Review: Divorce Party the Musical!

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was provided tickets to attend the showing of Divorce Party the Musical.  All opinions are my own.

Divorce Party

Being a divorce woman when I saw this play was coming to town I was really excited about seeing it.  I thought it’d be funny, I thought it’d bring out the issues that happen when a divorce comes along, and I thought, “it’s going to be an enjoyable evening.”

So when I received the invite to attend I couldn’t wait.  That night came last Wednesday for me, and my love and I headed out to El Portal  Theatre in North Hollywood for an evening out.

Upon greeting, we were greeted by a table of products, and a backdrop where we could decorate in boas.  Of course, we had to:

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The play, very much geared towards adult women, and more so than ever, women that have divorced, is the perfect girls night out.  Just be warned that the play does talk sex, pubic hair, vibrators, and more.  But all meant in a funny way.

There is also a strobe light scene during the play to be aware of.  The scene lasts for about a minute.

But, with my perspective, the play, honestly touched on a lot of issues I was feeling when I was going through my divorce from feeling extremely emotional to feeling empowered, to asking the questions of why it didn’t work out, to what the heck was I going to do now.  The emotion of packing up your belongings and saying good bye to the house you purchased together to, in the end, just moving on.  And of course, the part, when we just let ourselves go because we’re in such an emotional state during that time of our lives.

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But one thing this play did well was bringing the supportive friends into the play.  The friends that show up on your doorstep, even with their own issues, to help you with yours.  The friends that are there with you to help pick up the pieces, and the ones that make you laugh during the entire process.

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This was one played I really enjoyed, and really captured the essence of what it’s like as a woman going through a divorce… except to an extreme 😉 So be ready to laugh, and have a fun night out with friends.

But, if you’re married, the play is still very enjoyable.

Divorce Party the Musical plays at El Portal Theatre through April 14th:

You can purchase tickets here.

 

 

 

 

 


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Beverage picks from #ExpoWest

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I am not a beverage guru.  These were my personal favorite picks from the show.

Favorite Beverages from #ExpoWest

1) ‘Tude Juice

tude

I have always been a fan of apple juice especially when it’s fresh.  ‘Tude Juice is awesome because they use the HPP process for their juices.  Juice varieties come in: Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and Honey.

2) Sneaky Pete’s

I have to admit when I first saw the booth and all the talk of “oatmeal” I was hesitant to try it, but finally on Sunday, I got my nerve back.  I was expecting a thick oat beverage, but instead it was like water.  I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it went down, and how REFRESHINGLY good it tasted.

Sneaky Pete’s is an all natural oat beverage.  Varieties come in Apple, Mango, Peach, Raspberry and Grape.

3) Honest Fizz

The Honest Tea company came out with “Honest Fizz” Honest Fizz is a naturally sweetened zero calorie soda.

4) Sambazon

sambazon

I will be the first to admit that I have a hard time with green smoothies.  However, what I realized is I just wasn’t making them right.  Sambazon has come out with some great already made green smoothies for us, and they’re perfect for busy people like myself to grab and go in the morning on your way to work.

5) Clearly Kombucha

I am not much of a Kombucha fan, however, Clearly Kombucha really had my attention at the show.  Talking to this family owned business based out of Fairfield, CA had me keep an open mind.

But when I tried it out I was pleasantly surprised.  The taste was very subtle, and not as vibrant as other Kombucha’s I’ve tried in the past.  I really enjoyed their Asian Pear and Black Currant varieties.

6) Wild Poppy Juice

I first discovered Wild Poppy Juice when I followed a bit of the Fancy Food show.  Since I’d been wanting to try it out, and that day finally came at ExpoWest.  And it made for a very happy me!

With such flavors as: Blood Orange Chili, Grapefruit Ginger, Peppermint Lemonade, Peach Vanilla, and Plum Licorice what’s not to love?

7) Golazo

original

This is an energy drink.  I usually avoid all types of energy drinks because of the caffeine, and many stories about how they’re not that great for you.  But, for some reason, I was getting really low, and someone recommended them to me so I gave them a try.

I was pleasantly surprised to find they have 50% less sodium than the leading sports drinks and it was made with coconut water.  Also had 46% less calories than the 3 leading energy drinks.  This one has me changing my views on energy drinks.

But the best part of all?  They actually TASTE good.

8) Nature’s Pure Organic Cola naturespure

I first saw this cola in the press room and because of it’s glass bottle I was instantly intrigued.  Even more intrigued to find it to be an organic cola so when I ran across the booth I instantly had to try it.  And I was very very happy with how it tasted.

Fun flavors such as cola, cherry jubilee and french vanilla.  Vanilla  Float anyone?

9) Tea of a Kind

While I was outside the Anaheim Convention Center a group of people were handing out samples of “Tea of a Kind” beverages.  These bottles were available in three flavors: Citrus Mint Green Tea, Pomegranate Acai White Tea, and Peach Ginger Black Tea.

