Forgiveness

December 1st, 2018

By Blaine Ochoa

It’s finally December, the end of another year. Christmas is right around the corner and many of us will be spending time with loved ones. It is personally my very favorite time of the year, aside from my birthday, of course. I love Christmas music, the spirit that people seem to have at this time, the food, the decorations, the lights, Christmas trees, presents, and the joy and happiness that comes with Christmas. I’ve always found it to be magical.

As we end 2018 I want to share with you something I’ve learned that has helped me grow into the woman I am today. It is not the easiest thing to do, but it is very rewarding and necessary to a healthy and meaningful life. It is the practice of forgiveness.

I urge you to learn how to forgive. There is power and strength in being able to forgive others. It is therapeutic and good for the soul. Healing comes when we can forgive people who have hurt us in the past, this includes ourselves. Learning how to forgive yourself and others is an important lesson in moving on. When you make mistakes, don’t let your mistakes weigh you down and leave you crippled or depressed. Learn how to let go of perfection, to love, and to forgive. Freedom is found in forgiving others.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget the ultimate story of forgiveness and love. God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, into the world in the form of a beautiful baby boy. He would later go to the cross and die for our sins, and three days later rise again, to show the world true love, hope, salvation, and forgiveness. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that who so ever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:16 – 17

Merry Christmas!
Xoxo, Blaine

Music Announcement
I am happy to announce my good friend and Christian country singer, Micheal Ryan is releasing a Christmas Album. I am honored to be featured on his album and to help with this wonderful project. Our main duet is, “Oh Holy Night.” This has always been my favorite Christmas song and I am very excited to be apart of it. Our song, “Oh Holy Night” will be available for purchase on Spotify, iTunes, and www.beautywithblaine.com

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Thankfulness

November 1st, 2018

By Blaine Ochoa

As we enter into the Holiday season and celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to bring attention to this beautiful time of the year, and to focus on what it truly means to be thankful. To be thankful for what we have been given, and to live in America, a country where we are free and have certain liberties.

In today’s society, I feel we get caught up in wanting more – wanting to be more successful, wealthier, prettier, smarter, and stronger. We always want more. There is nothing wrong with wanting more and wanting to be better, but it becomes detrimental when that is all we focus on. We tend to forget the important things in life, and forget how blessed we are.

I have seen firsthand people who have nothing, and yet they still have joy in their hearts and are thankful for the simplest of things. A few years ago I had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful country of South Africa. Going on a mission trip to Africa was always a dream of mine and something I was passionate about doing. I went through an organization called Global Expeditions, and it was my junior year of college at Texas State University during my Christmas and New Years Break. I flew out of Houston and met my team in Washington D.C. and we flew to Johannesburg, South Africa. I was there for two weeks.

We went into the impoverished squatter camp communities of Kya Sands and Diepsloot. While there, my team and I were able to share our Christian faith, pray with the people, bring water, and help with daily tasks needing to be done. We saw how another part of the world lived. Dirt roads and dirt floors with tiny houses made of cardboard, mud, and wood. It was humbling and heartbreaking. I saw people who had nothing, but were grateful. They were thankful for a hug, a helping hand, water, and shelter. I remember the tears, the smells, the sounds, and the hearts of people I met.

We were able to love on the children and adults, sing songs and dance. We volunteered with Impact Africa and helped with their Impact Kids program. It is a non profit organization that provides quality Christian education to underprivileged and at risk children who are in preschool. The organization also has an Impact Baby Rescue program. This program rescues babies that are abandoned when moms are unable to care for their child.

On my flight home I remember thinking about all I had experienced and seen. My eyes were open to a whole new meaning of life and a new perspective of being thankful for what I had – to live life with joy, abandonment of fear, and to thank God for all that he has given me.

After getting back to the States I decided to sponsor a little girl’s education through Impact Africa. She lived in Kya Sands, one of the villages I visited, and her name is Ayanda. Being able to sponsor her while back in the States was very meaningful to me. I recently started sponsoring a little girl named Amanda from Guatemala through the organization, Food For The Hungry. I am passionate about child sponsorship because I have seen the places and the children who are positively effected by child sponsorship organizations in the world. My friend and role model, Joanne King Herring says, “help people help themselves”, to teach, uplift and encourage others to be the best they can be. Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most important weapon in which to change the world”, aside from love.

I went to South Africa in hopes of changing lives and helping others; however, it was my life and my heart that was changed. This Thanksgiving I want to encourage everyone to be thankful for what you have. Be thankful that you have a roof over your head, food, clean water, and healthcare. Be thankful for your home, your education, and your job. Be thankful for your family, friends, and loved ones. Be thankful for this one precious life that you have and never forget how very blessed you are.

If you would like to contact me please email [email protected] or go to my website www.beautywithblaine.com Also, if you would like to sponsor a child’s education or provide food for a child in need, please contact me and I can recommend incredible organizations through which to do so.

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Bachelor & bachelorette auction raises thousands for diabetes research

October 1st, 2018

The Bay Area’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes on stage at Sundance Grill II.

