Ben Hogan Golf – Holiday Gift Idea

Ben Hogan Golf – Puttin’ Around

You’re probably thinking it’s too early to start talking about holiday gifts, but it’s not. I’ll be sharing a few roundups and gift guides to help with your holiday shopping, and I’m starting with Ben Hogan Golf, a premium golf equipment company that sells direct (i.e. no middleman, so you get the best pricing). Now do I have your attention?

Ben Hogan founded his company in 1953, the same year he won The Masters, The U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. He promised to do things differently and to manufacture clubs as near perfect as modern-day tools can perform, and I think given his ironclad resume, he’s the one you want making your custom clubs. He knows a thing or two about golf, the tools used and how to make them. Ben Hogan creates hand-crafted, custom clubs, so they take a little longer to make and ship, which is why I’m giving you this holiday tip a few months earlier.

Here are a few things to note about Ben Hogan Golf and why it’d made the perfect gift for the golfer in your life:

  • Unfortunately ladies, they currently only make clubs for men. I’m sure there are clubs you

    Ben Hogan Golf Putter

    could get custom fit for yourself, but wanted to point out why this particular gift idea was geared towards the guys.

  • As mentioned above, they are all hand-made and custom fit. This means this is not a last minute gift idea.
  • In full transparency, golf clubs are expensive and if you get quality golf clubs and products, they’ll last a while. I don’t recommend this being a secret gift idea. The process to get fitted online is pretty easy and seamless, but you probably don’t want a guy guessing your bra or panty size and these clubs are quite a bigger gift, so make sure you do it the right way. Of course if you desperately want this gift idea to be a surprise, there are ways around it (ask his golf buddy to get the info, get his measurements, or even surprise him with a fun letter he can open that says he can go online and create his custom clubs and then he can order them exactly as he wants them).

Want a sitewide promo code for Ben Hogan Golf? Use code BLONDESIDE for 10% off, but with the holidays coming up, be sure to check their website for even greater discounts.

SHOP Ben Hogan Golf

Why Ben Hogan Golf is better than a retail store:

If you hadn’t noticed, golf equipment has gotten incredibly expensive, and the process of buying it is far too complicated. Ben Hogan Golf is changing that, as they only sell directly to you online so you don’t pay middlemen or any retail markups. So far, that’s a big win. That means you get tour-quality products for about half the price of what you would pay for similar clubs, bags, and accessories at a golf shop.

By selling to you directly, they reduce the costs and pass those savings onto you. They also save you from paying the costs golf retailers incur and include in their pricing, resulting in even higher markups. The traditional brick-and-mortar retail model is quickly becoming outdated. Ben Hogan is doing things differently, and offering you wholesale prices on some of the best golf equipment money can buy … every day.

Not all holiday gifts can be pulled off as surprises, so this is one I recommend you give the guy golfer in your life the pro tip and let him customize his clubs – whether he’s looking for irons, wedges, woods, putters or something else, they have it all.

Don’t forget to click on the links above and use code BLONDESIDE for 10% off. 

*This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions and reviews are my own.

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Postino Wine Café Now Open in Montrose

Postino Wine Cafe: Montrose Houston

The Montrose neighborhood has a new hot spot, especially for happy hour lovers, and those who aren’t afraid to drink wine at lunch. Postino Wine Cafe recently opened their second location, and this one in Montrose is in the former home of Montrose Mining Company (which was the longest running gay bar in the city), located at 805 Pacific.

The decor is quaint and pays homage to all the history the building (and neighborhood) have, all while serving large pours of wine and tasty bites. The Houston Heights location has been non-stop crazy since it first opened, so the second location (which is incredibly close to our Montrose apartments) was a mere necessity for Houstonians.

