GOLDSHEEP | love

All you need is love. And yoga pants. See what I did there?

I’m obsessed with these GOLDSHEEP love leggings – they are the absolute softest pants I’ve ever put on. I first saw them on Kaley Cuoco’s Instagram page (she was sporting The Bachelor edition – the ones spotted on People) and I instantly fell in love, but I had NO IDEA just how soft they’d be!

Another thing I love about these leggings? The team makes them WHEN YOU ORDER THEM. I know they get a ton of orders, so I’m not sure from a productive standpoint it makes a ton of sense, but I love the fact that my leggings are made with love and with me in mind!

The brand is made for those who stand out in a crowd. Is that you? It’s definitely me (which is not always a good thing in my world!), and these just all around are amazing. GOLDSHEEP is designed by Keri Wilson, who has “unconventional” creativity. Though I’ve never met Keri, I would like to think we’d be automatic BFF’s if we ever got the chance to hang.

Goldsheep is inspired by the special uniqueness people have inside them but most importantly by Keri’s Grandmother, Shirley who embodies individuality and independence- who IS the ultimate GOLDSHEEP.

This is the kind of company who stays so up on trends, that I kind of (ok really) obsessively follow and check their pages to see what’s coming.

Check out their website, order some leggings and follow them on Instagram (tell them your friend at The Blonde Side sent you). Now go be sheep…

RECIPE: Spinach & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken

One of my goals for what seems like forever has been to learn to cook. Lately, I’ve really been on a role. I’m fairly picky when it comes to recipes (I have to know how to pronounce every ingredient and know where to find them in the grocery store), so I love sharing ones I’ve been dominating in the kitchen…

I snagged this particular recipe for Spinach & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken + Asparagus from The Organic Kitchen and I promise it’s super easy.

I made a few modifications (mostly because I forgot certain ingredients, etc.) to the above linked recipe.

I forgot flour (clearly that’s how “new” I am to cooking, as I don’t keep it stocked in my kitchen), so I had to wing it and make my own sauce. I did get heavy whipping cream, so I used that, butter (quite a bit), avocado oil and onion and garlic powder and let it melt together on the stovetop (about 7 mins total) and just poured that on the chicken.

I also forgot spinach (duh, it’s in the actual name of the recipe!) – luckily I had some chopped spinach in the freezer, so I thawed it and nuked it in the microwave for about a minute to soften it.

I also eyeballed the amount of goat cheese and spinach to stuff the chicken with – I typically don’t like having to measure everything out perfectly.

Also, I don’t have a rolling pin, but once I cut the chicken breasts in half, I used my hands to smash down the chicken, which seemed to yield the same results.

As for the asparagus (a lot of people tend to make it where it ends up soggy), I typically put it on a cutting board or pan, pour olive oil (I love avocado or truffle oil) and season it with salt and pepper and garlic and onion powder and roll it around, then add it to the baking sheet. The asparagus comes out crunchy and super tasty.

So far, this has been my boyfriend’s favorite meal I’ve made and definitely in the SUPER EASY category.

Nutella Stuffed Beignets at The Durham House in Houston

Guys, listen up – if you’re looking for an underrated spot for date night, I highly suggest The Durham House. (And the only reason I say underrated, is because it’s practically brand new and the media hasn’t completely pimped this place out. Yet.)

What used to be an old fun/Louisiana’ish bar, is now a super hip and delicious restaurant. We went for dinner and were beyond impressed (not to mention stuffed).

For starters, it was nice to have a well-informed staff. This might sound like I’m stating the obvious, but I can’t tell you how many restaurants I’ve eaten at where I asked a question about how something was prepared or what a particular word meant and they were clueless. The staff at The Durham House was on point.

We started with the Divino Display (a meat and cheese tray), which was an amazing way to try out new foods and pairings you wouldn’t regularly have. We also had the Sweet Bread PoBoy Bites, which was nothing like we expected and pleasantly impressed with. Their pickles (on the PoBoy and on the assortment tray) were decadent!

For our main entree, I had the Duck (my boyfriend ended up with “order envy” because it was that good) and he went for the Rabbit. Both uniquely cooked and perfectly prepared entrees, but we both picked the duck as our absolute fave.