The brewly tea, upon opening, the bottle cap will release antioxidants.  I was pleasantly surprised by how great the tea tasted.

10) Simply Orange Juice

This is my favorite Orange Juice company and every year I just have to walk by to see what new flavors they’re coming out with.  Keep an eye out for “Simply Lemonade with Blueberry.”  “Simply Orange with Bananas”  and “Simply Orange with Tangerine” coming to shelves soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Recap from #ExpoWest!

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Jamie

Hey guys, this past weekend I was out attending #ExpoWest, the largest natural foods and product Expo out there.  To me, it is absolute heaven.

Having the background in grocery retail for 13 years I was always excited to see the new products that would hit the stores shelves, and at ExpoWest, it is truly a look behind the scenes at all of the new products coming out that people are working so hard on.

So, enjoy these fun pics of my travels.   The next several weeks and months I will be doing a series on some of my favorite products from beverages to yogurt to healthy snacks, and more.  Also, hoping some fun giveaways will be happening so you can try out some of these fun new products.

Thursday afternoon I headed over to the Anaheim Convention Center to check in, and vote for Best of the West.  There were well over 30 products to choose from and we were only able to vote for our top 3.  The Best of the West winners this year were Justin’s Nut Butter, Zing Anything, INC with their citrus zinger, and NCulief.  Congrats WINNERS!

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Thursday evening was the Vitamin Angels 3rd Annual Event where they brought awareness to their cause, and raised funds for the organization.  Delicious meals were being served, people could try out the batting cages, and have fun in the photo booth.

Friday AM:

chobani

Friday AM started with a wonderful breakfast with some of the people working behind the scenes at Chobani.  I remember when Chobani first hit the store shelves.  I was a grocery manager at the time, and I’d ask, “what is greek yogurt, what does it taste like to others.”  Well, one day I finally tried it, and I’ve been hooked every since.  The creamier texture gets me every time.

So, meeting some of the social media team face to face made for a fun morning along with receiving their awesome Burlap bag:

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And then the hall floor opened where I began my journey is discovering new products and making my lists as to some of my favorites.  And of course, had a bit of fun along the way:

frostingqueens

The Frosting Queens are an all natural, shelf stable Frosting!!! And it is very good.  The baker in me came out as I passed this booth, and must say the pink colors, the princess crowns instantly grabbed my attention!

zola

The Zola booth was having fun out front of the Expo Halls by bringing in two Olympian Ping Pong players to the show.  They were showcasing their skills throughout the show, and taking on others attending the show making for some really fun interaction.

sustyparty

Susty Party had fun little crowns and ware to play around with making it an instant party.  Susty Party has “sustainable” party ware for all of your party occasions.  Cups, Plates, Bowls, Straws, and more.

Tubulars

Tubular’s launched their new “Vitamin” Milk Straws this past weekend, and their milking station was a hit amongst many at the Expo.

alvitatea

Alvita had a tea party that I was lucky enough to be invited to.  Their Chamomile tea was quite excellent.  This is where we learned about the tea and the process that goes into it.  Will be talking about this further in a future post.

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Saturday morning I arrived to the Expo pretty early so I made sure to check out the booths out front where samples were being handed out, and then went inside to check out all the display cases.  These display cases were super handy because this was a quick way to see the new products and write down ones that REALLY grabbed your eye.

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Even got a Greek God to go all Stoic for me 😉

olagranola

This is the owner and founder of Ola Granola!  And this Granola is GREAT to snack on, add into your morning breakfasts or desserts.  Will be hearing more about this great product in the future.

pickle

I even made friends with a pickle while at the Expo!

alpinausa

On Saturday afternoon a group of us where shuttled away to the Happy Cooking Co. in Fullerton to learn about Alpina Yogurt, and how easy it is to cook with. Chef Laurie walked us through a few short recipes from Apple Muffins to Green Smoothies to Granola Coated Chicken Fingers to Strawberry Creamed Biscuits.  We also learned about Alpina Yogurt throughout the process.  I personally can’t wait to begin cooking and baking with it.  More on this excursion will be shared later.

woats

The founder of Woats.  This is a SOFT granola so those with braces can even enjoy.  The motivation to create the product.

gogosqueez

The Go Go Squeez booth had such a fun booth I had to get a picture.

mamachia

Hanging out with Mama Chia!

friends

This is FRESH Paper, which is made to keep your produce fresh even longer.

goodboyorganics

This was one of my favorite new products of #ExpoWest.  The Bops chips and the OrganicSaurus Cheddar Puffs.  The cheddar puffs are completely organic, and taste so good, you’d be surprised!  Look for a future review down the road.

In the end it was ton of fun, and there’s so much to talk about.  Hope you enjoyed this recap.

Some of the top trends seen from the show were: Chia Seeds, Quinoa, Squeezable Pouches, and Coconut!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Categories: Life | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments