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Ingredient Spotlight: The Thrilla of Vanilla and its Sad Organic State

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Organic vanilla is having a moment, and unlike the actual Thrilla in Manila between prize scrappers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, not much cheering will emerge from this story.

As of this writing, the world is massively short on organic vanilla beans, making them massively expensive. The cause? To understand…a short ag-lesson.

Similar to harvesting things like saffron threads and poppy seeds (not to be confused with milk of the poppy, for all Game Of Throners), vanilla beans are one of the most labor-intensive foods on the planet, according to this June 17 NPR feature. Orchids produce vanilla bean seeds, and if flowers are not naturally pollinated (and in some parts of the world they are not), pollination must be done by hand much like how U.S. crops have needed help from pollination farmers in light of the bee plight.

From pollinating, to harvesting, to soaking, to all kinds of other ing-verbs that have to happen to result in a vanilla bean being born, the months-long manual labor exceeds most expectations and leads to why vanilla is so damn ‘spensive. As a result, a whole lotta fake vanilla started being made under the not-so-crafty name “vanillin,” which smelled good yet tasted like bunk…but was so much cheaper than the real stuff, it was a way for butchers, bakers and vanilla-stuff makers to flavor their goods without going broke. But when more and more companies started opting for all-natural flavors, vanillin was out and vanilla was in…except that there haven’t been enough orchid plants to support the world’s craving for chocolate’s cousin.

Add to all the above an organic designation to the mix, and prices really skyrocket: In the last few years, it’s all but quadrupled.

#DilemmaOfVanillicPorportion

So, what’s The Juice Standard been doing about v-beaning products with the quality of vanilla you’ve come to depend on? In days of recent past, organic vanilla beans have been so hard to source, the only sub deemed suitable by Jamie and Marcella has been conventional vanilla beans (…beecause even liquid organic vanilla extract can’t compare to the warm depth lent by a bean, the whole bean and nothing but the bean).

“It was a difficult decision to switch to conventional, especially beecuase we have built a business whose cornerstone is using organic produce 100 percent of the time,” shares TJS Co-Founder and CEO Jamie Stephenson.

Nothing shows off our vanillovin’ like our nut milks, and Bee Magnificent is da vanillabomb.

“We felt, however, that we would be doing our clientele a bigger disservice by not providing the quality our products are known for—especially our creamy nut milks—beecause even we love seeing those floating vanilla-bean specs as we sip! That’s why after interviewing many of our customers, we learned they would rather we inform them of our choice to use conventional vanilla beans rather than simply discontinue product, or move to extract.

“We value 100 percent transparency…and clearly, our customers do, too.”

That said, last week, TJS caught a beany break when Jamie and Marcella found organic vanilla beans priced at 40 percent higher than typical organic pricing, but far less than recent costs for conventional vanilla beans. Course, the world’s still in a shortage, so TJS can only tap this source for six weeks until the farm we’ve partnered with runs out, too…but at least that’s six more weeks of vanilla bean specs as we’ve all grown accustomed.

Our point in all this sharing? Like Jamie says, TJS hearts transparency, and having these worldwide convos close to home is important in our adult understanding of where our food comes from, and it’s important if we wanna help the littletons in our lives to better understand why global warming; supply and demand; and taking care of Mama Nature is so important to the food we eat, too.

As for vanilla, we’re gonna keep bringing you the good stuff as long as we can. And when the big-O runs out, we’ll move to conventional for as long as it takes before we can get back on track. And as long as you can see those bitty brown flecks of goodness in every nut milk you open, know that we’re looking out for the best interest of your tastebuds, too…one nutritious sip at a time.

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Menu Update: Newz About Booze

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Love The Juice Standard’s cold-pressed cocktails at our location at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (which we affectionately refer to as “The Buzz?”) So do we, and we’re not the only ones: we’ve been thrilled that they’ve gotten press like this love note from Vegas Seven, this one from Las Vegas Weekly, and this one from VegansBaby.com, and we’re more thrilled that our fanbees have kept these drinks on their tongues since we launched ‘em last year.

Last year. Has it been a year already? While #TimeFlies means that’s kinda cray, we’ve got news about a handful of new cold-pressed cocktails on the menu, as well as a few changes to a few tried-and-trues you might want to know about as this summer gets her rightful start.

NEW

Chill The Eff Out.

Chill The Eff Out

Fuhgetabout chocolate and peanut butter, beecause these are the two next great tastes that taste great together. Combining Bee Chill (watermelon-cucumber-lemon) with Effen’s™ Cucumber  vodka and ginger beer makes for a refreshing bevvie that’ll keep your cool no matter how hottt Vegas is outside.

 

The Pineapple Express. Don’t leave The Cosmopolitan without one.