Then for dessert (because, yes, dessert!) I had the Nutella Stuffed Beignets. (And yes, you read that

Cheers to this new Houston restaurant

right – I had them – I did not share them and I ate every single last bite, well worth every single delicious calorie).

During our dinner, I also found my new favorite wine (as if I needed another one?) – Turbullent Rose ($14/glass) and have since been scouring every grocery store and liquor store trying to find my own bottle. They also have an amazing and unique cocktail menu, but I was so obsessed with this rose the staff suggested, I didn’t even try any of the cocktails.

Overall, this was an amazing spot and I highly recommend it. If you’re a guy in Houston reading this – I promise you will get major bonus points for taking your girl here. She’ll think you’re more in the know than most of the mainstream media!

If you’re in Houston and haven’t made Valentine’s Day reservations yet, you have to check out the special at The Durham House – it’s only $60/person (reservations are required), which is an amazing deal for an amazing meal. If you do plan on going for the special day, give me a holler, and your first glass of Turbullent Rose is on me!

Morgan Jankovic | The Foodie Chef

Entrepreneur Excitement Blog Series #6 – The Foodie Chef with Morgan Jankovic

We’ve all been guilty of it – stalking someone on social media. Whether it’s a hot guy or girl you’ve got your eye on, or just someone with good fashion taste, or maybe it’s someone like Morgan Jankovic who is constantly making you wish you were born with the innate ability to perform in the kitchen.

Check out The Blonde Side’s exclusive interview with this deliciously talented gal who likely shares the same DNA with Martha Stewart and every other good cook in America…

The Blonde Side: Tell us who you are?

Morgan Jankovic: Morgan Jankovic, Personal Chef

TBS: How did we meet?

MJ: We met through Instagram when you asked for my chicken pot pie recipe!

Editor’s note: which is amazing, by the way!

TBS: Tell me about your job?

MJ: I’m a personal chef who makes personalized, healthy weekly meals most of the time. I also make cupcakes & cakes for birthdays and cook intimate dinner parties.

TBS: Since I talk about fitness and being on the move so much, what’s an easy (healthy) recipe you can share? (By easy, I mean less than five ingredients, for us rookies…)

MJ: My black bean and chickpea chili is filling, delicious, and simple!

TBS: You run your own business (which is the point of this series!) – what was the final straw to say “I can do this on my own?” 

MJ: I was working at a corporate job and felt very boxed in and under challenged. I had been cooking for a customer before that position and finally realized I could do it full-time. It was really scary but with the support of my husband and family, I was able to do it!

TBS: What’s your driving force behind running your business? I know firsthand it’s hard as balls, but what keeps you going? 

MJ: My customers. They need their weekly meals and it gives me great pleasure to be able to provide healthy fulfilling meals to them!

TBS: Best advice you’ve ever been given but ignored?

MJ: Kiss, keep it simple stupid. It’s the truth!

TBS: If there was a reality show about you, what channel would it be on?

MJ: The Food Network or Cooking Channel! My husband has a video production company so we’ve dabbled in making a few cooking videos that are sexy to say the least.

TBS: Favorite sports teams? 

MJ: Texans, no question about it.

TBS: A magazine, website or author you can’t put down? 

MJ: Are podcasts included? If so, Serial is amazing. I can’t. stop. listening.

TBS: Look in your bag right now – what’s the most random thing in there? 

MJ: A bunch of receipts. I end up putting them in a folder but usually forget to take them out for a few days. It makes for a messy purse that I’m not proud of.

TBS: 2016 is here – what’s ONE goal you have?

MJ: When I first started my business my husband put a picture of Dory, the fish, from Finding Nemo, in our bathroom. It had her tag line “Just keep swimming” and was a true inspiration to look at everyday. I highly recommend looking at a saying daily that inspires you. So, my goal is to just keep swimming!

TBS: Favorite part of your job?

MJ: Making my own hours though I end up working odd hours too. I don’t mind doing it!

TBS: Moment you are most proud of? 

MJ: Taking the leap to open my own business and quit my consistent paying job.

TBS: You have two plane tickets anywhere in the world: where are you going and

TheFoodieChef.com – Check It Out

who are you taking?