Reasons to Visit Postino in Montrose:

Ricotta and Meatballs at Postino Wine Cafe: Montrose, Houston

  • The amazing Board & Bottle for $25 deal, which includes bottle of wine & bruschetta board, every Mon & Tues after 8pm
  • Their daily deal of $5 glasses of wine from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as their motto goes: drinking wine at lunch is not a crime)
  • Their edgy culture
  • The Crispy Cauliflower (on the “Snacky Things” menu): cauliflower, sultana raisin, caper, romesco
  • The oh-so-filling Bruschetta Boards (choose 4 selections, $15 | on gluten free* bread, +$2
  • Crave-worthy meatballs and ricotta cheese
  • Quality time with friends, supporting your local Montrose neighborhood

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about these luxury Houston apartments and all the nearby hotspots that make this zip code so enviable. If you’re on the hunt for a new Houston Montrose apartment, visit Encore for a private tour (ask for the champagne tour and tell them Jayme/TheBlonde Side sent you). This eclectic Houston neighborhood is full of so much charming character and this brand-new Postino spot is an absolute favorite of mine, located just a few miles away.

Cheers to Houston apartment living in the heart of Montrose! 

 

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MyYogaWorks – Online Yoga Subscription

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MyYogaWorks is online yoga perfect for travel

Finding time for fitness isn’t always an easy task. I think that’s something we can all probably agree upon. Life happens. The holidays are about to happen. Meetings run late. The football game is on TV and you want to focus. Whatever is keeping you from your regular class times, I’ve found a little hack that keeps me centered and moving and that’s an online Yoga subscription called MyYogaWorks.

Whether you’re a beginner at yoga like me or a seasoned yogi, the online service offers collections that range from restorative to sweat-inducing practices, so it truly has something for everyone. The site features over 40+ curated Journey Series that are taught by experts.

Probably my favorite thing about this yoga online service is that you can select your class based on how much time you have – from as little as 5 minutes to as much as 90 minutes. There are days I may not be able to commit to 30 minutes of yoga or heading to the gym, so being able to at least get in 15 minutes is ideal for my

MyYogaWorks offers yoga online, meditation, fitness and more

schedule.

Who Can Benefit from MyYogaWorks:

  • Anyone with a busy schedule (if you find yourself missing all the class times at your favorite studio, this is perfect, as you can select your perfect class anytime day or night)
  • Anyone who wants to practice yoga regularly and on their schedule – there are so many videos and practices to choose from
  • Anyone who needs a quick workout (they offer practices based on time, with some as little as 5 minutes) – you can’t get that at a studio
  • Anyone who wants to focus on specific poses (i.e. backbends, inversions, twists) or specific areas (i.e. breath, butt, core, arms) as you can easily select an online yoga video to focus on exactly what you want

Some Examples of Classes/Practices on MyYogaWorks:

  • Lower Body Booty Flow
  • Plank Challenge
  • Full Body Strength Flow
  • Warmup For Runners
  • Core 101
  • The Glider Burn

5 Reasons to Join MyYogaWorks Right Now:

  1. 1,100+ Yoga, Fitness, and Meditation Classes
  2. Taught by Certified Yoga Instructors
  3. Unlimited 24/7 Access
  4. Practice Anywhere, Anywhere
  5. Yoga Is Good For You

Ready to try MyYogaWorks at a Discount?

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aSquared Nutrition: My Top 4 Must Have Products

aSquared Nutrition Supplements

Want to know a big secret to my health and beauty routine? It’s aSquared Nutrition, which sells some of the top-rated and high-end nutritional supplements that literally keep me moving (energy, joint health, inflammation issues, etc.).

The older I get, the more important for me to actively take vitamins and supplements that possess anti-aging properties, boost energy levels, help suppress appetite and more.

Long gone (for me) are the days of generic multi-vitamins, I find it more worthwhile to target vitamins I may be lacking and supplements that target my specific needs.

Also, they are made in the United States in facilities that are FDA-registered and GMP-compliant. Their supplements are made from the highest quality ingredients and are always subjected to stringent testing, which makes them safe and effective to take. I also love their “online chat” so it’s easy to ask questions before making a purchase.

Below are the four products I recently started taking and a brief recap on their benefits. A little

aSquared Nutrition Supplements

known fact about me is that I run on incredibly low energy, almost all the time. I am also getting older, so anti-aging and longevity properties are of high importance to me, along with supporting brain and joint health and more. All are easy to take at breakfast time (I always suggest taking

supplements and vitamins on a full stomach unless otherwise noted).