Pineapple Express

For you savvy-sav bees in the know, this has been on our secret menu for a while but we’re making it available for all the world to sip: Bee Grateful (carrot, pineapple, apple, ginger, lemon), vodka, ginger beer. Period, end of recipe.

 

 

 

SLIGHT-OF-HAND CHANGES

Shake Your Money Maker

Know our WHealth Maker? The drink with Bee WHealthy™, vodka and ginger beer (see a theme here? Our bees love it, and we love to keep our bees happy…) well this is the same drink, new name. #Catchy.

NON-BOOZY CHANGES

  • Our smoothie the Libido Lover is now the Sexy M.F.
  • You can now get collagen and MCT oil superfood upgrades at The Buzz.
  • Love our Kale Granola Salad? You’ll still love it with its new name, “Baby Kale Salad,” with granola. (See? Same, yet different.)
  • Chloro-Water will be available at our neighborhood stores only
  • Chai-Chia Pudding and Choco-Mint Chia are no longer available

Yep: Lotsa updates. Know what we still serve, though? Juice. All day, erryday. So come enjoy.

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TJS Travel Edit: Bee Wanderlusty—LA

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Nope: Bee Wanderlusty’s not a new Singleton (though it should be, right?).

No, Dear Bees. This is better.

See, summer solstice was but a blink ago yet Vegas is bees-knees deep in obscene heat. That means it’s time for The Juice Standard’s annual summertime get-the-hell-outta-dodge suggestions for non-desert trips you can sked between now and Labor Day with peeps you’ve deemed travel-worthy.

(You do have folks you’d bee willing to travel with, right?)

To kick off a few non-desert travel articles, we’re starting with by far the easy-peasiest local(ish)drive: LV—>LA.

To the rest of the world, Los Angeles may be a backdrop for all-things glitz and glammy, but when desert heat hits friggin’ 118, La La Land’s cool is the one we crave…both in vibe and thermometer.

Carrie Stamps: Our in-house graphic design and LAexpert extraordinaire.

So this month, sharing a litany of her fave LA haunts is TJS’s Carrie Stamps—owner/founder of Vegas-based Scaled Design Studio—whose graphic-designy nose for style, beauty, function, and fun helps guide her to the goods in LA and beyond.

“Los Angeles is an easy destination for a weekend getaway,” says Stamps, who along with TJS Creative Director Mallory Dawn is charged with designing our dedicated inbox e-newsie, From The Humble Bee, and with making TJS print and digi-collateral look luscious.

“After a 45-minute flight from Las Vegas (or a short 3-4 hour drive), LA’s temperature drops 20 to 30 degrees and offers vibrant city life mixed with beach life.” 

Stamps is always looking out for local favorites and hidden gems (“I love the outdoor hikes, beach activity, restaurants, museums, culture and walkability in West Hollywood—WeHo—and I’m such a foodie, I have one million restaurant recommendations!”). Her best insider intel for experiencing any city? “Get out and see and do! Walk the streets. Get lost. Try something new and different.”

Don’t mind if we do, PrettyGirl. Below are places Stamps has deemed worth visiting over and over…no matter how you like to spend your time.

Get to the Griffith at night.

For Love Of The Great Outdoors

Hikes? In a city? You bet, says Stamps. “City hikes like Runyon Canyon and the Hollywood sign get crowded and touristy, but they are a worthy view. However…hiking to Griffith Observatory overlooks all of LA. A sunset hike is a real treat when it’s dark, you’ll see all the city lights for as far as the eye can see. For a real dose of Mother Nature, Topanga State Park just above Malibu is a short drive.

Broad+Museum_la_jeff+koons_la+museums_what+to+do+in+la_flowers_fun+things+to+do+in+LA_yayoi+kusama_art_art+exhibition+in+la_fashion+meets+art_fashion+blogger_Savvy+javvy_lichtenstein+art_infinity+mirrors_broad+infinity+room

Boldly hit the Broad.

For The Love of History

Hardly mere collections of old dusty stuff, LA museums are as varied as wallet-busting retail on Rodeo. “The Broad, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and The Getty offer worldly art and culture,” suggests Stamps. “The Museum of Ice Cream is a sweet treat, and The Getty is even free!”

Say yessabel to Ysabel.

Get Into My Your Belly

Beehold this summary of Stamps’ faves and you’re welcome in advance.

Get Outta My Your Belly

What goes in must come out, right? LA is notorious for its beautiful people…and how do they get their beauty? Exercise. While a fave activity is simply renting a bike on the beach in Santa Monica or jogging the beachy boardwalk from Marina del Rey, to Venice, to Santa Monica, these brick-and-mortar haunts are 100 percent Stamps-approved:

For The Love Of Nightlife

Living in Las Vegas has taught Stamps a thing or two about what appeals in a club. Rest assured these are top-notch pics for hottt (er, cool?) LA nights. #StilettosNotRequired

Piñata District doesn’t disappoint.

