Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

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SO HERE'S THE SKINNY ON MY FAT

Ok, let's get something clear right out the gate:  I am not, nor will I ever, be PREGNANT.   That would be a miracle by the sweet baby Jesus himself for two reasons:  1) I'm almost FORTY and in peri menopause, and 2) Rob cannot make any babies anymore, you dig?  So there.  NOT. PREGNANT.  But thank you so much for asking, really makes a fat girl feel good.  :)

And speaking of fat, I guess there's no more pretending:  yep, I gained weight.  A lot of it.  Back when I was sickest and at my lowest weight, all of my doctors told me they wanted me to put back 20 lbs. I did better:  I gained almost 35.  I weigh 170-ish lbs, and seeing that number on the scale KILLS ME.

The thing is, I'm not sure it's entirely my fault.  (I mean, my guess is that the chips I've been devouring on a regular basis are not helping things.)  Back in Jan/Feb, I was put on two new medications, one of which is known for rapid weight gain and bloat.    It took me almost a year and half to get to the doctor's recommended 20 lbs, and it took me less than two months to put on the rest with the help of the meds.  Yippee!  I'm fat again!

When I hit 160 lbs, I felt good.  I felt strong, and I felt voluptuous.  Now?  I just feel sluggish and fat. And I CANNOT. STOP. EATING.  I'm hungry ALL THE TIME.  And while I still have plenty of restriction, I also have almost ZERO intolerances and I can eat just about anything.

Take a gander at the regain process:

ME - CIRCA 2009, at my lowest (and sickest) weight:

ME - FEBRUARY 11, 2011 - LIKING MY WEIGHT AND MY BOD:

ME -  MAY 12th, 2011:

Granted, a lot of my weight gain is in my boobies, which Rob would argue is a good thing, but I HATE this weight.  I'm terrified.  I don't want to go back to 311 lbs, and I feel completely helpless.  I dance DAILY.  I'm exercising more than I ever have, and I'm only maintaining (barely).  I can't stop eating, and I can't stop thinking about food constantly.  It's all back, just in a smaller package.  

I thought by ignoring it and taking pictures at good angles that no one would find out.  That somehow I could magically take the weight off and no one would know.  Well, having a very public wedding with a gazillion pics online will slap the truth right on to ya.  I was called out as looking pregnant on my music page, and that there was a big dose of reality for me. So here it is: my admission, and it hurts and is hard for me, so don't make it worse...mmmmkay?

Accountability has always been my saving grace, so maybe "going public" about it will help me resolve it.  I'm working with my doctors to adjust my medications, and I've got appts with my kidney specialists in the next few weeks, so maybe we'll figure some stuff out that will help.  But you know what else will help?  If I stop eating.  Constantly.

God Bless, Rob.  He puts up with my crazy, loves me at any weight, and supports me no matter what.

I'm just thankful for the other people before me that openly spoke and wrote about re-gain, so that I know I'm not alone and there is hope for conquering it.  Thank you, you know who you are.

So here begins another very public battle with my weight....

THE COMFORT ZONE OF SOME AMAZING WOMEN (AND MEN)

I know I just did a recap of Vegas yesterday, but I purposely left this segment out because I thought it was too important to just lump in with everything else from the weekend.  I know some amazing women, and much to-do should be made about all of them after this weekend.  :)

NOTE:  I would also like to thank Bariatric Advantage for sponsoring the Saturday night event!

As much as I try to downplay the "Diva" part of my name, much of what being a Diva is true for me.  I love to perform.  I love the spotlight.  I am a perfectionist when it comes to performing - not only for myself, but for others.  When I see talent in people, I tend to push them.  That often times gets me in trouble, but it's a gamble I'm willing to take, and a selfish one at that.  You see, there's  NOTHING that makes me happier in life than seeing someone come alive on stage.   And I'm not talking in the generic American Idol Big Giant Commercialized Voice way, I'm talking about becoming alive.

