Women’s Health Magazine (online)

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The Blonde Side selected as a Women's Health Magazine Action Hero (TBS photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

The Blonde Side selected as a Women’s Health Magazine Action Hero (TBS photo: Sunshine Winters Photography)

July 2016: Women’s Health Magazine (online content)

The Blonde Side was selected as a Women’s Health Magazine Action Hero for the fifth straight year (every year since this program first began!).

Take a look at the interview below and click here to see the original online piece of all 61 Action Heroes. (Note: my age is listed incorrectly, but I’ll never tell :) ) 
Every year, the Women’s Health team handpicks a group of fitfluencers we call our Action Heroes. This year’s ladies are active both fitness-wise and in their communities—not to mention, they’re just totally awesome people. We want you to get to know them, too! So scroll on down for a meet and greet with these 61 special women.

Jayme Lamm | The Blonde Side

What she does: Sports + Travel + Fitness Writer
What she wants you to know: I have worked for myself as a writer/blogger/social media influencer for the past six years and it is equally the most exhilarating and difficult thing I’ve ever done. In no particular order, I am proud of my faith, my bikini collection, my ability to recount the most random and useless sports statistics known to man (or woman!), my sarcastic wit and my love for the Lord.
The dish she can whip-up with chef-level skills: Spinach & Ricotta Lasagna (don’t test me without the recipe though!)
Her favorite food to indulge in: DONUTS (and champagne – does champagne count as a food? If not, it should.)
Her mantra: You can’t always do the right thing, but you should always try.
Best work or workout advice received: If you have a spare 10 minutes, that’s enough for a workout.

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Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND

Denali, my 12-year-old Chihuahua

Denali, my 12-year-old Chihuahua

When your beloved pup gets to a certain age, preservation and quality of life truly become top of mind.

Denali, my sweet teacup chihuahua (who weighs 20lbs and most certainly isn’t a teacup like his papers say) is now 12 years old. Seems like just yesterday I got the Miami-born pup who now happily lives in Texas.

I decided to try putting Denali on Purina® Pro Plan® Bright Mind® Adult 7+, which is specifically for dogs over 7 years of age. Pro Plan contains a proprietary blend of brain-supporting nutrients along with enhanced botanical oils that have been shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in older dogs, with claims of visible results within 30 days.

So…I gave it 30 days (the hardest part was feeding our dogs two separate foods) and noticed a huge difference. For starters, I realized that feeding a two-year-old bulldog the same food as a 12-year-old chihuahua just didn’t make sense. Sure, it was super convenient come dinner time, but one was a puppy and still growing, and the other was slowing down – they had completely different health and dietary needs, just like humans often do.

It took about two weeks for Denali to be happy with his new food – I don’t know if it was adjusting to the taste or the fact that Hank (our bulldog) was getting served a different meal – but once he settled into his food, I noticed he was a lot more alert and much more energetic. We can even say he started being feisty again. It’s nice to see my baby with a little more bounce, and even better, I feel like I’m being a better mom simply by paying close attention to his food.

Like human ingredient labels, the first ingredients listed are the ones in highest concentration, and I love that Bright Mind has high-quality protein, which includes chicken as the first ingredient. Granted, my dog will eat anything, but it needs to be things I can pronounce to ensure he is eating healthy stuff.

I love that this food promotes alertness and mental sharpness but my favorite thing is that it has an omega-3 fatty acid (EPA) and glucosamine that help support joint health and mobility, which is the first thing I notice to start to deteriorate as dogs age. 

What about you? Do you feel like a bad doggy parent if you don’t pay super close attention to their diet? I honestly never thought it was that big of a deal until I noticed this drastic change. My dog is still a major pain in the butt, but I hope this food and closer attention to his care helps him stay around as long as possible!

*This post was part of The Blonde Side’s involvement with being a Women’s Health Magazine Action Hero, but all content above is true and owned by me.*

 

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RUN10FEED10 Houston 5k – JOIN ME

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Houston's Run10Feed10 is October 15th, 2016

Houston’s Run10Feed10 is October 15th, 2016

I am so pumped (and slightly nervous) to be planning a 5k with Women’s Health Magazine and Runtastic, but I’m ready to meet this task head-on.

The 5k is still in the planning stages, but here’s what I can tell you: I NEED SIGNUPS! Also, I’ve got the date nailed down and I promise it will be a casual FUN RUN. No crazy times – your dogs and your strollers and your friends who hate running are ALL invited.

This is my fifth year being selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero and something I am incredibly proud of. In the five years this program has been around, we have raised 5 million meals for those in need. Please see below and sign-up and join me – the cost is $28 but with code WHLAMM you’ll get a discount!

WHEN: Saturday, October 15th – 8a.

Location: Houston, TBD (I will mapping out the course, so if you have ideas, let me know!)

To Sign-up: Click here and go to Register Now, then scroll down to RUN YOUR OWN. Then select JOIN A TEAM, select RUN YOUR OWN 5K. You’ll start the registration process and then will again select JOIN EXISTING TEAM and search for THE BLONDE SIDE. Finish registration using discount code WHLAMM.

This is a super fun event and an incredible cause – providing meals to those in need right here in Houston.

If you want to make a quick donation (honestly, even $10 goes A LONG WAY), click here to help support that way.

Interested in donating or are you a business who wants to be involved? Email me ASAP: jayme@theblondeside.com.

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Runtastic Interview

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Run10Feed10 blog post on Runtastic

Run10Feed10 blog post on Runtastic

The Blonde Side was recently interviewed for the Runtastic blog. For those who don’t know about Runtastic, it’s a health and fitness community and is an all-around awesome app, that will help keep you on track.

This interview and blog post was part of our involvement with Women’s Health Magazine as an Action Hero.

Read the blog post:

I am lucky to live in a great community like Houston – one that is an active running community and loves giving back to various charities. RUN 10 FEED 10 has been a perfect match. I have been blessed to be a part of this charity run for the past four years, and have seen how it has impacted children and families right in my own neighborhood.

(Click here to read the rest on the Runtastic blog)

To join the Houston Run10Feed10 event, click here to sign up and use code WHLAMM for a discount. The 5k is Saturday, October 15th.

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