Every year The Blonde Side fronts some money to send out Christmas cards to friends, family, followers, and editors to wow. This year we opted for New Year’s cards (thanks to inevitable procrastination), created by Houston designer April Guzik, and here’s what they looked like. A big thanks to all the input in the design process, and of course to Bud Light for sponsoring these bad boys!
It’s been one amazing year, but as always, I’m hopeful for what’s in store for the next 365 days.
We mailed out over 300 cards, and have had rave reviews from many of the recipients. Looking forward to our Valentine’s
Happy New Year from The Blonde Side
Day cards (hint: Go Eagles!).
Thanks again to all, and go out and enjoy 2014, even if you’re starting a few days late.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Screen-Shot-2014-01-07-at-9.12.21-PM.png4171019Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2014-01-01 23:09:462014-01-07 23:15:34Happy New Year from The Blonde Side
I’ve never been one for the end-of-year dramatic flair (I swear!) but this year I figured it was time for a small sentiment and look back at my year. I’ll keep it short and sweet, mostly because in my heart I feel it’s important for whoever is reading this to read each and every word. I know time is of value, so…
This year was a lot of ups and downs and roller-coaster’ing for me – much like the life of a sports fan – you win some, you lose some, you kick some ass, and sometimes you get shut out and get your ass kicked, even with homefield advantage. While on FB or Instagram you might think my life is awesome because I got to sit courtside with Pat Riley and Micky Arison (just once) or because I was dancing with LeBron at the ESPYS (well creepily near him) or because I went to 14 NFL games and eight different stadiums – all that stuff is ah-mah-zing, but my life is real just like yours, and sometimes really effed up complete with a mascara tear-stained face.
I learned that the two most important people in my life have been there all along, and that I needed to stop looking for friends and a support system everywhere but there: MY HOME. As irony and hilarity would have it, it took that wretched Carnival Triumph and infamously named “poop cruise” to help me re-prioritize life. Getting onto that shit, I mean ship, in early February, my parents and I weren’t on the best of terms. I was stubborn, they were stubborn and we kind of left it like that.
Fast-forward a few days, literally not knowing if or when we were getting off that boat, and I realized the two most important people in my life likely wouldn’t be waiting for me to dock in Mobile, Ala. Instead, I was greeted with my friend’s parents, who so lovingly showed up with candy, flowers and signs (it also happened to be Valentine’s Day…). I realized if these girls were so close to their families, and probably experienced the same ups and downs as I did over the years, then I needed to man up, suck up my pride, apologize and just let go and love – probably in that order.
The most heart-breaking experience (probably of my life) was a few weeks after, once things settled down, my dad and I
Texans & NFL fun for The Blonde Side in 2013
were on the phone (he’s in Virginia/I’m in Texas). I somehow broke down and started sobbing, barely inaudible. I’d venture to say my father has seen/heard me cry only a handful of times. I always thought crying was a sign of weakness, but I couldn’t hold it in. I somehow muttered, “you should have been there,” referring to Mobile when our cesspool of a boat finally touched the shoreline.
He should have been there. After all, he was retired and probably bored, what’s a quick drive or flight to Mobile to see your only child?!
Then came his words: I didn’t know if you wanted me there. I’m crying as I write this now. My father, THE ONLY MAN who has ever stood by my side and done more for me than words can EVER say, didn’t think I wanted him there?
And to be honest, before that trip where I dug deep into my soul for an entire week (keep in mind, no phones, no books, no Internet, no booze, no music – I had nothing to do but think of my family and life choices), maybe I didn’t want him there. How sad and frightening of a realization is that?
The cruise ship girls (this was clearly AFTER the trip)
The things on my mind boarding that ship compared to the difference afterwards really spoke megaphone-loudly to my soul – I needed to make some changes, and I have.
This year also brought the heartbreak of losing my best friend. I have cried over the loss of her life pretty much every other day since it happened, and I realize there’s nothing I can do to bring her back. But there are a few things I can do: I can help spread the word and help debunk the stereotype that mental illness should be kept in the dark. We always think what could I have done differently? That’s the problem with mental illness – those suffering are afraid to talk to their best friends about it, for fear of judgement.
No more of that BS. No. More.
I can’t go back and change it for Megan, but I can hopefully change it for someone else. Hopefully less and less people will have to suffer this kind of devastating loss down the road. If I had asked her about her illness more, checked on her more, been more patient and understanding, talked with her parents, maybe it would have been different.
