vitafusion gummy vitamins – I love being an adult!
Nothing has ever made me feel more like a healthy adult and a child all at once. Until I was introduced to vitafusion™ gummy vitamins. Not only are they good for you, but they taste delicious!
I’m not sure when tasty vitamins became a necessity, but I’m sure glad they did. The vitafusion™ gummy vitamins deliver delicious nutrition (and are only about 15 calories each) in a great-tasting gummy, making it easy and enjoyable to take your vitamins.
The vitafusion™ gummy vitamins come in a variety of vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements to help adults meet their health and nutrition needs. They even come in a pre-natal variety, which is what I take – my doctors have said for many years that pre-natal vitamins are the most fully encompassing vitamin women my age (32) can take.
Be sure to visit gummyvites.com for $1 off.
Quick note – these are not the best vitamins to travel with (unless you put them in your carry-on or leave in the hotel), because they can melt. It’s only happened to me once, but then they start to stick together.Or maybe that’s just because I live in Texas?
Jello Shots – the only time The Blonde Side excels in the kitchen
It’s no secret the kitchen isn’t really my forte, but thankfully JELL-O SHOTS are.
For the 4th of July, I decided to try something new, using the flavored Rita’s from Bud Light (Mango, Raspberry, Strawberry and Lime).
It’s super simple – make JELL-O as stated on package – when it’s time to add “cold water” simply add a cold Rita (whatever flavor you want). I made quite a variety of flavors, but in true blonde fashion, I didn’t label which ones had which flavor JELL-O OR which ones had which flavor Rita’s – so I did have a favorite, I just haven’t a clue which one it was.
These were actually REALLY good, but even with 8% alcohol in the Rita’s, they weren’t very strong (at least not for JELL-O shots). On the next go round I’m going to add some vodka (I’m a big fan of Tito’s) and I’ll let you know how they turn out. If you use the Lime-a-Rita and the lemon-lime JELL-O, you should add tequila instead of vodka.
The simplest way I’ve found to make these without making a huge mess is to place the shooter cups (I bought mine at Spec’s here in Houston) on a large baking sheet and used a large mixing bowl with a spout to pour them evenly and without spillage. And I have a super obese Chihuahua so he helped clean up the mess too.
If you need any additional Jello Shot tips, shoot me a note, I don’t mean to brag, but I’m kind of an expert.
A super cool part about running The Blonde Side, are the invitations to fun and exclusive events and trying things (products, food, beers, etc.) before they are open to the public. Today I got to sample EVERY single one of the new Frozen Custard Waffle Cone Sundaes ($5.50 each) at Petite Sweets.
This new menu includes seven sundaes:
1. Chocolate Covered Pretzel – for those salty and sweet all-in-one lovers.
2. Big Island – if you love pineapple, give this one a go.
3. Lemon Ice Box – a big favorite of many.
4. The Turtle – caramel and chocolate – how can you go wrong?
5. The Funfetti – smashed up sugar cookies IN your waffle sundae!
6. Makers Chocolate Covered Cherries – a rather bold taste, but I’m not much a fan of cherries, unless it’s cherry vodka.
7. Balsamic Strawberry – this one was my favorite. It is typically served with vanilla frozen custard, but in true blonde fashion, I always change things up a bit, so I got chocolate frozen custard. There is something about a chocolate | strawberry combo that is sinfully good – and of course the strawberries (A FRUIT!) makes me feel it’s sort of healthy!
Petite Sweets is located at 2700 W. Alabama near Kirby, in Houston.
Pro tip for dudes – This is a cute after-dinner date spot. Ask the girl “mind if we hit one more spot before I take you home,” and take her to this deliciously adorable shop. Trust. Me.
The Blonde Side’s newest must-have beach essential
Physician’s Formula Super CC Color Correction + Care CC Cream SPF 30
This is the first of its kind and now, something I can’t live without – it’s basically a tinted moisturizer that protects AND corrects your skin while it’s giving you SPF 30 coverage. It’s great for my face and doesn’t give a lot of shine like most face moisturizers and sunscreens, plus it makes me look a tad more presentable! And for only $14.95 – how can you not love this?
