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.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Screen-Shot-2016-01-25-at-4.40.01-PM-e1453761656506.png294498Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2016-01-25 16:43:502016-01-25 16:45:52AVON39 HOUSTON Walk to End Breast Cancer
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.
Roi Alan: Stylist/Owner at Tease Color & Style Bar in Houston
Entrepreneur Excitement Blog Series #3 – Tease Color & Style Bar with Roi Alan
Since I write a blog that uses my hair color as a descriptor, it should go without saying that I take my blonde very seriously – especially who I put in charge of keeping me blonde (no, it’s not all natural folks).
The man behind my coveted hair color? Roi Alan – Owner/Stylist of Tease Color & Style Bar located off Richmond and Kirby in Houston. Throughout my years of hair coloring and moving around the U.S., finding the perfect stylist has always been at the top of my list, and I seriously count my blessings for meeting Roi. Not only does he give me the best and longest-lasting blonde, he has become a friend over the years and someone I truly admire.
When I first met Roi, he was working at another salon. Like most stylists, they always gab about wanting to open their own salon, so I took Roi’s ramblings of “his future salon” with a grain of salt. Fast-forward just about a year later and his dreams became a beautiful and amazing reality when he opened Tease with his business partner (and equally talented) Travis Player. Together, these two guys rule the hair-colored streets. Take a look at our exclusive interview with Roi Alan:
The Blonde Side: Approx. how long we’ve known each other?
Roi Alan: We met 4 years ago through mutual friends.
TBS: You’re sitting next to a 5-year-old on an airplane and they ask what you do for a living…
RA: Do you like playing with scissors and coloring all over the lines? That’s what I do all day.
TBS: Tell me what’s unique about your job?
RA: I have the ability to make people who come sit in my chair with real world problems and issues feel great about themselves when they spin around and look in the mirror.
TBS: Do you have any funny or unique Jayme moments to recount?
RA: I love how she is able to draw people in, she has a glow that makes everyone want to be around her.
TBS: Describe your personal style:
RA: When it comes to hairstyles I like to be more conservative, but my personal style is much more fashion forward.
TBS: The most underrated thing about Houston?
RA: Houston is always looked over; people act like Dallas is the big city in Texas. We have world class dining, amazing nightlife, brilliant museums, a better football team and me.
TBS: You have the tough job of keeping The Blonde Side, blonde. What’s important for those who dye their hair blonde to remember?
RA: Being a blonde isn’t something that just happens over night, and it isn’t for everyone. There are so many different tones and shades, so you have to make sure your stylist picks the correct one for you.
TBS: Give us one hair hack that will literally change our lives?
RA: A leave-in conditioner that has a heat protectant like Nectar Thermique is vital. I can’t tell you how many times I have had girls sitting in my chair that had melted off hair from flat ironing without one.
TBS: What does supporting local Houston folks mean to you?
RA: It means the most. I always try to support local businesses because owning a business is hard and being successful is harder. I would rather take care of my neighbors then save a few dollars.
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?”
RA: I felt like I was putting so much work and effort into someone else’s company and unable to achieve the vision I had for myself.
TBS: What’s your driving force behind running your business? I know firsthand it’s hard as balls, but what keeps you going?
RA: My vision, it’s the salon I’ve always wanted, not just for me but for my clients.
TBS: Best advice you’ve ever been given but ignored?
RA: To compromise – it took me a long time to realize that I don’t always have to get my way.
TBS: If there was a reality show about you, what channel would it be on?
RA: Cartoon Network!?! HAHA No, probably E! or Bravo
TBS: Favorite sports teams?
RA: Texans of course
TBS: A magazine, website or author you can’t put down?
RA: Oprah, she’s done it all and been successful in everything.
TBS: Personally I’m not a huge believer in New Year’s Resolutions, but I am one for
Roi chatting it up with another happy client
setting goals. What’s your next immediate goal?
RA: To better utilize the space we have at the salon, in order to allow for more employees. We will start renovations early this year.
TBS: Last big purchase you made?
RA: Well I didn’t purchase them, but my brother brought me back a pair of BRIGHT red Prada Hightops that are sure to stop traffic!
TBS: Moment you are most proud of?
RA: The opening day of the salon, we only had 3 weeks to fully build out an empty space so it was a CRAZY 3 weeks, but once the first clients were in the chairs it felt amazing.