My Top 4 Products from aSquared Nutrition:

  • Resveratrol 1000mg:
    – Supports Anti-Aging & Longevity
    – Supports Increased Energy Production
    – Powerful Antioxidant Properties
    – Supports Brain Functioning
    – Helps Increase NAD+
    – Supports Mitochondria Health
    – AMPK Activator
  • Methyl B12 Drops:
    – Helps Boost Energy Levels
    – Supports Metabolism
    – Supports Heart & Brain Function
    – Supports Cognition & Memory
    – Max Strength: 5000mcg per serving
    – Wild Berry Flavored
  • Nicotinamide:
    – Promotes Cellular Health & Repair
    – Supports Longevity & Anti-Aging
    – Helps Boost Energy Production
    – Supports Upregulation of Sirtuin Pathway
    – Supports Normal NAD / NAD+ Levels
    – Helps Boost Skin & Immune Health
    – Contain Anti-Inflammatory Properties
  • Turmeric 1300mg:
    – Supports Joint Health & Mobility

    aSquared Nutrition Energy-Boosting Supplements

    – Contains Anti- Inflammatory Properties
    – Helps Decrease Inflammation
    – Powerful Antioxidant Properties
    – Helps Relieve Joint Pain & Muscle Aches
    – Supports Digestive Health
    – Supports Heart & Brain Health

*This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own. 

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My November Top 5 Amazon Picks

Amazon Top Holiday Picks

Thanks to everyone who has followed along with my Amazon top picks each month – these are all products I own, have vetted and would recommend (and some of my friends reading this may be getting these for the holidays!).

Here’s what I love for November:

  1. TELETIES: These are the new hair ties that are making their way on wrists and in ponytails across the country for good reason. They don’t leave that “kink” and line and they don’t damage your hair. I have pretty thick hair, so I use the medium size, but the small also work for me! They come in all kinds of colors, so they are still fun, and not as 90’s as scrunchies.
  2. These $11 Leggings: These leggings have been posted all over the Internet mostly because of their comfort, but they have 10,000+ positive reviews on Amazon, so you know they’re good. Plus, they come in more colors and prints than you can count (my advice is to stick with the solid color and then go from there). Talk about cozy pants for the holidays – these are them!
  3. Roadside Emergency Kit: Now that I’m spending half my time in Denver, this is definitely

    Amazon Emergency Roadside Kit

    an essential, but my dad always taught me to always be prepared. I have roadside assistance from BMW, but you never know when you’ll need this or see a stranger stranded, so be prepared – this is something great to buy for everyone in your family (and go over what to do in case of an emergency!).

  4. Frasier Fir Candle: I always have plenty of candles, but this may be one of my favorites. Stock up on these in time for the holidays – you’ll have plenty of people over your house and always need a good smelling house (it can help mask the clutter you have, haha!). This also comes beautifully wrapped, so it’s a perfect gift for going to a holiday party or Thanksgiving.
  5. The Funniest Card Game: I have never been a big card player, but this New Phone Who Dis card game is hilarious and guaranteed to be a good time. Not only is this great for drinking wine with family and friends for the holiday, it makes an easy and affordable gift for a white elephant exchange or for a good friend.

Did you miss my August Amazon picks? My October picks also had some great things and y’all loved the shampoo I shared (I’ve had two people message me that they are obsessed with it too!).

*Post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are true and my own. 

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Here’s How to End The Year on a High Note

End the year on a high note by spending time with good friends

I am by no means a life coach, nor do I always have my crap together, but I’m more a fan of trying to end the year on a high note, versus cramming everything in to January 1st to try and became superman (or woman).

