Denver Fall Bucket List

Autumn Picnics in Denver

Autumn Picnics in Denver

Since I am officially splitting my time between Houston and Denver, it only seemed fair to make a Denver Fall Bucket List (don’t miss my Houston Fall Bucket List). I’m still fairly new here, so these are things I want to do – if you’ve done them and they are lame, please let me know. And if there are can’t miss fall things to do in Denver, let a girl know!
  • Nothing says Halloween like eating dinner in a mortuary. Wait, what? Partake in dinner or Saturday and Sunday brunch inside Linger, a mortuary in LoHi, that also offers tasty drinks, unique city views, and the expected quirky history of this haunt. Who says brunch has to be basic in Denver?
  • Go “leaf peeping” – this is a real thing to see the leaves turn colors for the season. Pack a picnic (see photo!) and some of your favorite rosé and call it the perfect fall day in Denver.
  • Autumn is the perfect time for some of Denver’s best canned wine in RiNo at Infinite Monkey.
  • Basically any concert at Red Rocks is a good idea, but hurry before winter gets here at the 2019 concert series comes to an end.
  • Go to Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens from September 27 through November 2 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out Colorado’s largest Halloween event as Elitch Gardens transforms into a haunted theme park.
  • Take a weekend afternoon trip to Boulder for hiking followed by shopping, which is the perfect way to spend an autumn Saturday or Sunday.
  • Speaking of Boulder on the weekends, catch a CU game at Folsom Field. Ok, not technically Denver, but being 45 minutes away makes it an obvious choice!
  • Breweries, breweries, breweries. Don’t know where to start? Check out this post on Best Breweries in Denver (and scroll to the bottom of this post for pumpkin-flavored beers to get you in the spirit!).
Denver Broncos Game

Denver Broncos Game

  • Take in a Broncos game. I’m an Eagles fan first and foremost, but a game with this scenery and altitude is a must. Plus, it’s such a nice change to see a game without it being 200 degrees (I’m looking at you Houston!). We’ll see if I’m singing the same tune in November.

2019 Denver Fall Events To Check Out:

  • Barre, Brunch and Beer. Join this FREE 45-minute class hosted by barre3 Highlands Ranch at Breckenridge Brewery on Sunday, October 20th at 9am. Sign up for FREE.
  • Glow at the Gardens, October 21 – 25 at the Denver Botanic Gardens is bound to be a good time. Glow at the Gardens™ is a luminous, nighttime celebration of America’s favorite gourd.
  • Drink a Beer at the Zoo from October 10 -24. Nightlife meets wildlife at Taps and Tails, with this open-air beer hall featuring beers from some of Denver’s top breweries, sustainably farmed fare, live entertainment and more, culminating with Animal Onesie night and costume contest on October 24!
  • The best way to cure a fall hangover? The Bloody Mary Festival on October 20, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Who knew there was a festival dedicated to tasting bloody marys, one of the best brunch cocktails around? Your ticket lets you sample bloody marys from tons of local restaurants, bars and bloody mary mix companies, plus food and drink samples from other vendors. At the end of your tastings, you get to vote for your favorite and help crown a winner for the People’s Choice Award.
  • THE WHISKYX DENVER on October 18th is another can’t miss event at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Taste over 60 whiskeys from around the world (and right here in Colorado). Hungry? Order from a variety of food trucks while listening to live music by St. Paul & the Broken Bones.
  • The Denver Mac & Cheese Festival is the perfect chance to see your childhood favorite all grown up! On November 2nd, the Denver Mac & Cheese Festivalinvites local chefs to put a creative spin on this beloved comfort food. Sample everything, vote for your favorite and then take home your very own commemorative spork.
  • Nothing says fall like football, so of course any Broncos game is a good time.

Did Someone Say Denver Pumpkin Beers?