TBS: You have two plane tickets in the world: where are you going and who are you taking?
RA: Bora Bora, I would take Travis Player, my best friend and business partner.
TBS: Fill in the blank: I wish more people in the world wouldsmile.
TBS: For me (and most sports fans), Sunday Funday is all about football. What’s your perfect Sunday look like?
RA: Starts off with brunch at La Strada, then Chrome in the afternoon, with the night ending at Escobar. If they were all still open of course. : (
Be sure to mention The Blonde Side at your next visit at Tease for a discount on your first service!
Sponsor: One of the things Roi loves most about the great city of Houston is the “world class dining,” and one of our favorite restaurants PESKA certainly fits that bill. Having received rave reviews all over the map, PESKA is a great spot, especially if you’re looking for a new brunch spot – $45 brunch (includes UNLIMITED mimosas and sangria). Need I say more? Definitely go check out this Houston hot spot and all the unique creations from Chef Omar Pereney.
Know someone we should profile in this Entrepreneur Excitement Series? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email – jayme @ theblondeside [.] com.
OK…so I wanted to make the title semi-sports related, so there you go. But in all seriousness, 2016 is going to be my year.
Wait, quick poll – who doesn’t say that every. single. year?
OK – we’re all on the same page.
As the New Year approaches, I remind myself to be realistic with my goals. I’ve always been pretty good about that, but especially as January 1st hits, I don’t want to start the year with disappointment if I miss a goal I set too high. (A University of Scranton study suggests that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals, so we’re not alone…)
In a nutshell, here are some of my goals for 2016. As friends/family/readers, help hold me accountable for these and I’d love for you to share what your big goals are.
Financially: For those who don’t quite understand the world of freelancing, let me put it in simple terms: I have no idea how much money is coming in each month, if any. I have had clients simply not pay after the work has been done, I have had clients cancel our monthly blogging arrangements three days before, and I have had websites shut down literally overnight that not only erases my work, but doesn’t pay me for the work I was right in the middle of. I have had assignments stolen from me and I have had articles cancelled and not run because photographers didn’t submit photos. It’s seriously a hard-knock life when it comes to freelancing + bank accounts.
With that being said, financial goals are HARD for freelancers, but I’m going to try and be reasonable.
I want to make $10k more than I did in 2015. (So if you’re hiring, HELLO!)
I want to pay off remaining credit card debt (should be by February).
I want to save $700/month. I know that sounds like an arbitrary number, but I have my reasons.
(For all my other freelance and small-business owner friends, check out these top resolutions via Entrepreneur.com.)
Be Brave and Active: I feel I’m already pretty brave and more active than most, but like all things in life, there’s always room for improvement.
I want to try something new each month. This can be as simple as a new restaurant in town, a new workout trend, or a new adventure. I’m leaving this one pretty open-ended, but this will help boost my creativity and not feel like I’m in a rut. I plan to keep a journal of all the “new things” from each month and recap. We’ll see if that actually happens though…
Growing and sharing my faith is a goal in 2016
Positive Thinking: I’m positive I want to be more positive in 2016. I want to start each morning with a positive thought. If that sounds simple to you – congratulations.
Faith: I want to grow my faith with God. Not only do I want to grow it, I want to share it with others.
Share: Being a creative individual is an attribute not everyone has, and sometimes I forget that and take it for granted. I absolutely love volunteering and working with kids, so in 2016 I want to volunteer to teach creative writing classes, whether at a local school or library or a non-profit.
Walk it Out: Although I’m proud to be an athlete and decent runner, I want to start walking more in 2016 – and not just for the sake of burning calories (although, what a bonus!). I can count on one hand how many walks I went on with friends in 2015 and guess what? Every single one of them was a great time – it was a great way to learn more about Houston and to reconnect with a friend.
Read: As a writer, I’ll admit it’s hard to read. I have this rush of guilt that I should be writing, not reading someone else’s work. But that has to stop. Each week, I plan to read for an hour – uninterrupted. No cell phone, no to-do lists, nothing – just reading. I love this article on how busy people can find more time to read more.
The truth
In the Kitchen: More about my upcoming move later, but with a kitchen I actually have room to maneuver in, I have no excuse not to cook more. I want to try one new recipe each month and cook at least 3x a week. If you have suggestions for great websites/blogs for recipes, let me know!
