh and exciting; this is just the next in a long line of unique races.

“The World Run is my way to help raise awareness and funds for this special cause, and the unique race format keeps my racing interesting too. The ultra-marathon distance on fast roads plays really well into my area of specialty right now as a runner,” Neff shares of his love for the WFLWR.

The Houston heat is here to stay so we asked Neff to share a few tips to keep your running game strong for the Selfie Run and all summer long:

Embrace the heat! High humidity and heat training have a physiological response similar to altitude. At altitude, your body makes more red blood cells to adapt to less oxygen; in heat, your body creates more blood volume (therefore, more red blood cells). So when the cooler weather comes around you have the performance advantage of carrying more oxygen.

Run with others to stay motivated. You will find someone running at Memorial Park at any hour of the day, even when it’s hot.

Scale back your pace and distance. Don’t expect the same performance as in cooler temps and don’t be unmotivated by how you feel. Running in the heat can have the same symptoms of being out of shape but don’t confuse the two.

Gatoritas. Blue Gatorade powder, ice, and water-blend. Ice slushy mixes are proven to be absorbed faster than room-temp or iced water, keeping you cool and hydrated. Use an insulated bottle or flask like the ones you can find from Nathan.

Dawn Patrol. This is a term given to weekend warriors trying to squeeze in adventures before work. It’s still going to be hot at 5 am but at least the sun won’t be beating down on you. We could all use a few more sunrises in our life too.

Cryotherapy. My indoor escape from the heat is the Chilled Cryospa in Katy. This full recovery spa has all the tools to keep your body happy including the cryo tank where you stand for 3 minutes at -220 degrees!

Listen to your body. No different than any other time of year but especially important in the heat. Some days you just don’t have it, don’t fight it. Your heart will thank you later. Pay attention especially if you notice you are not sweating or have chills.

Head inside. Yes, the dreadmill.

Travel. It’s a good time to get away!

Instructions for signing up for the selfie run:

Download the “Selfie Run” app on your iOS or Android mobile device App Store.

Connect with Facebook or create an account.

Sign up for the Selfie Run and set your location for May 8 in Houston.

Log on and run with the world at 6 am.

(Click here for video help to sign up)

This article originally ran on Culture Map. Click here to see the original piece. 

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Dinner: Chicken Avocado Burgers

Chicken Avocado Burger Recipe | Photo: Yummly

Chicken Avocado Burger Recipe | Photo: Yummly

Y’all know I’ve been trying to cook more – trying to up my wifey status and all. I recently came across an app, Yummly! (download it NOW, trust me!).

One of the recent dinner recipes I tried were these Chicken Avocado Burgers – seriously one of the tastiest and easiest things I’ve ever made, so I wanted to share the recipe.

Chicken Avocado Burger Recipe:

Serves: 4 Burgers
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large ripe avocado – cut into chunks
  • 1 chopped clove of garlic
  • ⅓ cup Panko crumbs or Almond meal (to keep it Paleo friendly )
  • 1 minced Poblano or Jalapeño pepper (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss gently.
  2. Shape into desired size patties and grill inside or out!

My modifications: We added cheese on the burger after we took them off the grill (we made them outside on the grill for extra flavor!). Also – I had seriously never heard of ground chicken and I felt like a weirdo asking someone in the grocery store where to find it – but it’s in the meat section) obviously – and in mine it was a small section (like two options) next to the ground beef.

Since it is chicken, I recommend cutting into the burger before pulling them all off the grill.

Enjoy!

If you have any tasty recipes to share, please leave me a comment below!

 

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