For The Love of a Weekend Market

“Melrose Place Farmer’s Market and Melrose Trading Post are great things to see and do on Sundays!” says Stamps, adding that not-to-miss sights also include Grand Central Market and Piñata District in Downtown LA.

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TJS Editorial—On Blended Families: They Take A Hive

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Memorial Day may bee the unofficial start to summer but we all know what really kicks off this season: the last day of school.

With today’s family as hexagonal as a honeycomb as opposed to old-school triangle or square, there can be many more personalities to traverse beyond mom, dad and kids during these seemingly endless wonderful weeks of vacation. From potential step-sibling rivalry to navigating niceties with your former spouse’s new one (#CoParentWithoutStepMurder), building a blended family with grace is certainly the #ParentingGoal but it’s not always easy…or is it?

Can building a blended family really be as easy as keeping an open mind, respecting all the parents involved and always keeping the needs of the children front and center? It can…but it takes work; patience; and maybe even some presents (though not for the fam member you might think).

To honor the onset of this, the Season of Together Time, this beautiful first-person account written by TJS COO and Co-Founder Marcella Williams shines a light on her personal experiences with her own children, and what it takes to bridge the byways of today’s blended family.

In May 2004, I found myself married and soon realized it was a package deal since, overnight, I became not only a wife, but a mother…and a stepmother at that. I had entered my stepson Drew’s life when he was just 5 years old and was even there for his first day of kindergarten, yet I had no idea how to be a stepmom since I was just learning how to become a wife. Luckily for me I had the best teacher: Drew’s mom, Kelly.

Marcella and her family celebrating Christmas—together!—in 2016. Pictured (l-r): Marcella, Maximus (8), Damian (8), Sophia (9), and Drew (17).

You always hear the drama-filled stories of blended families and thestruggles that ensue. But this story is different. This one is filled with love and gratitude, and I’m hoping it will act as a reminder that it doesn’t ever have to be ugly between birth parents and stepparents unless a family chooses it to be. And I can tell you from experience that ugly serves no one…least of all, the child.

Shortly after the wedding, we were settling into our new house…adding all of the finishing touches that turn a space into a home. While I was adjusting to new surroundings and new roles, I began to wonder if I would be a good stepmom. I wondered if I had the empathy, patience and kindness I knew it would take to be the kind of caretaker that Drew deserved. So when I was in doubt, I chose to look no further than toward the one who brought him into this world.

Honestly, I felt so lucky that I even had the inclination to do it! Kelly was one cool mama and we instantly became friends. And it was through that friendship that we were able to be the best moms for our son. (Because that’s exactly what he became the day that he and his father and I married: “Our” son.)

Together we discussed schools, homework, bedtime, and even had great communication about disciplinary actions. In other words, if Drew was grounded because he did XYZ at my house, the same rules applied in Kelly’s home, and vice versa. When we began to notice some missteps in his personality—a little more argumentative, a little less attentive at school—together, we quickly ascertained that what Drew needed was structure. Going back and forth mid-week between her home and ours wasn’t what he needed, and without second-guessing it for a moment, Kelly volunteered to let Drew stay with his dad and me Monday through Friday (which instantly made life easier on our boy since school was around the corner from our house).

Faces of well-adjusted happiness: Marcella’s family. Pictured (l-r): Damian (8), Drew (18), Maximus (8), and Sophia (9).

This move impressed me beyond measure, because in one swift decision Kelly proved herself secure enough to put aside her ego for the sake of what was best for Drew. Her grace and mental agility proved to be one of many lessons I learned from her and called upon as different situations unfolded during our evolution as a blended family.

Fast forward to the following May. Mother’s Day was around the corner and when Kelly came to pick up Drew, she had a special present for me. It was my first Mother’s Day present, a Dooney and Burke purse which, until that point in my life, was the nicest purse I had ever owned. I was honored and shocked, to say the least. It was such a heartfelt gift that I still have because of the memory attached to it. She didn’t have to gift it. She didn’t even have to show me kindness, or go above and beyond to bridge gaps or pave roads for better communication. Yet she did. Why? Because it wasn’t about her or me, but about him, our son Drew, who is now 19.

Today, I strive to be similar and supportive for my own birth-childrens’ stepmom. I want her to know that I am rooting for her to succeed every step of the way. I know she has no intention of replacing me, or turning the kids against me. And I know this because I left my ego back in 2004.

But I also know this because I am confident in my role as their mommy. When my three children asked me if I was happy or sad that Baba (Greek for “Dad”) was re-marrying, I smiled with sincerity and assured them that they were so lucky, and that his new bride was just one more person to love them. This assurance helped them be more accepting of her. It helped the transition to be more smooth, and it minimized any extra stress they may have had during what society deems as an intrinsic time of challenging change.