One of my proudest achievements is this burlesque group, The Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque.  I take great pride in it because our doors are open to anyone and everyone who wants to experience it.  All shapes, all sizes, all races, all religions, all genders, all sexual preference.  EVERYONE is welcome here, in whatever capacity is comfortable for them.  Sometimes that means helping out with props, sometimes that means a huge vocal number, sometimes it means being part of a group number.  It doesn't really matter - we encourage participation in individualized ways, and I'm extraordinarily proud of that.

This past weekend, I saw a group of peers - amazing, beautiful, and talented women - step outside of their comfort zone and join our group.   There were lots of  "Holy shit, WTF am I doing!?"  moments, but there were also, "I'm challenging myself to do something new," moments.  And isn't that what life is all about?  LIVING IT?  So here, while I risk getting myself in trouble, I want to applaud some amazing women for the ballsy and fierce dancing in our show this past weekend:

ALL PHOTOS © Bethography / Melting Mama

LeAnne / Army Wife

First, I'd like to thank LeAnne again for her generous donation to the WLSFA, which won her a spot in the show.   LeAnne and I live hundreds of miles away from each other, so she learned this number entirely from video tutorials that she worked on with diligence.  She told me this was completely out of her comfort zone, which is why I was even more happy when she asked me the day of the show, "Did you bring some fishnets for me?"  :)   She told me that she had made this costume for her daughter, and now it fit her....and she looked like one foxy drill sergeant!  I was so proud of her for dancing her ass off and embracing it.  And really?  That smile says it all.

Kateria

I met Kateria for the first time at our Board meeting on Friday morning - and instant friend!  LOVE HER!  I said, "you have to be in my show," and she said, "ok."  Didn't even bat an eyelash!  Showed up at rehearsal at my room, I gave her this dress (which I LOVE , but it looked so hella cute on her that I let her keep it), and she danced her ass off!  I love anyone who jumps into life with so much energy
and happiness.  She's an amazing gal.

 

Toni & Lynnda / Bariatric TV.com 

 To be fair, Lynnda and Toni are not entirely new to performing, per se - I mean, they DO host Bariatric TV, but burlesque was definitely new for them. Generally, the word burlesque instills fear into the hearts of most women.  Still, Toni and Lynnda had talked about doing things out of their comfort zone, and they led by example - working the dance floor into a frenzy!  
I don't think I can even put into words how much I love these two gals.  They are the real-deal:  open, honest, friendly, and just honest to goodness good people.  (Mike gets a shoutout here for the same reasons - such an overall great group of people that I've been fortunate enough to become friends with!)

 

Beth / Melting Mama

 Let's be honest:  if anyone had reason to be nervous about getting onstage, it was Beth.  Being friends with Beth is a funny thing:  she's always surrounded by controversy, and for as many friends as she has, she also has enemies.  A lot of people don't like what she has to say at times, and she is much braver than me in that she doesn't censor herself.  The thing that I love about Beth is this:  you don't have to share her opinion.  Often times, I don't, and she knows that...but still?  We're friends.    I think we share the thought process that as long as you stand your ground with honesty, we're cool.   Beth is honest, and sometimes that isn't pretty.  But look at her here:  she really IS pretty.  Beautiful, really.

It took a LOT for her to get up onstage, and for that, she should be applauded.  She did it.  AND she did it in a tutu and corset.  The gal has balls to the gazillionth, even though I know she' ll readily tell me that she was scared to death.  So bravo, MM, you rocked that stage.  You OWNED it.

My Husband

I'm a lucky girl.  Here is a guy that has never been onstage before, and I forced him to 1) dance and 2) host the entire show.  This is how much he loves me....he did it for me.   He was petrified, but he did it, and I think he did a fantastic job.  As we watched the video from that night, I was beaming with pride.  He'd never hosted anything before, and was:) forced to fill time between costume changes and was really able to create funny and entertaining banter to stall.  I think he's a natural performer, and he admitted to me that he now has the performing bug.  It's going around, baby.   And thank you to all of you for making Rob feel so welcome, and making his stage time less scary and more fun. 

And lastly?  All  my regular cast member Dolls.  