I won’t be one of those people who tries to benefit or get pity from others when a tragedy like this happens. I was a bad
The HI Life
friend for her at the end, and I’ve become a better person for admitting this painful truth. I wasn’t there for her, but it’s because I didn’t know how. I’m not making excuses, but in her last months, weeks and days, I was no where to be found. Having a best friend battling a serious mental illness is tough, but it doesn’t mean you quit. I would never quit in a game, why would I ever quit on a friend? The last conversation we had haunts me like you wouldn’t believe, but I know in my heart she still loves me and forgives me and is looking down on me cheering on the Eagles (she adopted them as a great BFF because she hated football but always said she’d love my team). Now, I do my best to think twice before saying something ugly, or turning my back on someone. As silly as it sounds, I think twice before posting something uber negative on social media, because what-if that’s the way I leave the world? I want to leave this world with great thoughts about me as a person and the work I do.
I dated super shitty guys, blah, blah, blah – haven’t we all? I didn’t really learn anything new in that department, except I am a woman of worth and if it takes me a bit longer to find that dream guy, that’s cool. It took the Saints 39 years to find Drew Brees, and look at them now. They waited, so can I.
Probably the biggest and most notable thing I did this year was make a massively impromptu decision to move to Hawaii. I moved there to write a book (about my life), but so much more happened. I learned to slow down a little, appreciate life and most importantly, how to love myself. I probably sound annoyingly cheesy, actually I know I do because I’m annoying myself, but it’s an experience I can’t really put in words, which is a devastating thought for someone who makes her living as a writer, one who is supposed to be good with words. I did some incredibly dumb things, like jumping off a 70-foot cliff with a random dude I met hitchhiking (who did not actually jump with me, red flag numero uno) and based on the videos and photos, I’m actually REALLY lucky to be alive. I spent three entire months on that glorious island hitchhiking around with nothing more than tequila courage in my veins and my trigger-happy finger held tightly on the taser my dad mailed me.
Living in and loving on the North Shore
Hawaii, and the ability to put life on hold for 3.5 months and write out my dream, was a blessing that many people don’t get. It was an experience. It was amazing. It was an amazing experience. I am a better person, and I have a damn fine book that is waiting to be published (hello publishers, lets talk – it’s a hilariously inappropriate recount of my life – a mix between Chelsea Handler and Tucker Max, but a tad more relatable and embarrassing) thanks to that island stint.
And lastly (I know there were probably 17 other MAJOR things that happened worth mentioning throughout the past 365 days), 2013 brought forth one of the toughest things I will ever face in life. Something that only a few people know, but something that showed me I have some of the most amazing friends to ever grace planet earth standing in my corner.
Most people can reach a year’s end and without much debate categorize it as a really good and blessed year, or a terrible shitty one they are ready to say goodbye to like a worthless quarterback. For the first time, I can’t do that. 2013 brought some damn good stuff my way, but it also brought a lot of tears, a lot of drama and a lot of heartache.
What I can say is this: 2013 was a year of learning. I think that’s the thing about life (if I’m wrong let me know), but I think we are supposed to just keep learning and being better and trying harder. Each day. Every day.
So there is my semi-short and sweet look back at 2013, and a semi MASSIVE thank you to those of you who stood by me, read my column, worked and partnered with me in business and didn’t set my jersey on fire even when I sucked. I don’t love you all, but I like most of you and am thankful for all of you.
xoxo, here’s to an even better 2014 for all of us, and hopefully an EAGLES SUPERBOWL WIN, finally.
You’ve had eleven and a half months to find the perfect gift for that perfect guy in your life, but alas, the clock is ticking and it still hasn’t hit you.
This might come as a surprise to you, but many guys, including your dad, brother or significant other, really dig sports, so why not get them tickets to one of the hottest sporting events of the year, also known as a gift they’ll never forget, also known as you’re the one who answers to Santa Claus from now on…
The folks at The Ticket Experience, an award-winning company that has been featured on ESPN and CNBC specializing in sports, concerts and theatre tickets all over the nation has one simple goal: to help you find the perfect tickets while still (hopefully) meeting your budget. And this isn’t their first rodeo either. This group of friendly experts is seasoned in helping people with absolutely no understanding of sporting events buy tickets to those hardcore and extreme fans coming to the table knowing exactly what they want. Rest assured they will walk you through the process and help you determine the best seats and games to meet your budget, all wrapped up with one tidy and fancy bow.
