Degree Get Moving Challenge

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Degree Get Moving Challenge with Women's Health

Degree Get Moving Challenge with Women’s Health

July 1st is right around the corner and it marks the kick off to the Degree Get Moving Challenge with Women’s Health and Men’s Health.

Although bikini season is already upon us (yikes?), who doesn’t need a six-week fitness challenge to keep us going?

Chris Powell, Celebrity Trainer and Transformation Pro will be leading the challenges. You can enter the challenge (it’s free) either as a bonus form of motivation or if you’re hardcore like me, for a chance to be named the Ultimate Challenger and WIN a one-on-one workout session with Chris Powell!

I am beyond excited that the Women’s Health Action Hero Program selected me as one of the influencers to help push this program forward.

Follow me on Twitter to keep up with my progress and challenges and be sure to check out #GetMoving #WHActionHero to see what others are doing.

Here is more about the program from an official release about the challenge via Business Wire:

Each week Powell will unveil a set of all-new, exclusive endurance, strength, and cardio challenges designed to incrementally increase the level of intensity each week so participants can achieve greater fitness results and keep moving all summer long. Each member’s workout progress is logged and tracked through a custom partnership with MapMyFitness, the number one training app that enables users to track fitness activities via the built-in GPS on their mobile devices.

“This summer I’m challenging men and women everywhere to get moving and maximize their fitness goals together with the teams at Women’s Health and Men’s Health and the support of Degree®,” says Chris Powell.

Summer is a great time to change up any fitness routine to include outdoor activities. The Degree® Get Moving Challenge works to incorporate all physical activity, both indoor and outdoor, and encourages people to vary their workouts in order to win prizes throughout the competition. Inspired by Degree’s movement platform, the collaboration brings together the expertise of Women’s Health and Men’s Health, along with Chris Powell’s approach to proven results to ensure a successful experience for all participants.

At the end of the 6-week challenge, one participant will be named the Ultimate Challenger and win a one-on-one personalized training session with Powell.

The “Degree® Get Moving Challenge” spotlights Degree’s exclusive MOTIONSENSE® technology that responds directly to body movement—the more you move, the more it protects. “More people rely on Degree Antiperspirant than any other brand in America. We’re excited to put our unique Degree® MOTIONSENSE technology to the test in this exciting partnership with Chris, Women’s Health and Men’s Health. We want to help readers keep moving, and challenge themselves to achieve their best,” said Matthew McCarthy, Senior Marketing Director, Unilever North America.

Challenge begins July 1!

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Life Coach: Session 1

The keyword in moving forward: CHANGE

The keyword in moving forward: CHANGE

Today was my first life coaching session with Sally. I’m honestly surprised at how well it seemed to go (but who knows, I could have easily driven her to drink after hearing about my messy life).

Something I realized right off the bat was how good it felt to just talk to someone. She was listening. She was asking questions. Why is it none of us do that anymore (myself included)?

It was such a treat to talk to someone who wasn’t coming into the conversation with an agenda or any biases. For example – when we started talking about my miserably-constantly-failing-love-life, she didn’t remind me about that loser I wasted ten months on and all the verbal abuse he put me through or that I ignored all the red flags.

She didn’t judge. She just listened and asked questions at the right times.

After we hung up, one thing became clear – I want simplicity in my life. I’m not exactly sure in what areas (actually, all of them) or what I need to do to get there, but through our conversation, Sally kept peppering me with questions that all led back to the words: organization and simplicity.

All of my talk kept leading her to say the word focus over and over.

Being able to just talk and answer these strategic questions led me to another realization. I have two big goals in my life (one of them is getting my memoir published, though the hard part of actually writing it has already been done), and I’m not working towards either of them. Sally says it seems I can “conceive” a goal, but am not motivated to move to the next step. Spot on Sally, spot on.

Today’s conversation was actually the first time I’ve said these two goals out loud and man was it an eye-opener. I have two fairly attainable and highly-rewarding goals right in front of me, and they are just sitting there.

During our hour-long session, I did something I haven’t done in maybe forever. I put absolutely everything away and talked to her (our sessions are via phone). I wasn’t checking Instagram, the radio was off, I actually closed my computer, plugged in my headphones to my phone and just chatted.

Notes to share:

– She doesn’t come into our coaching relationship with an agenda – she says that’s for me to figure out. Yikes, no pressure.

– She pointed out that we all have a tendency to resist change and that I shouldn’t be surprised or discouraged if I feel resistance to our program. She told me to “lean into the process.”

– Our goal is to tune in with current priorities and values, then define new ones.

HOMEWORK: (I told her to be aggressive with me since we set a three-month benchmark to see some results or at least get more focused) I will be taking some online assessments to help me see what my strengths and such are. It may sound easy, but if you’ve taken these before (and you’ve taken them seriously), it’s pretty enlightening. And the next session, we’ll look at and discuss the results.

So after our first session, I’m sure she thinks I’m a basket-case. Guess we’ll see if she can work her magic on me! 

Check out her website here.

Stay tuned for our life coaching session and wish me luck!

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I Hired a Life Coach

Life Coach - Part 1

Life Coach – Part 1

About seven years ago, back when I was still in Corporate America, my boss bought me a Christmas gift. (To be fair, since it’s Corporate America, it was probably a holiday gift, because no one is allowed to say Christmas anymore, which is annoying…)

Everyone on the Marketing team got a Visa gift-card. Not a bad gift to spend any way you like on whatever you want.

But I didn’t get a Visa gift-card.

Instead, my boss called me into his office, gave me this long spiel about how great and creative I am, how I have a strong head on my shoulders – “stronger than most,” I remember him saying.

For my gift, he pulled out an envelope as he explained he got me a life coach for Christmas. For a brief moment, it was an insult, then it quickly became comical. All my co-workers could go to Nordstrom and buy a new pair of jeans, but I got a life coach. How screwed up do you have to be to get a life coach as a gift from your boss, and was my screwed up stuff really that obvious?

Long story short, the particular coach he set me up with wasn’t my cup of tea. Not a bit. We just didn’t connect on any level, she never listened to me and she gave me homework I resented and ignored. If she wasn’t listening to me, how could she help me? The little I know about life coaches is they are not one-size fits all.

I’ve always been one to find opportunities to better myself – professionally and personally – and I’m not opposed to an occasional assignment to get me back on track. But we just didn’t work out.

Fast-forward seven years later, five of which I’ve been working for myself as a freelance sports, travel and fitness writer, and I realized I needed a life coach. I’m not just going in the wrong direction, but worse – I’m not going in any direction.

My job, my life, my relationships, my creativity – all things I used to adore about myself and my day – are all at a standstill.

Many of you may not know I fell into this role as founder/editor of The Blonde Side on accident. That same life coach gift-giving boss gave me a solid piece of advice when I first started working for him – he told me to get a hobby. Three years later when I got laid off, I used my severance and my hobby and planned to take a break. That “break” is now in it’s fifth year. But since there wasn’t a lot of planning involved or goals to set, I’ve kept going that same way.

Doing research for a recent article about goal setting, I got the chance to correspond with about 15 life coaches. Most (not all) had great things to say, and I quoted a few, but there was something about Sally Anne Giedrys with Whole Life Strategies Coaching, that struck a chord. We just connected. It was only email, but I could tell we had a lot in common.

Like most online interviews and research, there is some back and forth involved. She would give me tips and I’d ask her to elaborate so I could write about it and make sense of it for my readers.

