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
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
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
[email protected]
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: [email protected]
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
[email protected]
850-225-9196 -Allison
In our little world, our little community, I think I'm mostly considered a "good girl," and I'm glad. I really work hard to remain neutral, to stay out of disagreements, to work hard and to work towards a common goal. I think on the whole, I'm able to accomplish this. I don't like being wrapped up in drama, and I don't like to single people out and/or make any decisions ABOUT them based soly on online interactions. People are more than the words they write online, they are more than their opinions alone. And personally, I strive to like everyone equally until they give me a really solid reason not to.
So as I sat here getting heated about all the ridiculous antics going on, I realized that getting upset, that posting my opinions on Facebook, Twitter, etc. only fuel the fire. I don't want to participate in that behavior. I want people to speak and think freely, and to be able to that openly and with courage and passion. So my mission became instant: pledge to work together. This is primarily directed at the weight loss surgery and obesity community, but really? Anyone.
I want kindness, support, and unity in a cause to spread like wildfire just as quickly as gossip, backstabbing, and negative remarks. I want us to be unified, even in our differing opinions. That doesn't mean that we have to be in-love with everyone in the community, it just means that we have to "cease and desist" the crappy behind the scenes (and front lines)behavior - and that means YOU. And ME. Let's just stop this, because really? It's getting ridiculous, and blurring the lines of support, friendship, and activism.
TAKE THE PLEDGE:
I want to create an atmosphere where any of us can walk up to another and say hello, despite any differing opinions because we know that we are part of the same community. A community that is made up of good and bad experiences, but supported by all of us.
I know that some of you may view this as "pollyanaish", but I'm ok with being branded that if it gets people thinking and acting and paying more attention to promoting positivity in our community. Most of us have had a lifetime of hurt, why inflict more upon each other? We're human, we make mistakes - sometimes towards each other - but it's how we recover from those mistakes that matter.
"What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now. " ~Author Unknown
Your actions matter, and mine do too. I'm signing the pledge below to promise to do my best to be respectful and supportive, and hope you do too to show your renewed commitment to respect each other. Share this on your wall and with your community if you agree. Pledge kindness, respect, and unity.
Cheers,
Taunia
This past weekend, I was an invited guest at the New York City for the Obesity Online event sponsored by Ethicon Endo-Surgery and the Obesity Action Coalition. Much has already been written about this from some of the other WLS peeps who were in attendance. I've personally held off on speaking publicly for a few days because I wanted to formulate my thoughts after sleeping on it, and reading the other comments and blog postings about it.
Last week, I posted a video for a WLSFA raffle that I'm holding, and I've done an entirely horrible job at promoting it. Therefore, I'm going to try "Fundraiser 2.0! New With More Prizes!"
Deadline to donate and enter: Sunday, April 10th - NOON, EST.
Winners announced by video: no later than Monday, Aprill 11th
(which leaves the winners one month to learn the choreography - yipee!)
Donate Now! There are two ways to win:
GRAND PRIZE:
Make a donation of $50 or more to the WLSFA, and have your name entered into a raffle to win 1 of up to 4 spots in the Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque Show on Saturday night, May 14th! That's right, YOU can be a Vegas Showgirl (or guy)! You will be fully costumed and have you hair and makeup done, and will be sent video tutorials to be in our group song and dance number: "Show Me How You Burlesque" (from the movie Burlesque). If you are shy and don't want to perform, you can TRANSFER your winning prize to someone else - a talented friend or WLS peep that you want to see dancing and workin' their stuff in the show. How many times in your life can you say you performed in Vegas?! Donate now to be transformed into a Vegas Starlet!
Note: $50 (+)donations get an entry into both the Burlesque Grand Prize Raffle and the prize raffles below. Every $50 donation gets you another entry into both!
RAFFLE PRIZES:
Make a donation of $25 or more to the WLSFA, and you will be entered into a raffle to win one of these fantastic prizes below. More prizes will be added throughout the week, so keep an eye out on this page for updates!
Note: For every $25 you donate, you get an additional raffle entry!
RAFFLE PRIZE LIST:
Molded Cup Lace over Microfiber Bustier & Thong Set - Size XL in HOT PINK
Provided by: Delores at From the Heart Lingerie!
www.fromtheheartlingerie.com
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TWO BOTTLES + APPLICATOR OF FAMOUS DAVES SELF-TANNER!
Provided by: Dave at Famous Daves!
www.famousdavestanner.com
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Bali Two Tone 9mm Men's Ring - Size 10
Provided by: Stauer Smart Luxuries Jewelers
www.stauer.com
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Free Corset & TuTu!
Provided by: Baci-Farfalle.com & KissesandButterflies.com
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GIFT BOX OF CARNIE WILSON BOOKS, CDS, AND & WLS RESOURCES!
Provided by: Bariatric Advantage
www.bariatricadvantage.com
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GIFT BOX
Provided by: Celebrate Vitamins
www.celebratevitamins.com
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GIFT BOX - TWO GIVEAWAYS!
Hand Perfection Tube Hand Cream and Nail 7 Cuticle Cream!
www.handperfection.com
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My pal Donna has hooked me up with FIVE of these new BANJEES from Sprigs to give way as prizes. The perfect thing to take to Vegas - no carrying anything around! The designs are SUPER cute too! Lots of hot pink, so I'm happy. I'll review mine as soon as I get it, but if you're active and out and about, these are perfect!
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Rob just texted me and reminded me that today is my three year "surgiversary." I had completely forgotten. Three years ago today, I weighed over 300 lbs and had RNY (Roux-en-y) Gastric Bypass Surgery by Dr. Donald Hess at Boston Medical Center. It seems like a million years ago now, and timely to remember when I'm beating myself up about weight gain and self-discipline:
I'm out of the newbie stage. While I'm definitely still MUCH more in control of my weight than I was three years ago, I struggle daily with self-esteem, panic/anxiety, and eating issues. Still? I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat because quite frankly, I'm not sure I'd even be alive today if I hadn't had gastric bypass surgery.