Check out this HUGE list from KDVR.com (scroll to bottom for list of local beers):

4 Noses Pump Action

4 Noses Pump Action

Local Pumpkin Beers

A few of these picks were pulled from the The Denver Ear. Click here to see their full Denver bucket list

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Here’s Your Epic Houston Fall Bucket List

This Astros-themed Corn Maze is on Houston’s Fall Bucket List. Photo courtesy ABC 13

I love fall y’all. And in Houston, that means slightly cooler temps. Here is my fall bucket list  in Houston – tell me how many of these you’ve done, any recommendations or what I missed!

  • Visit the Astros-themed corn maze (pictured) in Montgomery – it’s a drive, but worth it (kicked off September 28th).
  • Carving pumpkins is cool, but DIY pumpkin projects are more my jam. I love this one I did with my friend Braidee a few years back.
  • Make some crockpot meals and other fall recipes. Follow me on Pinterest for some of my favorites or check out this Candy Corn Donut recipe, which was equally fun and easy.
  • Take advantage of “Patio Season.” Houstonians know there’s a limited time where patio bars/restaurants truly hit their stride. Axelrad is a Houston favorite where you can hang out with a cold drink in a hammock and watch an outdoor flick.
  • Go for a walk. There are fun Montrose parks like Menil Park super close to Encore Montrose, but I suggest going to check out the events and fun at Discovery Green or Buffalo Bayou for a beautiful stroll (all less than 5 miles from Encore Montrose).

    Houston Fall Bucket List: Go for a run or walk

  • Make hot toddies at home with friends. I’ve actually never made hot toddies, so share your recipes with me!
  • Sleep with the patio door or windows open (saves on your electricity bill too).
  • Go to a Texans game! Did you know our Montrose apartments are only 6.5 miles from NRG Stadium? Arrive early for the epic tailgating and wear your favorite Texans gear.
  • Houston doesn’t allow for too many days worthy of cozy sweaters, but make sure you have at least one or two favorites.
  • Do it for the ‘gram! Avant Garden at River Oaks District (ROD) features a partnership with Motus Red Photobooth that highlights one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences tailor-made for the Houston and Instagram. The complimentary activations invite all ROD visitors to experience this social media hot-spot – whether it be in #FlowerRain or #BringTheHouseDown – thus creating the ultimate Fall Instagrammable, go-to destination.”
  • Get a HydraFacial at ACQUA Med Spa.
  • Eat all the pumpkin-spiced foods, if that’s your thing. If you’re more into s’mores (me too), try this s’mores ice cream cake (I promise it’s easy!).

    Fall Weather: Luv Ya Houston

  • Decorate for fall. Or live in an amazing Montrose apartment that does a lot of that for you. Fall decorating can be as simple as a cute doormat, a pumpkin of sorts and fall-scented candles. You don’t need to break the bank to decorate for the season; here are some tips for decorating for fall. Speaking of fall candles, try this one. You’re probably thinking that’s too much for a candle, but I guarantee you’ll love it and buy it again.
  • Read a book cozied up on the couch. Book of the Month (BOTM) is an awesome gift idea for any readers out there or get your books at Amazon.

2019 Houston Fall Events To Check Out:

  • Check out King’s BierHaus on Oct. 13 for the Young at Heart, the American Heart Association’s Young Professionals Group for an Oktoberfest Party on the patio from 2:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Attend Halloween-themed events like this Scream on the Green® at Discovery Green. The family-friendly annual citywide costume contest and Halloween celebration takes place on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. The free event features a film screening, an art festival, sing-along Scary-oke and DJ Mohawk Steve.
  • SUC it up with Uncle Bean’s Coffee Pumpkin Succulent Planting Party on Sunday, October 27 from 12 – 2 p.m. for $30.
  • Houston Cinema Arts Festival (HCAF) — November 14-18. This five-day, multi-venue film and arts festival includes narrative and documentary features, video installation exhibitions, multimedia performances, panel discussions, and workshops. Individual tickets are $12 and up and full festival passes are $129.
  • The Color Run comes to Houston November 23, so mark your calendars!

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about these luxury Houston apartments and the close proximity to so much that Montrose Houston has to offer. If you’re looking for a new Montrose apartment, stop by for a private tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Be sure to take a look at the infinity pool and ask for the Champagne Tour. Cheers to new Houston living!

