Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

7/26 & 8/2: DIVA GLAM REVIEW SPECTACULAR!

 

The Diva Glam! Squad was just announced this morning, and we're kicking things off by doing a HUGE, SPECTACULAR promotion giveaway on The Backstage Pass Radio Program on Monday 7/19 & 7/26! 

Find out about some amazing Diva Glam! products out there - for every shape, size, background, and style.  The Diva Glam! Squad will be reviewing these great products and to make it even more amazing, our sponsors are also giving away TONS of great prizes.  Check back often for updated sponsors and prizes, and please visit their websites to help support these great shows!

How to win:   Listen to the show LIVE on Monday, 7/19 & 7/26 @ 7pm EST.  When prompted, be caller # 3 for that prize and win!  Call-in # is 347-857-2052.  Listen live at www.backstagepassradio.com.  Live chat opens 15 mins before the show starts.  Also, keep your eye on Diva Taunia's Twitter Page for special "secret" giveaways!

DIVA GLAM! SPONSORS & PRIZES & SPECIAL OFFER CODES:

 GIVEAWAYS AND REVIEWS FOR MONDAY, 7/26/10:

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 www.mineralhygenics.com

Mineral Hygenics uses natural ingredients to develop superior cosmetics that meet and exceed customer expectations - they will never compromise on quality.  Before customers even use a product, Mineral Hygenics wants you to feel comfortable knowing that their products were developed with care and reason, with quality as the focus!

PRIZE:   FREE Mineral Hygenics Starter Kit!
DISCOUNT:  10% off using "DIVAT"

 

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Barefoottess.com has a mission: to provide the best in footwear — be it a $15 flip-flop or an $800 boot to large-footed, fashion-conscious women everywhere. Tess's love of fashion has never been about how much something costs, what size it is or who designed it. It’s about style, and style shouldn’t stop at size 10.

PRIZE:   $100.00 Gift Certificate to www.barefoottess.com.
DISCOUNT:  20% off using "DIVAT"

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pin-up-cosmetics.com

Pin Up Cosmetics is a cruelty-free company, and they carry natural and vegan cosmetics. Pin Up Cosmetics products are handmade in small batches to assure your product is fresh.  Our lip gloss, lip balms and mineral eye shadows are free from, carmine, parabens and FD&C colors. Designed to take you from day to night effortlessly. From deeply pigmented shades for evening to sheer color for day; define eyes, lips & cheeks with rich luster and glamour while providing a natural approach to your makeup application

PRIZE:   $25.00 Gift Certificate
DISCOUNT:  30% off using "DIVAT"

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 www.divainpink.com

Diva in Pink:  if you love the color pin, then this site is for you!  

We carry a lot of different items from many fashion and jewelry designers. All items are unique and some items are sold exclusively in our store. Make sure you check out these one of a kind gems. Our inventory is always changing so check back often.  

A percentage of the proceeds from every item sold on divainpink.com will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation...all year long.

PRIZE:   Trio of Flowers Necklace:  

http://divainpink.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_36&products_id=49&osCsid=e902dc9318bf13115b9b58c80488f025

***SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!!!!    Follow @divataunia to find out  how to win this necklace!!***

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 www.divasandgoddesses.com

Divas and Goddesses is an online boutique of classy and beautiful intimate apparel, swimwear, and costumes ranging in sizes from small to 6X.  Bustiers, Corsets, Garters, and Hose...delighting Divas down to their toes!

PRIZE:   $50.00 Gift Certificate to http://www.divasandgoddesses.com/
DISCOUNT:  10% off + FREE SHIPPING using "DIVAT"

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PRIZES THAT WERE GIVEN AWAY ON the MONDAY, 7/19 SHOW:

(Listen HERE for the archived show!)

THE FRESH DIET:  delivers 3 freshly prepared gourmet meals and 2 snacks right to your doorstep,daily. It's like a gourmet chef cooked your meals in your own kitchen. 

GRAND PRIZE: ONE MONTH FREE!  PREMIUM ACCOUNT!
 

 SECRET GIVEAWAY:  Follow @divataunia and @freshdiet for secret giveaway info on Twitter!
 