I'm not going to include pictures because 1) you can see them on our website and 2) I have to respect privacy for their regular daytime lives.  But something important to know about these women:  none are professional dancers or singers.  Most have taken the stage for either the first time ever, or the first time in years.  I am extremely lucky because they are all my friends, and they would all give me the shirt off their backs.  (And not just because they were stripping out of it.)  They are executives, creative directors, counselors, flight attendants, career professionals, and just outstanding, amazing women  

For me to watch them onstage - to see them come alive, create, control, and empower their lives - it's something that I wish I could bottle up for everyone to experience.  And yes, I realize that sounds very dramatic and mushy-gushy, but it's the truth.  These are incredible women - all of them the entire cast (And men!  We have incredible men in our cast as well), and I am honored to share the stage, rehearsal space, laughter, and fatigue with all of them.  Thank you for making my life better, my life fuller, and my life more beautiful.  xoxo

 

DIVA LAS VEGAS!

So guess what I did this weekend?  I got hitched.  :)

This past weekend was the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation's Mother of All Meet &  Greets in Las Vegas, NV, and here's my recap of the events.  Grab a cup of coffee and settle in, since this will be a wordy-one.  :)

We woke up at the crack o' dawn on Thursday morning to make our 7am flight on Southwest.  We had a great little group of travelers:  Me, Rob, Britt and Ty, and three of my bridesmaids (who I cannot express my love and gratitude enough to!).   I had never flown Southwest before and wasn't sure what to expect.  The plane itself is pretty bare-bones:  no online TV, but $5 internet wi-fi. Other than that, no frills...EXCEPT:  they gave me one of the best flights ever on the planet!

My girls let them know I was getting married, and they immediately offered a free drink to both me and Rob.  They then got on the intercom and announced us getting married and had the whole plane cheering for us!  They asked other flyers to write out some words of wisdom for us:

There were also a couple of bachelor parties onboard, so it was a super-fun flight from the start.  The crew (I wish I could remember their names so I could publicly thank them) were HILARIOUS, and so so nice to make a big deal out of our wedding.  I'll always remember that flight and how great the Southwest crew were.

Thursday night, we met up with our crew and had dinner and drinks at Serendipity 3, right outside of Caesar's Palace.  We got an appetizer of onion rings that I think were the most amazing onion rings I had ever eaten.  I also got more free drinks!  I think I may get a prize for being the drunkest bride ever, although that's not a prize I was shooting for.    I got a nice phone all invite from Ian to come watch him pitch himself off the top of the Stratosphere, but I unfortunately could not make it. Luckily, I saw him fully in one piece the next day, so my guess is that all his jumping went well.

My girls and I went back to our hotel room after that to make the bouquets.  I think one of the best decisions I made was to go with faux-flowers.  Really cost efficient and I think they came out beautifully:

Photo Credit:  Bethography / Melting Mama

Friday morning, we met up with my entire family at Egg & I, just down the street from our hotel.  I had found this place on Yelp, and if you ever get a chance to eat there, I highly recommend it.  Very affordable, with HUGE portions and the food is excellent!  

Friday was a big blur for me, but I remember meeting lots and lots of wonderful people throughout the day. Board Meeting, rehearsals, lots and lots of stuff.  We had a wedding rehearsal run-through, and I was a nervous wreck.  Still, I think I stayed mostly un-Bridezilla-like.   I was just so happy to have so many of my friends and family there - 23 people in all!!

Friday night was the opening night gala, and even though I had a pretty good excuse, I wasn't able to see/hear most of what was going on since I was hiding out back.  I was really nervous, because I knew having my wedding at the conference might get some "OMG, what an obnoxious thing to do!"  type of reaction, but when I was waiting and heard people cheering, I just melted.  I love my WLS peeps, I really do.   When I walked in there, all I felt was a room full of love, and I can't thank you all enough for that.  :)    Luckily, my gal Ally taped the entire thing for us:

Saturday I joined in the luncheon event, where I was met by a big plate of MUSHROOMS.  Bleck! Phooey!  I am not a mushroom girl AT ALL.  But not a bad thing that I didn't eat much since I had to squish my behind into a corset or two later in the evening.

The Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque performed right after Allie Raye.  I'll be honest, I didn't know Allie before this event, but I think she's HILARIOUS, and I hope she gets more and more recognition for being awesome.   She did a great set of comedy that you can see and hear on the WLSFA live feed archive page:

 

Watch live video from Diva Taunia on Justin.tv

 

On Sunday, Rob and the kids left early in the morning and I had the room to myself.  I slept VERY late after a late night of "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."  Thankfully Suzanne called me to wake me up or I may have slept the whole day away and missed a fun day of walking around the strip.  Suzanne, Aimee, and I met up with our lovely James and had lunch.  We then walked around everywhere and took A GAZILLION PHOTOS.  And?  We stopped into an H&M ( ♥ ) that had THREE FLOORS, and I found these seriously cute kicks on sale for $15:

They are going to look awful purdy as part of my costume at our May 28th show.  So cute!!

After that, we met up with my mom, dad, brother, and a couple of friends for dinner at Chin Chin. More boozy consumption for me, because I love the Hot Sake.  Sake it to me!  We finished up and headed over to see Zumanity, where we were able to take pictures with some of the most beautiful people on the planet:

Sweet Baby Jesus, that is one good-looking dude.  Rob doesn't even argue that with me.  Sigh, he was pretty.  Zumanity was INSANE.  Burlesque to the gazillionth power.  Lots of simulated sex, half-nekkid people on stage, and audience members moving around in their seats.  And I loved every second of it.   Thanks to my girls for my post-wedding Bachelorette party!

Monday morning we were up and out the door by 7am to catch our flight home, where we all pretty much passed out on the plane.  

I had an amazing time in Las Vegas, and it was all thanks to my friends, family, and loved ones who made it so special for me.    And now?  I have me a super-handsome husband who loves me just the way I am.  :) 

 

 

MORE LIPO-IN-A-BOX LOVE: Shapers & Bras & Face Cream Reviews!

You're about to see my boobies up close and personal-like.   The fact that  I'm posting a picture of this says a lot about the product.   If you're a WLS post-op, you know what I'm saying.  Boobies deflate.  They can be rolled up.  They droop.  It's not so pretty, except now they are:

(Oh come on, now.  Don't look so surprised.  
I direct/perform in a Burlesque Group for Pete's sake!)

You may recall that I wrote a review on Connie Elder's "Lipo-In-A-Box" line last week, and expressed my love for the giant box of shaper happiness that Connie had sent me.  Now often, it may seem that I gloat about EVERY product that is sent to me, but I have a "no bad reviews" policy, meaning, if you send me something to try and I don't like it, I will just NOT review it.  (I have no interest in spending time writing a negative review -  bleck, wasted time and energy. I'd rather just move on to the good stuff.)  I mention this only so you'll know that when I *do* review something, it's because I really like it - or in this case LOVE it.  And let me say it loud and clear:  I LOVE CONNIE ELDER'S PRODUCTS.

I'll be the first to admit that this is not the most delicate/girl-y bra I have ever seen, but when I spoke to Connie (the founder) on the phone, she said that this is one of the most popular bras in her Lipo-In-A-Box line and women rave about it.  Add me to that group, I LOVE THIS BRA.  

I'm wearing the Antoinette Bra here, and I personally think my boobies look FANTASTIC.  (Believe me, that is not a statement you would normally hear me make.)  From the website:

"Antoinette" offers the best of both worlds. You can feel like the beautiful woman that you are and have all the support you need.

This bra is constructed with 2 types of lace to offer you the best fit. The stretch lace on the upper cup offers you a custom fit, while the firm lace on the bottom provides support and shaping. Unknown to anyone is the hidden side panels for added support. The front section between your breast is constructed to separate and lift for the best fit with all fashions. The underband offers additional support and positioning. It is truly a comfortable underwire bra! The straps are rigid providing even one more area of support while meeting with the lace edge of the bra neckline. Antoinette is an excellent full coverage lace bra for everyday. You can always be elegant undercover.