People do not always remember what you said or did, but they do remember how you made them feel. I always work to ensure my kids know that they can express their concerns, their dreams and their struggles without fear of judgement or condemnation with me. With me, they have a kind ear and unconditional love.

So. If I could lend advice to my children’s new stepmom (or any new step- or co-parent), it would be this:

  1. Bee Patient. Great relationships aren’t built overnight. They take time, and an endless amount of compassion and nurturing (and that goes for both the co-parent/stepparent relationship, as well as the relationship between the children and new stepßparent). Count the mini victories rather than wait for the big reward. It could be a genuine smile from across the room from a child who is grateful to see you at their school performance, or their rush to you when they fall off your bike.(Also…bee patient in the warming up of your partner’s ex. Patience is very important at this time.)
  2. Bee Forgiving. When children go back and forth between homes it can take a toll on their spirit. There is generally a transition day or two where they need to adjust to your house rules. In a perfect world, both houses would have the same ones, but that is not always the case. Learn to work with your situation, not fight against it.
  3. Bee Thoughtful. When you make plans, whether together or apart from the stepchildren, think about how it effects the entirety of the group. Make sure your actions cannot be deemed as alienation. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself how you would feel. This goes for the children as well as any step-parents.
  4. Bee Grateful. The universe has blessed your child(ren) with more people to love them. While old wounds may not be healed, and words may have gone unsaid, your children have new beginnings and need your support to see the brighter side of the situation. They will look to you for guidance in these ever-evolving relationships. They will mimic you. So lead by example with a grateful heart.
  5. Bee Respectful. Do not bad mouth anyone in front of the children. Just don’t. It is very hurtful for the child to ever have to hear ill words about someone they love so much. No child deserves to feel that pain. Honestly, I can’t stress this enough other than to say just.don’t.do.it. Remember: The child will remember what they hear, and when they grow up, they will resent the badmouther, not the badmouthee.
  6. Bee Kind. And bee kind especially to yourself. Don’t buy into the whole “love them like your own.” That does not happen overnight. (Truth? Sometimes it never does.) You did not fall in love in a day, and you did not give birth or help conceive them. Allow time to play its role. Bee friends first. And do not beat yourself up if your “motherly” or “fatherly” instincts don’t kick in right away. Remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can, and trust that through consistency in your words and actions, you will in fact build bridges and mend gaps.

Together—collectively—we are raising the future leaders of this world, and that’s something that has never taken just one person. It truly takes a hive.

 

5 From The Hi5e: Summertime ‘Bee Inspired’ Gift Guide

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We bees know what we like when it comes to the hive-and-honey stuff. And with end-of-year teacher-present time just weeks away (and plenty of reasons to pre-stock hostess or birthday gifts for the summer), we’re having a little summertime funnertime with a roundup of beeautiful honey-inspired stuff we love.

Whether it’s for your face, your belly, your bod, or your walls, there’s honey- and bee-inspo all around. And we luv that, since, yaknow, we think bees are the proverbial bees’ knees.

(And hey: Since we can’t possibly try everything out there, if you’ve some things you want us to shine a light on, reach out and touch us by contacting TJS’s Content Director Jen Chase at jen@juicestandard.com and we’ll consider your suggestions. After all…#ItTakesAHive!)

May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud 

As creamy and dreamy as a TJS nut milk, this mud might be your new favorite way to get clean by getting dirty.

What? Daily wash and occasional enzymatic face mask for bees with temperamental skin.

Why? If your complexion requires orchid-like care, this magical mud is a gentle yet potent combo of raw honey with bee pollen and propolis; white halloycite clay; colloidal silver; and witch hazel, mixed with a variety of the most exotically concocted oils that smell like a cross between sweetly chocolated molé sauce and a rain forest. Made in small batches in Los Angeles by May Lindstrom (who created her treats to salve her own problem-child skin and now has a cultish following), when asked about the mud, the company’s wholeheartedly helpful Director of Care, Elena Alarie, wrote to specifically say that, “hormonally reactive skin will especially love the Honey Mud.” It’s divine.

Mike’s Hot Honey

This. This on everything. Use it. A lot.

What? Spicy honey made in Brooklyn, New York, by infusing the sweet stuff with chilies.

Why? “Sweet heat” at its finest, this crack-in-a-bottle truly is hella versatile. We like it for topping off avo-toast; dribbling it over nut-studded Greek yogurt; stirred into tea; and for drawing our initials on every blessed slice of our favorite well-done take-out veggie pizza.

 

Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic™

For when you want that one thing that does errything? Grab this.

What? An all-in-one balm designed to relieve skin irritations and is safe for the whole family.