DISCOUNT:  $29.99/DAY - PREMIUM ACCOUNT - USE "DIVAT" 

www.thefreshdiet.com

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Desire4mo.com:  Kim offers super-sexy shoes, lingerie, and clothing in both regular and plus sizes - something for everyone!  

 

PRIZE:   $50.00 Gift Certificate to www.desire4mo.com.

DISCOUNT:  10% off using "DIVAT"

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Dolce Mia Divas:  Based in Sonoma County, Dolce Mia is a family-run business producing lotions, soaps, stationary and gifts. Known for its fun vintage-inspired packaging and graphics, Dolce Mia offers high quality gifts that speak to a love of all things retro.

PRIZE:   Bomblicious Cupcake Bath Fizzle and Dolce Mia Soap

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Naturesboundaries.com products are made with certified organic ingredients, and offer an extensive line of natural skin care, cosmetics, pregnancy and baby care, and bath and body products.  Something for every Natural Diva!

PRIZE:   $25 Gift Certificate to www.naturesboundaries.com.
DISCOUNT:  15% off plus FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 of more using "DIVAT"

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subtle-essence.com Looking to embrace your senses...Waiting to captivate your mind...Indulge yourself in the essence of fragrance...

Subtle Essence is an innovative natural line of hair & skin care products for you the mind, body and souuse all natural vegan butters, oils, warm fragrances and a subtle tenderness in each product.

Visit us online at www.subtle-essence.com or contact us at 202-257-2805.

PRIZE:  Subtle Spa Basket - includes Exotic Body Butter, Bath Butter, Sugar Scrub 
 & spa accessories from subtle-essence.com!

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 EQUMEN.COM enables men of the world to be at their best. Using the latest high performance athletic technologies, our precision-fit seamless compression wear is engineered to optimise and energise the body, from street to sport, work to weekend.

PRIZE:   $100 Gift Certificate to www.equmen.com
DISCOUNT:  TBA using "DIVAT"

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EARTHDIVACOSMETICS.COM offers and exclusive line of 100% mineral make-up and vegan, cruelty-free brushes.  All of their natural beauty products are organic and certified vegan.

PRIZE:   $25 Gift Certificate to www.earthdivacosmetics.com
 
SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!  FOLLOW @DIVATAUNIA TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!

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INTRODUCING: THE DIVA GLAM! SQUAD

If you're reading this, you probably already know that The Backstage Pass Radio Program is THE place to be on Monday nights for some seriously kick-ass Diva product giveaways.  What you may not know is that there's now a Diva Glam! Squad.  That's right:  a team of women and men - all different shapes, sizes, backgrounds - to help review the fabulous "glam" beauty, fashion, skin and hair care, and accessory products out there!

The promotions have become so successful that we've now branched out to a "team," to help find products for everyone.  Meet the new Diva Glam! Squad:

DIVA TAUNIA is the host of The Backstage Pass Radio Program.  As a gastric bypass post-op who's lost over 160 lbs, she celebrates her new post-op life and image, and is on a quest to find the most rockin' beauty products out there.  In addition to her gig as a radio host, she's also a professional jazz vocalist and the Vice President of Public Relations for the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America.  She's also engaged to be married this winter,and is always on the lookout for great Diva Bridal items.  Lots of reasons to find some amazing "Diva" products out there to introduce to her listeners!

As a weight loss surgery advocate, Taunia also features products that help make men and women feel attractive after surgery.  With a special focus on skin and hair care, makeup, and fashion trends, she knows her demographic of listeners are on the lookout for the best products and websites out there to help them celebrate their new image, and she brings those products direct to the listeners.

As a professional vocalist and musician, Diva Taunia looks for the best products out there to help enhance her stage and recording career.  Have a music-related product that you think she'd love?  Send it her way for review!

Additionally, as a self-employed-working-from-home stepmom, she's also ALWAYS on the lookout for products that make her home-life easier as well, because the easier home life is, the more Diva-fied she can get!  For more information about Diva Taunia, please visit her website at www.divataunia.com.

