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 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.
Houston, get ready for The Blonde Side’s first fitness-related event. We will teaming up with the great folks at RYDE (spinning studio) on February 21st for Sunday Funday Reinvented (sadly, football is over for the season).
When: Sunday, February 21st – starts 2:15p (class is promptly at 2:30) – 4:00p (includes fun girl time, prizes, snacks, demos, etc.)
Cost: $25/person
Who: Ladies only – first-time spinners and experts welcome, must be 18+
Our pals at TicketCity are giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky RYDE’r (good for sporting events, concerts and more!).
Squeezed will have samples of juices and detox drinks available. Petite Sweets and barkTHINS will also be providing some sweet snacks after the ride and in our bags!
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!
[Yay for a blog taking time to state the obvious.]
Maybe life is more than just “Netflix and Chill?”
But all kidding aside, Netflix has become a part of many people’s lives, including my own. Who am I kidding? I’m kind of obsessed with it (I am just now watching Breaking Bad…).
I’ve heard for years that everyone has their own love language, and this infographic (courtesy of Netflix) kind of makes me think my love language is, well, Netflix?
And apparently “Netflix Official” is a thing. Maybe even bigger than the whole “In a Relationship” Facebook status…
According to a recent Netflix survey, 51% of respondents feel that sharing their Netflix account is a very big step toward a ‘serious’ relationship. And, a majority say that they wait until they are dating exclusively to do so.
Some additional highlights from the data include:
65% of respondents engage in some sort of negotiation on picking shows, with 35% of those trading show for show (“watch one of mine, and I’ll watch one of yours”).
Stream Together, Stay Together. Among the top reasons why couples watch shows or movies together:
60% of Netflix members say that it’s simply more fun to watch shows together
58% say that they bond with their significant other over Netflix
30% like learning new things about each other through shows
See here the entire fun infographic outlining these ‘streaming’ stages by the numbers. What are your thoughts? How many of you share your Netflix password?
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-05-at-10.27.24-AM.png416438Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-02-05 10:31:262016-02-05 10:36:49Netflix: All The Love
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…)
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?
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.
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.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screen-Shot-2016-02-01-at-1.46.57-PM.png631869Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-02-02 08:01:072016-02-01 18:25:17EE Series: The Foodie Chef | Morgan Jankovic (6)
This originally ran in the print issue of LOCAL Houston Magazine for February 2016. Click here to see the online version.
Being the fourth largest city in the United States, it should go without saying Houston produces some quality stuff – ranging from food, design, innovation and more – not to mention some of the hottest sports apparel and fitness brands on the market. Here a few we LOVE.
By Jayme Lamm | Illustrations by German Arellano
Eugenio Kettelsen: ENGN
ENGN Tennis Apparel is a clothing company that produces quality activewear for the sports aficionado. The brand was founded in 2010 with the intention of providing sportswear of the finest materials while promoting the popular sport of tennis. The name ENGN symbolizes the drive and motivation of the human body to excel, and the three colors of the logo represent the surfaces for the grand slams of tennis. www.engntennis.com
Leslie Denby: Shop DYI DYI: “Define Your Inspiration” is an activewear and lifestyle apparel brand with the perfect fusion of fashion, performance and function. Whether you’re inspired by a maximum intensity sweat session, strength training or a rejuvenating yoga class at your favorite Houston spot, DYI designs apparel specifically for your state of mind.The DYI brand brings together fashionable clothing and healthy living in a unique way. www.shopdyi.com
Annie Montoya: Asana Pants
This brand started with the purpose to help raise awareness and money for The American Epilepsy Foundation, because of the founder’s own diagnosis with epilepsy 10 years ago. Thanks to the disciplines of yoga and meditation, Montoya has learned to create and live a better lifestyle. What started as selling pants to friends and family out of the trunk of her car, progressed to trunk shows (The Houstonian Club and Saint Vincent de Paul), to yoga studios and soon to launch her brand new website – stay tuned. www.asanapants.com
Travis Drake: Running Game Clothing
Running Game Clothing is a Houston-based sports apparel brand providing unique and relevant game-day gear for the city’s sports fans. With a fashion-forward approach designing fan gear, RGC apparel is sure to stand out from the crowd. And it’s not just fans falling in love with the brand – Houston Texans players have been spotted wearing it and it’s even made appearances on NFL Network and HBO’s Hard Knocks. The brand is timely and pays tribute to special occasions, like their Holy Toledo shirt honoring the passing of Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton. www.runninggameclothing.com
Michael Porter and Brice Wiley: The Republic Clothing Co.
The Republic Clothing Co. was founded in an effort to promote, progress and instill pride in the city of Houston. Their apparel features a mix of original designs (Home Town, The 713) and classic artwork (The Summit, Home Run Spectacular) inspired by Houston, its culture and its people. Look for an expansion of their officially licensed UH (Go Coogs!) apparel in 2016 and new looks of their popular “Home Town” design, worn by the likes of J.J. Watt. www.therepublicclothingco.com
Joey & Jaime: Joey & Jaime
Joey & Jaime is a local brand dedicated to creating a sense of Houston pride and community. Inspired by transplant Houstonians (like the founders), they began with the intention of creating conversation. Thus, sparking new friendships and making Houston an adopted home. They will be introducing their new 2016 S/S line this month. This year is especially interesting because not only will they be retiring some of their Houston staples but it will also be the first time they design apparel that transpires beyond their signature city roots of Houston. www.joeyandjaime.com
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: 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!
