Remember the Sleeping Beauty story of your childhood? You know, that family friendly, romantic fantasy musical? Ok, now take out everything but the beautiful girl and the fantasy, add a lot of soft core and inexplicable behavior.
The 2012 Sleeping Beauty is a complete enigma. I suppose it’s about a young student exploring her sexuality, or maybe exploiting her body for financial gain. Ultimately I arrived at the conclusion that our lovely Lucy was searching for her true self. In the classic modern single gal mode she signed up for any and all experiences offered to her. All those drugs, unexplained relationships, just plain weird habits, and random sexual encounters added up to a modern unside down fairy tail. Instead of getting the prince, Lucy is search for a genuine feeling. We don’t have a clue what makes her tick and either does she.
For about an hour and a half you will be completely baffled by our lead character. Clearly she is working her way through college by taking odd jobs such as a test rat in white walled labs and office drudgery in a perpetual paper pushing office. Who could blame Lucy for jumping at the chance of making some big bucks when she hooks up with a kinky temp agency.
Initially she is hired to serve rich people food in some fancy private club. The catch? All the waitresses wear racy lingerie and allowed themselves to be admired/leered at by old men. But wait, there’s more.
Lucy keeps getting promoted to more challenging and lucrative assignments.
Finally the audience gets to see the sleeping beauty reference. Not to spoil things for you, let me just say she drinks a potion, she sleeps, and old men do mysterious things to her. Yes, human sexuality can be perverse. You will see many examples of this, some full frontal, and behavior including random acts of unexpected kindness and disturbing brutality.
This isn’t your granny’s Sleeping Beauty. Or if it is, she didn’t write a book about it so you’ll never know. Sleeping Beauty(2012) opens Friday, Jan 26,at brave independent theaters near you.
In the gorgeous countryside of Italy, there are two crops that the area is known for: wine and olives.
Following in the old world’s footsteps, California’s very own Sonoma Valley celebrates the lesser known olive market and season through their Eleventh Annual Feast of the Olive Dinner.
Standing as one of the season’s main events, this occasion boasts a multi-course, olive inspired dinner prepares by 18 of the area’s best chefs.
This year’s festivities takes place on Saturday, January 28, starting at 6 p.m. and hosted by the Ramekins Culinary School, with an goal of highlighting the valley’s bountiful food and wine offerings.
The meal is served family style, where guests dine at one of three tables, each boasting five dedicated chefs, and will be paired with award-winning Sonoma Valley wines.
Tickets are $150 a person and are available for purchase by calling (707) 996-1090 ext 108. Learn more about the Sonoma Valley Olive Season and the dinner by visiting their website.
Imagine your delight when you gain entrance to the super secret private art gallery located down an unmarked walkway along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Tango Diva takes you on a sneak preview of the Pilara Foundation’s current show titled HERE, showcasing 34 photographers interpreting San Francisco. One highlight is the pairing of Eadweard Muybridge’s famed city panorama with a follow up 100 years later. Mark Klett’s panorama of the identical view fast forwards us through time. More info @ www.pier24.org
DAY 1 – Today I arrive at Optimum Health Institute with one goal: Heal myself so I can be a better mother. My pregnancy was tough, I gained 65 pounds and I was in labor for 32 hours. Now, I have a beautiful 7 month old, but the truth is that I am worn out and tired. I have not taken care of my body (the only one I was given!) and I have been super stressed out. Motherhood is tougher than I expected. So, I took a week to spend time to focus on becoming a better person by understanding what I need for my body, mind and soul.
DAY 2 – Letting go. What I learned today was that we cause so much stress by expecting others to changes to be what we want. We try to put square pegs in round holes and the truth is – we can’t change others. We can only change ourselves. Once we realize this truth we can LET GO of others and FOCUS on living our best lives. Accepting the fact that people have different values is key. If those values don’t meet yours, then perhaps it is time to step up and start creating the life YOU WANT….
“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”
- William Ernest Henley
DAY 3 – Listen to your body. You talk to your body, sometimes negative things like, “I’m fat.” Your body listens and confirms what you say. So, be aware of your thoughts. What is great is that your body talks to you too. Every thing from gut feelings, sickness, headaches, and jitters is our body’s way of “talking.” What we need to do is listen. Take a moment in the morning and ask, “My beautiful body, what do you need today?” And listen. You might get thoughts like, “Rest, water, touch, or exercise.” If you’re about to do something that you’re not sure you really want to do. ASK! Your body will answer with a definitive YES or NO. Simple, yet powerful.
DAY 4 – Five Regrets of the Dying. We heard a story about a women who worked in hospice care for years and she listened to hundreds of people who were about to die. The regrets were always the same:
1. “I wish that I had the courage to live the life that I wanted.”
2. “I wish that I did not work so hard.”
3. “I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.”
4. “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.”
5. “I wish I let myself be happy.”