Use this quick guide, with information and tips from Ignacio Cubero and Patrick Ryan, the business partners behind The Ticket Experience, to make sure you get the best possible seats and prices. Getting the bang for your buck is what it’s all about this holiday season. Well, that and it’s the whole thought that counts thing…
“The Ticket Experience enables you to buy with confidence. If you buy tickets and have a question or feel like you’re going to be stuck with them or your needs change, we’re willing to work with people,” Ryan says of the business model. “We’re a mom and pop business that started with my business partner’s mom and I working out of my home and now we’re fortunate enough to have a number of employees and a nice office, but we know where our roots are from. We take every order very seriously and while we have the technology and website that looks complicated, the people behind it are very simple and easy to work with,” he says.
“If someone’s buying tickets as a gift, there are a couple things they need to figure out. First, are they buying tickets for a loved one because they want to see the home team or the away team? That will help narrow down the focus and of course the other thing will be budget,” Cubero starts.
That’s the ticket – to the perfect holiday gift!
Ryan used the back-to-back NBA Champs, the Miami Heat as an example in determining if there’s a specific team you want to see or just be a part of the sport you love. “If you know they are a big Heat fan, lets find them the best Heat tickets for their budget, but if their love for teams is a bit spread out and they prefer a lower level ticket, we can stretch the budget out a little more and have some flexibility. Getting those parameters first will help narrow down the focus and opportunities from there,” he says.
For some sports fans, they just want in the arena, but for others, they want to be so close, they can hear everything the team is saying to each other.
“Personally, I’d want the best seat possible, regardless of the opponent, so that would drive a lot of the decision for me because it’s fun to sit in the upper deck for a rowdy game given the exciting atmosphere, but the view isn’t as good as TV, so I’d rather go to a Wednesday night game against a non-marquee team. Look at a market like Houston, you could probably sit within ten rows of the visiting teams bench as the same price as an upper deck center for the Miami Heat, so as a fan of basketball the sport, I’d rather sit really close to the bench, even if it isn’t that great of a matchup,” he says.
And let me pause here – if you’re already confused or your palms are sweaty trying to decipher this information by yourself, the team at The Ticket Experience can walk you through all of it like they do with many of their customers. In fact, you can even email them directly at a VIP address (mail to: email VIP@TheTicketExperience.com) to start narrowing it down.
The Ticket Experience is what’s known as a secondary ticket market, simply meaning you’re buying a ticket that’s already been transacted once. It’s a lot like StubHub, a service you may already be familiar with, but with much more flexible and mom-and-pop shop type options, from people who know many arenas and stadiums like the back of their hand.
One of the things sites like StubHub lack is personal service and answers to some pretty vital questions. As Cubero and Ryan put it, “there’s no such thing as a dumb question.” I asked them to give me a few examples of things they may not see on a site like StubHub or where their expertise in so many stadiums/arenas can come in handy for a buyer like you and I.
“A common one is the numbering and lettering of rows. In some venues, the double letters like AA, BB come first, like they do in the Palace of Auburn Hills, and some of those seats include access to a complimentary buffet, but in the PNC Arena where the Carolina Hurricanes play, the double letters are actually in the back,” Ryan says. “A venue map is often times two-dimensional and doesn’t explain all the benefits of seating options, so that’s not an unfair question to ask. Things like, ‘are there any perks’ or ‘are there sections that include easier access to a bar or all you can eat buffets,’ etc. or some sort of lounge area,” Cubero chimes in. “Having an expert give you that information helps a lot, especially when you’re going after the experience,” he says.
Something else that isn’t always labeled on seating charts – where the team benches are located. That’s a huge plus for a big basketball fan that wants a close-up shot of Dirk Nowitzki.
Another tip from Cubero and Ryan, especially when using sites like Google or StubHub is not to shop just based on price. “Don’t just shop on price because one ticket is $200 and one a couple rows back is $170. On StubHub for example, the prices you see are what the person selling that ticket wants, it does not necessarily mean the seat is better. It’s not a completely logical market, to be honest,” Ryan says.
Other things The Ticket Experience can help you with is determining if there are sections you’d want to sit in or avoid. “In Houston, they have the Red Rowdies, a diverse fan group where fans audition by showing a ton of spirit and chosen to receive free tickets all season in that section. The section is loud and fun – they have drums and they go all out into characters. If I was going with kids who wanted to be loud, that’d be a great section, but if I was going to entertain clients, I’d absolutely not want to be near that,” Ryan laughs. Knowing where those sections are is helpful it seems. If you’re in a low row by the team tunnel, there’s a chance you’ll get a high-five or a wristband from your favorite player, but having the inside knowledge on where those seats are can be tricky. That’s what makes for a fun experience.
Another example Cubero points out when finding tickets in the “perfect” section is knowing where the no alcohol sections are in certain NFL stadiums. Imagine being with a huge bachelor party for a Broncos game and ending up in the only section that doesn’t serve or allow alcohol? Football and beer is a good thing, and that could certainly prevent the experience you’re going for.