Here are some ways to end 2019 on a high note:

  • Say you’re sorry. If you have wronged a friend or colleague or lost touch and you’re not sure why, apologize. Even if it doesn’t end in back-to-besties, you’ll feel a huge sense of relief.
  • Get in those workouts. I know you’re busy prepping meals for the entire family, and more, but schedule time to get those workouts in.
  • Don’t overspend. There’s nothing worse than ending the year in debt (or more debt than you initially had). If you are doing any online shopping, do it here.
  • Return stuff you borrowed. It’s the right thing to do, plus it helps declutter.
  • Return favors. This is simply paying it forward, but if someone wrote you a LinkedIn recommendation, sent you flowers or even reposted your business on social media, consider repaying the favor. Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats. Some of these repaid favors are free and easy, so why not?
  • Declutter and organize. As of right now, it’s November 10th. You’re not too busy, I promise. Donate to local shelters or worthy causes, add some high-priced items to Poshmark and make some extra holiday money (that’s what I do!). Decluttering can also mean finally using those products in your pantry or refrigerator that may expire soon — or donate your canned goods to a local shelter or food bank.
  • Donate and volunteer. See above. Consider planning a family volunteer day (it doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving, pick a random Tuesday night or Saturday morning at a local charity and help where you can).
  • Spend quality time with friends. Even if you work together or you’ll see them at the company holiday party next week, it’s always a good idea to schedule quality time. I love having friends over at my Montrose apartment for girl’s nights!
  • Check your “status” on everything. Do you have any prescription refills that you can refill before the end of the year since you already hit your deductible? Same with doctor’s appointments, flexible spending accounts, dentist cleaning, car maintenance appointments, etc. If you’ve paid for it, use it, but don’t wait until the end of December to try and get an appointment because that’s just silly.
  • Check your travel statuses. Are you one flight away from getting Silver Status on United (I

    Book that last minute trip to get your travel status on airlines and hotels.

    am!) or two hotel stays away from getting Diamond Status at Hilton? It may be beneficial to book that last minute trip in order to get that coveted travel status. If you wait until December 26th to book a flight, the price may be incredibly high and too late.

  • Update your resume. Even if you work for yourself or have had the same job for 20 years, it’s always a good idea to keep it updated. (Did you know I write resumes on the side? Email me at jaymelamm @yahoo.com for rates.)
  • Do one project you’ve been putting off. Updating your resume, cleaning out the garage, investing your finances (that one is for me), cleaning out your email inbox, etc. Find time and make it happen.
  • Send five handwritten notes. Write a thank you note to your hair stylist or your grandparent in a nursing home – use that stationary and put it to good use! Handwritten  notes are a powerful thing, I can promise you that.

What tips do you have? Would love you to share them in the comment section below.

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, talking about the things I love in and around these brand-new Montrose apartments. If you’re looking for a new Montrose luxury apartment with a central location in Houston, visit them and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) referred you! Cheers to a successful end to 2019 and new Houston apartment living!

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Enjoy 2019 Governor’s Cup Winning Wines

2019 Colorado Uncorked – Colorado’s Best Wines

Being new’ish to Denver and spending half my time here (the other half in Houston still!), I’ve tried to immerse myself in all things Denver, and guess what – that means wine! Last week I had the chance to attend my first Denver media event for the Colorado Governor’s Cup to sip on 14 of the regions best wines.

Our media event was Julep, which is a must-try Denver restaurant and paired extremely well with all the wines in attendance.

Enjoy a tasting of the 2019 Governor’s Cup winning wines, complete with paired small bite menu items. This will be the first and only opportunity for the public to try all the award-winning wines at the same time, so if you like wine, don’t wait to get your tickets (linked at the bottom of this post).

November 15, 2019

A tasting of the 14 wines in the 2019 Governor’s Cup Collection, each paired with a small-plate menu item created specifically to pair with that wine by Colorado’s top chefs. The winner of the 2019 Governor’s Cup will be announced at this event as well. The event is a benefit for History Colorado.

VIP entry begins at 6 PM with an intimate opportunity to taste this year’s winners, followed by a tasting of Governor’s Cup wines from previous years paired with a more extensive menu from Café Rendezvous.

General admission begins at 7 PM and includes the 14 wines in this year’s Collection.

Please note: entry to the History Colorado Center for this event will be through the school group entrance on the south side of the building on 12th Ave. just east of Broadway.