This new CC Cream has been added to The Blonde Side’s list of must-have beach essentials – give it a try, you’ll love it.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Screen-Shot-2014-07-09-at-12.53.27-PM.png350222Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2014-07-09 12:56:202014-07-09 12:56:20Physician’s Formula Super CC Color Correction + Care CC Cream SPF 30 | Product Review
Wanderlust – the evolutionary yoga lifestyle brand
One of the best parts about running The Blonde Side and covering the worlds of sports + travel + fitness is I’m introduced to so many amazing athletes, towns, events, and more. Sometimes I’m even lucky enough to be introduced to an event (or concept actually) that combines all of the above – Wanderlust Aspen.
Though I’ve yet to experience Wanderlust firsthand (I was credentialed to cover this one, but had to cancel due to other obligations), I have no doubt it is in fact as epic as everyone says it is.
Wanderlust is the largest multi-day yoga and music festival in the world. Beginner and experienced yogis can hit the mat with world-renowned instructors from across the world and embark on an adventure of the mind, body and soul in one of the most beautiful towns in America (Aspen!). This is a time where you can truly get in touch with yourself, network and sweat out the good life with so many like-minded individuals from across the country. What’s not to love about such an event? Such a lifestyle? Such a way of life?
This will be the first year Wanderlust will head to Aspen-Snowmass, and attendees can look forward to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Maroon Bells and beautiful hikes and backdrops. If you’ve never experienced Aspen in the summer, you will absolutely fall in love.
Wanderlust was created by three friends with long and deep relationships. The 20+ year husband and wife duo of Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant joined forces with their mutual friend (also Jeff’s business partner of a decade), Sean Hoess. Hearing the Wanderlust story is simply empowering – to see these individuals take a friendship and an idea and actually make it happen. Why don’t we all follow our dreams and our goals the way they did? It’s downright encouraging and a reminder we should keep at our goals. Their story is amazing for many reasons, but their ambition to get Wanderlust off the ground and running has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands over the course of their tenure and is still going strong.
Since Wanderlust is known as a brand and lifestyle, it makes sense that the festival also pays focus to sustainable living, offering signature Farm-to-Table dinners presented by Eating Well and Fitness Magazine.
Hit the mats with world-renowned yoga instructors
A few other pieces to Wanderlust Aspen-Snowmass you’ll want to check out:
Adventure Race: This weekend-long race incorporates running, cycling, swimming and yoga and more for an all-out physical challenge. Be prepared to sweat, get your cardio up and solve mental, physical and team challenges while having the time of your life.
Photoflow Photography Workshop: Photographer Ali Kaukas invites guests to bring their cameras on a nature hike, to capture some phenomenal shots of North America’s most exquisite terrain.
Amir Magal Tribal Art: Amir’s art/photography is a unique expression of how all generations are seeking to be part of a tribe and claim identity. You may see Amir painting, sculpting with mud or engaging guests of all ages.
Viceroy Snowmass Spa: Designed by acclaimed architect Jean Michel-Gathy, the 7,000-square-foot spa offers a selection of holistic wellness experiences, from Ute Indian-inspired therapies to contemporary beauty rituals. Wanderlust attendees receive a 20% off discount for all spa services before 1pm, or 15% after 1pm.
Fits Arts Capoeira / Smoothments: Smoothments is a mix of traditional and contemporary capoeira taught by Alfred Kendrick, a Hollywood personal trainer whose list of clients include celebrities, super-models, performers, and athletes.
Keith Mitchell Speakeasy: NFL Pro Bowl player Keith Mitchell’s career ended when he had a paralyzing injury on the field. Keith credits his yoga practice with his recovery. Keith will lead a speakeasy lecture on nurturing our intentions, as well as meditation workshops on the chakras.
Walkabout with Nahko Bear: This afternoon hike with the lead singer of Medicine for the People, promises a journey thorough ancient trails, story telling, laughter and, of course, yoga.
In case you’re not already completely sold on the idea of Wanderlust Aspen, here’s a list of 25 reasons you should attend.
If you can’t make it to Aspen, there are still three more cities hosting the evolutionary yoga event this summer -next up is Wanderlust’s original birthplace, Squaw Valley (July 17-20), then an extended 5-day event in Whistler, BC, Canada (July 31 – August 4), and finally a newly expanded festival at Tremblant (August 21-24) to cap off the summer season.
Run10Feed10 in Houston – Use promo code WHLAMM for $5 off
Hey Houston, are you ready for a brand new race series in your town? The Women’s Health Run10Feed10 Race will take place in Houston on Sept 27th, and yours truly is an Action Hero trying to help make this race and the great cause behind it really take off!