MJ: I love to travel! My husband and I really want to go to Argentina! We’re looking into planning a trip soon.

TBS: Fill in the blank:

MJ: I wish more people in this world would be more open minded and understanding. There’s nothing more cold than an uncompassionate person.

TBS: For me (and most sports fans), Sunday Funday is all about football. What’s your perfect Sunday look like?

MJ: Grocery shopping for Monday’s big cook and watching the Texan’s with my husband.

TBS: Your social media channels?

Instagram: TheFoodieChef | Youtube: TheFoodieChef | Twitter: @thefoodiechef

Sponsor: Though it stands to reason being such an outstanding chef, Morgan can probably whip up things just as tasty as all the local menus, but everyone loves a night out a good restaurant. Chefs can be a tough crowd, but Tarakaan, Houston’s premier Asian fusion bistro and lounge would be up to the challenge. Located in Midtown (2301 Main Street), Tarakkan offers a peaceful restaurant setting, with a huge focus on food. If you’re looking for more high energy, definitely hit up the bar area. Note: Tarakaan is only open for dinner, except for Brunch on Sundays.

Know someone we should profile in this Entrepreneur Excitement Series? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email – jayme @ theblondeside [.] com. 

Leslie Denby | DYI Define Your Inspiration

Entrepreneur Excitement Blog Series #5 – DYI with Leslie Denby

I often use the word incestuous when I talk about Houston, and people automatically think it’s a bad thing. The dating world aside (I’ve dated too many of my friends exes on accident…), that’s actually one of the things I love about Houston.

I have met so many great people and learned about so many businesses because of the “small town” feel of our city. Forget that it’s the 4th largest city in the country – if you’re someone worth knowing or a business worth bragging about, the word will spread. And that’s exactly how I met Leslie Denby at DYI Define Your Inspiration. Supporting Houston businesses is a big deal to me, but when it’s a locally owned athleticwear company that I’m obsessed with, I seem to take this supporting role to a whole new level.

Check out The Blonde Side’s exclusive interview with this amazingly talented woman who is making her mark on Houston one pair of yoga pants at a time…

The Blonde Side: Tell us who you are?

Leslie Denby: Leslie Denby: Owner & Designer at DYI Define Your Inspiration

TBS: How did we meet?

LD: You were walking in to LOCAL magazine and our office is next door at Spring Studios.

TBS: Tell me about your job?

LD: I started out partnering with my brother Henry Richardson – Owner of DEFINE Body & Mind. I was the Retail Buyer for his studios, and we wanted to develop a clothing brand of Athletic and Athleisure apparel that women and men could relate to and love! The idea behind the brand is to “Define Your Inspiration.” Working out and life in general isn’t just one thing— some days your body needs a high intensity sweat session, some days you need some yoga or stretching and some days you just want to look good in some lounge wear! We design and pick colors based off of this too! Sometimes you may feel like a badass and feel like knocking yourself out with a boxing session— what better way to get inspired than putting on a badass pair of black and white marble legging to get you inspired.  Other days we feel like Barre Beauties!  Put on our pink and be ultra feminine. I have a fashion background – and live in activewear – so it only made sense to dive in to this business! I began designing apparel for his studios, and we decided to branch out and sell to many other stores around the US! Now, I am 100% Owner of the company, and it’s the most amazing thing to watch this brand transform into something incredible!

We started out designing here in Houston, but manufacturing in Los Angeles. It was pretty challenging communicating back and forth with the factory– some of our pieces would come back not like I wanted them. I decided if we were going to do this, I needed to oversee manufacturing and quality– that’s when I bought our first sewing machines. We began testing the waters– and now we have 16 employees and an entire factory producing all of our clothing here locally in Houston. We’re doing everything ourselves, designing, printing our own custom prints on our pants, cutting, sewing, finishing right from our warehouse. We just signed a lease for a 10k sq foot building in the Heights to produce our product, so we will be moving from our little spring street studio office soon!

TBS: Describe your personal style?