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  38
Height: 5'7"
Size:  medium-ish
Shoe:  8
Hair:  Blondissime!  Bottle blonde, baby!
Eyes:  One brown, one hazel 

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CYN CITY is a unique blend of conservative AND funky.  By day, she plays it conservative as she works in education.  By night, she's a super-sassy vixen!  Either way, this curvy Asian woman likes cuts that flatter her curves, and show her feminine shape.  Bright colors, sexy cuts, and super-high heels are what define Cyn City's personal style.  Accented with funky jewelry and accessories, her eye-catching style and exotic looks make her a stand-out!.  She's youthful, fun, and flirty!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  32
Height: 5'5"
Size:  16/18 or 1x/2x
Shoe:  9
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Brown

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SASSY SUZ is our bombshell babe!  With an hourglass figure that is a throwback to the retro-pinup era, most women would kill for her curves!  Sassy Suz is a casual girl at heart, and she HATES to iron or dry-clean anything.  Easy wash and dry care is what she looks for in her fashion choices, unless she's dolling up for an event, and then you'll see her work an evening dress like nobody's business!  She's tall, sassy, and sexy!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  37
Height: 5'10"
Size:  10 or 12
Shoe:  11
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Hazel

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AMAZING AIMEE is our classic and sophisticated-style go-to gal.  With her long, curly hair, pale skin, and classic beauty, she brings well-made and tailored clothing to life.  As a graphic designer, she understands the importance of visually appeal, and she invests in well-made classic basics like a crisp white shirt or a great leather bag,  and fills-in seasonally with trendier items.  Amazing Aimee LOVES to accessorize, jewelry, purses, belts, scarves, shoes, bags:  they all immediately transform a wardrobe from eh, to amazing!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  41
Height: 5'6"
Size:  22/24 or 2x/3x
Shoe:  9
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Green

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SWEET SIOUX is a landscape architecture student AND a professional chef, so she knows how to cook in and out of the kitchen, and has an eye for design!  She comes from a family of artists, and has a unique appreciation for color, trends, and beauty - especially in the world all around us. She's drawn to the retro-leopard print look, and she'd steal the spots right off a leopard if she could!  Also, because of her love of landscape, she's also drawn towards beauty from the earth: earth tones in her wardrobe styling and in her natural-look makeup.

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  44
Height: 5'5.5"
Size:  14/16 or 1x
Shoe:  9.5
Hair:   Red
Eyes:  Green

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BRENDA STAR is one of our fitness enthusiasts, living an active lifestyle and juggling the many roles she plays in her life:  careerwoman, wife, mother.  She finds balance through fitness, and is happy when she's getting dirty camping, fishing, or any other outdoor activity!  She likes fashions that support her healthy lifestyle, and help her feel trendy and youthful during her busy day.  She wants to find great activewear made for women, but with a youthful style!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  37
Height: 5'8"
Size:  6 / 8
Shoe:  8
Hair:   Brown
Eyes:  Brown

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CAREYLICIOUS is a NYC vocalist and voice teacher.  She runs so she can eat, and she will sing for her supper (or product)!  You will usually find her in running clothes, leggings or shorts and flip flops, and her makeup routine consists of moisturizer, chapstick, and WAY too much mascara.  She loves things that smell like grapefruit or honeysuckle, and fake tanner has changed her life.  She also loves the va-va-voom look for onstage, and hopes that she's inherited her gorgeous 94 yr old grandmother's anti-aging genes!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  33
Height: 5'2"
Size:  4/6 Petite
Shoe:  6.5
Hair:   Brown
Eyes:  Green

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MAMA MONIQUE is a mom, daycare owner, and currently pregnant mama-on-the-go!  She likes to change-up her style on a weekly basis:  one week you'll see her in a weave, the next week with braids.  She loves being versatile, and finding colors and styles that compliment her gorgeous mocha-colored skin.  As a pregnant gal, she has a unique perspective on current maternity trends, and looks for maternity and plus size fashions that don't break the bank.  And pregnant doesn't mean frumpy, this mama is full of sass!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  35
Height: 5'8"
Size:  16 / Maternity
Shoe:  9.5
Hair:   Black
Eyes:  Brown

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SAUCY SAVANNAH is a southern gal who loves the slow, southern style and snappy urban fashions.  Like Diva Taunia, she's also a weight loss surgery post-op celebrating her new life and new figure!  She's a Southern Belle by day and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof vixen by night!  She dresses whatever the part calls for, but glamour and getting dolled-up is her favorite way to celebrate her new image.