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Workouts are Better with Friends

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SPENGA Montrose Workout Buddy

I am all about simplifying life these days. Working smarter, not harder. I travel a ton, so when I’m in Houston, making time to get together with my friends and getting back in a routine or sorts (mostly related to diet and working out) are at the top of my list. That’s why coordinating workouts with friends has been one of the smartest ways to combine a few of the things most important to me. Plus, I usually try to talk them into brunch or happy hour afterwards, because I’m all about balance.

You may have read that I have taken most of my workout classes at SPENGA in Montrose lately. I absolutely love the setup of these 60-minute classes, but it is a unique format.

Over the last month, I’ve invited a few of my friends/favorite boss babes to join me and here’s what they had to say about their SPENGA Montrose workout experience:

Braidee – I really loved the fun and active environment that SPENGA provides. Switching up the bike, to strength, to yoga allows for a constant push, using different muscle groups and intensity. You know you only have 20 mins at each area so why not go all out for those 20 mins!

Andrea – Had such a great time at SPENGA. The workout is challenging, but fun at the same time! I really like that they incorporate yoga at the end, so you won’t feel like you have skipped a post-workout stretch. Another plus is they’re less than a mile away from my place!

Cori – I love that the workout was broken up into 3 segments to diversify the class and it

SPENGA Montrose Workout with Cori and Coach Roz

makes it go by super quickly! It’s also like a 3 in 1 for me to do all of my favorite things in one class.

Emma – I have to say that I was nervous about my first SPENGA class. I’m not a big fan of spin classes, but what I enjoyed is that the spin class was only 20>60. It really made me enjoy that portion and I definitely put more effort into it than normal. Strength was good, but of course yoga rounds out a very enjoyable exercise experience.

Dani – SPENGA was a workout unlike anything I’ve ever done. I’ve tried several workout formats and this one had me engaged the entire time. The workout changes at just the right time, when I’m ready to be done. I love the fact that it goes from high intensity to low intensity and I’m not completely winded by the time I get to my car.

If you want to try SPENGA, you can check it out for FREE (usually $30) by mentioning my name (Jayme or The Blonde Side) or shoot me a note and let’s try to coordinate a time together. I think you’ll love this fast-paced workout as much as we all do!

Here are a few Houston SPENGA FAQs if you still want to learn more!

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How To Do A Pool Day Like a Pro

How to have the perfect pool day in Houston, at Encore Montrose

Not all pools (or pool days for that matter) are created equal. Growing up on the beach and with a pool in my backyard, I’d like to think of myself as an expert at pool and beach days. Perhaps I’m even part mermaid, who knows? So I’m sharing some ways to make the perfect pool day – whether you’re riding solo with a good book or inviting a few friends over to bask in the sun with you.

 

For starters, have a killer pool, like we do at Encore Montrose (pictured). There is so much space, so if you want to spend some time buried in a good book or with your headphones on, you’ll have peace, but if you want to turn up with some friends or meet your neighbors, you have that option too, thanks to the beautiful infinity pool. It also overlooks US-59, so being able to watch all the traffic gives you an even greater sense of peace.

Stay hydrated. Luckily my apartment isn’t far from the pool, but I always try to bring everything down in a first trip, including a huge bottle of water (it’s Houston, you’ll need it) and my favorite cans of rosé and spiked seltzers. I also try to bring a quickly made fruit salad, so I don’t have to run back and forth.

Tunes and/or a good book. Some days I can get lost in a good book for hours (Elin Hilderbrand books are my absolute faves), but other days I want to jam to some good music or even listen to a podcast and think of it as work. Make sure your headphones, iPad, speakers, ect. are charged and ready to roll for a few hours.

Sunscreen. This is not optional for me. I doubt you’ll look back one day at your wrinkles and say, “that pool day in Montrose sure was worth all these wrinkles.” Same goes for a hat and sunglasses.

The Perfect Frose.  It’s not a pool day without it, right? If you’re more of a tequila and champagne kind of person, whip up this Sparkling Margarita in a pitcher and head out in the sun. But remember to hydrate regularly, because yours truly is no longer a spring chicken!