Memoir:The time has come. Actually, the time came a long time ago, and then circled back, then did it all over again, but now I’m serious. I wrote a hilariously self-deprecating memoir two summers ago when I moved to Hawaii and it’s just been sitting on my computer. If word documents could rust, this would be completely rusty and dangerous to touch. Mark my words – my memoir will be picked up by a literary agent in 2016. I realize this will be hard work, but I’m ready for it.
Hawaii: There’s no other way to describe this one, except for the simple fact I will step foot back on the North Shore this year. If you’ve ever met me, you know I moved to Hawaii for four months in 2013 and it was by far the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. Hawaii is my happy place, and you better believe I’ll be hopping on a plane for a visit back.
If you’re looking for more reading on achieving New Year’s goals and hacks and tricks to doing it, I loved this Lifehack article. Here’s another great piece from ABC News with top resolutions and apps to help get you there.
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My year-end recap has kind of become a thing – not that a lot of you care, but it’s always a time of reflection to write down the up’s and down’s and share them. Not to mention serve as a reminder to myself of things that went wrong and praise the things that went right.
I looked back at some of the goals I set for 2015 – I pretty much failed miserably at all of them. But that’s just part of life as our needs and wants change. And guess what? I’m totally OK with that.
One area I did hit the mark was travel. In 2014 I spent 262 days on the road and it wore me the hell out. I vowed that 2015 would be about traveling to bigger places I’ve never been, and hopefully out of the country more. Prior to 2015 I had only been to Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas. During 2015 I had the chance to visit Belize (x2), Bermuda, Spain, Honduras, Cozumel and Mazatlan (an incredibly unique area of Mexico).
This was another one of those years I can’t look back unequivocally and say this was a great year or a bust. As per usual, it was right in the middle, as I imagine many would say.
I definitely went through some pretty tough stuff this year – some of it too personal to share – but I can tell you it wasn’t all great. Sadly, 2015 reminded me there are still people out there that just completely suck and try to tear down your reputation and career. It’s a hard concept to grasp that small-minded people exist, and not just that, but you let them in your life. But it’s life. And we all have to deal with it – unfortunately. And hopefully learn from it.
Since October, I’ve also battled some pretty gnarly health issues, which remain
Bye Felicia
unresolved. That doesn’t make for a pleasant year, but going through these tough times, I have realized who really cares about me and how thankful I am to have these people in my life. People that would drop anything and wait TWO HOURS in line at Krispy Kreme because you were craving it after surgery. Thanks Jennifer.
2015 wasn’t all bad. Here are a few highlights:
One killer thing that happened was that I was granted the opportunity to be the guest editor for the first-ever sports issue for LOCAL Houston Magazine. In 19 years in business, I was their first guest editor EVER. Not only was it a learning experience, it was humbling.
I wrote a book. Not the memoir you’re all anxiously awaiting to read, but a children’s book with NFL veteran, Wade Smith, which will benefit The Wade Smith Foundation. The book is due out in print in March and I am beyond thrilled with this project and how it took shape.
Women’s Health Magazine named me a “Bona Fide Fitness Queen,” which was pretty badass and a huge compliment.
I secured some great new sponsorships and partnerships – one I’m really excited about heading into the New Year is working with Callaway Golf. Before you ask – I am not good. But that’s the point – I’m going to learn.
Greetings from the beaches in Spain
Believe it or not, I went on another cruise, even after my terrible incident with the Carnival Triumph a few years ago. And I had an absolute blast. Not only was it a blast (and I got a great tan), but I met some of the best girlfriends I could ever ask for. These girls will surely be friends for life, and for that I am so thankful. Even if we would have been forced to use red plastic bags, we would have figured out how to have fun.
I took a much needed and incredibly beautiful trip to Belize to reset my mind, my body and my goals and intentions. It’s a ladies-only trip that happens twice a year and I highly recommend it. (I also have a discount code if you’re interested – email me.)
I’ve already got one of the biggest and most unique projects of my career (the entrepreneur version of it) lined up, and I’m excited to share that VERY SOON.
So thanks to all of you that helped get me through 2015 – and for those of you that tried to bring me down – BYE FELICIA.
I am literally always on the go (as you can see in this picture unable to stand still), which means I have to stuff a whole lot of things into bags so I’m prepared.