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.
How I sunk that putt with feet in that position is beyond me, BUT I DID
Earlier in January, I got to check out La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa located about an hour north of Houston, right past Lake Conroe.
We headed up there for a wedding and decided to stay the weekend, to make it a fun and romantic little getaway.
Our weekend was great. Friday night was super chill with room service (some of the best pizza I’ve ever had and that is no lie!) and downtime. Saturday the guys went out to golf, the bridal party hit up the spa and I of course hit up the Fitness Center. Then we had the beautiful wedding Saturday night and golf on Sunday. One of the things I love most about living in Houston is many great destinations and getaways are so close, just like this one. I can’t wait to hit this spot back up for a day of sunshine and golf.
Thanks to my new partnership with Callaway coupled with my desire to be extremely and obsessively competitive in everything I do, we decided to spend Sunday afternoon on the golf course.
The full travel review and article will post on GirlsGetaway.com soon, so stay tuned. If you have golf course recommendations (local or beyond) or hotel resorts The Blonde Side should check out, be sure to leave a comment or email us.
Here’s a quick (less than one minute) YouTube video of our stay at La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa.
One of the things that I obsess about living in Houston are all the chances for charitable giving, the fun events and the good causes that surround our great city. Seriously, it’s 24/7 and I have to choose wisely which ones I partake in, which is why I’m excited to announce this one in particular.
The Avon 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer hits Houston on April 23rd & 24th. Yes – it’s a TWO DAY EVENT and I’ve got my electrolytes and power bars ready to get me going for the full two days.
Over the course of two days, we’ll be walking 39.3 miles all for a good cause.
How’s this for a crappy statistic: 40,000 people will die from breast cancer in the U.S. this year.
AVON 39 is a challenge. AVON 39 is an attitude. AVON 39 is a weekend like you’ve never had before. On the road to 39, no matter how far you walk, you’ll crush fear, doubt and breast cancer – one persistent step and donation at a time.
Help stop this statistic from rising and come be part of the Power of 39 and walk with me in Houston this April! (Note: as of now, I don’t have a team, but if there is a lot of interest to start a team for THE BLONDE SIDE, let me know and we can do that.)
This post is part of the Women’s Health Action Heroes series.
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Entrepreneur Excitement Blog Series #4 – Bright Sky Press with Lucy Chambers
The first thing I noticed after I settled into my move to Texas (nine years ago) was how much Texas loves itself. Texas takes great pride in all things Texas, and since then it has truly bred a “shop local,” “do local,” “live local,” “love local” mentality in me.
So it stands to reason as a writer that I would fall in love with Bright Sky Press, a Texas book publisher, and that’s where I met their publisher and all-around awesome gal Lucy Chambers.
Here’s just a sampling of why I wanted to not only work with Lucy and Bright Sky Press (stay tuned for our upcoming children’s book I co-wrote with NFL veteran Wade Smith for The Wade Smith Foundation), but why I wanted to share her entrepreneurial spirit with y’all.
“We live in a community so rich with every kind of talent imaginable, and buying, hiring, eating, sharing, promoting all things local keeps the world from becoming a cheap, cookie-cutter place.” – Lucy Chambers
Check out The Blonde Side’s exclusive interview with this highly talented book-dealing Texan…
TBS: Approx. how long we’ve known each other/how did we meet?
LC: We have known each other almost a year. We met when you reached out to Bright Sky about Wade Smith’s children’s book that you have written with him, and we started talking about how important the education message was for young athletes.
TBS: Tell me about your job?
LC: Bright Sky was founded in West Texas in 2001, and celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Originally focused on Texas history and culture, when I became a partner in 2008, we began expanding the definition of Texas to include the vibrant and diverse reality we see in Houston. We publish trade books, as well as providing all publishing services, and we provide a custom experience for each author. Our goal is to ensure that each book shares the author’s message with the most appropriate language, look and feel, in the most beautiful volume possible. We put a great deal of energy and heart into every project.
TBS: Describe your personal style.
LC: I would say that I am bookish but not highbrow. I have a real love of helping people share their stories, and the combination of getting to know a wide variety of people, spending quiet time with their manuscripts, and learning so much new information makes this work a real joy. I get very enthusiastic about books and the power they have to help the world. I think sometimes people expect a more intimidating or judgmental person when they hear my job title, and they will often apologize for their grammar. I just laugh and explain that I’m here to help. So I would hope my style is accessible and encouraging—at least that’s my intention.
TBS: Since this is a sports + fitness + travel column, what books would you recommend for our audience? Which ones jump out to you and why?
TBS: What athletes (Houston based or not) have you worked with?