I'm usually a girl who goes for the polka dots and leopard print, but I've been converted.  This nice nude-shade (heh) bra works under everything, and it's super-duper comfy.  Underwire?  You'd never be able to tell, it's THAT comfortable.

Now in addition to the bra, let's take a close-up of my face, shall we?  In particular, my forehead:

If you follow me on Facebook, you may remember that I had bangs cut a few months ago, and not because I thought bangs were hot.  I had them cut to camouflage the horrid tracks of time on my forehead.  It is a curse within the ladies of my family:  wrinkly foreheads.  It's just not pretty.  A furrowed brow in the Diva T family is not a pretty picture.  So take a good look at this photo.  Lines? Yes, but HUGELY reduced.  

I've been using the Underology Skin Care Line for the past two weeks, and I see a really remarkable difference in my skin.  I've never been a fan of heavy creams, and that's why I like this stuff so much. Lightweight, non-greasy, and quick-drying.  No stinky smells (I get wicked headaches from smelly stuff, so I was relieved I didn't have to deal with any smelly stuff when using this), and I noticed a visible difference after about a week.  Do I look 10 years younger?  Hell no, but my skin looks a LOT more refreshed and just FEELS better.  Here are the products I've been using religiously:

Eye Give Up :  for dark circles and puffy eyes (Uh, Hallelujah!)

Hydro-Xtreme Cream:  AM Moisturizer

PM Performance Cream:  PM Moisturizer

I'm telling you, this stuff is MAGIC.  I know everyone's skin is different, but as a dry-skin-fast-approaching-40-gal, this is like a little bit of a miracle in a jar for me.  LOVE.

I still have MORE stuff to review, but at this point, I think it's pretty certain that I'm a LIPO-IN-A-BOX Devotee.  The best shapewear that I've tried to date (and I've tried them all, and loved quite a few....this line is my FAVORITE).  Head on over to the website, and let Connie know that I sent you there.  We'll be an army of perky!  :)

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?!

Same last name, same song:  one in Sweden, one in NH.  Let's face it, my last name isn't all that common here in the States, so I was amused to find this!  (I'm pretty sure Soderquist is a dime a dozen in Sweden, though...)

www.ninasoderquist.com

 

www.tauniasoderquist.com

YOU KNOW YOU'VE GOT SOME SEXY

Going to Vegas?  If you pass up this deal, then you ARE CERTIFIABLY INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE!  

Allison is practically GIVING away sexy photo shoots, and if you've always wanted a boudoir-style picture of yourself, here's your chance!   Allison is also on Facebook HERE if you'd like to connect with her directly, but here are all the details you need, courtesy of the WLSFA.org website.  So, go!  Go now, and book thee some sexy time!

CONTACT INFO:

Allison and Andrea
Forever & Always Beautiful
www.ForeverAndAlwaysBeautiful.com
Foreveralwaysbeautiful@gmail.com
Allison Phone:  850-225-9196

$100 for hair, makeup, and photo shoot.
To include 3 outfit changes, a 45 minute shoot time, and 20 edited photos on disk.
Each photo and edit will be $2.50 there after.
Each extra outfit change will be $5
Good for the WLSFA Las Vegas Meet & Greet May 12-16, 2011 Only
Individual Shoot (for one person)

**Vegas sign up form and schedule**
$25 non-refundable deposit due at booking
Fellow WLS Peeps Allison Davis & Andrea Hickman or Forever & Always Beautiful will be offering Boudoir photo shoots during the Mother of All Meet & Greet!and they are donating 10% of the proceeds to the WLSFA. This is great opportunity to take those romantic, glamorous those photos you have always wanted!
Don’t have the money $$$ to pay for the photo shoot? We have GREAT NEWS! Forever & Always has Donated 1 Free photo Shoot to our Raffle! Click Here for Raffle details and buy a ticket TODAY!

http://www.foreverandalwaysbeautiful.com/index.html

**How to book a photo session
There is a $25.00 non-refundable booking fee.
**10% of all proceeds go back to the WLSFA to support their on going mission**

Click Here To Sign Up ONLINE!!!
You can also:
Call: 850-225-9196 And speak to Allison directly
Email: foreveralwaysbeautiful@gmail.com

Shoots will be booked on a first come, first serve basis.
Please book early to reserve your preferred time slot.
Don’t want to miss any of the conference?
Choose a day before or day after the conference!