Why? This one-‘n-done jar of goodness quiets the chatter of your noisy, over-stuffed medicine cabinet by replacing different lotions, potions and salves with one thing that’s safe for pretty much every skin issue. From being a regular old moisturizer to an ointment for burns, cuts, scrapes, buggy-bites, cold sores, and even sunburns, similar to May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud, Sweet Bee Magic™ also contains honey, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly…all of which, when combined, are incredibly healing.

Hexagonal Shelves by Grace Sarris

Grace Sarris’ hexagonal shelf, hung solo.

What? A set of five hexagonal-shaped shelves that are as useful as they are beautiful…especially for the bee-lover in your life.

Hexagonal shelves, grouped.

Why? Whether hung singly, in groups or all together, these shelves made from reclaimed wood by artisan Grace Sarris can be used to create an eye-catching focal point or as a thematic link connecting different rooms in a

house. Plus, they’re all the better for being sold in Sarris’ Etsy store, since we here at TJS love to #supportlocal. (The Internets is considered local, right?)

 

Bee Pollen by Moon Juice

Chewy, citrusy and kinda floral, this is the tastiest straight-from-the-jar pollen we’ve tried.

What? A month’s supply of jarred bee pollen, sold by veritable adaptogen alchemist Amanda Chantal Bacon’s California-based company, Moon Juice.

Why? This stuff? So not your mother’s bee pollen (and if you were fed this stuff as a kid it’s not your bee pollen, either!). With a consistency unlike most of what’s out there, Moon Juice’s bee pollen is chewy and almost citrusy with a floral nose (and yeah, sounds like we’re talking wine). We’d normally stick to local bee pollen for its allergy-fighting properties, but this stuff is so bomb—and, so rich with protein and vitamin B-everythings—we don’t care that it’s not from our neighborhood…we crave it straight from the jar.

Friends Who Juice: Andrea Millsap

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Stress can do horrendous things to the body. We know this is true thanks to seemingly constant pop-culture articles touting the import of good sleep and nutrition to help keep stress at bay, but beyond the casual headache or stomach upset, the effects of anxiety during high-stress times can actually be fatal. 

In The Link Between Religion and Health by Harold G. Koenig and Harvey J. Cohen, there’s an entire chapter devoted to the diseases we can bring upon ourselves resulting from environmental and situational stress we put on our immune systems and what we can do about them. And what we learn is that diagnoses like Lupus and other auto-immune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Grave’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome) can be attacked from a variety of angles: medication, meditation, kundalini yoga, building an alkaline environment in the body with anti-inflam foods, drinking cold-pressed juice.

For the purpose of this feature, it’s that last method we’re most interested in (natch), as we’re honored to share the tale of Andrea Millsap, a woman who in fact used cold-pressed juice—The Juice Standard’s cold-pressed juice, to be exact— to battle the Lupus she developed after some achingly, life-altering family events. Battle…and win.

If you’ve ever wondered whether TJS’ juices and nutmilks really are all that, read this dynamic account of Andrea Millsap and see just how far she’s come. We guarantee it’s been a long way, Baby. 

All About Andrea

I was born and raised… here in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a one of the rare natives: I attended private school at St.Francis De Sales and then went on to Bishop Gorman. (Go GAELS!) I attended University here, as well. I received my undergraduate degree from UNLV.

This is when I knew that Las Vegas would be my forever home: I have travelled both in and out of the county but always knew Vegas was home…and not because I was born here. I love Vegas because it is a 24-hour town (…not that I utilize that anymore!). I like having the option to go to the grocery store or anywhere else in the middle of the night if I want. I decided after college to reside in Vegas.

My daily mantra is…I’ve had this up on my wall since my teenage years:

Quote by Fannie Brice, American comedian

Favorite Vegas spot that never gets old is…Peppermill.

People who inspire me daily are…my parents. They are my world. My dad was my best friend and taught me life lessons that have made me who I am. My mom is literally my mirror to life. Love them! My father passed away 3 years ago this July 10. he is were my “juice journey” began.

Something people would be surprised to learn about me: I have eight children AND I still find the time to work a full-time job and do the things I love to do.

About Andrea’s Work

When people ask me what I do as my job, this is how I explain it:  I am a pharmaceutical representative, and I help to educate and provide medication to local providers for their patients.

Worst spelling of Pfizer: Fizar.

In my personal opinion about the pharmaceutical industry on the whole, I believe it gets a bad rap because…of the cost of medication. People truly don’t understand how much money it costs to bring a medication to market…and that there is a cost associated with the medication once it’s approved to market the medication.

Also, people are misguided about who makes the rules on meds and why the cost and lack of availability are truly so high. If people researched this information and how it works, they would be truly upset. Individuals also don’t realize how much money and medication is provided through patient-assistance programs to make sure patients have access to their medications.

What I’ve learned about myself in this career is this: This position has made me stronger, and I’ve learned that your health is your responsibility.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned or the thing that has been re-affirmed for me is…that being told NO is so motivating to me. I thrive in challenging environments.