I know it seems really far away, but we’re trying to get as many signups as soon as possible – this series has been going on for three years and this is the first time Houston will host their own race, so we need to show the powers that be that Houston IS a run town.
Plus, it gives us more time to get our training butts in gear!
The race series is really cool – aside from getting cool swag (see below), each and every signup will provide TEN meals to hungry kids right here in our own backyard. So yes, this money STAYS in Houston to help our neighbors. By signing up, you will also get:
– You’ll get our 2014 limited-edition FEED bag! (the one all the celebs carry around!)
– A special FEED bracelet as a finisher prize!
– 10 issues of Women’s Health mag for free (you can decline this option and get a $10 refund on your sign-up if you wish)
Sign up for the race here. Use promo code: WHLAMM (at the very end of signup) for $5 off.
There is also a GREAT fundraising component to this event – if you want to donate something (even as little as $10) to the cause, you can go to my page and make it quick and easy.
You are also encouraged (though not mandatory) to start your own fundraising page – it will give you the option to set up your own page during race registration – just click yes and you’ll be prompted to set that up after your registration is complete.
This is a huge event for so many people, including me. I would very much appreciate each of your support on this event
Who wouldn’t want a limited edition FEED bag while helping kids?
(whether running/walking with me, donating a few bucks, or sharing it with friends and family via email and social media). Remember, this is a fun run, so it’s 100% OK and welcome if you’re not a fast runner or a runner at all, you can walk the race, we just want you there.
We also have a list of races in other cities (go to the main Run10Feed10 website to see which cities – folks in other cities can also use the WHLAMM discount code for $5 off).
If you know of any businesses in the area that want to donate or perhaps match our donations, that would be AWESOME, please let me know!
If you don’t already follow The Blonde Side on FB, please do me a favor and LIKE it.
As an athlete (former and current, thank you), massages are a crucial part of my life. When at home in Houston, I tend to get a massage every two-three weeks from Massage Heights, but sometimes, I need something in between. I was asked to test out a new Wahl product, a home massager.
I can’t really tickle myself, so I was hesitant to a massager I had to use on myself, but I was willing to try it out.
Massages improve circulation, decrease muscle fatigue, helps control blood pressure, reduces anxiety (yes please!) and offers a ton of offer benefits for athletes and just the everyday person.
The Wahl deep tissue massager (only $59) comes with four attachments (four-finger flex, raised bump, deep muscle, accupoint) and it’s easy to use. Remember, I write The Blonde Side, so I need products and technology that is easy. This one was great. You literally plug it in, and twist off one attachment and push on the other.
My favorite place to get worked on during a massage is my neck/back/shoulder area, and the Wahl deep tissue massager works well for that, but I think what I loved best about this product was using it on my recently strained quad muscles. I had injured myself playing kickball (yes, I know, make fun of me) and it hurt in pretty much every activity and was keeping me from the gym. The attachments and speed-setting allowed it to get deep into the muscle space and work it out – it stung a little, like massages often do when breaking up lactic acid, but overall, I truly think it helped speed up my recovery.
As a sports + travel + fitness writer, I pride myself on being fit, but sometimes, I could use a little extra help. Thankfully I was recently introduced to Rachel Zoe’s new line and partnership with Jockey and the Skimmies Sliphort. I’m not going to lie, when I first got them, I thought it was just a new advanced version of Spanx and it kind of scared me off.
I didn’t think I needed help squeezing things in, but I’m glad I tried it.
Since it’s summer, I’ve been rocking maxi dresses quite a lot, and these slipshorts are the perfect thing for underneath, to help smooth some of my “stuff” out. I drink a lot of Bud Light, so having these slipshorts, which cover like a slip but fit like shorts, work really well. They are anti-static and a wicking material (like my workout clothes, odd comparison I know), but truly are a new part of my wardrobe.
They are also running a contest: #CarpeSkimmies – so check it out and see if you can win some fun prizes (like a $5000 Visa card towards an adventure of a lifetime!). Expand your comfort zone, I did.
I’m just as guilty as the next using Instagram (follow me: @jaymelamm) to retouch up my looks. Sometimes it makes my lines go away, sometimes it makes my skin brighter, sometimes it just makes the picture pop a little more. Or at least in my mind it does!