What you need to bring/how to:

What do I need to do after I book my appointment? What do I bring? What do I expect? Everyone is full of questions once they take the big step to booking an appointment.

At F.A.B. Photos this is what we need to make your shoot simply fabulous;

1) Bring your own foundation make-up. Creme or liquid is best. It’s already matched to your skin tone so we won’t have to search for your perfect color.

2) Bring your own mascara, preferably in black. Everyone knows its best not to share mascara, and the throw away brushes pump air and the bacteria it carries into the tube anyway. Why risk it?

3) Bring a set or two of false lashes. Any brand, any style. One more natural and one a little more fun. You may not want to bring Halloween style lashes, but if you really love them, we will do our best to make them work. This helps give your eyelashes a boost and make your eyes stand out a bit better in the photos.

4) Your outfit choices. Your choices speak to your tastes, and that of your mate. They should express what you and your significant other find appealing. Bring items that make you feel and look good. Bras, panties, corset sets, wedding veils and garters, baby dolls and thigh highs are all recommended. But boudoir isn’t limited to teddies and high heels. Sports jerseys, guitars, and snow gear is just as alluring to those that enjoy those past times! Let your imagination wander!
Clothing should all be tried on before you come to the shoot. For larger busted ladies its best to have great support around your bust so as you don’t have the shoulder straps cutting into your shoulders during the shoot (it doesn’t look pretty either). Try to vary the colors you choose, all your photos in black, white and red can be monotonous. Remember jewelry! Although we have a lovely selection of accessories, it doesn’t always make up for those beautiful pearls your honey gave you for your anniversary being left out of the pictures he unwraps on Christmas.. Shoes! High heels and boots of varying lengths are always a plus and not all shots will be with you on your back. Heels will give you some added definition in standing shots.
–

Allison and Andrea
Forever & Always Beautiful
www.ForeverAndAlwaysBeautiful.com
Foreveralwaysbeautiful@gmail.com
850-225-9196 -Allison

 

 

♥ TWO-DAY EXTENDED PROMO + SPECIAL GUESTS!

Have you gotten your tickets to the May 28th show yet?  If not, are you CRAZY!?  We had a promo running for advanced ticket sales that ended yesterday, but I've decided to extend the promo a couple more days for those of you who forgot to get in on the deal.  Our special advanced ticket pricing has been extended until THIS WEDNESDAY, MAY 4TH!  After that, prices go up, so get yo' tickets while the gettin's good!

To help entice you, I thought I'd give you a little slideshow of some of the fabulous guest-formers we have coming to this show as well:

 

There's a little bit of something for everyone: burlesque, magic, huge song and dance productions, and more. All of your favorite Diva Dolls will be returning with some amazing special guests appearing with us as well:  Ludella Hahn, Holly Danger, Twisted Magic, Zehara, Dirk Stevenson, and more!

We only have  5 Stage-side VIP tables left, which comes with a box of cupcakes and a bottle of wine.  We also have our Party Platform available for 20-25 people, and that comes with 4 bottles of wine, two trays of appetizers, and of course, cupcakes!

Need details again?  No problem:

Saturday, May 28th @ 9pm EST
The Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque Presents:  Memorial Day Pinup Dolls Salute!
Savanna Palace:  
25 Market St.  Lowell MA
www.savannapalace.com
www.divatauniadolls.com 

==============================

About the show:

This Memorial Day Weekend Celebration is a tribute to our Veterans and Armed Forces.  Themed after the war-time era shows, we're showcasing music from the swing era to today, with plenty of big song and dance production numbers, traditional burlesque and striptease, bellydancing, twisted magic , hula hooping and more!  Elaborate costumes and decorations and plenty of audience interaction and participation!