“Sometimes stuff like that isn’t always clearly laid out but we can help people navigate that,” Cubero says.
An important thing to note about the secondary market, and companies like The Ticket Experience, is that the price fluctuates a lot, based on demand. “If you’re looking at a winter sport such as basketball or hockey, March can get really hot because teams are in a playoff hunt, so all the games have that dramatic feel to them, so prices can shoot up. There’s also the downside that if a team is out of the playoffs come March and they are tanking, prices will have gone down,” Ryan explains.
“If there is a must-see game, I think it’s more important to lock something in that you’re comfortable with, and not worry about it and understand you got a good deal. It’s a volatile market; it can go up and down. The Rockets market could collapse if James Harden and Dwight Howard got hurt, so that’s one of the things we try to help people understand. If you’re buying early, you’re buying piece of mind,” he says.
Another important note when buying from the secondary market is that the face value printed on the ticket isn’t always accurate. So don’t freak out if you paid a little more. Here’s a short example of how it works in some markets, according to Ryan. “Some teams are assigning averages to ticket prices, so a Friday night game against the Lakers may go for well over the $55 value printed on the ticket, for instance you might pay $105, but a Tuesday against the Bobcats you can probably score for $25, in the secondary market. Remember, you are paying market demand. In our business 70% of the tickets we sell are sold for below ‘face value,’ he points out.
Like many reputable businesses, The Ticket Experience makes their money off repeat customers, so feel at ease when reaching out to them asking questions or purchasing tickets. Their entire business model is based around making sure the fan, no matter of what team, has a great experience, tells their friends, and hopefully comes back for more (in that order).
With all the different markets, different opponents, different playoff races, and more “there’s no stupid question when it comes to ticketing,” Ryan reminds me. And believe me, I tried him on that, and it became crystal clear after our talk that there are so many variables when buying tickets and his team is ready to explain all the scenarios, etc. when purchasing.
For questions, email VIP@TheTicketExperience.com – and remember, there are no dumb questions, at least not when it comes to buying tickets… so get ready to be everyone’s favorite Santa Claus this season.
This piece originally ran on GirlsGuideTo.com under The Blonde Side’s column. Click here to see the original piece.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/NBAXmas.jpg303425Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-12-20 23:51:272014-11-19 12:09:04That’s the Ticket! For a Holiday Gift!
NFL Glam: Philadelphia Eagles Game Day Eyes from The Blonde Side
Game Day glam doesn’t have to stop at your team-colored outfit or that retro jersey from your great grandfather, you can up your personal sporty flair by creating your very own game-day eye look. If eyes are the window to your soul then game day eyes are the window to your football fandom, right?
Thanks to Houston makeup artist, Andrea Simmons, Founder of FaceForward Weddings, we’ve put together a fun step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Philadelphia Eagles eyes to rock at Lincoln Financial Field or on the road.
Since I’m partial to MAC Cosmetics, we used their awesome palette of colors and came up with: Plumage (the darker green), Steamy Frost (light green with some shimmer) and Silver Ring to create this look. Note, if you visit any of the MAC Cosmetic counters (or other brands you prefer) and present a logo of the team you’re trying to create, they will gladly help pull similar colors in case they are sold out of the specific colors we used.
Get Eagles Game Day Glam Eyes in 7 Easy Steps:
1. Coat your lids with a primer so that the pigment shows up, giving you a more vivid and extreme color (not to mention long-lasting in case you go into overtime).
2. Take Plumage (the darker green) with a regular fluff shadow brush and apply to the outside corner of the eye. This doesn’t have to be perfect because you’ll end up blending out the color with the silver in the next step.
3. Take the Silver Ring (color) using a crease brush and blend into the crease to soften the color.
4. Take your smudge brush and use Plumage again underneath the eye at the lash line to define the eye (this will serve as an eyeliner).
How-To: NFL Glam: Philadelphia Eagles Game Day Eyes
5. Take your fluff shadow brush (make sure to clean plumage off so you don’t mix the colors) and using Steamy Frost, apply to inside corners of the eyelid.
6. Take a dark eyeliner and line the top eyelid from corner to corner.
7. Apply mascara.
Now you’re ready for your game day chant: F-L-Y-E-A-G-L-E-S-F-L-Y
To see this original article on GirlsGuideTo.com, click here.
And if you’re in Houston, you’re in luck. Andrea with FaceForward Weddings is available to cater to groups of gals for parties and events out and about or in your home to help you learn how to create your own perfect game day eye glam, no matter your team (she’s a Steelers fan, but supports The Blonde Side’s endeavors with the Eagles and the Texans).
