Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

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 

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________
 

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________________________________

 

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

_____________________________________________________________________

 

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: HARD-CORE GRANOLA LOVE

I think it's important to note that I don't do negative reviews.  If I don't like something, I won't review it - it's that simple.  But on the flip side, if I like/love something, you'll hear me gush about it.  A lot.  That being said, you're about to witness some hard-core granola love.

Few things make me as happy as the crunch of some good granola.   When Bob over at www.bjsbariatrics.com said he'd hook me up with some Cinnamon Nutrageous Granola, I was ALL about that.  And here's what I have to say about it:  AWE.SOME.  Holy yummy.  Fo' shizzle, mah nizzle. This is some seriously good snackin'.   Here are the stats for those who want them:

 

Now here's the thing:  I am not big on counting calories and I don't have to keep a super-watchful eye on sugars, carbs, etc.  I have a general rule of thumb of "under 15" for me.  And I admittedly don't know much about how all those things work and contribute to your health.  If you want food diagnosis, stop over to my pal Melting Mama's site.  She's way better about that stuff than I am, and knows LOTS more than I do.  And as always, check with your nutritionist about what you can put in your mouth for Pete's sake!  All I know is that a little bit of this went a long way:  I felt snacky-full pretty quick with a minimal amount of food going into my gullet.  NICE.  And it was deeeelicious!

There's all sorts of flavors to make you happy: Cherry, Blueberry, Cranberry.  Uh, yes please.  I am salivating over the blueberry flavor.  And do you know what's even better?  Bob told me he just put the granola on sale for $6.95 ($2 buckaroos off the regular price), so you can buy up a whole bunch of it and make your mouth happy.  And even better?  You KNOW I have a discount code for you:

FIVEBUCKSDT

Use that at the checkout and save $5 off a purchase of $30 or more until 7/31/10! 

www.bjsbariatrics.com

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

___________________

 

WARING BB180 COMMERICAL BAR BLENDER

PRIZE:  TWO (2) Waring BB180 Blender Giveaways!

___________________

 

www.proteinbullet.com

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

___________________

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)

___________________
 

 
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!)

___________________

 

www.functiondrinks.com

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

___________________

www.highproteinbread.com 

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

___________________

www.kaysdietfood.com 

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

___________________

CHECK BACK FOR MORE PRIZES AND SPONSORS BEING ADDED DAILY!

6/21/10 - Special Giveaway Radio Show: "Bring on the Beach!"

www.backstagepassradio.com

One of the best experiences after losing weight is hitting the beach, and feeling GOOD. The Monday, 6/21/10 show will feature some great beach and summer products from our sponsors. I'll be giving away some great products to get you beach-ready and enjoying the summer. Call-in to win at (347) 857-2052.  Show starts at 7pm EST.

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

$100 Gift Certificate from www.swimsuitsforall.com!

_______

Your Choice of Bathing Suit from www.miraclesuit.com!

_______

Famous Dave's Dark Self-Tanner from www.famousdavestanner.com!

_______

$100 Gift Certificate from Ujena.com! 

_______

Your Choice of Montego Pink or Blue Beach towel from SumaLifestyle.com!

_______

Your Choice of Parasheet towel from stuff4thebeach.com!

_______

MY PERSONAL GIVEAWAY:

Sandra at miraclesuit.com very generously gave me this suit, but because I have a freakishly-long torso, it was a bit on the "too-short" side for me.  My loss is your gain!  I'm giving away this hot-cha-cha size 10 suit tonight on the show! 

_______

MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  BOOKMARK AND CHECK BACK!

DIVA GLAM! REVIEW: DESIRE4MO.COM

www.desire4mo.com/p>

DISCOUNT CODE:  "DIVAT" - 10% DISCOUNT!

WIN A DRESS TONIGHT!

Tonight!  7pm EST
www.backstagepassradio.com
Click Here for a Direct Link to Tonight's Show!
347-857-2052
TOPIC: "Pre-Op Knowledge Goodies!"
FEATURES: 
Antonia's "Meet & Greet" and WLSFA Update, and Melting Mama's Review!
Live Chat opens approx 6:45pm

Call-in live tonight to win one of the reunion dresses!

Info for Pre-ops, FROM Post-Ops! Tonight's show ("Pre-Op Knowledge Goodies")also features information for pre-ops, from post-ops who have the info first-hand. Would love for people to call-in with their tips tonight, but also happy to have some folks leave their suggestions here. Looking for the following info:

• What does the pre-op diet look like?
• What are some tips and tricks for getting through the pre-op diet?
• What things should pre-ops bring with them to the hospital?
• How long was the pre-op process for you, and what curveballs did you encounter?
• What were some things you didn't rexpect that happened just after the surgery?
• What do you wish you knew BEFORE surgery that you know now?
• How about nutrition post-surgery?
• What are the best gadgets to get?
• What's "normal" weight loss after surgery?

And really, any other topic or bit of information that you think pre-ops show know!  Thanks for your tips and suggestions, and hope to be talking with you LIVE tonight!  (347) 857-2052.

MON, APRIL 19th: "HOW TO DRESS AFTER WLS" GIVEAWAY!

Contest is now closed!

PROMOTIONAL SPONSOR GIVEAWAYS DURING THE SHOW!  LISTEN AND CALL-IN TO WIN:

Note:  You do NOT need to be a weight loss surgery patient to win.  Everyone and anyone who is working to better their health can participate and win any of these great prizes!

For a full list of prizes, sponsors, and info, please visit the Official Diva Taunia Website!

Please note:  Diva Taunia has NOT been paid to promote these items.  All of these sponsors have very generously donated these prizes for the giveaway.

__________

SECRETSINLACE.COM: $250 Gift Certificate to the website!
(Check Twitter for how to win!)

________

ZUCA.COM:  One Zuca-Pro, worth $285!  - Unisex Carry-All Organizer and Seat

__________

MIRACLESUIT.COM:  Giving away one Miraclesuit Swimsuit AND One pair of Miraclebody Jeans!

__________

SHEERMIRACLE.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

__________

HANDPERFECTION.COM:  Giving away the FULL SIZE Hand Perfection Duet Combo!

__________

MODCLOTH.COM:  $80 Gift Certificate to the website!

__________

SLIMPRESSIONS.COM:  Winner can select one free shaping product from the website!

__________

GLITZANDGLAMOURBOUTIQUE.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

__________

PATRICIAMILLERDESIGNS.COM:  Gorgeous Handmade One-of-a-kind Necklace!

(Check Twitter for how to win!)

__________

BESAMECOSMETICS.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

__________

Even MORE prizes being added within the next few days (and possibly the next few hours)!</b>

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE on the radio show tonight!

Also featuring our first WLS Lovely live interview:  Amy Swayne / wdsdarlin!

♥ COROMEGA HEALTHY HEART WINNER ♥

Congratulations to the winner of the one-month supply of Coromega Healthy Heart:  DedicatedLoser!  Stayed tuned for another giveaway contest happening soon...