People call me the bag lady because I’m always transferring my “practical” purse items (wallet, lip gloss, sunglasses, etc.) in and out of my laptop bag as I’m either traveling or posted up at a coffeeshop or who knows where.
At any given time there are six bags hanging off my dining room chair because one is for the gym, one is for a fancy client meeting, another for a bar-hopping night with friends, and the list continues. I never had the perfect-for-everything kind of bag(s) until this Christmas!
This Christmas, I got one of the most practical gifts I’m just obsessed with. Thanks to Instagram, I met and fell in love with the luxury brand of handbags, august. And thanks to Santa, I got my very own!
All the reasons I love these bags and the august brand:
PRACTICAL.The Camps Bay bag in black (the bigger one, which is on sale for 1/2 off!) was such a practical and lovely gift. I use it as my general laptop/carry-on bag while traveling. To go with that, I got The Ravello fold-over clutch, so it’s an easy-as-pie transition no matter where I’m headed. I put the clutch in the carry-on and when it’s time for dinner or to meet friends, I just grab the clutch and go. Both are so chic on their own, it’s the best way to dress up my usual yoga pants and oversized t-shirt look or jeans and messy bun.
BAGS THAT GIVE BACK. It’s no secret I LOVE companies that give back and august most certainly does. After seeing a lack of educational opportunities as they traveled the world, the founders (Charles and Jenna) recognized a need for greater education on a
Photo: Courtesy august Instagram
global scale, and brought it back to their new home in LA. The duo has partnered with Operation School Bell to offer a backpack to underserved youth in Los Angeles for every august bag sold. Did you hear that? Buy yourself a luxury handbag (or a friend) and they will donate a backpack to a child in need in the Los Angeles area!
WANDERLUST INSPIRED. As someone who works in both the travel and sports world, I love that these functional and amazing bags are based on the creator’s past travels. For example, The Ravello (the fold-over clutch above) has this description: I’m obsessed with all things Italian — it’s one of those majestic places that all roads seem to lead back to. This foldover clutch was inspired by our travel to the Italian Riveria and embodies the versatility of European life. Popping up to Milan for a meeting and then heading down the coast on the train for a romantic weekend is actually possible in Italy — and blows my mind every time. Sophisticated, practical and great to carry your iPad or other key essentials.
Photo: Courtesy august (Founder Jenna | Villa D’Este in Lake Como, Italy)
Although when I think about it, I sort of feel like an underachiever. I travel to Spain and bring back a bottle of cava and new Instagram pictures. This pair is creating handbags to serve as memories and helping children in need. Kudos to them.
In case you’re in the market for a new august handbag (who isn’t?), use code: BLONDESIDE20 for 20% off all orders, no expiration date. And go give their Instagram account a follow – it’ll up your wanderlust level 60% – not sure if that’s good or bad.
3 Ways to Wear: Alpha Industries Helo Bomber Utility Jacket
I was recently turned on to Alpha Industries and their line of flight jackets and parkas. It took me forever to decide on a jacket, but I fell in love with the Helo Bomber Utility Jacket in Steel Blue (see what I did there, Texans fans?).
Look #1 – Layering is all the rage with the amount of travel I do and how quickly I go from hot to freezing cold in a matter of seconds. A pair of quality jeans are my weakness, rolled up with a pair of strappy heels and a flannel around my waist along with the oversized Helo Bomber Utility makes me feel incredibly comfortable, but still on point with trends.
Look #2 – I rarely get super dressed up, but I will rock a LBD (little black dress) pretty much any day of the week. Sticking with comfort and ease, a pair of ankle boots with a little heel keeps it girly and functional, and the Helo Bomber Utility brings it back down to a fun and flirty playing field.
Look #3 – As a sportswriter and always on the go, I love a simply graphic tee and Converse. The Helo Bomber Utility adds to the already sporty and comfortable look, giving it a little extra edge and personality, and the beanie helps hide the fact I had to get ready super fast. Bonus: all the extra pockets in the jacket make it an easy wear since I don’t always like carrying around a purse!
Thanks to Alpha Industries for featuring me on their blog. Lots of cool celebs rock these jackets, so hoping that up’s my cool factor just a tad.
Shop the latest Alpha Industries looks on Revolve and use code TULIP for 10% off most items. Plus you’ll love their fast and free shipping and easy returns.