LC: Years ago in New York, I had the opportunity to work on Nolan Ryan’s autobiography Throwing Heat as an editorial assistant. Since then, I have worked on lots of other baseball books, including Lenny Dykstra’s Nails and Jane Leavy’s novel Squeeze Play about a fictional Washington Senators team. At Bright Sky, we published the Astros history book, Deep in the Heart: Blazing a Trail from Expansion to World Series and it was a real joy to work with long-time announcer Bill Brown and Authenticator Mike Acosta. We also published Houston Baseball: The Early Years, a wonderful book by Mike Vance that shows how fascinating baseball history is and what a part of the fabric of the city’s life it has been. We’ve done some other interesting baseball history books, 1939 and Baseball and the Baby Boomer by Talmage Boston. As for other sports, I’ve worked on golf and lacrosse books. Sports are such a wonderful metaphor for life that they are a natural fit for books.
TBS: One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to read more – uninterrupted (turning off my phone!) – do you have any tips on how a busy person can read more?
A full bookshelf at Bright Sky Press – all about Texas and their authors
LC: Read three books at a time. Keep one by your bed, one in your car or bag, and one in your bathroom. Take more baths—the tub is an excellent spot for reading and you can’t use your phone because you don’t want to accidently drop it in the water—lots of downside there. Get co-workers reading the same book, because it makes it a social activity, too. When you go out for coffee, take your bag/car book and take time to read while you drink your coffee. Read books that excite you, not that other people think you should read. Reading is like voting—you don’t have to share your choices with anyone if you don’t want to. And last, I would say read for a variety of reasons—entertainment, enlightenment, education—and never be afraid to put a book down if you don’t trust the narrator or you are not getting anything out of it. There are too many wonderful books out there to spend time with one that is not providing you something positive.
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?”
LC: Life is too short to follow other people’s dreams. This is the work I believe I was put here to do, the talent I was given to share. This organization gives me the opportunity to share it in the ways I believe matter most.
TBS: What’s your driving force behind running your business? I know firsthand it’s hard as balls, but what keeps you going?
LC: Books have been an incredible gift to me in my life, and there is a magic to them. If they are not made well, they lose a great deal of the magic. Even if no one else but the Bright Sky staff and the author care about the attention we pay to all the myriad details of the book, we have created something of lasting value. Every time I read a review of one of our books or hear a story about how one has changed a life—a reader’s or an author’s—I think about what would have happened if we had thrown in the towel at any one of the points where the work or the business became difficult. A little like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” there have been many different and subtle Clarences who have let us know that even when it might not seem like what we do matters in this big, fast, modern, electronic world, it does.
TBS: Best advice you’ve ever been given but ignored?
LC: Don’t give your talent away for free.
TBS: If there was a reality show about you, what channel would it be on?
LC: PBS. I’m a little quirky.
TBS: Favorite sports teams?
LC: Astros, Texans, and sometimes Rockets.
TBS: A magazine, website or author you can’t put down?
LC: Diana Gabaldon
TBS: Look in your bag right now – what’s the most random thing in there?
LC: A Navajo badger fetish. And my missing calculator—thank you for getting me to look.
TBS: Most embarrassing/random thing in your Google search history?
LC: An interview I gave about posing nude for a book jacket. When I was much, much younger.
TBS: 2016 is here – tell me one goal you’ve set?
LC: 10,000 steps every single day, and making time for the other fitness pursuits that opens up.
TBS: Favorite part of your job?
LC: Learning what people really care about.
TBS: Moment you are most proud of?
LC: When you publish books, it is hard to be most proud of a single one. They are like your children, and I am proud of all the books for different reasons. There have been many times when I have realized that I was able to help an important story make its way in the world and be understood and appreciated because of the quality of editing and design of the book that carried it, and I have been very grateful and happy.
TBS: You have two plane tickets for anywhere in the world: where are you going and who are you taking?
LC: To the Lake Country in England to hike and read with my husband.
TBS: Fill in the blank:
LC: I wish more people in this world would consider how their actions affect others.
TBS: For me (and most sports fans), Sunday Funday is all about football. What’s your perfect Sunday look like?
LC: Hot tea, church, brunch with latte, fire in the fireplace, game on television, dinner cooked outside.
Lucy Chambers – Publisher/Partner at Bright Sky Press
TBS: Do you want to offer a discount to The Blonde Side readers to encourage them to read more?
LC: Yes, I would be happy to offer 40% off any of our titles. USE CODE: bsp_discount for 40% off all titles – valid until 2/14/16.
Sponsor: You’ll never catch me traveling without a good book (remember, Lucy recommends reading three at a time). Speaking of traveling or simply trying to find quiet time for reading, consider a staycation at the lovely Hotel Sorella in CITYCENTRE. Picture this: curled up with a good book and a large glass of wine. SOLD. The sleek bar and lounge also makes for a great reading spot (mostly because of their gorgeous fireplace) or post up at their rooftop infinity pool overlooking CITYCENTRE’s central plaza outfitted with luxe loungers, custom lanterns and draped cabanas. Just a few more reasons to love Houston (and boutique hotels, which are my favorites!).
Know someone we should profile in this Entrepreneur Excitement Series? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email – jayme @ theblondeside [.] com.
Travis Drake: Running Game Clothing