Well Houston had its list and Galveston had its list, so it was time for the Bay Area to have its list of most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. The honorees were chosen for their contribution to the cities in Galveston county. They are Lance Fegen, Ange Mertens, Hank Dugie, Wendy Shaw, Dr. Louie Robinson, Erin Webb, Kevin Smith, Blaine Ochoa and Justin Gripon.

Ange Mertens had the idea to use the community involved honorees to raise some money for the American Diabetes Association. She put together the fun Date Auction night that was held at the beautiful Sundance Grill II, where the venue and food was graciously donated by Hans Mair. The bidding went wild when the Bachelors and Bachelorettes each walked the runway. Dates with Lance Fegen and Wendy Shaw went for the highest bids of the night at a wonderful $3,000 each. Lance Fegen is the Culinary Director for the Liberty Kitchen restaurants and offered a dinner for eight people in their home with him as the chef, and that exciting auction item went for $2,300. The bidders and audience alike had a great time as the honorees strutted their stuff and brought in $18,000 for the American Diabetes Association!

League City Mayor Pat Hallisey was the Emcee and shared his story of the heart attack he had last year while working hard after Hurricane Harvey. Hallisey is a Type 2 diabetic and had to have his leg amputated from complications from his diabetes and warned the audience of the evils of uncontrolled Diabetes. The illustrious Rick Clapp from Bay Area Houston Magazine did a great job as the auctioneer. Ange, who is a Type 1 diabetic, spoke at the end of the auction and thanked everyone for coming, asked everyone to be cautious of the signs of diabetes and told everyone about the research and support you can find at diabetes.org. Mertens also thanked the sponsors, Liberty Kitchen Restaurants, Tax Recourse, Elite Care 24 -hour Emergency Room, and Sundance Grill II. Attendees then enjoyed a night of listening to and dancing to the tunes of MECHANIX.

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Remember Your Why

September 1st, 2018

Ana Barron and Blaine Ochoa

By Blaine Ochoa

What are your dreams and goals? Why?

The “why” to these answers is by far more important. “Why” is what drives and motivates you. The dreams and goals you have would mean nothing if you didn’t know why you wanted to pursue them. Every decision you will ever make is fueled by a “why.”

Life is a journey. During your pursuits and adventures in life, you sometimes tend to forget why you started something in the first place. The journey can be exhausting, heartbreaking and confusing when you loose sight of “why.” I have experienced this firsthand and had to pause, refocus and refresh, and really concentrate on my “why” along the road to following my dreams.

On a side note, I believe sometimes God allows you to break, in order to build you back up stronger than before. Personally, in these moments when I have been so weak, I have seen His power and grace revealed. When I let go and look towards Him, He picks me up right where I am and brings me to a better place. Afterwards I am stronger, wiser, more refined, and have a clearer meaning of my purpose and my “why.”

“Do everything with passion and authenticity,” says Ana Barron, co-owner of Sweat 1000 Houston. Sweat is the 1st studio in the United States of its kind. The gym is based on a concept originated from Cape Town, South Africa. Husband and wife, Jordan Strouse and Ana Barron are the proud owners of Sweat 1000 Houston.

Jordan Strouse and Ana Barron, proud owners of Sweat 1000 Houston.

Ana fell in love with fitness while living in South Africa. “It was a way for me to improve myself, and it helped me develop a healthy lifestyle. It has now become more than that. I enjoy inspiring others to live a better and healthy lifestyle and create a healthy environment.”

In 2015, Jordan and Ana meet the founders of Sweat 1000 in South Africa, Paul and Andrew Rothschild. Jordan and Ana decided to partner with them and bring the concept to Houston. “Sweat is a high intensity interval training workout session using treadmills as the base workout, and integrating components of functional training, core stability, and athletic training.” Sweat is a fun and healthy place to work out and achieve goals, and you can burn up to 1,000 calories in one workout class. It is very high energy, and Jordan and Ana typically play EDM, hip hop, and Latin music; Ana loves to incorporate her Hispanic culture into her workout classes. In the future the couple plan to grow and expand to new locations in Houston and beyond.

Fitness and working out reminds me a lot about life. It you want to see results, you have to stay positive, motivated, and consistent. When it gets hard, you have to remember why you started, tell yourself to keep going and push through. You may be sore the next day, but eventually the soreness leaves and you become stronger.

Ana’s advice is to, “believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Whatever goal it may be, there is no magic pill, you have to work really hard and stay very consistent.”

When life gets tough, pick yourself up and keep going. It may not get easier, but you will get stronger. You have to remember your passion and your purpose everyday, and never forget your “why.”

You can contact me at [email protected] or visit www.BeautywithBlaine.com

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Miss Kemah Pageant, Simply Amazin’!

July 1st, 2018

By Rick Clapp

The 2018 Miss Kemah Pageant was a huge success and a big financial gain for the City of Kemah, Landry’s, Kemah Boardwalk and many local restaurants and clubs.

This year’s contestants were incredibly beautiful and so smart. The Bay Area Houston Magazine and Gulf Coast Mariner were proud to sponsor this prestigious event for the 12th year.