We're at a new venue this time:  gorgeous, handicap accessible, and va-va-voom!  Savanna Palace is a great place to enjoy Burlesque in the greater Lowell MA area.

We offer special discounted pricing in advance as well as discounted rates for Veterans and Armed Forces.  Come celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend with the sexy Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque!

Special Discounted Pre-Sale Pricing ends this Wednesday, May 4th - so stock up now! ♥

BANJEES - SUPER CUTE WRIST WALLETS, YO!

Holy promotions this week, huh?  lol   

My pal Donna sent me a couple of these new "Banjees" (by Sprigs) to review.  As a little "thanks-for- sitting-with-me-on-the-plane-so-we-can-freak-out-together" gift, I gave Melting Mama the pink one she had sent me.  Actually, I let her choose which one she wanted, but she knew enough to not try and take the leopard print one from me:

 

I am a girl who HATES carrying a pocketbook, and I always get cross-body ones so I don't actually have to hold it.  Something like this is pretty much a perfect match for me:  hot leopard print AND it holds my stuff for me.  Score!

Now obviously, this isn't going to be something you wear with an evening gown, but if you're headed to the gym or out on some errands (or say, walking around Las Vegas), this is the perfect wrist wallet for on-the-go.  From the Banjees website:

A Banjees wrist pouch is a great alternative to heavy handbags, unflattering fanny-packs and bulky pockets.

Customers rave that Banjees zipper wallets are great for cruises, dancing, a night on the town, the beach, exercising and much more.  Different styles are available to match any activity and any outfit.  Check out all of the Banjees collections to find the wrist wallet that's right for you.  From subtle metallic rings to glimmering sequins to fashionable prints, there is a wrist pouch style for every taste.  ###

The fabric is breathable/comfortable, and it's got a little zippered pouch and then a little compartment for you to put keys/license/money, etc.  You can also put your cell phone in there, although admittedly, that might be a little bulky.  It's washable fabric - so you'll get some good wear and tear out of this sucker!  I think their designs are totally cute, too.  :)

 

VERIZON + SAMSUNG SCH-U450 = DIVA LOVE

A couple years ago, I had to give up my beloved Crackberry because I was laid off and could not justify (or afford) the cost.  That KILLED ME.  I had absolutely NO IDEA how hooked I was on checking my emails, split-second Twittering, or Facebook photo uploads.  Remember the other day how I said that I think addiction is addiction - doesn't need to be qualified?   My crackberry was another perfect example of that.  Except that I had to quit COLD TURKEY.

I then moved to Verizon's Economy model (read, 'po folks):

SAMSUNG SCH-U450

I got the red one, because if I could have high-tech, I at least wanted it to be hot.    And as much as I hated giving up the crack, I did love the horizontal keyboard so I could still text with my fat little fingers. What I didn't know was how much bang (literally) for my buck (zero dinero) I would get out of this little hot rod.

I have dropped this phone no less than 100 times.  I am that person.  I don't pay attention, and then it drops to the ground and shatters into three pieces - back, battery, phone.  Every time I pick it up thinking that I have finally destroyed this little link to the somewhat-technical world, and every time I am amazed that the thing still works.  I have no plastic guard on it, and I've had to squat over in front of a crowd of people on my hands and knees picking up little red pieces more times than I can even recall (even given my faulty memory).  What it lacks in pizazz, it more than makes up for in sturdiness and reliability.   Samsung has made a pretty kick-ass quality phone here.

Now as I approach that highly-anticipated two-year-it's-time-for-a-new-cheap-free-phone benchmark, I don't even think I want a new one.  I can't imagine ANY phone living up to the legacy this little red number has.  AND, it's also helped me to realize that I don't have to be connected 100% of time.  There's a certain amount of relief in that knowledge too.

I haven't gone over to Verizon's website yet, but I'm hoping they have this exact model, just upgraded.  At the very least, I'll have to go with a new Samsung.  If not, I think I may actually PASS on the new freebie.  That's how much I love this phone.  Now excuse me while I go throw it at a wall or some other ridiculousness.  :)