The Company. Invite a few friends over and enjoy the day. Again, sometimes a solo pool day is exactly what the doctor ordered, but if you’re craving some girl time or good friends, invite them over for a fun afternoon in the sun. Also, don’t be afraid to ask them to bring something. “Do you mind bringing some beer or a small fruit salad?” Don’t think you have to do it all yourself. Plus, living at Encore Montrose, you are in the HEB delivery zone for free booze, via Favor, so take advantage of that! 

Shop My Perfect Pool Day Musts: 

Not that the Houston summer seems to be going anywhere anytime soon, but did you know the pool at Encore Montrose is heated? It’s not a huge infinity hot tub with jets, but they can heat it up to 82 degrees year-round, which extends pool season just a bit longer. Lucky us! 

This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about this new Montrose apartment community. These luxury Houston apartments are located a few blocks off Montrose and are offering end-of-year leasing specials right now, so stop by for a tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Be sure to take a look at the infinity pool – it’s one of my favorite things about living here!

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Houston’s Best Manicure With A Cherry On Top

Cherry – The Mobile Manicure App

I’ve blogged about how much I love my Montrose apartment plenty, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that finding an app that sends nail technicians directly to my home for manis/pedis is one of my new favorite things.

Cherry is an on-demand mobile nail services app that is modernizing the nail industry, with the simple click of a button.

A few reasons I love Cherry:

  1. As mentioned, I am a home body. Everything about my apartment at Encore Montrose is cozy and it’s so much more comfortable than any nail salon (those massaging chairs never do anything for me, so I’m not missing out).
  2. I book the time that works best for me. And once I found my favorite nail tech, known as a Cherry Pro (Hilda, pictured), I can request her specifically and she shows up on time and ready to roll.
  3. I can make it a girl’s night or day and have friends over. You can “add a friend” to your reservation and drink wine, girl talk and more, which I find more comfortable than any other nail salon. No one can overhear your conversation, you don’t feel like you need to keep it down and you can choose what it’s on the TV or radio. If you plan to have more than a few friends over, or want to be outside, consider using the resident club room or taking the appointment outside in one of the courtyards or by the pool. The service doesn’t need water, so they can work from pretty much anywhere within your Montrose apartment community or home.
  4. It’s a Texas-based company – and you know I love supporting other Texas businesses.
  5. TIP: You can also schedule Cherry at your office. If you want them to come on your lunch break or schedule a team-building activity for a few of your top employees, this is a great and innovative way to do it.
  6. I’m able to spend more with with my sweet pup. Have a sleeping baby that you need to be close to? Same applies there.
  7. I’m able to catch up on TV shows, as pictured here, starting Gossip Girl, xoxo
  8. I can take a conference call if need be. I’m always weary to take important business calls at the nail salon (plus, I think it’s rude to other patrons), this way I’m pulling double duty, helping my time management.
  9. Once it’s over, I’m home and can carry on with my day. No sitting in traffic or driving home.

A few things to note (these aren’t negatives, but will make your process a lot

Cherry – Nails Anytime, Anywhere (in Montrose!)

easier):

  1. If you live in an apartment, provide detailed parking/finding you instructions. It will save time and energy having them walking around your apartment or not knowing where to park.
  2. They only bring a few curated colors to choos e from. For me, this works great. I personally find it overwhelming to sort through 200 colors, but if you are someone who needs an exact shade of jade, this may not be the option for you.
  3. They are slightly more expensive than your traditional nail salon, but there will always be an added fee for luxury and convienence. My only real “con” about the pricing is they charge $20 to remove your dip nails. A lot of women say they always pay a “removal” fee, but I guess I was lucky to never have before.
  4. Cherry is cashless – you pay via credit card from the app and same thing with tipping.
  5. I thought it would be awkward to have a stranger in my apartment doing my nails, but it wasn’t at all. If you want to talk, they will. If you want to watch TV in silence or take a call, they are fine with that too. Just remember to be courteous – show them where your bathroom is, offer them water, etc.