Recently, I tried out the Burt’s Bees Brightening Line, which is clinically proven to brighten and even out skin tone when used as part of a daily regimen (usually over an 8 week span). It helps diminish discoloration, and the Dark Spot Corrector was something I desperately needed. As for the Dark Spot Corrector, 80% of test subjects in clinical studies showed a diminished appearance of dark spots and discoloration. I wasn’t included in this particular study, but I definitely see the difference in my own skin. Not only did it help with discoloration, it helped a ton with hydration, which during the summer months, is critical here in Texas.
Most of you probably already love their lip balm (guilty), so I urge you to try this new line. I still love Instagram and don’t plan on slowing down over there, but I love their tagline: Retouched by Nature, not a computer.
The Blonde Side & Budweiser Clydesdales (Photo: CatchLight Group)
The Iconic Budweiser Clydesdales Join Opening Day Festivities for the Houston Astros
For only the second time in Houston history, the World-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales will participate in Opening Day with the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. The iconic Clydesdales along with their hitch team will process down the warning track before Tuesday’s game against the New York Yankees and will deliver the ceremonial first pitch to Texas’ own Nolan Ryan.
These ambassadors of the Great American Lager will be getting ready for their big appearance inside Minute Maid Stadium at the intersection of Avenidas de las Americas and Texas Avenue beginning 4:00p Tuesday for fans to come and get up close and personal.
The love and recognition for the Budweiser Clydesdales extends well beyond their award-winning Super Bowl commercials, especially the “Puppy Love” ad spot that appeared in Super Bowl XLVIII, where the ad won first place in USA Today’s AdMeter. Before the ad even aired in the coveted and pricey Super Bowl slot, it had already earned 30 million YouTube views. Perhaps the adoration for the Clydesdales has something to do with the fact they have appeared in more than 24 memorable and award-winning Super Bowl commercials dating back to 1986. The Clydesdales are no doubt an enduring symbol of Budweiser’s heritage, tradition and commitment to quality as well as one of the world’s most recognized corporate symbols.
One of the most common questions of the hitch team is whether or not these particular set of Clydesdales are the original Clydesdales. The original Clydesdales team took form April 7, 1933 and 2014 marks their 81st anniversary with Anheuser-Busch. The Budweiser Clydesdales have three hitch teams, which allow them to make hundreds of appearances each year across the country, and overall there are about 180-200 Clydesdales on the Budweiser team.
One important member of the Clydesdale team that made the trek to Houston is Fez (pictured), who is 10 years old and
The Blonde Side & Budweiser Clydesdales (Photo: CatchLight Group)
weighs about 2200lbs. An average day for Fez includes eating more than 40lbs of hay and drinking 35 gallons of water (yes, all that comes out) and the hitch team spends about five hours on each Clydesdale before a show prepping and pampering them to make them presentable to fans. The team traveled to Houston with 10 Clydesdales and eight will be present for Opening Day festivities, where the rest serve as backups and get rotated throughout events in Houston during the week.
Ten horses, along with the famous red, white, and gold beer wagon and other essential equipment are transported in three 50-foot tractor-trailers. Seven expert handlers normally travel with the hitch, and each team is on the road at least 10 months out of the year with jobs ranging from driving to grooming the Clydesdales for appearances to ensuring each Clydesdale receives a high quality of care. It’s a tough job, but a rather rewarding one after a long day with fans.
To make the cut for one of the traveling hitches, a Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding at least four years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white legs, a white blaze, and a black mane and tail.
Traveling alongside the 10 Clydesdales to Houston is the two-year old Dalmation pup, Chip. Dalmations have traveled with the Clydesdale hitch team dating back to the 1950’s as their breed has been associated with horses and valued for their speed, endurance and dependable nature. Chip is often seated perched atop the wagon, proudly seated next to Doug, the driver.
Opening Day with or without the Clydesdales is a pretty big deal – after all, folks at Budweiser, alongside Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith have been petitioning baseball fans everywhere to sign a formal petition denoting Opening Day a Holiday. With the 100,000+ signature milestone already met, the petition is now at the White House and waiting presentation to President Obama.
The Blonde Side’s photoshoot with the Budweiser Clydesdales team
To celebrate Opening Day, Budweiser will deliver more than 1,500 kegs of Budweiser day-fresh draught kegs to MLB stadiums and cities, just a fraction of the amount consumed on this almost-Holiday. Many fans will get to enjoy the absolute freshest Budweiser at the game, which was packaged and delivered this morning, making it the freshest in all of Texas.