This fun filled event included a contestants preview on Friday at the Kemah Community Center, a delicious brunch cruise on the Fantasea Yacht with the ladies, parents, sponsors and supporters. The fitness contest was held on the cruise and the winners received trophies and gift certificates from the Bay Group and were presented by myself, Rick Clapp, and the “real Ms. Kemah,” Kelly Williams.

Graci Guilbeaux was crowned the 2018 Miss Kemah Teen and Erin Wilrich was crowned Miss Kemah at the Clear Falls High School auditorium in front of a large crowd. Congrats to the winners and all contestants. Especially Bay Group Media’s Blaine Ochoa as one of the contestants.

Special thanks goes to Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner and his lovely wife, Jim Whitecotton, Tillman Fertitta, Bryn Carden, Stephanie Ludwig, Nancy Gonzales and all sponsors and volunteers who made this event a success.

Again, Kudos to the beauty maven, Kelly Williams.

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New Beginnings

June 1st, 2018

Blaine Ochoa

By Blaine Ochoa

Summer is almost here. That means time for the beach, tropical getaways, and summer parties. That also means getting in shape in order to have that “fire hot” summer body that most women dream of having. Achieving and maintaining a rock’n summer bod can be difficult, but absolutely possible. Start where you are and take daily action steps to achieve your goals. It is never too late to achieve your fitness goals, chase your dreams, or live the life you want to live.

For the record, there are beauty treatments that can help contribute to losing weight and maintaining a fabulous body; however, eating healthy and working out is the ultimate, factual and best way to achieve your best body — inside and out. My fitness journey has not been easy, but with sacrifices, dedication and perseverance, I have seen my body transform into a mold that I am very proud of. I have documented my health and fitness secrets to reaching my goals and getting in shape, along with my friend and certified personal trainer, Sandy
Lankford, who shares her knowledge and helpful tips regarding diet and exercise.

One thing I have learned over the years, especially concerning my fitness journey, is to “do it now.” When it comes to health and fitness, work and achieving goals; this motto has made me successful. It was a lesson I had to learn the hard way, but better to learn now than later, or never.

Overcoming the “illness” of procrastination is tough, but doable. Being on a fitness journey is not easy, and it takes courage to step out and start where you are. When speaking with Sandy I learned that her motto is, “new beginnings.” These are words to live by — in the gym, when you wake up in the morning, when you make a mistake, and every day for the rest of your life. Every day is a new beginning and a fresh start. You have the power and tools necessary to create the life you want. So, this idea of new beginnings can also be seen in icecasino. For many, it becomes a place where they take risks, hoping for new opportunities. There, at the moment of the game, you can feel the same tension that you feel when starting a new stage of your life. And just like in fitness, in the casino, every round can be a new beginning, where you have the opportunity to discover something new, whether in winning or in the game itself.

Eating healthy is step No.1. “Eating healthy is a way of life, it is how you keep your body in check, and how you remain energetic and feel good about yourself.” Take each day one day at a time and make better decisions daily.

Changing your meals and incorporating healthy proteins, vegetables and non fat carbohydrates will help you loose weight and create definition and muscle tone.

Eating less unhealthy carbohydrates, sugars, and fats, will result in weight loss, and your body will feel more energized and refreshed. Also, eating six small meals a day will increase your metabolism. Eat lean chicken, turkey breast, brown rice, sweet potatoes and lots of vegetables, for example, and you will start seeing a difference in the way you look.

Working out is step No. 2. Exercising will improve your overall health, physical physique, and build muscle, which burns calories. Decide to commit to exercising at least 20-40 minutes a day, whether that is taking a walk around the block, going for a run, or trying out a fun workout class. A few of my favorite workouts are Pilates, Zumba, Kickboxing, and Yoga. Invite a friend to join you, “you are more likely to excel if you find a friend who can be apart of your fitness journey — someone to hold you accountable.” Also, I have found that working out in the mornings has helped me stay on track with eating healthier throughout the day, and be more productive. Doing cardio in the mornings gets your blood pumping, boosts your metabolism, and gives you energy for the rest of the day.

Try these tips out and in four weeks track your progress and see how far you’ve come. “Find someone in the fitness industry who can strengthen you, lift you up, and help motivate you, there is power in numbers and power in friendship.” Never forget that strength comes from above and from within. You have power with in that is able to conquer and achieve all things.

Now for the fun part! After you start seeing results from eating healthy and working out, complete your summer body with a radiant spray tan. My personal favorite place to get a spray tan is Throwing Copper, located in the Houston Museum District. Throwing Copper offers an all natural and organic airbrush spray tanning solution sure to give you the perfect summer glow.

Change does not happen overnight, it takes time. Do not stress or feel discouraged if you do not see the results you want fast enough. Stay focused, be consistent, and never give up. If you get off track, get back on it. It’s all about having a positive, proactive mindset! I encourage you to incorporate healthy eating and working out into your lifestyle. You will see a drastic change in your overall health, appearance, and the way you feel.

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