Did you know there are 1440 minutes in each day? 1440 Multiversity is a new wellness retreat in Santa Cruz County that offers incredible programs to better our lives – it’s glorious, I was there! Connections are the name of the game and if you are at a point in life where you are looking to meet more women to help your grow your business as an entrepreneur you might want to investigate The Polka Dot Powerhouse organization. Since we Tomatoes are of a “certain age”, we all remember the iconic Michael Jackson. I found a band that pays tribute to him that absolutely rocks the house. And KQED celebrates Women to Watch at a variety show later this month.

1440 Multiversity Wellness Retreat

Situated on 75 acres in the redwoods outside of Santa Cruz rests 1440 Mulitiversity. This wellness retreat brings a dose of modern mindfulness to guests with a higher-education-meets-retreat–style model of classes, workshops, healthy eats and overnight stay options to fit all budgets. You have your yoga intensive retreats for a week or weekend, but it’s the other options that are led by a faculty of such well known teachers, educators, authors and more, that makes 1440 a haven for the 21^st century.

Their course catalog is immense and popular events sell out in a blink. Coming up in October (but already sold out) is Brave Magic, led by Elizabeth Gilbert and Cheryl Strayad. But don’t worry there are multiple offerings each weekend and week that will appeal to everyone from business leaders, to home chefs, to yoga enthusiasts to writers.

The serene environment surrounded by redwoods is cozy and delightful and the food is incredible. You can elect to stay on campus or purchase a day pass if you live close enough to come and go with ease. But staying helps bond friendships and makes for a getaway that is incredibly special. Check out their website and find a weekend that works for you, I know tomatoes will love this! www.1440.org

Polka Dot Powerhouse

Tomato pals, I don’t know about you, but since I am “of a certain age”, kids gone, and working from home, I often find connecting with other women to be a challenge. Recently I found a great connection company called Polka Dot Powerhouse. This nationwide organization holds monthly gatherings for women to share, connect, network and have fun. Unlike other networking groups, there is no pressure, and that makes gathering, chatting and learning about other women much more enjoyable.

I attended a meeting of the Palo Alto Chapter and met the most interesting and inspiring women. All categories of business are welcome, writers, photographers, bankers, social media experts, you name it, they are involved. Sharing and collaborating helps everyone and this sisterhood brings together women from all walks of life. Once you join, you can attend lunches or breakfasts at any Polka Dot Powerhouse location, expanding your network even further. Learn more.

Michael Jackson

Tomatoes – are you a PYT?  Do you know what that means?  If you do, then you will absolutely love, adore, cherish the Michael Jackson Tribute band, Forevermore. I have to tell you about them, because I just experienced their amazingness and everyone who loves to shake their groove thing will want to see them. I am obsessed and will be following them whenever I can get to a show.

For a full hour, this 14-piece tribute band will have you singing and moonwalking. Four dynamic vocalists, a powerhouse rhythm section and jamming horn section recreate all of MJ’s most notable tunes. The band began in June 2009, just two weeks before the legend passed away. They continue his legacy with this mesmerizing musical legacy. To find out when and where you can experience their musical talents visit www.foreverland.com

Sept. 27. Women to Watch

This past summer (yes it’s over!) KQED presented an inside look into the hearts, minds and studios of 20 Bay area artists and makers who are pushing boundaries in 2017. In addition to profiling these extraordinary women on their website, you can see these women on Wednesday September 27th at The Swedish American Hall, 6:30 p.m. The fast-paced, collaborative variety show will be filled with storytelling, music and performance by some of the local artists from the series.

This multimedia series spotlights amazing artists and creators who use their personal passions to fuse art and social justice; to tell personal stories that tie us together and to offer a new way of seeing the world around us. You will get to see composers, filmmakers, comedians, and muralists. These women are on fire! Get the details.