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  48
Height: 5'3"
Size:  2/4 pant, 6/8 all others
Shoe:  8
Hair:   Blonde
Eyes:  Hazel

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WINELOVER is a duodenal switch post-op weight loss surgery patient who has lost over 160 lbs and has not stopped moving since.   His life is now full of activity and although he spends most of his spare time in athletic sportswear he enjoys getting dressed up for a night on the town with friends.   His fashion style is classic - modern and enjoys anything from jeans to a tux for a formal event.   Being a 4 time marathon runner has taken lots of training and discipline that has afforded him meeting many great new friends and loads of  things to celebrate and socialize about.   Beyond running he enjoys electronic gadgets, wine and expanding on his home barista skills at the espresso machine.

Age: 41
Height: 5'10"
Size: 32/32 Pants - Medium Shirts
Shoe: 10
Hair: Sexy Salt & Pepper!   grrrr
Eyes:Hazel

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RADIO ROB can be heard regularly as the co-host of The Backstage Pass Radio Program.  He's a motorcyle ridin', tattoo-lovin' biker dude, but he's also very interested in looking sharp, a well-dressed man. While he often looks for gear and clothing that he wear when riding, he also likes to get dressed up and look slick, so he's always on the lookout for the best new products out there for men.  He's also Diva Taunia's fiance, and although he's never had weight loss surgery himself, he's very supportive of the community and would be happy to help represent the male perspective.

Age: 37
Height: 6'
Size: 36 Pants - XL Shirts
Shoe: 10
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

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Are you interested in having your product reviewed and promoted on The Backstage Pass Radio Program and Blog by one of our team members?  If so, please contact us at info@divataunia.com for more information and to submit product for review.
 

REVIEW: KICK-ASS BLENDER! Waring BB900P Two-Speed Chrome Blender

Last Monday on The Backstage Pass Radio Program, I had a "protein madness" promotional giveaway, and one of the sponsors was webstaurantstore.com.  I had found out about them through The Food Network Magazine, and contacted them because they have a great line of blenders - which is obviously a necessity for wls post-op life.  They very generously donated two blenders as prizes for the giveaways (Waring BB180 Blender), and also sent me this bad-boy to review:

Waring BB900P 48 oz.
Two Speed Chrome Bar Blender

Full disclosure(s): 

1.  This particular model is a little on the pricier side, but it's a bar-grade blender, meaning you get what you pay for.  Bar blenders crush blocks of ice, blend within seconds, and make you the life of the party.  They rock.  Being the frugal Diva that I am (read:  cheap-ass), I rarely pay more than $20 for anything.  But this?  Hells yeah.  Read on.

2.  I also have a fetish for all kitchen-gadgets.  Take me to the Ikea or Target kitchen sections, and you'll see me look like a crack-addict on a binge within seconds.  I love ALL. THINGS. KITCHEN.  Machines, gadgets, knives, you name it, I want it.  And blenders became top on my list of "kitchen-love" once I had to start puree-ing my life.

So Fedex came by and dropped this off, and my step-son went NUTS.  He immediately started begging me to take him to the store to buy strawberries so that we could make smoothies ASAP.  He was playing with this like it was a brand-new Xbox (Note to XBOX people:  stepson also asked me to make an announcement that he'd like to review an XBOX.  I promised him I'd put that out there.  lol), and would NOT leave me alone until we got strawberries.  So we did, and this morning was Smoothie-time.

First, we dropped in several big cubes of ice which were crushed WITHIN SECONDS.  The 14 yr old was HIGHLY impressed.  Then we put in yogurt, strawberries, and a little milk, and within another few seconds, the smoothie was good to go.  Stepson then proceeded to rave about HOW. AWESOME. THIS. BLENDER. IS.  He then talked about the other blenders we have an how they all pale by comparison and that this was his NEW FAVORITE BLENDER OF ALL TIME.  I'm not even joking.  You'd think the blender just handed the kid a $100 bill.  I didn't even have to do this review, he totally did it for me.

But honestly?  This blender DOES rock.  Now I know why people invest a bit more into a product that works well, is reliable, and to be honest, looks pretty damn slick.

So there you have it.  Need a blender?  Go see the good people over at webstaurantstore.com and get your very own Waring Blender.  If it passed the usually-apathetic 14 yr old test, I'm pretty sure that you'll love it too!