Introducing the 2019 Governor’s Cup Collection:

Bonacquisti Wine Company (Denver) – 2018 Tempranillo, Colorado

BookCliff Vineyards (Boulder) – 2016 Graciano, Colorado

BookCliff Vineyards (Boulder) – 2016 Ensemble, Colorado

Carlson Vineyards (Palisade) – Cherry Wine, 100% Grand Valley Montmorency cherries

Carlson Vineyard (Palisade) – 2018 NSFW White Grand Valley AVA

Colterris (Palisade) – 2017 Petit Verdot, Grand Valley AVA

Plum Creek Winery (Palisade) – 2016 Cabernet Franc, Grand Valley AVA

Qutori Wines (Paonia) – 2017 Syrah, Colorado

Red Fox Cellars (Palisade) – 2017 Nebbiolo, Grand Valley AVA

Snowy Peaks Winery (Estes Park) – 2016 Petite Sirah, Grand Valley AVA

The Storm Cellar (Paonia) – 2018 Dry Riesling, West Elks AVA

The Storm Cellar (Paonia) – 2018 Riesling, West Elks AVA

Vino Salida (Poncha Springs) – Vermouth, Colorado

Whitewater Hill Vineyards (Grand Junction) – 2018 Moscato, Grand Valley AVA

The Best in Show winner will be announced November 15, 2019 at 8:00 pm.

Get your tickets for Uncorked here.

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5 Reasons to Love SPENGA Montrose

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SPENGA | Houston, Montrose

If you’ve been keeping track, I’ve been posting about my love for SPENGA Houston (the Montrose location on Westheimer) for a few months now. For this fitness blog post, I thought I’d make it easy and share some of my top reasons for loving this heart-pumping 60-minute workout.

  • The instructors are amazing and will push you. I’ve found you can have the best gym and subpar instructors or vice versa. For me, it’s a winning combo to have a stellar gym with all the top equipment and the best instructors. My favorites at the Montrose SPENGA location are Roz, Nick and Skipper, but I can vouch that all the fitness coaches here are going to push you and give you a great workout.
  • Working out with friends. SPENGA makes it easy to workout with friends. In fact, if you want to try SPENGA (the Montrose location) for FREE with a friend or two, just give them a ring at 713.588.2315 and drop my name (The Blonde Side or Jayme) and you can both work out for free. It’s called accountability and I love it!
  • It’s for anyone. No matter your age or whatever else may be stopping you, SPENGA is a great workout for most people. I have too many knee and shoulder issues, but the instructors work closely with me for modifications so I don’t miss out or hurt myself. I’ve taken classes with people 15 years younger than me, 30 years older and men and women, so don’t be afraid to give it a go. Even if you haven’t worked out in 2 years – we all start somewhere. Remember that.
  • It packs a punch in just 60 minutes. I love the setup: 20 mins on the spin bike, 20 mins on the strength floor (think TRX, dumbbells, abs, and more) and then 20 mins of yoga/stretching. Most of us stay busy, so knocking out a killer workout in 60 mins is more than ideal. We all have 60 minutes to spare at least a few times a week.
  • The facilities. The SPENGA Houston location in Montrose is brand spanking new. The equipment is top-of-the-line and I love all the color coded aspects and decor (their BOSU balls are even the signature lime green — sorry, I’m a branding and marketing nerd!). The spin bikes are easy to set up, the strength floor has dedicated stations for everyone (so no fighting over the same weights) and the locker rooms have clean showers and lockers, so you can easily go before or after work or running errands. Again, no excuses.

Read these SPENGA frequently asked questions to learn more.

Also, my advice to those of you planning on setting New Year’s Resolutions to get in shape and start working out more – what’s stopping you from starting right now? You don’t need the 2020 calendar flip to get motivated and begin making positive changes. Call SPENGA — or any gym that you think will push you and work you hard — and put in some work for the remainder of 2019. Even if you’re going to be busy traveling or have to do all the holiday planning and cooking – working out will help you destress and I promise you’ll be glad you jumpstarted your workout!

Remember to call and mention me (Jayme or The Blonde Side) for your FREE class (call 713.588.2315) at the Montrose location only. 