I realized after writing that article that a life coach would probably do me good. I can’t remember the last time I set a real goal and actually worked towards it. And I think I attribute most of my decision to work with a life coach to how easily Sally and I communicated. She had the credentials, but more than that, the fact she’s a “fervent believer in practical reinvention,” and her belief in a balanced life and to live intentionally – those were all major bonus points. The best bonus of all was that she too is an entrepreneur. Unless your entire income has ever come from the lifestyle of being a freelancer/entrepreneur, you can’t begin to understand how difficult this life is. It may look glamorous hiking in Colorado and laying out on beaches in Hawaii (those parts definitely are!), but it’s hard work and I’ve sort of let things stand still. If I don’t keep pushing forward and coming up with new ideas, my bills stop getting paid. That’s not really an option for me.

So there you have it. The Blonde Side hired a life coach and has committed to giving this my all for the next three months. This is just the beginning – keep along with our journey – I’ll share my homework assignments and things I learn – maybe a few of you will join in with me. Unless of course you’ve already got all your ducks in a row and all your shit together…if so, kudos to you.

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X Games Austin 2015 Recap

The Blonde Side recaps X Games Austin - photo: Clark Terrell

The Blonde Side recaps X Games Austin – photo: Clark Terrell

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!

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Dr. Shel – Wellness and Medical Spa

Myers IV Treatment with Dr. Shel in Houston

Myers IV Treatment with Dr. Shel in Houston

I recently visited Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa located in Houston (Sugar Land), off Highway 6 and learned quite a few things about what we can and should be doing as women.

If you’re fatigued, get irritated easily, have dry skin or a number of other issues, that stuff can easily be fixed.

Dr. Shel emphasizes a balanced life for her patients and takes a holistic approach. Before you think she’s “one of those doctors” you often hear about, you’re wrong. She is actually a board-certified OB/GYN, who started her own clinic after realizing many women were suffering from ailments (i.e. hormone levels) that could easily be treated. WITHOUT MEDICINE.

I took a tour of her facility (A+), met most of her staff (A++) and got two treatments.

The first was a Myers IV (pictured above), which allows our body to receive 100% of the nutrients by bypassing our digestive system. I noticed an immediate increase in activity, my allergies seemed to not bother me as much, and just overall had a bounce in my step. The main reason I chose this treatment is because of the increased fatigue I’ve been experiencing, and it really did help. (Click the link above to learn more about the Myers IV.)

The second treatment I opted for was the IPL Photofacial and Laser Genesis Skin Rejuvenation. I won’t lie to you – I told them to take the word facial out of the description, because that conjures up relaxing sensations for me. Wrong.

These are noninvasive lasers that safely and effectively treat sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, uneven skin texture, and more. There really is no prep or after work for you, except to stay out of the sun for a few days. I noticed after about three days that my freckles were much much lighter and my skin just felt an overall refreshness, just in time for summer. (Click the link above to learn more about the photofacial.)

Dr. Shel Wellness and Medical Spa doesn’t take insurance, but many of the treatments can independently be sent in to your insurance and reimbursed that way. They also work with patient on packages and discounts, so be sure to give them a call and see what services or tests you may benefit from.

1437 Highway 6, Suite 100 | Sugar Land, TX 77478

281.313.7435 | info@drshel.com | www.drshel.com

 

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#ENDABUSE

#ENDABUSE - more than a hashtag

#ENDABUSE – more than a hashtag

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.

#ENDABUSE

#ENDABUSE

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!

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Big Smiles, Big Reasons

The Blonde Side is cheesin' for a reason

The Blonde Side is cheesin’ for a reason

In case you’re wondering why on earth I’m cheesin’ so big in this photo, let me tell you.

The Blonde Side has LOTS of reasons to smile today.

For starters, Coors Light is now the official beer of The Blonde Side for 2015! Having a beer sponsor a sports column is a must, and thanks to Coors Light doing big things here in Houston, it was a perfect fit!

On top of that, you are looking at the newest contributor to Gametime w/ Matt Perrault Sat/Sun 2-6EST on Yahoo! Sports Radio and for the FOURTH year in a row I have been selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero, which is a huge honor. Not only do we get to be the first to try some of the newest fitness gadgets and beauty trends, but we get to help plan 10k races that raise money for those who go hungry right here in our own neighborhoods.