My typical “order” includes:

  • Dip Manicure / Classic Pedicure: $90
    (Nail and cuticle care, dip / classic polish, hand and foot massage)
  • Dip Removal: $20
  • Extended Massage: $10
  • Tip: 20% (up to you)

Cherry provides a way for all nail consumers to support working women that are proximate to them, making an impact in their own community (that’s us Houston!). Choosing Cherry is not just the more convenient choice, choosing Cherry means moving your own community forward, so it’s definitely a win-win for many involved.

Sure, there are a ton of good Montrose nail salons, but there’s something about being able to kick back on your couch next to your pup, in your own apartment, with your Netflix account that makes it an even more enjoyable experience.

Ready to book your first appointment? Use code BlondeSide for $10 off your first appointment for you and your friends! 

This post is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about my fun Montrose apartment. These luxury Houston apartments are offering a few leasing specials right now, so stop by and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Come for a private tour (don’t miss the pool!) and be sure to ask for the Champagne Tour.

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Blue Cure Event – Houston Charity Event – Sept. 28

Blue Cure Night Run in Houston: September 28th

If you’re looking for the hottest thing to do in Houston this month, look no further than the Blue Cure Night Run in downtown Houston + Zumba dance party.

Not only will it be an absolute blast, it’s for an amazing cause – raising money and awareness for Prostate Cancer.

Sadly, I won’t be in Houston to make the event, but I’ve attended it a few times and I promise, it’s a terrific way to spend your Saturday night.

This is a really important race and cause near and dear to my heart. If you are in Houston on Saturday, September 28th, please consider signing up and bringing a few friends with you. 

When: Saturday, September 28th from 4-10p

Where: Downtown Houston

Register here and use code JaymeLamm for $5 off! 

For the ladies reading this — you probably already know the men in your life (dads, brothers, husbands/boyfriends, best friends, co-workers) are less likely to get checkups, so this is the chance to remind them that an annual checkup, which is usually covered by insurance, can save their lives.

For the men reading this — take a stand and show Houston that #MensHealthMatters. This is the chance to shine a much needed spotlight on men’s health all while having a good time.

From Blue Cure’s website: Arming our men with critical knowledge and information is key, and encouraging men to commit to action is our goal! The Blue Cure Night Run will shine a big bright light on men’s physical and mental health issues across Houston, Texas and beyond! Proceeds benefit Blue Cure’s prostate cancer and men’s health education and advocacy programs.

The Blue Cure Night Run is an untimed fun run, that takes place at Sam Houston Park, in front of a brightly lit blue City Hall. This family fun event will include music, dance, Zumba, yoga-stretch and healthy treats.

Today, 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancerin their lifetime. Yet research has shown that as few as 1 in 10 cancers are due to hereditary gene mutations. That means that as much as 90% of cancers come from environmental factors, such as diet, lifestyle, chemical exposure, and air quality. Blue Cure believes that we can make changes in our lives to reduce our risk of cancer and improve the outcomes of cancer victims.

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SPENGA FAQs

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SPENGA Montrose FAQs

Going to a new gym scares me. I’m serious. I feel incredibly self conscious, have a hard time figuring things out and sometimes feel like I don’t belong. I have this fish out of water theory: you’re the newbie, afraid everyone there is already best friends and is judging you. Most of the time, that’s just in my head. It’s only happened at two gyms over the course of my time trying out gyms for the purpose of this column. 

If you’ve been following The Blonde Side or my Houston Instagram page, you know I recently started working out at SPENGA, in Montrose. If you’re looking to try it out, shoot me a note and let’s go together. There’s power in numbers. Or you can call and book an appointment and score a free class by using my name at the Montrose and The Woodlands locations only. 

SPENGA FAQ’s: What is it? It’s 60-minutes of a hardcore workout, split up into sections: 20 minutes spin, 20 minutes strength and 20 minutes yoga

Do I need spin shoes? Nope, use your regular shoes (but you are welcome to bring spin shoes).

Spin bikes scare me, is it scary? Spin bikes scare me too. True story – it took me TEN classes to learn how to adjust my bike. Luckily I wasn’t afraid to ask and all the staff gladly helped me each time (though I was probably super annoying!).

