I have covered Winer X Games in Aspen multiple times, and Summer X Games in LA, but this was my first time covering the X Games in Austin – their home for the past two years.

It was an absolute blast and damn was it H-O-T.

Here are recaps of my articles to check them all out in one place:

‘Angry Sky’ ’30 for 30′ Screening with interviews with Travis Pastrana, Jeff Tremaine and Mat Hoffman – original story ran on CBS Man Cave Daily

One-on-one interview with Metallica’s Kirk Hammett (he’s a big fan of surfing, FYI) – original story ran on CBS Man Cave Daily

The Blonde Side’s personal recap of X Games weekend – original story ran on CBS Man Cave Daily

Outfits:

Since it was 90+ degrees all weekend long, I relied on some old faithful lululemon outfits to keep me as cool and dry as possible, and wore a hat everyday to keep the sun off my face.

X Games hat pictured up top was bought on site ($35) and although expensive, a damn fine purchase in my opinion!

Throughout my tenure with The Blonde Side, I have been honored to lend my voice to numerous events and causes, and none so honorable as my recent collaboration with 17 other Houstonian folks/influencers to help spread the word of AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse).

I was honored to stand beside so many great people to help kickstart this campaign like Joe Wesley, President NFLPA Former Players Houston, David Peck, Founder & Designer of David Peck USA, Beth DeLozier of shopthemanor, Aimee Woodall of Black Sheep and many other fabulous people.

Did you know every six seconds, a woman in the US is battered? Many years ago I was one of those statistics. Looking back at that time, I had no idea what to do or where to turn. Although AVDA was around back then, I didn’t know about it. They provide so many services to women in need, and it’s important to not only get the word out to #EndAbuse, but to inform women of their options on where to turn.

Want to take part and download your own sign and post on social media? PLEASE DO! Click here to get your sign and let me know where I can see your photo of support.

Please join in by posting your photo May 27th!

There are things people are good at. Take me for instance – I’m good at a few things – most notably left-handed layups (note, I’m right-handed though) and perfecting the fishtail braid. Not exactly resume material, but I’ll take it. 

And then there are things I suck at. Like sleeping. I suck at sleeping. Isn’t that sad?

I was recently turned onto these iChill sleep shots – they are basically the opposite of 5-hr energy drinks and I will admit I was beyond skeptical (especially because a guy I was dating is the one who turned me onto these and well, trusting guys is never easy for me). But guess what? THEY WORK.

And they are not gross. I kind of pictured this really gross chalky-tasting liquid, but nope. They are easy to travel with (overnight bag, traveling, etc.). Since I spent 262 days on the road last year as a travel writer, I will be packing these with me from now on!

They have no sugar, no carbs, no calories, nada. I know what you’re thinking – what’s the catch? There isn’t one (at least not one that I’m aware of, but maybe they haven’t started tested lab rats on iChill yet…), but just wanted to share these are my new favorite things.

The sleep shots are available at over 10,000 retail stores, but I buy mine on Amazon. (Don’t judge – I work from home so the UPS guys and gals are kind of my co-workers, it’s nice to see them!)

Of course I cannot promise it will work for everyone, but I can promise (and I’m not being paid to say this) that this is the first thing that has worked for me in a really long time. And I don’t wake up tired either. It’s quite surprising really.

In case you’re looking for me next week, I’ll be in Ambergris Caye, Belize getting my shit together. Literally.

Timing is everything right? That’s what everyone says and for once I think I’m buying it. It’s hard to meet like-minded badass women, and last week I MET TWO – two (Cierra and Natalie) of the founders of The Reset Retreat.

I’m still not totally sure what to expect for the seven days in Belize (except for pampered massages, the beaches, boating, yoga, running on the beach, bikinis, champagne…did I mention the beach?), but it’s more than just a vacation. I know – “more than just a vacation” is probably copyrighted by a totally cheesy travel company, but THIS ONE is for soul searching, healing, getting back on track (hence the name The RESET Retreat), prioritizing life and figuring out how to make yours the best possible. I realize it all sounds totally Oprah-y, but there’s got to be something to that – that woman is a bazillionaire and everyone cares what she’s doing and saying every second of the day.

I write a lot about health and fitness and it’s a huge part of my life, but a huge part of health and fitness is having a healthy and happy mind. A clear one. A focused one. One up for the task of tackling every new day.