This post may contain affiliate links, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s no secret, I’m no expert in the kitchen and it’s also no secret that learning to cook (at least on some level above mac ‘n cheese) is on the top of my list of things to bet better at.
Last night I tried a Stuffed Peppers recipe I found at Eating Well, and made a few modifications.
For starters, yes, I chose red and green peppers for Christmas colors, since it’s that time of the year!
I used ground beef (98% lean) instead of turkey, because I eat turkey a lot.
I also added chopped and sautéed yellow peppers, chili tomatoes (to give it a little kick), and shredded cheese and used a smidgen of truffle oil while sautéing the onions. So basically, I took a fairly healthy recipe and undid all of that, but I have to admit – even I was pretty impressed with the outcome.
Next time, I will add something with more kick – maybe some hot sauce into the mixture before baking them. Somehow, I also ended up with twice as much “stuffing” to put in the peppers, even after filling all four, so I am running to the store to get more peppers for tonight. It’s kind of considered leftovers, kind of a brand-new meal, right?
Also, to show just how much of a novice in the kitchen I am – this was my first time actually cooking rice. I always thought the “boil in a big” was how you made rice, so that was new. I also had never chopped an onion until last night. My tip – DON’T WEAR MASCARA WHEN CHOPPING ONIONS. It burns even more.
I’d love to hear your favorite recipes or websites or kitchen hacks – comment below and lets learn to cook together!
Our 4th annual JingleBALLS has come and gone, and boy was it a good time!
For starters, THANK YOU to all who came, donated, sponsored and just showed support. This is The Blonde Side’s 4th year doing this charity event, and each year it has benefited the Ronald McDonald House Houston. (See the end of this post why we picked RMH as our beneficiary.)
This year, our beautiful co-host was a fellow blonde, Caitlyn Beth – former Houston Texans Cheerleader and model and just an all around do-gooder and fun time. Caitlyn added a bit of flair and fancy to this year’s event and we were so honored to have her as part of the team.
Event Recap: For the 2nd straight year, JingleBALLS was hosted at Gage Lounge in Midtown, and they were the best hosts imaginable. The staff truly went above and beyond helping us set up and keep the night rolling. Thanks to you guys!
We raised more money at JingleBALLS: 4th & Goal than any others and we packed TWO CHEVY TAHOE’S to the rim with brand new balls that we took to the Santa Store at RMH the next day. We raised a couple thousand dollars this year as well, which is a new addition to the balls we’ve donated in the past.
Our Silent Auction table was a hit (as always) and for those curious – our top two items were the Mike Trout autographed baseball (generously donated by BODYARMOR SuperDrink), and the seats and field passes to a 2016 Astros v. Rangers game (generously donated by Astros GM Jeff Luhnow).
A big thank you to FOX26 Houston for having Caitlyn and I on the morning show promoting JingleBALLS – every year the FOX26 family has been so helpful getting the word out and we love working with them (not to mention a number of their amazing staff attended the event!).
Another big thank you to our title event sponsor, TicketCityfor not only sponsoring the
How many blonde co-hosts does it take to work a photobooth?
event, but giving away a $500 raffle item for future use of tickets. NOTE: use the link above for 10% off any concert/sporting tickets purchased BY December 31st – discount is automatically taken at checkout.
To keep the party rocking, drinks were donated (each guest who donated a ball for RMH or $20 received two complimentary drink tickets) by Dos Equis (STAY THIRSTY) and Finlandia Vodka, Jack Daniel’s (Honey and Jack Daniel’s Fire) tasty concoctions. Probably our best (and most festive) drink menu yet!
Our check-in table was sponsored by The Millennium High Street luxury apartments off Westheimer and we had light bites courtesy of one of Houston’s most popular restaurants, Corner Table.
We also had a super fun photobooth – this was our 2nd year working with Mark McVey at TapSnap1088, and it was amazing. (If you plan to have a photobooth at your next event, please mention JingleBALLS or The Blonde Side for a small discount and to thank him for his donation!)
This year’s event committee: Justin Capetillo, Leigh Evans, Hollie Fulsom (and CharitaBulls), April Guzik (our graphic designer – DayZeroCreative), Braidee Ireland, Ciara Major (the lady behind the silent auction table each year!), David Nagy (EndZone King, duh!), Sarah Smith, and Rodney Waites. We also had the folks at Running Game Clothing there – check out their Houston sports apparel line – use code THEBLONDESIDE for 10% off.