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Where to Find All the 2019 Houston Astros Playoff Murals

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Here is a comprehensive list of all the new Houston Astros murals popping up all over town. I love all things sports, all things Houston and all things Instagram-photo-opp-worthy, so you know I love this idea commissioned by the Astros.

I also think this was a brilliant PR/Marketing move by the team – it’s a great way to get fans involved before and after games, and get fans in on a little more team spirit, for those who can’t afford World Series tickets. (PS: Click here if you’re looking to splurge for WS tickets.)

All murals – Things to note:

The team and artists agreed that all murals must have the winning score of the last game, and X to designate all wins so far and #TakeItBack in the mural.

They have to start as soon as the win is complete so it is live by the following morning.

Astros World Series Mural, Pearland Town Center, Artist Gonzo

Mural #10 World Series Win, Game 5

We are stargazing at the newest World Series mural created by one of Houston’s most talented and well-known artists, Gonzo
Located at Pearland Town Center
Astros over the Nationals 7 -1

Astros World Series Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

Mural #9 World Series Win, Game 4

Located at La Centerra (by the west garage, next to Sephora)
Astros 8 – Nationals 1
Artist: Erik del Rio | Photo Credit: Astros

We all love Breggy Bombs and this mural captures that perfectly. Speaking of Breggy Bombs, get you one of those awesome shirts from Running Game (use code TheBlondeSide for 10% off!)

Astros World Series Mural #8 | Photo Credit: capdavjon

Mural #8 World Series Win, Game 3 

Located at Towne Lake
Artist: David Maldonado/@capdavjon
The Astros came back to make this a SERIES, taking the first game in Washington, winning 4 -1 over the Nationals

Astros Win #1 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 1 – ALDS game 1 – “TAKE IT BACK” 

Warehouse Live in East Downtown

813 Emanuel Street

Artist @mrd1987  aka Mr. D 1987
Take it Back was the whole campaign theme this season, so it stands to reason they started with this slogan and mural for the first one of this series. The catchy slogan, which looks like it may pay off, was unveiled in February.

Astros Win #2 Mural | Photo Credit: wallstreethou on IG

WIN # 2 –  ALDS game 2 – Donkey Batter

Lola in the Heights

1102 Yale Street

Artist @tarboxx2 aka Tarbox
The Houston Heights neighborhood has so much stinking charm and already wonderful art murals, so this one perfectly fits into the neighborhood. I don’t know why, but I think this is my favorite so far.

 

Astros Win #3 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 3 – ALDS Game 5 – Texas Take It Back

Northtown Plaza

5402 North Freeway
Artist: @artkungf

 

This is one of the more simple murals, but again features the Take it Back slogan, so I love it. This Texas artist with local flavor has a website dedicated to a ton of amazing murals you can see here.

Astros Win #4 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 4 – ALCS game 2 – Orbit Astronaut

Velvet Taco

907 Westheimer Road Ste. A
Artist: @donkeeboy aka Alex Roman Jr.
(Speaking of Velvet Taco in Montrose, I included it in this list of Top 5 Montrose Hidden Gems, although it’s not really hidden anymore!)

WIN # 5 – ALCS Game 3 – Gerritt Cole

The Lawn at First Colony Mall

Astros Win #5 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

16535 Southwest Fwy – Sugarland
Artist @fcardona aka Franky Cardona

*Fun fact about pitcher Gerritt Cole — did you know he’s not the only pitcher in his family? His wife is Amy Crawford Cole, and the two were pitchers in college at  UCLA. You know I always root for a fellow softball player!

Astros Win #6 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

WIN # 6 – ALCS Game 4 – “The Boys”

The Market at Springwoods Village – Jinya Ramen Bar

2174 Spring Stuebner Rd #390, Spring

Artist: @artboy76 aka NOJ Garner
This one is out in the burbs a little, but I love the artwork here and would definitely go pose with it!

WIN # 7 – ALCS Game 5 – AL Champs

Baybrook Mall – Salata

Astros Win #7 Mural | Photo Credit: Astros

700 Baybrook Mall Suite F

Artist: @gapsmack87 aka Gabriel Prusmack

(Speaking of Baybrook Mall, did you know my favorites at ACQUA Med Spa are located just across the street from there?!)