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…Don’t ever quit or let other people decide your path for you.

Andrea On Health

The biggest change I’ve witnessed in the Las Vegas world of healthy living is…the rise of juice companies, restaurants that provide clean food and the education about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The way I eat clean during my busy workweek is this: I work from my car, so I make sure I juice…with juice from the Standard, of course!

The fruits and veggies you will always find in my kitchen are…apples, spinach and kale.

My fave guilty-pleasure food? Ughhhhhh: Pizza from Metro.

The health habit that gets me teased the most is…the bounty of herbs and vitamin supplements that I use daily from Dr. Sebi. The Juice Standard along with Dr. Sebi not only changed my life but saved it!

Andrea On Juice

We understand that there were some radical things that happened in your life that brought you to The Juice Standard. We’d love you to share your story….About 2 years ago I discovered cold-pressed juice. After my dad passed away, my immune system failed. The sheer shock and loss destroyed not only my soul but my body. For months, I wasn’t sure what was wrong; but I began to feel my body shutting down. I went to the doctor and was later diagnosed with Lupus.

Andrea and her father.

In my quest to get better and take back my life, I began researching Lupus and things that enhance the quality of life in patients. The most important thing I kept coming across was diet. I then began researching clean eating and all the elders talked most about juicing and herbal supplements. And I began drinking cold-pressed juice after trying every medicine under the sun. I was not getting better.

Some symptoms of lupus are…excruciating joint and muscle pain. It’s a pain so intense, I can’t get out of bed at times, or up and down the stairs. There is extreme fatigue from doing nothing. And, skin rashes from the sun, and just in general.

The hardest way Lupus has affected my life is…it’s lowered my energy level, which steals time and events from me. At times, the decreased energy level doesn’t allow me to do all the things in one day that I would like to. And at one point, Lupus affected my job. I wasn’t able to work for months.

The one thing I wish people knew about Lupus is…that the pain is real. Although the death incident rate has improved, patients die young—40 years of age, and sometimes younger. The primary cause of death with Lupus is organ failure…kidneys, typically. Lupus is not always understood by individulas that don’t have it because it’s not something they can see like a broken bone.

The first time I drank green juice I thought…“Ohhhhh nooo: Not me, too! I don’t want people to think I’m drinking it because it’s a new trend and all the cool kids are doing it!”

I kept drinking cold-pressed because…it changed my life. My blood work was better, I had more energy, my symptoms were going away. I felt alive again because I was putting living food in my body.

Most shocking difference in my Lupus treatment before juice and after juice was…I was able to stop taking all medication.

True or False: “It was hard looking my Pfizer colleagues and clients in the eye and telling them that juice was helping me more than their stinkin’ meds.”  True. True.

Andrea and her husband, Lannie.

As of this writing, I’m currently on maternity leave. Here’s how I incorporated juice into my life: Prior to being pregnant I tried to have two juices a day with my supplements and appropriate foods. While pregnant, helped with my energy and the small Lupus flares I’ve had during pregnancy.

True or False: “As a new mother, I think cold-pressed juice is helping me keep up my energy.” Yes: True.

My thoughts about The Juice Standard? It’s is the gold standard for cold-pressed juice! You can taste and see the difference. I know it has helped and has continued to change my life.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…work with the team at The Juice Standard to find what flavors work for you. Tell them your situation and allow them to customize a plan that works for you. Don’t quit!

Friends Who Juice: JJ Sherrill

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With stadiums of fans gearing up for Major League Baseball’s opening day that’s now only hours away, this April’s Friends Who Juice profilee is getting us into the swing of the season by sharing how he—a former MLB player himself—transitioned from the big leagues to helping teens tap into their potential on and off the field using their mind before they ever grab their glove.

James “JJ” Sherrill is the founder of F.O.M Training Academy (short for Frame of Mind), the holistic arm of a cutting-edge baseball training facility in Sacramento, Calif., called Rip It Davis, which features ProBatter Virtual Pitching Simulators that help young players hone mad bat skills. The first baseball charter school in the country that does awesome things like churn out the current holder of the nation’s best high school batting average, what makes the facility so elite is Sherrill’s molding today’s newbee players into tomorrow’s mindful sluggers using visualization and breathing techniques that any yogi would cherish. And coupled with his deep belief in WHealthy™ eating and juicing being an important part of every smart athlete’s arsenal, Sherrill is the kind of whole-student coach that parents dream of.

During his 15 years in baseball, Sherrill was a Tony Gwynn mentee and played last for the Cleveland Indians. Ask him about his true accomplishments, though, and he’ll tell you it’s helping his students achieve mind-over-matter mastery and beelieve in themselves through positive affirmations.

Now, we’re not into mind-games but that’s a strategy we could, er, throw ourselves into.