One last big T H A N K Y O U to all who came, donated, and especially sponsored. If you’re reading this, please go show some LOVE to our sponsors – follow them on social media and go visit their businesses. Donating time and money to a charity is a very unique thing and JingleBALLS wouldn’t exist without them.
Lastly, for those still reading…I wanted to share why The Blonde Side has chosen Ronald McDonald House as our beneficiary for this great event the last four years.
I have always had a big heart for giving back, but as someone who doesn’t make a lot of money (oh the joys of being a freelance writer!), I’ve always wanted to work with charities that benefit immediately from every dollar and ball we donate. I know times are tough and not everyone has hundreds or thousands of dollars to donate, especially around the holidays, so we wanted a charity that would be happy and able to use what we were able to give – no matter how small it may seem compared to that of other large corporations or events.
Four years ago, I reached out to a few friends that were very tapped into the Houston community, especially the non-profit world. I asked them to share what charities they thought would benefit most from this idea of an event that was brewing in my little blonde mind and they came back with some great suggestions.
One of them, Kevin Moody (Kevin, I hope you’re reading this, because I’m not sure you even know you’re the reason behind all of this!) suggested the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). He not only suggested it, he championed for it.
One thing I learned after reaching out to RMH and their Santa Store was that it not only
Ronald McDonald House Houston Santa Store (via RMH-H FB page)
benefited the sick children at the house, but their siblings. I personally have FOUR friends I went to college with that have children under the age of four that have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. After talking with them, the parents and staff at the RMH, one of the biggest things I learned was that the siblings are often not a top priority, especially during the holidays.
The parents and other family members are so focused on their sick child – trying to heal them, make them comfortable, always visiting the doctor, trying new meds, etc. – that there isn’t a lot of time for holiday shopping. The RMH Santa Store benefits the entire family, so they can all enjoy the happiest of holidays, as best they can. To me, that is something special.
Dropping off the JingleGALLS good at RMH Houston
Even now, writing this post, I have goosebumps. Some might think a silly basketball means nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially when up against a terrible disease like cancer, but it means the absolute world to some children.
So thank you, truly from the bottom of my heart for not only supporting The Blonde Side’s annual holiday event, but for making a huge difference in the lives of so many that walk through the doors of Ronald McDonald Houses across the nation.
And here’s one last plug/encouragement to each of you (the few still reading!) – I urge you to find a charity near and dear to your heart that you can help. Maybe it isn’t planning a huge event like JingleBALLS or donating money, but volunteering your time. Find what you’re passionate about, what your strengths are, what makes you happy and go find that non-profit in your area that can use your help. Send emails to friends (like I did), or post on FB asking for suggestions. Giving back is something we are able to and should do. I know we don’t all have a lot of time (remember, we all have the same number of hours in a day as Beyonce!), but it can be as simple as reading at a local library or helping deliver meals.
THAT’S IT – HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU!
As we get closer and closer to Christmas (or whatever holiday you may or may not celebrate), here at The Blonde Side, we are putting together some of our very favorite gift guides.
Now up is my personal favorite: Gift Guide for Sports Lovers. I’ll keep this brief…
Know someone always spending money on sporting event tickets (NBA, College Bowl Games, NFL, etc.)? Use this link at TicketCity before 12/31/15 and get 10% off any tickets. (The discount will automatically be deducted as a friends and family code at checkout.)
If you know any Houston sports fans, definitely check out my favorite t-shirt apparel company Running Game Clothing. They are seriously super soft and unique shirts and lots of the players and their families wear them. Use code THEBLONDESIDE at checkout for 10% off your order. (These have to ship, so order soon!)
I pretty much love anything from Fanatics (because they have pretty much everything for all teams), but the Unforgettable Gifts section is one of my favorites. There are a ton of items listed, but you can narrow it down by the team, which makes it easier. They are also running all kinds of free shipping deals (like right now), so go take advantage. It’s no secret I’m still obsessed with all the team ugly sweaters for the holidays too – those make great gifts!
I’m also oddly obsessed with all things Team USA (Olympics) and there is a great selection of workout gear and other Team USA-spirited items.
Those are just a few of my favorites for sports lovers. What about you guys? Are there brands or websites you’re just obsessed with?