Stay tuned for Houston Astros World Series mural updates – if all goes as planned for Astros fans, the city could have 11 total new murals, culminating with the highly anticipated World Series win and accompanying mural. Follow along on Facebook for updates too.

*Thanks to Hollie Fulsom of CharitaBulls for helping compile this list!

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Chicago Road Trip with Chevy

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Weekend Roadtrip

A few months ago I visited one of my favorite summertime cities: Chicago! My annual family reunion takes place every August in Wisconsin, so I always try to fly into Chicago, take the train or make an easy drive to Wisconsin to see my family and voila – it’s one of the best ways for me to end my summer, take in a Cubs game at Wrigley and see family for a few days. (Chicago also makes the perfect girl’s weekend!)

This year Jason came with me – yay for meeting family for the first time, yikes! Definitely check out our romantic weekend in Chicago, but the roadtrip to Wisconsin was equally as fun as our time in the Windy City.

We drove the 2019 Chevy Equinox for the 440-mile roundtrip trek from Chicago to New Lisbon, Wisconsin and had such a comfortable ride. We had plenty of room for both of us (for Jason being 6-foot-2 he needs plenty of leg and head room when driving and of course for me to stretch out like the lazy passenger that I usually am), and our Equinox came with all the bells and whistles for an ideal road trip. We typed the address into our phone and our route showed up on the dashboard thanks to Apple CarPlay, making hands-free driving easier than ever.

The small SUV crossover was the perfect size and the gas mileage was better than expected (EPA-estimated 39MPG HWY). We didn’t have to fill up until the very end when we returned the car, before heading to the airport.

We felt safe, comfortable and connected, thanks to some of the features listed below:

2019 Equinox Tech & Safety Features

·         4G LTE Wi-Fi availability
This feature allows you to stay connected on the road, Skype or video chat, stay on top of

Roadtrip from Chicago to Wisconsin with the 2019 Chevy Equinox

work if needed, and stream movies, etc. from the road. Can connect 7 devices at once- that means your family will be entertained and can download movies, TV shows or books to your device on the road without using any data!

·         OnStar Technology
OnStar offers Turn-by-Turn Directions with the touch of a button and simply telling an Advisor where you want to go. Directions can also be sent to your in-vehicle navigation system by asking the Advisor to download directions to your vehicle. OnStar AtYourService is a new way to discover value in the places you go, providing you with better ways to eat, shop, and play. AtYourService connects drivers with retailers and merchants on their drive, providing information, convenience and money-saving values tied to their specific destinations. When you’re not driving, get valuable offers delivered directly to your myChevrolet app or through an Advisor with a simple press of the blue OnStar button.

·         Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display- so you can make calls, send/ receive messages and listen to your favorite playlists right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Android Auto is built around Google Maps giving you the ability to talk to Google and use several different apps straight from your cars display screen.

Ready to shop for your new Chevrolet? Visit Castle Rock Chevrolet Buick GMC for the best deals and Warranty Forever.

·         360 Surround Vision Camera
Surround Vision, a technology that provides a literal look at the vehicle’s perimeter. This available system uses strategically located cameras on all sides of the vehicle to provide a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, helping drivers quickly view the surrounding area at a glance.

·         myChevrolet Mobile App
The myChevrolet app turns your mobile device into a command center for your vehicle. This app allows you to start/stop your engine and lock/unlock your doors from your smart phone. You can even send destinations to your available navigation system, view diagnostic information, customize Wi-Fi settings and set parking reminders from virtually anywhere.

·         Rear Seat Reminder
When a second-row door is opened and closed during or just before a trip, this feature reminds you to check the back seats with five audible chimes and a message in the driver information center.

·         Final Thoughts

Make the road trip easy for yourself and your car. Keep your Chevy roadworthy and ready for the journey with accessories serving as fine and functional upgrades. Dash mats are one; they are designed to preserve the dashboard’s condition and keep it free from dust and dirt. Check here for dash mats that are compatible with Chevrolet models.

Small comforts create a huge impact on your road trip experience.

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FREELANCE + SPORTS + TRAVEL + FITNESS
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