Shoot her an email for pricing and dates and be sure to tell her The Blonde Side sent you so she’ll hook you up with a little bit of a deal. Email her at: a.simmons5586 [at] gmail [.] com
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-1.jpg20812081Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-11-12 20:53:362013-11-12 20:53:36NFL Glam: Eagles Game Day Eyes How-To
I don’t like to make a habit of using this blog as a platform for negativity, but sometimes there’s a story to be told and this is a mighty fine platform for it, so here goes.
Last night I had a pretty ridiculous experience, and one I feel worth sharing for a number of reasons. Let me start with this: there is surely no shortage of good restaurants in Houston. Last night I decided to meet a good friend at Reef in Midtown for dinner and drinks. Just six blocks away, the Lakers, who had just arrived in town to take on their old “buddy” Dwight and the rest of the Rockets were set to tip off in a few minutes.
I got to the restaurant first, and made the executive decision to sit at the bar off to the side instead of the main dining area. Being the avid sports fan I am, I asked if they had TVs at the bar and if the Rockets game would be on. The hostess said “oh absolutely,” and immediately my excitement level went up another notch. I get to enjoy conversations with a great friend, delicious food from Executive Chef Bryan Caswell, and one of the biggest games all season, a primetime showing of two teams with a lot to prove, featuring our very own Houston Rockets.
Winner winner chicken dinner! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that easy pun.)
Since it was a late game (8:30 start time), we enjoyed a few glasses of champagne then asked the bartender to turn one of the three TVs to the Rockets game. The TV to my far left was on the Oregon/Stanford game (a distinct rivalry and with a lot on the line for two ranked teams) and the other two were on the Thursday Night Football game featuring the (then) 1-6 Vikings and 3-5 Redskins. I was told those two TVs were connected so the same game had to be shown on both (um, not my fault you have it rigged like the projects). The bartender informed me someone else was watching the NFL game and couldn’t change it.
Hold up. We’re in Houston and six blocks away from the Toyota Center, where your HOMETOWN Rockets are playing the Los Angeles LAKERS and you won’t turn the game on? A rare primetime showing that CSN doesn’t actually have their grubby little Monopoly hands on and is featured on TNT where fans can enjoy the game and you won’t put it on?
“Can I speak to a manager please?” I politely asked.
Here’s where it gets fun for you reading the story and not-so-fun for the sports fan in me living the story:
I introduced myself to the unfriendly and fairly unkempt woman in charge, who simply said, “ok.”
Wait, isn’t it common courtesy to introduce yourself back especially when you are managing this establishment (where our tab was already sitting at $150)? Not to mention this is good ole Texas, home of southern hospitality and friendliness, am I right?
She informed me she wouldn’t change the game because someone else was watching the Vikings (hello, the Vikings!?), nor did she seem to give a damn I specifically asked about the Rockets being on TV before I even sat down and spent a penny. I also felt the need to ask how long this other group had been there since I had already been there an hour and didn’t feel it was necessary or appropriate to ask for a channel to be set an hour before actual gametime. Little did I know you basically had to call “shotgun” at this award-winning and highly touted restaurant to call dibs on a television.
Not even an apology was offered when I explained that the hostess had promised the game would be on. To be honest, an apology probably would have appeased me for the moment.
Let me be very clear: I did not go to the Reef to watch the Rockets game. I got excited when I saw the TVs tuned to sports and when I was told the game would be shown. Truth be told, had I wanted to go to the game that bad, I would have been at the game.
Then comes this: “If you’re such a big sports fan and the game is only six blocks away, why aren’t you at the game?
Ok, first of all, perhaps a good point, but as someone who goes to more than 70% of home games, not only because I enjoy it, but because it’s my JOB, I wanted a break and to enjoy good-non-stadium food. Second of all, that’s your home team and something deep in my being tells me that many folks within the Rockets organization drop quite a few dollar bills in this exact establishment, including many of their fans, sponsors, advertisers, etc.
BUT THAT ISN’T EVEN THE POINT. The point is, you don’t want to support your hometown team and you want to be rude to me in the process of your unsupportive ways?
Then there’s this: about 20 minutes before any of this happened, I was introduced to Bryan Caswell, the Executive Chef. To be frank, he’s a pretty awkward conversationalist. I told him I enjoy the food at Minute Maid so much more since he took over and commended his work.
After this we-refuse-to-put-the-Rockets-on-TV-issue, I sat there eating my seared tuna and brussel sprouts, pretty much steaming when Caswell walked by again.