Personally, I suffer from “letting myself be happy.” When I wake up, the first thing I think is not, “WOW another beautiful day!” My tasks and responsibilities hit me in the face and, if anyone ‘offended’ me the day before, I remember that too. I don’t want to be that way anymore. So, my commitment is to BE HAPPY when I get home. Life is pretty amazing and we are all blessed. Thanks for reading – I love you!
Day 5 – Live in the NOW. They have a saying her at OHI: “What time is it?” And the answer is “NOW.” There is nothing but the NOW. We get stuck in our heads, feeling regret about the past and getting worried about the future. But they don’t exist. In my life I struggle with staying in the NOW, I am always running off to some dark corner of my past or racing to a worrisome place in the future. One of the ways they teach us to stay in the NOW is to connect with our breath. 3 minutes without breathing and we die, so our breath is a powerful tool to use to get us back into our bodies and in the present moment. When you find yourself getting caught up in a negative past/future loop, stop and take 3 deep, conscience breaths and ask yourself, “What time is it?” The time is NOW.
DAY 6 – Celebrate Small Successes. Kyle Ruppe is here to change his life. On January 3, he was diagnosed with ALS: Lou Gehrig’s disease. This 29 year old is FILLED with joy and love. His smile lights up the room. He is here with his friend Chris who is his biggest fan (besides me!). Kyle saw Chris making his bed and asked him why he did that every morning. Chris said, “Because I like to celebrate small successes. When I make the bed I feel like I accomplished something, it’s a great way to start the day.” What a life-changing moment for me. Yes, it is time for us to take time and celebrate, no matter how small the accomplishment. I went back to my room and made my bed, and did a little dance to celebrate my success.
DAY 7 – I feel so connected to myself now. This week has given me an opportunity to rest, heal and learn. I am so grateful for this time. Now, it’s time to go home and implement what I have learned. My intention is give everyone I meet some joy, hope or inspiration. That’s it!
At the beginning of one new year or another, we’ve all vowed to take the plunge and get in shape, redefine our habits and get healthy. And, chances are, we’ve all failed a handful of times.
This year, shakes things up and stick your guns. Need a little help? Have we got the program for you.
Aimed at taking the stress out of planning a vacation, Escape to Shape boasts getaways that combine the best of luxury, culture and fitness, in destinations across the globe.
And in our opinion, what better way to relax then in a beachside paradise?
In this upcoming year, Escape to Shape is hosting trips to a variety of ocean locales. Our personals favorites include Indonesia, Mexico and Croatia. Here’s what each has to offer:
Escape to Bali, Indonesia: Coined “The Island of the Gods”, the exotic island of Bali offers a combination of eco-chic accommodations, rich Hindu traditions and temples, Balinese dance, music and art and a range of natural beauty. Guests that partake in this program will enjoy relaxing massages, surf lesion, and great shopping! Priced at $3,500 a person based on double occupancy, this 7-night March getaway includes three daily meals, yoga, Pilates and hikes, guided cultural tours, spa treatments and round trip transportation to and from the airpot. Visitors dwell in bungalows overlooking lush rice fields that are a mere ten minute walk to the beach.
Escape to Careyes, Mexico: Come to the adult playground of Mexico between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo: Careyes. With lodging in private villas, guests can experience the beauty of the Pacific ocean, while experiencing daily yoga, boot camp and hiking, yacht trips, Mexican cuisine and polo matches. Take a walk along the white sand teachers or traipse through the lush vegetation surrounding the cliff-side hotel. Priced at $4000 per person based on double occupancy, this April escape includes the amenities mentioned in the previous two, but only lasts 6 nights.
Escape to Dubrovnik, Croatia: Situated in the charming medieval city of Dubrovnik, Escape to Shape’s trip to Croatia is surrounded by amazing architecture, including churches, monasteries, fountains and public squares. Guests are encouraged to explore the Croatian coastline while they partake in daily Yoga, hikes, lessons on history and folklore, and traditional cuisine of the area. Visitors stay in a private villa on the waters edge, two miles outside the city. Also lasting 7-nights, this May program includes the same luxuries as the one to Bali, all with a backdrop of the turquoise waters of the mediterranean.
Working as a traveling spa, the locations change throughout the year, providing guests with the chance to explore the history, people, food and wonders of countries throughout the world, while focusing on shaping the body and mind.
Workout include yoga, Pilates, circuit training, hiking, kayaking and biking, paired with organic meals, spa treatments and cultural activities, such as dance classes, horseback riding and exploring local marketplaces.
This year’s designations also include Colombia, Cambodia, Morocco, Italy and more. Pick your favorite or pick a place you’ve never seen. Single occupancy is available for an additional fee. These programs admit a limited number of participants and fill up fast, so get your name on the list ASAP!
Everybody adores a good love story, and perhaps that is why ABC’s show The Bachelor, in its 16th season, is such a hit.
Luckily for fans of the reality program, ABC and the Waldorf Astoria, which is among the destinations of this season’s crew, are teaming up to offer four grand prizes in “The Bachelor Ultimate Giveaway Sweepstakes.”
