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Women’s Events: New Playing Field

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!

October 24, 2013/by Jayme

Jockey Skivvies: Product Review

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The Blonde Side loves comfort & flirty

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.

Also, for those wondering, I’m not that girl that wears underwear under my workout tights. Here are the other things I can’t stand at the gym.

October 14, 2013/by Jayme

Run10Feed10: Houston

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Every Run10Feed10 Registration gets this FEED bag

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!

October 12, 2013/by Jayme

Sports Uncensored

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Sports Uncensored on Fox26

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.

October 4, 2013/by Jayme

Sports Fashion

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Sports Fashion: 12 Tips on how to Dress for the Game

You’ve got the tickets in hand and you’re ready to strut into that NFL stadium or College Game Day, but now you’re stuck figuring out what to wear.

First – let me be clear – I am by no means a fashionista or whatever term those TJ Maxx commercials have so cleverly coined. But, I do go to a ton of sporting events and have pretty much figured out what to wear in any situation and more importantly, what not to wear. Sometimes, as a member of the NFL media, I have to abide by their rules and that usually means I can’t wear team logos and have to be a little dressier than I’d like for a game.

My favorite football team is the Philadelphia Eagles, and sometimes I want to dress up my outfit, so I found an awesome Kelly Green (the team color) blazer from Urban Outfitters, and I also have a pair of green Uggs. Although nothing on me says Eagles, it’s clear who my team is. Here’s a little help that’ll take you from pre-game and tailgates all the way to overtime:

Determine the weather (this should be a no-brainer for most humans venturing outside). If there’s a chance of rain, perhaps avoid a white t-shirt or your favorite leather bag. Rain is tricky, so don’t forget to ask yourself what shoes will hold up in puddles or if there’s a chance your brand new tank top will bleed.

Is the stadium/arena/ballpark indoors? Does it have a retractable roof? If so, you may be able to ignore the first point regarding weather, but it can also help you plan. If it’s 98 degrees outside, but the ballpark has AC, don’t sweat it. (Get it?)

Is this an NFL stadium where the new handbag policy is in full effect? Keep in mind that even if you’re going to a college game at an NFL stadium, you may still have to forego your coveted purse, but unfortunately, each stadium and team (when it comes to non-NFL games) has a different policy. If your only team gear is your customized clutch, you may want to rethink the total outfit.

Will you be tailgating? Even if it’s a primetime 7pm game, your friends may want to get there five hours early to drink a few Bud Lights and grill some brats. That’ll change your wardrobe. Don’t wear 5-inch heels if you plan on throwing the pigskin around the parking lot.

Are you in a suite or in a player’s section? If so, think twice (maybe even thrice) about wearing rival gear. I was in a suite at the Houston Texans game last week with a sign that politely reminded guests that opposing team gear was not permitted in the suite, and if so, they’d be asked to leave. Imagine how embarrassed you’d be if you were asked to leave! Being ejected from the game is never fun.

Don’t, under any circumstance, wear unrelated fan gear. If the Lakers aren’t playing in this particular NHL game, you needn’t wear a Lakers jersey. Or hat. Or t-shirt.

If you choose to wear any team apparel (especially with a player’s name), be prepared for a fan to challenge you. They’ll ask questions to see how big of a fan you really are. If you don’t care, no worries, but it’s likely fans will heckle you. Loyal and crazy fans (myself included) take extreme pride in their team – consider this a friendly warning.

Speaking of apparel, if you don’t have any licensed team gear, don’t panic.You can always choose to rock the team colors instead of a branded New York Knicks t-shirt. See what color the team wears (a quick Google search of the team logo should do the trick) and put together a fashionable ensemble from stuff you already own. Sometimes you’ll see trendier and fashionable gals wearing a pair of blue skinny jeans, a white top and orange accent jewelry (that outfit works for the above Knicks for example).

Get creative. If you don’t already own any licensed team apparel and aren’t interested in purchasing any, don’t worry. If you want to root for Florida State, but don’t want to wear cheesy blinged-out earrings they’re selling in the campus bookstore, opt for dangly feathered ones in team colors or even arrows to go with the whole Florida State logo and theme. It’s still obvious who you’re rooting for, but the accessories are multi-functional and can be worn elsewhere, even “out of season.”