PROTEIN MADNESS! Bariatric Giveaway Show - Cohosted by Beth & Larry Tipton!

PROTEIN MADNESS! 
 Monday, 6/28 @ 7pm EST!

Co-hosted by Rob, and Beth & Larry Tipton!
(Subtitled:  Tipsy with the Tiptons!) 
 
LISTEN STREAMING LIVE: www.backstagepassradio.com

CALL IN # : (347) 857-2052

As most weight loss surgery patients know, protein and healthy nutrition, cooking, and eating is the most essential part of a successful weight loss surgery journey.  Tune-in tonight to hear about some of the greatest products and companies out there.  Hear about protein powders, shakes, snacks, supplements and more, and find out about some of the coolest kitchen gadgets to help you through your journey.

Even better?  Call-in to WIN some of these great products, generously donated by the radio show sponsors who support us in our quest for better health:

Co-hosted by the fabulous Beth & Larry Tipton, as well as Taunia & Rob, this program is sure to be a rockin' good time - full of fantastic prizes and giveaways.  For more information, please visit The Backstage Pass Radio Program show page HERE!

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

www.bjsbariatrics.com

PRIZE:  Your choice tub of any flavor NECTAR protein 2.1 tub,
the 21 single serving packet Grab N Go or the Matrix 2.0

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WARING BB180 COMMERICAL BAR BLENDER

PRIZE:  TWO (2) Waring BB180 Blender Giveaways!

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www.proteinbullet.com

 PRIZE:  THREE Giveaways of 1 case of your choice flavor Protein Bullet!

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www.theproteinbakery.com 

PRIZE:  A box of fresh-baked bakery goodies from The Protein Bakery!

(Oh, you KNOW that me and my co-hosts will be eating these live on air!  lol)

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www.drinkclick.com

PRIZE:  FOUR (4) Giveaways!  A Cannister of Click in your choice of flavor PLUS a Click Shaker!

ALSO:  100 FREE SAMPLE GIVEAWAYS FROM CLICK!   EMAIL info@drinkclick.com with code "DIVAT" for your sample!  (Be sure to provide your name and shipping address!)

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www.functiondrinks.com

PRIZE:  A supply of "Light Weight" drinks from Function Drinks!

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www.highproteinbread.com 

PRIZE:  A case (4 loaves) of  P28 High Protein Bread!

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www.kaysdietfood.com 

PRIZE:  A case of single servings in each flavor, from Kays!

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CHECK BACK FOR MORE PRIZES AND SPONSORS BEING ADDED DAILY!

WLS REVIEW: IAMKRIS411 from the 1/11/2010 show!

Kristen is such an amazing woman. She made her you tube premier in April of 2009, and just a couple of months later, she began chronicling her journey toward gaining approval for weight loss surgery. Since Kristen lives with her husband in Northern Germany, the insurance approval procedures were a bit different than those of us in the US have to endure. After seeing tons of doctors, Kristen submitted her paperwork, waited seven weeks for a decision, and was then denied in December of 2009.

Had insurance denied me, I think I would have curled up with a gallon of ice cream and said forget about it. However, Kristen persevered – she showed great strength and courage. She refused to take no for an answer. After only a few weeks, Kristen got a wonderful call from the insurance company.... she had been APPROVED for surgery!

Kristen had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy on February 24, 2010. In fact, she has great videos on her site of her surgical experiences. She even had a personal media center complete with a laptop at the hospital... I am way jealous. At the time of publication, Kristen is 4 weeks out from surgery and has lost an amazing thirty three and a half pounds overall! Kristen has been faithfully documenting her early post – op stages at http://www.youtube.com/iamkris411 Since she and I are at similar post-op points, her videos help me to feel like I am not alone in all of the things I have been experiencing. She is an inspiration to me, and I always look forward to the cheerful comments she always leaves on my own youtube posts.

For an informative glimpse inside bariatric surgery, check Kristen out – you will be happy you did.

http://www.youtube.com/iamkris411

Written by Melinda, for the Diva Taunia Blog.