The package also includes 3 days of skiing and equipment rentals at the resort, a private ski lesson for two, couples spa treatment at the Golden Door Spa, a horse-drawn sleigh ride throughout the resort and the Wastach Mountains, daily lunch and dinner and round trip transportation to and from Park City.
In their free time, guests can partake in a slew of activities, including a high-speed zip line tour.
To put your name in for this amazing contest, log onto ABC.com and enter the contest by March 19, 2012. Next thing you know, you and and your special someone could be one your way to an unforgettable weekend.
The 2012 Oregon Cheese Festival
Saturday, March 17th
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rogue Creamery
311 North Front St,
Central Point, OR.
$15 entry fee includes tastings and demonstrations. Kids free.
$5 wine tasting fee includes a commemorative wine glass.
2012 Cheese Makers Dinner
Dine with the cheesemongers & cheese masters
Friday, March 16th from 6:15 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Tickets $90 per person available by calling the toll fee number 866 -396-4704.
Gorge on cow, sheep and goat cheese from Oregon creameries, including Fraga Farm, Juniper Grove Farm, Pholia Farm, La Mariposa Creamery, Mama Terra Microcreamery, Ochoa Creamery, Tumalo Farms, Tillamook County Creamery, Willamette Valley Cheese Co., Fern’s Edge Goat Dairy, Rivers Edge Chevre (my fave), Ancient Heritage Dairy, Fairview Farm Goat Dairy, Goldin Artisan Goat Cheese, Briar Rose Creamery, Oak Leaf Creamery, Rogue Creamery, and many others.
There will be wine and beer tastings, plus fine craft foods and games for the kids!
Plus special guest MARGO TRUE, Food Editor at Sunset Magazine
KAYAKING & CAMPING: Black Canyon/Colorado River
Kayak the Colorado River from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. Trip includes Camping, Hot Springs, Sauna Cave, & Emerald Cave (pictured). – Easter Weekend – $100 per person
This is a Meet-Up event – you first join Meet-up and then add this group (LA Outdoor Adventures) to see all the details- great trip for solo as well as a few friends
Nothing is more frustrating than writers block, so we’re offering up a little encouragement. For all you writing divas out there, we found a new workshop where participants can explore Italy while sharpening their writing skills in villages where great America writers found inspiration.
Taking place from May 27 until June 2, 2012, The Heart of Memoir Writing Workshop is a one of a kind escape that helps explorers combines a passion for travel with a talent for writing. Participants are given the opportunity to experience the historical, medieval hilltop of Santa Stefano di Sessanio in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where life moves a little slower. Wander through the local olive orchards, eat fresh pecorino cheese or walk along the cobble stone lanes and windy staircases.
Each day kicks off with morning writing sessions focusing on the creative nonfiction, writing excursuses and sharing of participants work. A reading list is provided and the workshop focuses on writing involving memoirs, travel and food. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop, though it is not required, but are urged to bring some form of writing materials.
The free afternoons provide ample time to read, rest and write, but just in case you are up for some adventure, there are many optional excursions, such as hiking to local castle ruins or seeing the art of artisanal cheese or pasta production by local chefs.
Travelers get the pleasure of enjoying six nights in a private room at the Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, an award-winning hotel in the area, and breakfast and dinner are included in the price of $2950.
This cost includes van transport from Rome and back, five days os workshop instruction and materials, six nights stay in the hotel, breakfast and dinner meals, and afternoon activities and trips. Not included is the airfare to and from Rome and lunch meals. A deposit of $500 is due by March 10, 2012, and the remainder of the fee is due on April 14.
This program only excepts up to eight participants and is sure to fill up fast! Visit the website for more information and to get your name on the list!
Whether you are an expert writer or simply someone with a story to tell, this program gives travelers a chance to experience the gorgeous italian countryside while learning to put thoughts into words.
I don’t know about all you divas, but I have a long list of destinations I simply have to visit someday. Fairly close to the top is South and Central America.
If any of you have the same dreams as me, then the critically acclaimed company Tara Tours, Inc. may have the perfect getaway for you.
In honor of the new year, the tour company has announced a new 6 day, 5 night program for 2012 to Costa Rica titled “Tortuguero Jungle Fever.”
The trip consists of of one night in San Jose at the Hotel Irazu upon arrival, 2 nights at the Mawamba Jungle Lodge in Tortuguero and another two nights at Irazu to accomodate optional tours.
For the pretty great steal of $556 per person, not including airfare and based on double occupancy, participants get daily breakfasts at Irazu, all meals at Mawamba Lodge and a slew of activities designed to help travelers explore the incredible rain forest of Costa Rica, including boat excursions, hiking, bird watching and canoe rides.
The cost also includes all transfers, tours, speaking guides and ground/boat transportation.
Tara Tours recommends using American or Taca airlines for your main transportation, with flights usually costing between $350 and $500.
If you’ve been itching to get lost in an exotic jungle, then don’t miss the opportunity to take part in this great trip. For more information and to sign yourself up, visit the company’s website.