I asked him to come over, told him the food was delicious (because it absolutely was) and informed him of the issue I just had. His response might be the best/worst part:
“Well, we’re not a sports bar…”
Oh really genius? You’re not? I took a minute, swallowed my champagne and looked at him in disbelief.
My response back went pretty much like this:
I’m not sure if it’s the fur vest or the Michael Kors suede knee-high boots I’m wearing that makes you think I was under the impression I was at a sports bar, but I’m pretty well aware this isn’t a sports bar. Considering what I do for a living, I’m pretty tapped into what constitutes a sports bar and furthermore, which ones are the best ones in Houston. Secondly, if I wanted a $10 basket of greasy chicken fingers and honey mustard along with a draft beer in an ice-cold mug served by wait staff with cleavage upon cleavage, I would have gone to one. Instead I opted for a $33 entree, appetizers and drinks (all of the drinks were over $12, so again, not a typical sports bar).
Hey Caswell and Reef: not my first rodeo.
I’m not sure why I had to beg to get that game on (of all games) or why I had to sit through a lecture informing me Reef was not a sports bar, but I’m downright disappointed and it’s a shame too because my meal was delicious. But here’s the thing – if you can’t support your local sports team and you’re going to talk to me like I was at the Barnum & Bailey Circus, then perhaps I better make dinner reservations at a restaurant that appreciates my patronage as well as our local sports team.
I also wish I had the name of the former bartender/now server who made our lemon drop martinis because he was last night just as he’s always been: AMAZING. That was the only solid piece of customer service during our visit.
And let me end with this Reef/Caswell/Grumpy Woman Manager: YOU are the ones who installed TVs in your bar, NOT ME. YOU are the ones who had games on before I even arrived. YOU are the ones who told me the Rockets game would be on. It’s not like I asked you to put Sammy Davis and Louis Armstrong in the corner in order to highlight this barbaric game playing with balls.
I hope Rockets fans (along with Texans, Astros and Dynamo fans), read this and think twice before supporting a restaurant that is not only rude to customers but gives preferential treatment to the Vikings and Redskins, over their hometown Houston teams.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Reef-restaurant-Houston-exterior-night_092512.jpg450600Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-11-08 14:15:062013-11-09 00:49:48Don’t Eat At The Reef
Today’s Victory: Working out TWICE when I didn’t even feel like working out once on this gloomy Houston Monday. (It also helps that I’m trying to make up for yesterday’s Bud Light indiscretions at the Texans loss to Indianapolis.)
It’s no secret I have a hard time gaining the motivation to work out on a regular basis, but having seen the recent results from my 5x week sessions at Sculpt Fitness, I continue to push myself harder and harder.
Pushing myself harder and harder means I need motivation in new ways, I have to have a healthier diet, and I need more glamorous workout clothes! There I go being all sweaty and girly again…
And it’s no secret I’m kind of a snob when it comes to workout gear and apparel. Mostly because I’m in it so often, but it has to be cute and flattering and it must be functional as well. I’ve been an athlete since before I could tell time, so I’ve practically grown up in spandex and sports bras.
Growing up an only child and having a dad who was crazy athletic and not-so-secretly wanted a son, playing sports and being active was just in my DNA. Champion was a brand I grew up on. Back then (I refuse to date myself with an actual year), Champion was just as big as Nike was during my various practices and recently Target has brought the brand back with their C9 by Champion line.
The line was much more stylish than I had imagined and was cute enough I felt OK running errands before or after the gym. The sports bra I am wearing definitely holds my “girls” in place if you’re big into running like I am. The pants are also super comfortable and functional and even have reflectors if you run at night and most of the pants come with matching jackets, which is perfect for the winter months we’re headed into. The pants I wore even had zippers in the back at the bottom where you can give them a little flair and to stretch around your shoes, which is super cute and convenient. The pants also had the zipper back pocket in the back for a credit card or to hold your car key if you’re going for a run, which is one of my must-haves in workout clothes.
She Must Workout! C9 at Target – Product Review
And the best part? The price point. This line is definitely price-friendly, especially for those of us workout mavens who need (or want!) multiple outfits.
Go wrap yourself in a piece of C9 by Champion after your sweat session! This line is as versatile and stylish as my workout – always something new and innovative to try and stay in shape.
So enjoy. And take a minute to tell The Blonde Side your own #TodaysVictory moment – we love hearing it!
– This product review was part of The Blonde Side’s role as a Women’s Health Action Hero as they are always sharing new and innovative products not just for the working woman, but the working-out woman!