NEW MUSIC REVIEW: JEN KEARNEY

Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion – What Music Should Sound Like by Guest Writer, Melinda

Let me preface this review by telling you that I am not normally one who goes for the whole artsy, rocker grrrl genre. Spin some Biggie or Jay-Z and I am ready to jam. I have always felt pretty comfortable with my limited musical tastes – that is ….until I opened Jen Kearney's website (www.jenkearney.com). W-T-F …. why didn't I know about this chick? She is absolutely amazing! I feel as though a whole new world of musical options has been opened to me care of Jen Kearney and her band, The Lost Onion.

Now, let's see if I can put this into terms that one with as little musical culture as I, can understand. I think of Kearney's sound as something like a cross between the vocal stylings of Fiona Apple and the musical talents of a more mature Tori Amos. (I hope I haven't offended anyone ...ya still with me, ok, perfect...) Some critics have even compared Jen's voice to Stevie Wonder, which I absolutely agree with (not to say that Fiona sounds like Stevie....hmm). Her biting lyrics such as “. . . Trudge as you may, Try as you might, Through the mud and the water, You claw and you bite, But you won’t let go of your greed...” coupled with smooth, funky, jazzy, instrumentation threw me into a musical trance that was only broken by a screaming child outside (I like kids ...really, I do...).

Putting all of my dated 90's references aside. You have got to check out Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion. Even if you think you don't normally dig this type of music … Kearney will change your mind. The group has put out three albums: Bravery (2002), Eat (206), and The Year of the Ox (2009). You can listen to many songs from these albums on the website, www.jenkearney.com. You can also purchase the albums at this site ...do it – buy them all. If you are lucky enough to live in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area, you can check out Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion every Monday night at Toad. If you live nearby and you don't attend – shame on you!

Now, crank up Kearney's “Warm Bath Eyes,” rock the stunna shades, and put a frosty Hurricane in your left hand (you will need your right hand free to snap along). Close your eyes and let the big jazz sound transport you to a street party in New Orleans. Can you hear it? Can you feel it? This is what jazzy, edgy, and soulful are supposed to sound like. Go on, get up...dance and be groovy!

I give this one 3 sips!

We've all heard it ..sip, sip, sip – Now I'll use the phrase in a way that doesn't annoy me:

Sip: Boooo

Sip, Sip: check it out, you might like it

Sip, Sip, Sip: WOOT!! You have got to try this!!

2/8 SUPER-DUPER WINNER LIST

Thanks to everyone who participated in the "Super-Duper Valentine's Giveaway!"  If you are one of the winners list below, please contact me at radio@divataunia.com with your name, shipping address, and the prize you won.  Here is a full list of winners from last's night "Backstage Pass Radio Program:"

(drumroll, please...)

COCKTAIL NAPKIN CD:  "mommamartha"

CELEBRATE VITAMINS GIFT BASKET:  "Kim", via telephone

PATRICIA MILLER NECKLACE:  "mjteller"

KAYS NATURALS:  "jenni otera"

BARIATRIC ADVANTAGE PROJOE:  "wenniewoop"

COROMEGA HEALTHY HEART:  "xolani santos"

SUPREME PROTEIN GIFT PACKAGE:  "fhotolady"

Diamond Dallas Page's YRG Fitness Program:  "Larry Tipton" via telephone

Thanks to everyone who participated.  Please be sure to visit our prize sponsors for some amazing bariatric and wls-related products!

Cheers,

DIVA GLAM REVIEWS!

1/18/10 WLS LOVELY - KRISTY RATCLIFF

The timing of this feature could not be more relevant.  Not only is Kristy an inspiring weight loss surgery community member, but she's also an adoptive parent to Spencer, a young orphan from Haiti.  In the wake of the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti, Kristy offers a unique perspective on how people can help, and also how strong the people of Haiti truly are.

Kristy had her surgery on October 23, 2007 at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Boise, Idaho.  After over thirty medical procedures related to stomach and mentrual issues, Kristy and her husband Alan decided to be proactive about her health and looked into gastric bypass surgery after it was suggested by her doctor.   She had been diagnosed with PCOS and she an Alan were unable to conceive.  Little did they know just how dramatically the surgery would change their lives.

During this time, they also adopted Spencer, Spencer was born in 2003, to loving married Haitian couple who couldn't afford to feed him,or care for him, they had 5 other children.  Thy wanted him to have a better life,and they they placed him in a Christian Orphanage Called New Life Link and Hope for the children of Haiti run by Dr. Jacob Benard.