Again, I’m probably making this sound cheesy, but the truth is the truth. I’m excited to share all the fun things I do while in Belize with these women and what I learn about myself, so stay tuned here and Girls Getaway.

For now, here’s a look at some of the questions (and answers) that were sent to me to prep for this trip.

1. What is your proudest accomplishment? 

My proudest accomplishment has been without a doubt starting my sports column (TheBlondeSide.com) and subsequently my own business as a freelance sports, travel and fitness writer, which has been going (I won’t say strong, but going) for the past five years.

In college I had always dreamed of working for myself, but Corporate America seemed to suit me well for seven years. It wasn’t until I was laid off that I wanted to take a “break,” which actually resulted in creating my own job. I’m the kind of gal that doesn’t fit within molds and never have, which definitely includes your standard and typical job description. I still think I may go back to Corporate America one day, but it will likely be someone who knows me that recruits me into a role that we create together – you certainly won’t see my future job posted on Monster (at least I don’t think).

2. What is a small pleasure that can transform your mood?

I feel like this changes quite often. Sometimes it’s carrot cake from my favorite place here in Houston, sometimes it’s watching a super cheesy movie  (a Lifetime movie actually, don’t judge!), sometimes it’s just literally sitting outside in the sun and taking in my surroundings. I’ve started going to Memorial Park (a park and running trail here in Houston) a lot lately and just taking a long walk or run and then stretching and relaxing and watching the other people around me. The sun feels good, but being outdoors is definitely something that feeds my soul.

3. If money wasn’t a factor and you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

I love boats – any kind of boats. Any day that I can just jump on a boat is my kind of day – I’d love to have access to one of those yachts (and chefs, and expensive champagne, and gorgeous waters and all that other stuff) like on Real Housewives, so maybe that’d be it. But then it’d spoil me and I’d want to do that everyday, not just one day.

4. What activity brings you the most joy?

Again, this changes a lot. I sometimes end up OD’ing on my favorite things – my favorite song on repeat FOR DAYS (and then it makes my ears bleed I can’t stand to hear it anymore) or my favorite dessert and then I’m on to something new.

Although I’m a writer by trade, I’d have to say CREATIVE writing brings me joy. I often get so bogged down doing athlete interviews or having to insert so many great quotes, that I don’t get to actually do much writing – my job has become a lot of fitting quotes into a few paragraphs and then writing a few filler sentences. It’s still fun, but when a subject just hits me and I feel like I can write for days – that’s kind of the stuff life is made of, right?

5. What is your most significant current challenge?

Is it bad to say EVERYTHING?

It’s become a challenge to find new stories to write about, new outlets to pitch to, meeting new people (also known as dating), getting my book published, handling rejection (being a freelance writer, this is a HUGE part of my business, which is tough), paying bills, spending time with my friends, eating healthy…and pretty much everything in between.

I like the path my life has taken, but there is A LOT missing and still want (i.e. a family), so I’m having a hard time figuring out what stuff I need to stop focusing on and what I need to spend more time doing. Many would say that I don’t need to sacrifice or give stuff up to get the other stuff, and it’s not about that. My lifestyle hasn’t helped me be the easiest or best person to date and I know there are a lot changes I need to make. I recently went through a lot at the beginning of this year and it’s absolutely changed the path of my life. I’m still learning how to deal with all of that.

I guess if I had to sum up my MOST significant current challenge, even though it’s rather cliche, would be to wake up everyday and create a life I love – that’s not something I’m actively doing anymore. I kind of keep trucking along at minimal speed and then at night reflect on why so much sucks and hurts. I know I’ve got to change that, I just need to find the energy and motivation to do it.

I’m not a huge fan of Rhianna, but I do LOVE white teeth. (And yes, I realize the song is shine bright like a diamond, but you catch my drift…)

I recently tried the Crest Pro-Health HD 2-step product line and I’m pretty pumped to have already noticed a difference in just a few days.

As much as I crave bright white teeth, I also have a huge craving for red wine and coffee, which can put a damper on my pearly whites.

The Crest Pro-Health HD line is pretty simple, but what I love about it is that it gives me a set routine (brush for one minute with the first paste, then brush with the polish, then rinse). As silly as it sounds, having a routine and set amount of time to spend on my teeth makes me feel like I’m making a real effort. My friends would probably disagree, but I’m a big fan of following instructions, so knowing that two-minutes in the morning and two at night can make my teeth brighter is a huge plus. Plus, it’s not an additional product, it’s just a better product – the system will become your new toothpaste.