Dorcey Kuti (and female fans) at “Game Day Girls Way” Texans Watch Party
I was recently approached by a group of amazingly avid Texans fans inviting me to one of their “Game Day Girls Way” watch parties. Ok, you have my attention.
Although I’ve yet to make one of their events due to timing, I found some time to interview the group to share it with the readers of The Blonde Side.
Here’s a look into my interview with the ladies of The Social Chix Collective (TSCC):
TBS: When, why and how was this group founded?
TSCC: Founded in 2009, The Social Chix Collective is a professional alliance initiative developed by PR entrepreneurs Kelly King, Dorcey Kuti and myself to promote the growth of public relations professionals through building business relationships and partnerships. We created our business alliance out of mutual respect for each other’s work ethic, recognition that we are much more powerful with the support of one another, and a desire to work on projects that are bigger than any one of us individually.
“Game Day Girls Way” is one of our women’s initiative designed to raise awareness of the influential female presence in what is known as the male-dominated sports world and in the general market. Women influence well over 85% of purchases made throughout the world. As PR and Marketing minds, we thought that was amazing! We want to send a message through Game Day Girls’ Way that in all areas, even sports, women are the influencers; we drive trends and shape our communities.
TBS: How many women in the group? How did you get the word out in this big ole city of Houston?
TSCC: It’s just three of us. One of the really cool things about it being just us is that we each can use the projects we work on together as a platform to raise awareness of our individual companies and projects we support on our own. Simultaneously, we are also garnering attention for The Social Chix as well. Through our partnership and the projects that we take on as a group, we hope to encourage other women to build alliances with women within their networks too. We brand The Social Chix Collective by developing cool initiatives like Game Day Girls Way.
The Social Cix: Dorcey Kuti, Marjorie Sheriff & Kelly King
TBS: I gotta ask, what is the dress code? Must you come blinged out in Texans wear?
TSCC: There is no dress code for the Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties”– we encourage the ladies to dress up in their favorite football fan gear. During the month of October we were spotlighting breast cancer awareness so we encouraged the ladies to dress in pink or incorporate into their fan gear.
TBS: How can other women join in on the fun? Is there a website, do you pay dues, give me the nitty gritty details?
TSCC: The ladies can follow us on Facebook or checkout our blog.
TBS: Where do these “Watch Parties” take place?
TSCC: Each of the Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties” takes place at Mosaic Bar & Lounge (5927 Almeda Rd., Suite 190K, Houston, TX 77004). There will be more Game Day Girls’ Way events beyond football season. We use many different major sporting events as playing fields for bringing women together for all sorts of fun!
TBS: What about the guys? You don’t like watching football with them? You do like beer, right?
TSCC: Well, it just so happens that there are quite a few guys who come out too! (After all, women like a little eye candy!) However, the atmosphere is conducive to a night out with the girls. This definitely isn’t your man-cave kind of party. There are cocktails, trivia games, music, door prizes, women’s product giveaways and gift bags, vendors and fun that appeals to women. Lady football fans are there and believe us, there’s a lot of game watching going on, but there’s a lot of mingling and chatting too. There’s a vibe of sisterhood involved and there’s really nothing else like it!
Kelly King with Lady Texans Fans at “Game Day Girls Way” Texans Watch Party
TBS: Do you get any support from the team, players, or their wives?
TSCC: During the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston we actually hosted a Game Day Girls Way “Glam Slam!” weekend in which many basketball wives participated in such as Candace Ford (wife of TJ Ford), Ashley Alston (wife of Rafer Alston), Clarenda McGrady (wife of Tracy McGrady), and Shelby Francis (wife of Steve Francis). Some of the ladies have come to the more recent Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties” and we greatly appreciate them coming out and supporting. There’s a mutual respect there as well. During NBA All-Star we used our events to create awareness of My I.N.C. (headed by Kisha Beard and Candace Ford) and we look forward to working with other groups involved with the sports we touch.
TBS: What are the benefits for girls coming? Why forgo how they currently watch games?
TSCC: It’s really about the experience. The freebies and giveaways are great items to take away from the event, but it’s more about the fun atmosphere, being among women in a fun and positive setting, having a girl’s getaway for the day. The Game Day Girls’ Way “Watch Parties” offer women the chance to experience something different every time they come out and share experiences with friends or network and meet other women who are doing cool things in this city.