The good: overall, I've maintained a 150+ lbs loss (depending on what week you ask me). I love salad, vegetables, soup, and healthy foods that I wouldn't have even considered three years ago. I hate soda, I won't touch it (save for the occassional Shirley Temple with extra cherries, which I still love). I sing and dance on stage now. I'm my own boss. I actually move my body with ease now, and I can dance (and choreograph!) - something I've always loved - for more than 5 seconds at a time without being winded. I've got a handsome and loving man, a great family, and I can wear a lot more super-cute clothes now.
The bad: I can eat a normal amount of food now - barely any restriction. I don't have any food intolerances (except for beef, which I sometimes can't digest). I struggle with panic and anxiety on a daily basis. (Note: I've always struggled with this, but it got worse post-surgery.) I've also gained back the dreaded post-surgery weight, and even though I had death breathing down my neck 20 lbs ago, I still beat myself up about that even though my brain knows I'm much healthier and stronger at this weight. The self-esteem and self-control issues were gone for almost two years, and panic set in when they returned. That has been the most difficult thing for me.
For the past three years, despite knowing that "the bad" was possible and most likely would return, I was still surprised when it happened to me. Most of the time I choose to focus on the good - because I'd be an ass if I didn't realize how much better my life is now, and how many good things I have in my life (and about my own self) to be happy about. I just want to be honest on this surgiversary date: it's not always happy-sunny-ville. It's work now. It's much more manageable work, but it's work.
So today, on this day when I woke up beating myself up - only to then reminded by man I love about how far I've come since 3/25/08 (He remembered what today was! I didn't). I promise you this for the next year: less beating myself up, more focus on my mental well-being, finding a balance between eating and eating well, and choosing to be positive. Always. Because the alternative isn't an option for me.
I also want to extend a HUGE thank you to all of my friends in (and out) of the WLS Community. Without you, I'd have no accountability, no support...and for that, I will be continually grateful. I know with the Burlesque show and wedding I've been a bit disconnected, but I'm plugging myself back in, and would love to see/talk/hang with you at either of these upcoming events I'll be attending:
April 14-15: I'll be joining some of my peers in New York City for an event sponsored by Ethicon Endo-Surgery and the Obesity Action Coalition. Ethicon Endo-Surgery or EES paid for my travel and incidentals so I can participate in their obesity online forum. Which you know, ROCKS (thank you for the nice little trip)!
May 13-15th: I'll be at the WLSFA Mother of All Meet & Greets in Las Vegas! I'm very, very excited about this 1) because I get to see my peeps 2) because I get to gamble and 3) because I get to perform on Saturday night and can add "Vegas Show Girl" to my resume. :)
We interrupt your regular blog reading for these pimpin' commercial breaks. Fo' shizzle.
I have lots of things to promote today, so rather than bombard with lots of individual Facebook entries, I thought I'd just wrap everything up in one tidy little blog entry. Mmmkay?
GROUPON: SIGN UP AND DIVA TAUNIA GETS 10 GROUPON BUCKAROOS:
You probably know by now that I only pimp-out things that I love. (I don't bother with negative advertisement, I'd rather be Suzy Sunshine. lol) I happen to LOVE Groupon, and they have some seriously kick-ass deals, like today's deal:
Sweet! I love The Garment District and uh, hello? PERFECT for costuming a Burlesque show. I have purchased, fo' sho.
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DIVA T NEEDS A HONEYMOON, YO!
I am a member of the Obesity Action Coalition, and they are currently running a membership drive to help them in their mission to raise awareness of the need for obesity education. Their current fundraiser is awarding a free trip to the person who recruits the most people. Uh, YES PLEASE! I need a honeymoon, yo! So go on, sign up, and tell them that Diva Taunia sent you in the member referral section! :)
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You ARE going to the Meet & Greet, aren't you?! I'm going to be there, along with a gazillion other WLS Peeps! Don't miss out on the great hotel deal, and book your tickets now before we sell out!
I'm going to be performing at the Saturday night event, so you may be able to catch some Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque while in Vegas! ;)
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR OR EXHIBITING? CLICK HERE
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Last, but not least, if you haven't already gotten your tickets to the premiere performance for The Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque "Valentine Vixens" show on February 11th, go! Buy your tickets NOW. We expect to be sold out by the end of next week, and it's standing room only, babycakes.
FEBRUARY 11th @ 9:00 pm EST
Gemstones, Lowell MA
150 Market St. (above The Blue Shamrock)
General Standing RoomTickets $25
General Seating: Standing Room Only. First-come, first-serve seating. VIP Booths are private closed-in areas away from the stage. (VIP Booths are currently SOLD OUT)
>Note: if you have any problems with the paypal icons below, you may also send ticket payment directly to [email protected]. Please note this address is not used for communications, only ticket payments. If you have any questions about your order, feel free to email us at [email protected]. Tickets are $25 a piece, and you may send a bulk payment for multiple tickets. Thanks!
PAY USING GOOGLE CHECKOUT:
We HIGHLY recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as we expect this show to SELL OUT BY 1/31/11 . GEMSTONES offers food and drink from 9:00pm-1:00am.
OUR VIP BOOTHS ARE SOLD OUT!
Anyone who has ever been witness to the struggle of obesity will be touched by Connie and Rosemary's story. Please be sure to do a response video and upload it to the WLSFA YouTube Channel! (Mine will be posted later today...)
WLS & Music Diva! Professional Vocalist and Burlesque Performer, VP of PR for the WLSFA, Radio Host
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