What do I need to bring? I have never been that person to bring a sweat towel to a gym, until SPENGA, so bring that. And water. And a positive attitude.

Do they have lockers? Yes, and use them. Never leave stuff in your car, especially in Houston! They also have showers so if you need to get ready for work or a hot date, you’re in luck.

Is this the only workout you do? As of right now, it’s the only class/instructor driven workout. I still do some at-home workouts, especially since I travel so much. But I also love that SPENGA is a franchise, so I plan to try their studios out near Denver over the next few months to help stay in more of a routine. Plus, since you’re getting spin, weights and yoga, it feels like I’m taking quite a few classes/disciplines. 

Can I try it? Yes, and as a matter of fact, if you use my name (Jayme or The Blonde Side works) when you call the studio in Montrose, your class is free. So take advantage of that! 

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My 3-Day Juice Cleanse Diary

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Juice Cleanse Before and After Photos

I recently did a 3-day juice cleanse from Squeezed here in Houston (they ship all over) before an upcoming trip to Mexico. My boyfriend and I both did one — I was a tad reluctant, but since I had so many questions about what to expect, I thought I’d document my 3-day journey below:

Sunday

9a: (yes, I sleep in on weekends!) Woke up desperately wanting coffee, but LOVED the cashew milk that had coffee and a hint of cinnamon. I also took a “before” picture because although I’m doing this 3-day juice cleanse for a variety of reasons, I did pick the timing 5 days before my trip to Puerto Vallarta.

11a: Realized I hadn’t drank my breakfast yet. Mostly tasted like beets – though I love the taste of beets (oh yum with goat cheese!), drinking it is pretty weird for me.

1:40p: Sent a text to my boyfriend “I don’t think I’m going to make it.” Grabbed my lunch

My Juice Cleanse Diary

drink (1B) because I did read you aren’t supposed to wait until you’re hungry. All the TV shows I’m binging all have food. It’s not fair!

It feels a bit isolating — no coffee dates or brunches or having friends over for wine. But I keep telling myself I’m doing this to test my willpower as well as detox and reset my body. And to be frank, a cleanse is meant to clean you out. So I’m pretty thankful I didn’t schedule any plans or meetings, at least so far.

3:30p: Drinking IC and I am NOT a fan of green juices. This is the first juice that’s truly hard to get down.

4:22p: Only about halfway finished with this green juice. I can’t stomach it – literally.

4:36p: Finished it and not feeling great.

You can also read about my first juice cleanse five years ago. I stand by the simple fact “keep a bathroom nearby at all times.”

5:20p: Texted my boyfriend “no way I can do this. Need Cocoa Puffs. With pizza. And peanut butter.” Coiencidentally this is when my dog managed to put his blanket blocking the fridge because he knew how weak my willpower was. See photo.

7:48p: Hunger pains and venting to my boyfriend. He responded with: “If you can’t commit to a 3 day cleanse how can I expect you to commit to me?” Humor and sarcasm can get you through just about anything. 

9p: Time for my last juice (the activated charcoal one that looks the least appetizing), but really don’t want it. Feeling more juice overwhelmed and craving greasy foods more than actual hunger. It really didn’t taste bad, but had a uniquely gritty texture. I almost finished it, but didn’t.

10p: Stomach wasn’t too happy and definitely glad I live alone.

I’m glad a few people sent me messages on Instagram about the color of your juice matching your current bathroom situation. It helped confirm I was not actually dying, so that was comforting. 

Monday

9a: Woke up feeling fine, fingers crossed. Definitely missing my coffee.

10:30a: Feeling foggy and lethargic, but who knows if that’s due to the cleanse or just me being lazy on a Monday.

12p: I keep thinking I am forgetting to do something, but oh yeah — that’s eating! I’m used to pausing my workday for snacks or coffee or making lunch plans. I guess that should mean more time to get my work done. So far no cravings or major hunger, mostly boredom. Hope it stays that way.

12:40p: Must be in a fog — shook my juice because they seem to taste better (maybe?) and the lid wasn’t on completely. So now I have a beet and kale flavored and color-spotted couch. Awesome.