Thanks to the ladies of The Social Chix Collective (us brands that adamantly start with “The” in our business names gotta stick together!) for the invitation and all the information. Be sure to check out their group for upcoming dates and fun pieces on this new playing field with some of Houston’s most spirited fans. Go Texans!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/GDGW-Pic-3.jpg23224128Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2013-10-24 16:50:552013-10-24 19:38:55Women’s Events: New Playing Field
One of the great things about being selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero is that they send us new products out in the market to test out and give feedback on. After all, we are very busy gals with a huge focus on fitness, which means a huge focus on: fitness related products. And we are women – we want to look flirty and feel good while doing it too, so clearly that means our undies should reflect all of the above, yes?
I get that underwear doesn’t really scream fitness, but because I’m always on the go as a travel and sports writer, comfort is at the top of my priority list. Plus, I’m 31 (eek!) and I’m more into wearing comfortable and flattering clothes for myself than for some guy.
The Jockey collection, preferred by Rachel Zoe, is a new line that has come out and I’m a pretty big fan of it. Just because these pieces cover more doesn’t mean they are any less flattering, trust me.
I was tempted to post a picture of myself rocking a pair of these but I remembered my dad reads this column and that would be just plain awkward, but what I’m saying is: it looks good on.
Having worked in healthcare briefly, I’m not a huge fan of g-string thongs (sorry if I just crushed a few fantasies?), so it’s hard to find sexy and flirty undergarments that are more full-coverage. I don’t want to look like a grandma, but I know what I’m comfortable in and ultimately, what looks best on me.
I tried the Lacy Dot Hip Hugger ($12) first. I have been working my butt off at Sculpt Fitness to get more toned than I’ve ever been, and these hip huggers definitely compliment all the hard work I’ve been doing.
These are flirty panties with a silky-smooth nylon blend that feels light and comfy with “major sass and the perfect touch of
The Blonde Side loves glam too
class.” Funny, I could have rhymed sass and class with something else…
I also tried the Clean Edge Thong ($12). Even though it’s a thong, it’s not as invasive and is fabric feels amazing.
These are yet again flirty panties with laser cut edges both at the waist and leg openings offering a flawless finish (i.e. no panty lines) under clothes.
Each of the above marries Jockey’s trusted expertise in creating comfortable, stylish, solution-based apparel with Rachel Zoe’s enviable style and sophistication. It’s not just about what we wear on the outside – what’s underneath is just as important.
I guess I was totally off base thinking Jockey was just for my mom…not the first time I’ve been wrong about something, and definitely not the last.
As part of being selected a Women’s Health Action Hero, I’m charged with putting together an informal & friendly 10k, right here in Houston, TX. This particular 10k will not be a large/timed event, it will be pretty much the opposite, but fun and for a good cause!
On Saturday, October 26th at 10a, a handful of us are meeting at Memorial Park to run two laps (a 10k!). You can sprint, jog, walk, bring your dog, your baby stroller, come hungover, anything goes.
The race is part of the Run10Feed10 Series with Women’s Health – the cost is $28 to register – BUT you get an awesome FEED canvas bag (like the celebs carry around and pictured above), koozies from The Blonde Side & Bud Light, AND the best part: your registration fee AUTOMATICALLY feeds 10 people RIGHT HERE in Houston. So your donation to run this awesome morning stays right here in our city, which is awesome.
To sign up for the 10k:
1. Go to Run10Feed10.com
2. Top of page, click Run Registration, in the drop down menu, select Run My Own 10k
3. Once you sign up, please send me an email (jayme@theblondeside.com) so I can keep in touch with you in case of any changes
To donate:
If you can’t run, don’t want to run, aren’t in town, etc. but still want to donate a few bucks to the cause, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I will be doing a blog post on The Blonde Side about this event and anyone (or business) who donates $40 or more will get a huge shout-out from me. My goal is to raise $2000, so your help is greatly appreciated.
Help Fight Hunger in Houston
My Goals:
40 runners & $2000
Share with friends:
Even if you can’t run the event or don’t have extra cash to donate right now, you can still help by sharing this blog post and encouraging your friends, co-workers, parents, even your company to join the 10k or donate to this worthy cause.
As always:
Thank you for supporting The Blonde Side and our charity efforts. I am beyond honored to be selected as a Women’s Health Action Hero for two years in a row. Only a handful of amazing women get this opportunity and I want to make the most of it.
Also, I’m happy to be back in Houston full-time’ish and looking forward to re-catching up with many of y’all!
The Blonde Side is pumped to announce a new sports segment on Fox26 here in Houston. The show airs every Thursday during the 5pm news hour. Here is the link on the Fox website to see all the past Sports Uncensored segments.
Remember, The Blonde Side has ZERO training for on-camera stuff, so try to hold your judgement just a tiny bit. Please.
Do you have ideas for future segments? Email us: jayme[at]theblondeside[com] – we always love feedback.