Kristy says, "I want people to know about the people that were there before the earthquake helping Haiti and the people of Haiti, there are so many people from all around the world that have been there for years and years dedicating their lives taking their family's to Haiti to help. Please go and visit people's sites, see the work they have been doing and if you can sponsor someone or a family then please I encourage you to do that so they can continue their work there. Here is a family that I would love everyone to go check out and support even if it is just a comment or email, they took care of Spencer for 10 months while his forever home was being found and approved and they were touched so much that, they sold everything packed up their kids and moved to Haiti, to help Haiti and the people of Haiti and have been there Since Aug 2007, And they are still committed there.   Please visit http://bleshblog.wordpress.com/"

Kristy's life was already blessed with the addition of Spencer, but soon she and her husband Alan would also hear of another miracle - this time, as a result of her choice to have gastric bypass surgery.  She recently found out that she had become pregnant, and it is a baby girl that they have already name Skarlett. 

I asked Kristy how life had changed for her, and she responded, "How has it not?  Everything has changed.  Weight loss surgery changes everything in your life and everyone in your life. Life is good! I thought I was active at over 400 pounds, I was active for the life style I as living I guess, but my family and I can do things that I was never able to do, I can get on the floor with my son and play, be involved with him and his school, be involved with what my husband can do, pretty much anything they want or I want.  EVEN CONCEIVING A BABY."

Now baby makes four.  What an amazing family, and an amazingly inspirational woman.

The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:

• SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
• SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
• SMS text "GIVE10" to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

1/18/10 MUSIC FEATURE: JONATHA BROOKE

One of my all-time favorite singer-songwriters is Jonatha Brooke.  She blends folk, pop, and rock in a way that’s accessible for everyone to listen to.   I first heard her a few years ago when a friend of mine let me borrow her “Steady Pull” album, and I was completely hooked.  After listening to her song for the fifth time in a row, I sang along with her and was completely entranced in the song.  She’s right up there with Paula Cole for me in the “musicians I wish I could be” category – with some of the strongest songwriting skills that a girl could envy.  Her voice is meticulous – she has an instantly recognizeable sound,  very different and unique, and I want to be her.

Jonatha’s music has been featured in movie soundtracks like Disney’s” Return to Neverland “and TV shows like “The Hills,” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.”  The first song I played on the radio program was the very first song I ever heard from her, “Linger,” and you can hear it on her website at www.jonathabrooke.com.

In 2006, after being completely obsessed with her music, I saw Jonatha live for the first time with my brother at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH.  My  brother Derek has always been a huge music  fan, and very open-minded about music.  Still, he’s also always been more partial to a heavier rock sound, so I wasn’t quite sure how he would react to Jonatha’s music.   His reaction?  He LOVED her, and to this day is a big fan.  In fact, at his wedding this past fall, he played one of Jonatha’s songs “Everything I Wanted”  (from “Back in the Circus”)as part of his wedding music. 

And now Jonatha has that shared connection with us:   I’m also going to request permission to use one of her songs at my wedding next year.  I fell in love with her latest album, “The Works,” and in particular, “King of My Love.”  It’s a lovely piano-focused song that prompts Alice-in-Wonderland-visions of characters dancing.   My fiancée Rob and I are huge poker players, and the card metaphors in this song couldn’t be more perfect for us as a couple starting a new life together.

I could go on and on about my love of “The Works.”  I think it’s a masterpiece for Jonatha.  The lyrics of Woodie Guthrie set to Jonatha’s music with an impressive list of music’s finest musicians (Keb Mo, Joe Sample, Steve Gadd, and Christian McBride).   Every song has magic in it, and it touched me in a way that not many other pieces of music have.   There’s one lyric penned by Woodie Guthrie and delivered musically by Jonatha that particularly comforts me:

“I’ll will never fear the day I will die, because my sunset is somebody’s morning sky.”Those lyrics are from the song “My Battle.”    

In that moment – when she sings this – if it doesn’t prove that there’s magic, peace, comfort and beauty from music, then I don’t know what ever will.  Jonatha is a musical treasure, so I encourage you to stop by her website and purchase many of her CDs.  Buy the works, the whole works.