How’d that scene go in Ferris Bueller?  Time to play ball with JJ Sherrill. 

https://youtu.be/9EdkdaPW2Kg

All About JJ

When people ask me where I’m from, I tell them…“Seaside California” (Monterey Peninsula) but home for me, now, is…Sacramento.

When I was a little boy, I dreamed of being…a professional baseball player for Major League Baseball. I also wanted to play football in the NFL.

What surprised me most about growing up was realizing that for my life’s work, I’d end up…being a powerful influence and mentor/leader to the students and adults I work with on a daily basis.

It has also been a great plus to turn my method of helping students, players, athletes, and adults learn to prepare mentally for everything from baseball games to life using my FOM Method (which stands for “Frame Of Mind”). By using breathing techniques, positive visualization, postive “I Am” affirmations, and repetitive binearal beats, my method helps people to master their minds and feelings in various situations. I’m proud to now be turning FOM into a successful brand by the same name.

Las time I was in Las Vegas it was to…attend the Magic Fashion Show with the purpose of and focus on building business relationships with manufactuers for the FOM brand.

JJ Sherrill with his little inspiration, Jaron Julius.

When I go to Vegas, favorite spots are …The Juice Standard and Holstein’s.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…One Man Can Change The World by
Big Sean.

A person who inspires me every day is…my 3-and-a-half-year-old-son Jaron Julius James Sherrill. And, I draw insipration from within myself.
…and in case you were wondering, the JJ stands for…James Julius.

About JJ’s Work

When people ask me what I do for a living, this is what I say I do on a day-to-day basis: I am a father first, a mentor, a life skills coach, a baseball and basketball coach, and an educational facilitator for a charter school. I’m also a business man; a believer; and a self-investor in the care and health of the mind, body, and soul. I’m a person who takes the time to give back with the knowledge I have gained through my personal and professional experiences. I utilize this wisdom to allow people to see by leading from example.

The age range of the kids I coach is…3 and up.

In decidedly atypical warm-up sessions, Sherrill’s FOM students practice pre-game visualization where they see themselves swinging for the rafters and fielding like champs.

I work for a very unique sports-related school. This is how it’s unique: We are a charter school out in Elverta, Calif., that has partnered with three different programs to bring our students a variety of options. The first partnership we developed was with the Jerry Manuel Foundation, through which we our able to bring a wealth of knowledge about the game of baseball to kids who might not have the opportunity otherwise. All of our coaches have at one point or another played on a professional level.

Our second sports-related program is our softball program, which has partnered with the California Comments. The heart of these programs has its basis in “Jackie Robinson’s 9 Values.

Our third magnet is called Alpha Garden Arts, which is a farm-to-fork program that introduces students to aspects of agricultural science.

Our high school curriculum is a blended model of online course and direct instruction. We are a small school with a ratio of one adult to every four students. We see ourselves as family, and it’s truly a pleasure for me working with our students. Our situation and setting allow me to build personal relationships with all our students. They are a source of motivation for me. When I see positive changes in them, it challenges me to continue to be and stay positive and productive in what I do so that I may lead by example by my actions, words and selfless deeds.

In 5 years, my “daffy desire” is to…take my FOM brand and my mental focus training method and develop it into a successful business that can touch the lives of others.

Sherrill aspires to his FOM method and logo becoming as eponymous as that Nike swoosh. (Don’t know ’bout you but we here at TJS hope he just does it.)

A Story Worth Telling #3: Testimonials That Warm Our Wings

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At The Juice Standard, we beelieve in doing good by beeing good, and spreading around as much of that goodness as possible. 

In this feature that invokes the aura of our favorite feel-good radio show, Kind World, our A Story Worth Telling format pulls from conversations we have with TJS District Manager Amber Cariker and the TJS managers and beehind-the-counter bees she supports.

Normally these snippets reflect stories from our employ-bees who meet the most amazing people. But this month, we’ve picked through our trove of feel-good testimonials from fanbees across the globe who have felt called to spread their love for us, to us. We start with a particularly wholehearted note from someone we couldn’t feel more proud of our bees beehind the counter for serving in a most comprehensive and wholehearted way. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Next time you come in and have a special interaction with someone, you just might see it come back to this space where it can inspire others. But don’t wait for your next in-person visit! Go to our website and share your thoughts here on our comments page. We’d love to hear how we can better serve you…or simply hear some of your juicy love.

Just a shout out to anyone wanting a really great place to get an organic smoothie: The Juice Standard (2530 St. Rose Pkwy., Henderson, NV89074). The group of girls and guys behind that counter were so helpful, and took the time to figure out what I could and could not [eat].

