Graphic: April Guzik
Week 2 is upon us and the Texans take on the also 1-0 Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium.
Here are some of our favorite stats for this Week 2 matchup (including congratulating the Texans on their 100th franchise win!).
I love living back inside the loop and so close to all the Texans excitement, which you can feel both at the Millennium Kirby and the Millennium High Street. Walking to the game and not paying for parking is pretty rad. [SPONSORED]
I’m an absolute sucker for health and wellness trends. Most things (not all, i.e. bangs) become a trend for a good reason – they have provided some major benefit to a large majority of people. They tell their friends and co-workers and so on and so on and then boom. It’s everywhere.
I started hearing about cupping, a few months back in some health-related articles as well as photos on Instagram and I was antsy to try it. Then again, recently, I heard about how Michael Phelps used cupping for his Rio performance and then again on Real Housewives of Orange County where Shannon used it to get rid of toxins. Everyone was trying it and I wanted in.
So guess what – I gave in and went to see Dr. Tyler Bowman of Catalyst Sports Med here in Houston.
I figured, if the ancient Chinese healing practice was good enough for the world’s greatest Olympian, then it was good enough for me. (Yes, sarcasm.) And even though I’m not competing for anything on a big stage like Phelps, what’s wrong with a slight competitive advantage in my everyday training to be a healthier person, who not only looks better, but feels better (that is part of my new goal with Equinox)?!
The process is pretty much exactly what you’re thinking. According to a recent NY Times article: “you create suction between the cup and the skin, pulling the skin slightly up and away from the underlying muscles.
The suction typically lasts for only a few minutes, but it’s enough time to cause the capillaries just beneath the surface to rupture, creating the circular, eye-catching bruises that have been so visible on Phelps as well as members of the United States men’s gymnastics team. If the bruising effect looks oddly familiar, it’s because it’s the same thing that happens when someone sucks on your neck and leaves a hickey.”
The article went on to say, “Physiologically, cupping is thought to draw blood to the 
affected area, reducing soreness and speeding healing of overworked muscles. Athletes who use it swear by it, saying it keeps them injury free and speeds recovery.”
Again, why not?
Based on the Real Housewives reaction of the therapy, I was expecting it to hurt ultra bad, but it was more uncomfortable than anything (although, keep in mind, there are levels to the suction – mine was a lot less than Mr. Olympian Phelps).
Dr. Bowman explained that cupping is basically the inverse to a massage (which I also love!). Massages push into the muscles whereas cupping pulls (theoretically) the toxins and blood flow. The process helps with circulation, which most anyone could benefit from and it pulls the toxins – the ones lingering throughout your body usually responsible for causing pain – to the surface. So yes, just like a massage, drink plenty of water afterwards, but you are encouraged to do things (like workout) with increased blood flow to maximize benefits.
Oddly enough, I was kind of hoping for weird bruises like Phelps, but so far, just some small red spots. I’m excited to see if this healing therapy has any semi-longterm effect on my training, but I’ve read multiple studies that say the extent of benefits may just be from a placebo affect, and honestly, I’m OK with that.
Cupping: the day after
As I get older and my life gets busier and more hectic, I need any advantage to training and staying in shape. If a treatment makes me think I can work harder and recover faster, then that truly is half the battle.
And at the end of the day, if it isn’t harmful and there’s a chance it can help, I’m all for it. I have suffered with neck and back pain for too long. And to be clear – while many are calling this a new trend, it isn’t new at all. It’s been around for nearly 2,000 years. Almost as long as Lou Holtz. We are just finally catching on to it.
Living a healthier lifestyle is all part of the “new me” living at the Millennium Kirby, and being so close to so many great places, like Dr. Bowman make it all easier. [SPONSORED]
Photography by Kirk Jackson and Dana Braverman
“DISASTERS ARE OUR BUSINESS. VETERANS ARE OUR PASSION.”
Meet Team Rubicon
Houston is no stranger to some great philanthropic groups, but one of the latest ones we learned about (thanks to Houston Astros outfielder COLBY RASMUS) is Team Rubicon.
Team Rubicon is the only nonprofit disaster response organization that repurposes the skills of military veterans, uniting their skills and experiences with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. The organization is currently coordinating alongside local agencies to respond to the ongoing Houston floods as well as the earthquake in Ecuador, among other issues throughout the world. Recently Team Rubicon served Houston, Harris County, Wharton County and other surrounding communi- ties during Operation Moonshot, which was launched in response to the severe flooding the area experienced this spring. From April 23 – May 15, 150 Team Rubicon volunteers from across the country deployed to Texas to serve those affected by the severe weather. The team in Houston logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours (valued at $285,000), and assisted with damage assessments, debris removal, muck out and chainsaw oper- ations, plus volunteer management. All at no charge. But Houston isn’t the only place Team Rubicon is making a huge impact. Since their founding in 2010, Team Rubicon has deployed over 120 disaster response operations around the world. The organization currently maintains a growing roster of 35,000 volunteer members who are ready to deploy, at any given moment, wherever they are needed. (Follow the ticker on their homepage to see their current operations, which are updated regularly.)
But back to Colby Rasmus. Earlier this year, the outfielder known for his outrageous clubhouse celebrations, launched Hitters for Heroes. For every home run he hits this season, Rasmus is donating one thousand dollars to Team Rubicon. Add that to your list of reasons to cheer on Rasmus to homer.
“These men and women have sacrificed so much in the name of our coun- try, and I am honored to help make a difference in their lives while simul- taneously supporting the community of Houston,” Rasmus told Team Rubicon back in April.
But the sports-tie for Team Rubicon goes beyond Rasmus. Co-founder JAKE WOOD recently shared his story from playing football at Wisconsin, to join- ing the Marines, and then onto founding Team Rubicon, a story that was shared with ESPN last month.
Additionally, the University of Texas Longhorn football team worked side by side with Team Rubicon during the Wimberley recovery operation in 2016, and members of the Oklahoma Thunder visited with Team Rubicon during the response to the Moore, Oklahoma tornado in 2013, Team Rubicon explained. Wood and fellow co-founder WILLIAM MCNULTY founded Team Rubicon as a way to continue to give back and serve when their time in uniform had ended. Team Rubicon promotes veteran reintegration and bridges the gap between military and civilian life, which statistics show is not an easy task.
Rasmus hit a career high of 29 home runs last year, so fingers crossed he continues to make an impact on the field and with Team Rubicon.
To learn more, visit teamrubiconusa.org.
(This article originally ran in the July 2016 print issue of LOCAL Houston Magazine. Click here for the online version.)
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.
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.*
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.
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.
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.
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. (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?
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
Happy Hour at Stoked every Tuesday thru Friday, 2-7p!
FREELANCE + SPORTS + TRAVEL + FITNESS
COPYRIGHT 2019, THE BLONDE SIDE
CREATED BY JAYME LAMM