4p: Heading to workout at SPENGA Montrose. Feeling like I have plenty of energy, so we’ll see how this goes!

5:45p: Workout was way harder than I imagine — barely made it through the spin portion.

6:20p: First headache starting to set in. I wonder if it’s lack of food, water or rosé?

7:07p: Really jealous listening to my dog crunch on his food. Feels quite inconsiderate. Ok, maybe I am hungry. Cravings are more like it. I lit a pumpkin spice candle so I could at least smell something yummy. Today’s first green juice wasn’t as bad as yesterdays since it was sweeter, but not sure I can stomach the last one of the night.

9p: Minor headache turning into a bigger one.

9:45: Craving rice and shrimp and bread and everything.

Tuesday

8a: Woke up feeling fine. Today is the last day, giving myself some encouragement to push through.

9:30a: Drank half my cashew milk. Feeling nauseous, headed to Spenga for another workout. This could be interesting.

5:45p: Today hasn’t been bad but I miss eating. Hunger is setting in a little.

6p: How early is too early for bed since I can eat when I wakeup?

7p: I think juices on Day 3 are the worst.

Wednesday

11:20a: I know my cleanse is over but I am not hungry. I have sipped on coffee and had a bite of a granola bar. Weird but good. Also took my “after” picture.

As you can see from my before and after pictures, I don’t notice a huge difference, but a little less bloating. I’m quite impressed with myself for being able to push through those hunger pains, especially from day one. So far (it’s only Thursday), it has made me more cautious about what and how much I ate and don’t seem to be super hungry. We’ll see how long it lasts.

Remember, juice responsibly.

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My August Top 5 Amazon Picks

My Amazon Shopping Cart

I have definitely stepped up my online shopping game thanks to the ease and speed of Amazon shopping, though I’m still undecided on if this is a good or bad thing.

So without further ado, here is my 2nd post sharing my monthly favorite Amazon picks.

  1. Lumify Redness Eye Relief – This stuff is almost too good to be true. I suffer from severe allergies (or sometimes just a small hangover that makes my eyes a little red and tired), so these quick and easy-to-use drops are a game-changer. My friend Braidee turned me on to these and she uses because she has contacts and they make the whites of her eyes brighter, but I can attest they work for those of us without contacts too. It’s a must in my beauty routine.
  2. Air Fryer (hello homemade donuts and chicken wings!) – I kept hearing all the rave reviews about air fryers (but hello, chicken wings are meant to be eaten at sports bars, right!?), and now I’m on board. They are so much easier to use and it’s kind of fun practicing with things in the kitchen you never thought you’d attempt.
  3. Sea Salt Spray for my Hair – This is a must for my beachy waves and i truly love the smell too. It adds the perfect texture to my hair and it’s another must have at home and during all my travels.
  4. Dictionary Hidden Safe – I am a book nerd, so this covert dictionary that acts as a safe for some hidden valuables is awesome. I hope I didn’t just tell my little secret if anyone gets into my apartment!
  5. Black Crop Mesh Jacket – My friend Ashlee (she is one of the new badass

    Amazon Crop Mesh Jacket

    instructors at RIDE Indoors) was wearing this jacket the other day and I immediately sprinted to Amazon to copy her style (she always has the best style). It’s the perfect piece to go over your two-piece set before or after a workout or just to run errands and look more fashionable than frump. And did I mention it’s just $25 (and you get free returns if it doesn’t fit or you’re not as obsessed with it as I am!).

Did you see my Amazon picks from last month?

This post contains affiliate links.

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9 Ways to Create Happiness Right Now

9 Ways to Create Happiness

I’ll be the first to admit that happiness doesn’t come naturally to me, certainly not all the time. Some days I just wake up a little sad (or angry that my alarm was so rude), or whatever it might be and sometimes find myself having to work at finding happiness. And if I can’t seem to find it nearby, I have to work hard to create happiness. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s the truth.