Speaking of team colors, if you choose to go rogue and wear nothing spirited for your team, you may want to do a quick check of what the opposing team’s colors are. If the Eagles are playing the Cowboys and you don’t want your clothes to root for either team, you might reconsider that navy and silver racerback you just bought from Neiman’s, because that surely screams Cowboys fan.

If your seats are really high, forego heels and skirts/dresses.Climbing up all those stairs will allow fans to check you out instead of that double play.

And lastly, be comfortable.That’s the biggest rule no matter what you’re dressing for. You could be stuck there for overtime, so wear something that feels good to you.

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Check out The Blonde Side on FB and let her know what you’re wearing to the game! To read this full/original article on GirlsGuideTo.com, click here.

September 29, 2013/by Jayme

#KINDAwesome

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KIND bars

As a sports and travel writer, I’m always on the go. Sometimes that means I forget to eat, or I eat at totally random and inconvenient times. I’m an athlete and always training for something, so not eating means one thing = grumpy blonde.

And no one likes grumpy blondes.

Recently I was turned on to KIND bars, and when I say turned on, I mean it in a serious way.

There are over 22 varieties to choose from (my absolute fave is the peanut butter and strawberry), and they also have 6 Healthy Grains snackable clusters that are just as tasty.

I love KIND Snacks for many reasons:

1. They actually taste great. I wouldn’t lie about food, trust me.

2. They have ingredients you can pronounce, which in today’s world, is a huge plus.

3. They are convenient to keep on hand when you really need a snack. I keep at least one in my laptop bag (as long as it’s not chocolate, it won’t melt in this Texas heat), it’s small enough to keep in my fanny pack when I’m hiking through my favorite places in Colorado or Jackson Hole (yes, I do in fact wear a fanny pack), you can eat it while driving without being a danger to others on the road, and it’s easy to eat on planes in case I forget to eat in the midst of rushing to and through an airport.

4. The branding. I’ve said this before – I’m a sucker for good branding. Advertising was my major in college, so I really love a good brand. Seriously, just go peruse their website and you’ll see. That’s where I pulled this awesome Henry James quote from (and there are others).

Henry James quote

5. Along with branding, they have this #KINDAwesome hashtag they are splashing around on social media. Don’t believe me? Check out the Do The Kind Thing tab on their website and see for yourself…things like helping a firefighter rebuild his home.

All around, this brand is amazing. No, I don’t work for the company or get paid to write this, but stay tuned, I hope to be hosting a contest for The Blonde Side readers very soon. For now, just go check out their website or reach out to them on Twitter and use the #KINDAwesome – talk about your favorite NFL play from this week or what your favorite non-profit is doing in your area.

(Oh, and I’m not the only one loving KIND snacks – NFL guys like Tony Gonzalez, Colin Kapernick and Tim Jennings are big fans too.)

September 24, 2013/by Jayme

lulu goes business casual?

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lululemon goes business casual

Yes sir (ma’am), you read that right.

The popular lululemon brand, known in the past for yoga and running clothes, has now added a line of business casual clothes (still with tons of functionality).

While I’m still a B-I-G fan of the comfortable workout gear (which admittedly I wear entirely too much of and have in every shade of neon) for running and traveling, the new line is actually pretty cool. I wasn’t sold at first glance, not by a long shot.

My first thought was, lulu selling work clothes? yeah right.

Then I remembered how every time I have a work event, whether it’s on the field interviewing players or heading into a meeting, how I desperately wish I could throw on some neon wunder unders, a low-cut tank and get business done. Obviously that’s a no-go. You can’t walk onto an NFL field in tights. At least you shouldn’t. Ever.

And the driving force behind wanting to wear this gear all the time is of course the comfort factor. I love to be comfortable. It’s my thing. Maybe that means I’m getting old? So imagine your favorite comfortable clothing line coming out with some business casual attire with the same comfort level? Pretty amazing to think about, right? Right.

In this picture, at the lulu store at the Houston Galleria, I’m wearing the Uranite Pant (currently sold out online, so go check your local store ASAP), which sells for $128 and a casual white blouse.