LD: I’ve always been into Athletic and Athleisure apparel– thats why I’m so glad its on trend now — and I hope never going away! I’ve always loved watching fashion and trends. My style is sophisticated, classy, but relaxed. Thats exactly how we design for DYI. We want people to live a healthy lifestyle by moving and being active — but we live in such a busy world- that going from studio to streets, or on a run and then off to the grocery store is important. Squeezing in 20 minutes or an hour of an activity, but then being presentable and sophisticated looking as you go about your day is what we want for women!

TBS: If you had to pick one product from your line that is perfect for the busy girl-on-the-go, what is it?

LD: Our Pants! Our Pants have great fit, fabric and fashion! The busy girl can transition them day to night literally and be so comfortable and chic while doing it. Dress it up or down. Almost every piece we make is made to transition this way! People are really going crazy over them because they feel so great, not to mention cute!

TBS: What does supporting not only local Houston folks mean to you, but specifically other women?

DYI: Winter Marble Signature Tight

LD: Supporting the Houston Community is huge for me! I grew up here and my entire family is here. My family has Houston Businesses and it was time for me to make my mark. This city is truly awesome. I can honestly say I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.  We have the best of the best here, and now it’s time for us to bring the best of manufacturing and apparel to the area.  When we go to shows in Los Angeles or New York, sometimes people are surprised we are a Houston, Texas Brand. They don’t hear about this city as often as others — so it feels great to rep my city!

TBS: What’s your driving force behind running your business? I know firsthand it’s hard as balls, but what keeps you going?

LD: The people that come to work for ME, now keep me running things for THEM! We are a team and we love what we do. It’s hard work, but its a blast! I want to grow so that they can come to work everyday and feel good about what they are doing and make a good living for their families!

TBS: Favorite sports team?

LD: TCU HORNED FROGS! Did you see that TCU vs Oregon game?! Best game I’ve ever seen!

TBS: Look in your bag right now – what’s the most random thing in there?

LD: Probably a baby bottle. I’m a Mom of 2 girls — I have a 2 year old and 1 year old. I’m constantly trying to keep myself organized, but sometimes baby gear gets tossed in my purse and we’re on the go!

TBS: 2016 is here – tell me one goal you’ve set?

LD: We have some very lofty goals in 2016. I set some very high sales goals for DYI because I know we can get there. We are planning to grow a lot this year and stand out from the crowd. It’s going to be difficult, but everyday we push the ball down the field a little more and we’ll get there!

TBS: Favorite part of your job?

LD: Designing! We design collections based on how we are feeling inspired that season! So collections and colors are always looking a bit different based on the vibes we are feeling. I am a sucker for black and white — I’ve always loved wearing all black — so every season we have a small “Black & White” Collection that always look chic, sophisticated and sporty!

TBS: You have two plane tickets for anywhere in the world…

LD: I would be on a beach with my husband. It doesn’t really matter where – just if I could sit with a good book on a beach – I would be in Heaven.

TBS: Fill in the blank:

LD: I wish more people in this world would be able to have their dream job and wear activewear to work! It doesn’t feel like work when you’re doing what you love!

TBS: For me (and most sports fans), Sunday Funday is all about football. What’s your perfect Sunday?

LD: My husband is a big football fan! My perfect Sunday would be cooking a nice dinner for my family, while the sounds of football are on the TV, playing with my 2 little girls and knowing my husband is at peace watching sports!

TBS: Do you want to offer a discount to The Blonde Side readers?

LD: Yes! Use code: theblondeside at checkout for 10% off.

TBS: Tell us where we can purchase your stuff?

LD: On our website, and we are in DEFINE Body & Mind studios, Luke’s Locker, The Houstonian, Good Space Pilates, and many other places around Houston, but the full collection is online! We are thinking about opening a retail store soon!

TBS: Your social media channels?

LD: Instagram: @shopdyi or FB

Sponsor: Life can’t be all work and no play – it needs to be a balance. Balance out your hardcore workout routines here in Houston and your busy schedule at work or home with your kids with an amazing meal at The Durham House. One of the hottest and most unique spots in Houston, this is a great place to wind down with friends for a cocktail or catch a romantic meal. Just like a lot of our entrepreneurs in the series, The Durham House is always shaking things up – be sure to check out their brand new menu!

Know someone we should profile in this Entrepreneur Excitement Series? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email – jayme @ theblondeside [.] com.