It’s super important to get out of your grey-aired funk and find happiness and here are some of my personal tried and true methods for creating happiness, right now:

  1. Exercise and endorphins. There is a Legally Blonde quote that will always stick with me, no matter how old Id691fbb8cc7d8d367123f4c68990480a get. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands,
    they just don’t.    ” But in all seriousness, exercise does make you happy and there are oodles of science and studies to back it up. Talk about an instant mood booster. This is also why finding a Montrose apartment with a beast of a gym is a top priority for me. Encore Montrose has a two-story gym with all the latest equipment. And even if you have 20-minutes, you can do any of these at-home workouts.
  2. Pick your battles. I am so guilty of obsessing over a work email that felt disrespectful or a situation that in the grand scheme of things, truly doesn’t matter. I’ve learned that giving myself a 5 – 10-minute break to see if I’m still amped up and then proceed from there. A lot of things will anger me or frustrate me, but I have learned I need to choose wisely over what I will allow to affect me and voice to others. Talk about a work still in progress.
  3. Biting my tongue. I have realized this is key for me and goes right along with #2. Even though sometimes I will feel justified in speaking out or telling someone how I feel, I know it doesn’t always serve a purpose. I know my parents told me to think before I speak a long time ago, but I’m just now realizing it.
  4. Simplicity. Clutter and disorganization are a major cause of unhappiness and often times cutting out some of the clutter will lead you to much happier times. Whether at work or home, create a soothing and amazing space that allows you to relax and revel in some downtime. Here are some primers on how to have the perfect cozy night in.
  5. Don’t cheat sleep. If you’re suffering from FOMO, realize that sleep is a key to happiness. Unless you’re some rare breed of human who can happily operate on no sleep. I’m the rare breed that if I’m lacking sleep or food, I’m an angry individual (so consider yourselves warned).

  6. Photo and DIY: Studio DIY

    DIY girl’s night. Seriously. I get this sounds cheesy, but it’s worked for me. Having any excuse to get together with a good girlfriend or two (I have anxiety when too many girls get together at once, swear) and doing a little DIY action is super fun. Wine should be included, obvi. Here is my Pinterest DIY board, for a few ideas to start you off. Or if you want an afternoon out, consider doing a mural tour with these Montrose Houston murals. I try to have a friend over at my Encore Montrose apartment at least every other week, just to check in with each other, cook dinner, drink wine and maybe do a DIY project. This could also be a guy’s action movie night, steak night with the boys, Bible study, etc. Just spending quality time with quality people will do wonders for your mood.

  7. Take action. Just thinking about being happier or things that will make you happier rarely work. Take some action and do something. If you’ve been dreaming of a beach vacation, start saving and book a ticket. If you’ve been salivating over that new restaurant, figure out how to get a reservation and dress up and enjoy the evening. Take a page out of Nike’s book and Just Do It. (Unless it’s something harmful or illegal, then maybe don’t.)
  8. Chug some H20. You’re probably thinking you’d rather chug champagne or a cold beer, but honestly. You should know by now that water cures pretty much everything. It’s another one of those instant mood boosters, plus it makes you feel full (so you won’t feel the urge to gorge on a donut) and is great for your skin!
  9. Turn on the tunes. Taking a page out of my mom’s book, good music, which we probably all define differently can really turn your mood around or let you work out your anger or sadness. That’s one reason I love living alone and having my own apartment. I can crank up my favorite Pandora station and just work through my stuff.

To get serious for a minute – I do believe all of the above can help you create happiness, but like I said, I know it takes work. I lost my best friend to suicide and know that “drinking water” or jumping on the treadmill isn’t the answer to serious and ongoing depression. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or consider getting on meds if you’re feeling sad or lonely. Let people know you need them.

There is a hotline you can call 24/7: 1.800.273.8255.

Happiness is also loving where you live and your surroundings, that’s why I love living at Encore Montrose. This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about this fun Houston neighborhood. Our Montrose apartments host regular resident events, which I also think is key to happiness. Meeting your neighbors and loving where you live is so crucial to overall happiness. These luxury Houston apartments are offering leasing specials, so stop by for a tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Hurry and here’s my pro tip – ask for the Champagne Tour.

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