The pants are made of a breathable fabric, Teque St, with a four-way stretch for comfort and are very similar in look and feel to your favorite skinny jeans. You can roll up the cuffs if you’re a shorty like me, or take advantage of lulu’s free hemming services available at the store. As for the pants, most people (myself included) needed to go up a size, so be sure to try them on.

lulu staff helping dress me in the new Urbanite wear

The shirt comes with this saying, which I love: It’s business up front and party in the back for this shirt. Like most lulu pieces, there are extra functionality aspects, including the ability to undo the shaped hem in the back for extra movement, and it’s made from a moisture-wicking fabric that won’t wrinkle (hello new favorite travel shirt!).

And of course, on my dome I’m rocking the charming twist headband in navy and white ($12) for a little extra flair.

What’s the lesson we learned today folks? We already know not to judge a book by its cover, so don’t judge an outfit by the hanger, deal?

My new favorite lululemon addition are their golf clothes for women.

Post may contain affiliate links but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

September 19, 2013/by Jayme

MNF in San Diego

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MNF: Texans at Chargers (Photo by CatchLight Group)

One of the best parts (ok, it’s THE best part) about writing The Blonde Side is that I go get to go to some of the best games the NFL has to offer. Last week, I was lucky enough to head to beautiful San Diego and catch the Houston Texans beat (barely) the San Diego Chargers.

Thanks to some great friends and business contacts, we got sideline passes. For my first time at Qualcomm Stadium, this was quite the perfect experience!

To top it off (besides the win and the cold Bud Light, of course), one of my favorite photographers, Michelle Watson of CatchLight Group was also in San Diego snapping great photos for Culture Map. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Michelle on some amazing assignments here in Houston, so it was great seeing her on the field. AND she snapped some great photos, like the one above.

Check The Blonde Side’s FB page to see all the other photos she got!

September 12, 2013/by Jayme

ESPYS

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On the Red Carpet with Skip Bayless

By far one of the coolest moments since launching The Blonde Side in 2010 was attending and BEING CREDENTIALED at the 2013 ESPYS! Seriously typing that and I still get goosebumps. Imagine LeBron James, Mr. Belding, Ray Lewis, Destinee Hooker and Lolo Jones along with hundreds of other amazing athletes and celebrities ALL IN ONE ROOM.

In one night I got to meet (and kiss on the cheek) Eric LeGrand, Mr. Belding cut me in the hotdog line and Gabby Douglas told me she liked my shoes. Oh, and I had a serious chest-bump with Maria Sharapova’s security guard on the floor of our hotel.

I wrote two articles on my experience for CBS Man Cave Daily, click on the links below to read them and warning: you will be jealous. I’m jealous I’m not there right now again!

Man Cave’s ESPY Red Carpet Moments [Mostly Uncensored]

23 Things That Only Happen At The ESPYS

Stay tuned friends, I seriously plan and hope to be back on the Red Carpet in 2014.

July 25, 2013/by Jayme

The BEST Summer Reading

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Perfect summer reading in Hawaii (or anywhere)

As a writer, there’s this feeling deep down in my being that makes me feel a pang of guilt when I sit down to read. Why? Because I’m a writer and 9 times out of 10, I feel I can write better stuff than the junk I’m reading. But like all things in life, there’s always an exception to that rule.

The exception to this rule comes in the form of Drink, Play, F@#k, written by the ever-so-funny Andrew Gottlieb.

As some of you know, I spent the past three months on the North Shore of Oahu, writing my very own book. In the early stages of my trip, I ran across this book (how I ran across this book is actually pretty funny, but I shall save that for a rainy day because it involves a douchebag ex-boyfriend).

Gottlieb’s book was a reminder that we can lay it all out on the line, even if that means you’re opening up doors for people to judge you. That’s just the name of the game at this point, and my book will most definitely align the stars for judgement to be cast upon me in many directions.

The gist of the book is a year-long sabbatical this guy takes after his nagging and good-for-nothing wife cheats on him and leaves him for another man. In search of trying new things and sort of replaying the “what if” card, Bob Sullivan visits Ireland to Drink, Las Vegas to Play, and Thailand to F@#K and then lives to tell about it all.

When my book finally does come out (any publishers out there want to talk!?), it will be very similar to this format, minus the whole divorce gone wild thing. The language is slightly foul and crude, but Sullivan captivates you early on and makes you wish you too had the balls to do what he’s doing. Thankfully, I found my Lady Balls not too long ago and am on this same sabbatical.

Check out this book on Amazon now.

Seriously though, publishers who aren’t afraid of a funny gal with a limited filter, let’s talk.

July 2, 2013/by Jayme