Semi-lastly, I have to go pack my bikinis for Bermuda next week to cover the NFL Bermuda Golf Classic. How many bikinis is too many bikinis for a four-day trip?

On a serious note, I don’t think people get how often they help me grow my business as a female in the sports world. My job is fun, no doubt, but it sure isn’t easy.

Simple things like commenting on posts (whether blogs or social media), sharing social media posts (the ones that interest you of course), talking with friends and business owners about my column, using my koozie and snapping pictures at stadiums or on beaches putting it to good use (ice cold beer!), following my social media accounts and interacting with me – those are all super simple ways that many of you have helped me along the way.

Aside from that, you’ve encouraged me and stuck with me, even during some boring times (like the 2-14 Houston Texans season). You’ve given me feedback (good and bad) about where I’m taking my brand – constructive criticism is always something I will gladly accept.

Thanks for ALL your support and well wishes – best friends & fans EVER.

Happy Hump Day to all!

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Trouble Sleeping? Try iChill Sleep/Relaxation Shots

iChill is The Blonde Side's favorite sleep-aid

iChill is The Blonde Side’s favorite sleep-aid

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.

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Cirque Du Soleil: Amaluna

Waterbowl act at Cirque du Soleil Amaluna

Waterbowl act at Cirque du Soleil Amaluna

In 2014 Cirque du Soleil presented 19 different shows across the world – this month (and next month) Houston is lucky enough to host and showcase the touring show of Amaluna.

Last week I had a fun girls night in Houston, which started with appetizers and martinis at Eddie V’s in West Ave followed by Cirque du Soleil Amaluna, which is written and directed by Diane Paulus.

I consider myself a very strong woman, until I step foot into another Cirque show and realize the strength and talent of all of the cast.

The show is based on a mysterious island governed by Goddesses (yay!) and guided by the cycles of the moon. Amaluna is a fusion of “ama,” which refers to “mother” in various languages and “luna,” which means “moon,” evoking the semblance and complexity of the mother-daughter relationship.

And the femininity theme is fitting – for the first time at Cirque du Soleil, the cast of a show is 70% female and the band, 100%. #GirlPower anyone?

“Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women,” explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a woman’s perspective,“ he adds. Show Director Diane Paulus says: “I didn’t want to build a ‘women’s agenda’ show. I wanted to create a show with women at the center of it, something that had a hidden story that featured women as the heroines.”

Some of the acts you’ll see at Amaluna are Aerial Straps, Cerceau and Waterbowl, Chinese Pole, Juggling, Balance Goddess, Peacock Dance, Storm, Teterboard (my favorite!) and Uneven Bars. My favorite character by far was the Nurse (she’s a clown, and a riot!).

Teeterboard at Cirque du Soleil: Amaluna

Teeterboard at Cirque du Soleil: Amaluna

The mobile village, located in the parking lot of Sam Houston Race Park takes 8 days to set up and 3 days to deconstruct, including the climate controlled Big Top where the show takes place (yes, there are snacks and drinks!).

A total of 65 trucks transport almost 2,000 tons of Amaluna equipment as the show only sticks in one location for about a month (so if you’re in Houston, hurry and get your tickets!).

Whether you’re looking for a fun girl’s night in Houston or a unique date night, this is your spot (or a bromance night is cool too).

The Blonde Side is also running a ticket giveaway on FB and Twitter this week – you can also enter to win two tickets simply by leaving a comment (with a valid email address) on this blog post. The giveaway tickets are for the show on Thursday, February 26th at 8pm in Houston.

Thanks and have fun!

 

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Resetting in Belize

The Blonde Side is headed to Belize with The Reset Retreat

The Blonde Side is headed to Belize with The Reset Retreat

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.

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FREELANCE + SPORTS + TRAVEL + FITNESS
COPYRIGHT 2019, THE BLONDE SIDE
CREATED BY JAYME LAMM