I need to be able to get calories [into my body], but the whole inside of my mouth and throat has mouth thrush due to my white blood cell count being so low from this darn chemo I am doing, so even the smallest thing can set it on fire. They worked together as a great team to find a solution. [When] I started off with an orange flavored base [I] thought someone had taken a lighter and was holding it inside my mouth. (My fault: [orange] is one of my favorite flavors.) They worked until they could come up with a smoothie that tasted great and had nothing at all that would make my mouth hurt. They even wrote it down for us, so I can go grab one any time. And the price was reasonable too… a great plus, since I don’t have a whole lot of leftover funds since I cannot work right now, so we have to live off my sweet husband’s income only.

I cannot find a place to post this on your Facebook page, but wanted to let someone know how much I appreciated your employees yesterday.

Thank you. Theresa Sabio

My husband and I just flew home today from Las Vegas. We had the privilege of spending time with your staff at The Cosmopolitan and learning about your fabulous products.

Warm Regards, Jade Williams

Hi. We recently visited your location at The Cosmopolitan and we can’t stop thinking about the delicious juice and the great experience we had. We live in San Diego.

Dawn Lee-Schlieder

I just got to Vegas on Thursday for the first time, and the first thing on my agenda was to visit The Juice Standard. I was totally impressed with the information on your web site and had to go and see for myself. As it turns out, it’s a 100x better than I expected!

You have given a lot of thought to everything involving juicing. I particularly like the fact that you decided to use glass bottles. There is nothing remotely as close to your delicious juices in my town. I have already visited two of your shops so far—your staff have been friendly and kind, allowing me to sample and decide which ones I want (very difficult: I haven’t disliked any that I have sampled!).

Thank you for making such superior product, keep up the good work. I wish you a long and prosperous future. My only regret is not having you anywhere near my home town. ☹️️

Nayri

Just wanted to say I absolutely love your juices, coffee and customer service! From Nate to Daniel and Kody, they all rock; they always make me feel special, remembering my name; and [they] always make me the greatest Bee Invincible ever!

Debrah Anderson

Love your juices and standards! It’s one of the best [juiceries]. Even better than the ones I’ve had in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. Wish you woukd come to my home town in Seattle! Washington has lots of organic farms and easy access to fresh ingredients. I would love to have a daily subscription to my favourite juices 🙂

Kingkong808@gmail.com

Loved all the juices I tried while in Vegas. Love that you are completely raw (even no HPP). However, I guess that does prevent you from shipping cleanses to other states? Hopefully you will open a location in or near Washington, D.C.

Jennyfreeney@gmail.com

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your establishment! I just left with three bottles of juice after my very first time in! (I also filled out a job application and sent an email, curious if you franchaise?!)

One way or another I’d love to BEE involved! If not, however, I am thrilled to be one of your soon-to-bee very loyal and regular customers now that I’ve found you! I completely support everything you’re about and I will be back soon!  🙂

Thank You again! Tiffany Wagner

5 From The Hi5e: Earth Day’s Dead Sexxxy

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From time to time The Humble Bee runs a feature with five items about one topic we think is relevant to your health or well being (…or, something funny; or a swath of info you shouldn’t live without). Called 5 From The Hi5e, our hope is to give you the skinny on stuff you’ll find rad. This month?

For all you likeminded bees who do your best to recycle, to put your money where your intention is and just be a good worker-bee renter on this planet for your time here, in honor of Earth Day on 22 April we discuss the ways that TJS gives back to the universe through mindful practices we employ at our three stores. Hopefully, learning a little more about what we do will make you even happier that you choose to juice with us. Beecause remember: #ItTakesAHive. 

To The Juice Standard, every day is earth day.

That’s not to sound trite; but our simple juicy truth is that the environmental practices that TJS employs to stay kind to Mamas Nature and Earth are so important to this company, some of ‘em are written right into our standards. (Need a refresher? Click here.)

To us, that there is a day dedicated to global awareness of the actual globe is as good a reason as any to wax poetic about some of the high-fiveable things our company does to help our corner of Nevada—the world, really!—tread as lightly on this earth as possible.

1) We Know How To Pulp, Pulp It Up.

We’re extremely proud that from the get-go, the produce TJS has pressed into pulp has been donated to our local farmers’ and home gardeners’ composting collections to the tune of about 40 gallons a week. (Hooray, desert farming!)

We have families come in on the reg from places like Pahrump to get buckets of compost for their chickens—carrots are a big winner, so we hear—and as the spring unfolds, we’re even more proud that we’ll be actualizing a long-held hope of co-founders Jamie Stephenson and Marcella Williams when TJS partners with Glen Taylor Elementary School (go, Titans!) and its garden club by donating pulp and peels to help feed the club’s “red wrigglers” (worms!) through worm tubes that Glen Taylor’s girl scout troop built and implemented throughout the school’s five-bed garden. (The school also sports an herb spiral and hummingbird habitat.)

TJS is eager to infiltrate neighboring local school systems to support kids’ gardening programs just like Glen Taylor’s…one compost donation at a time. And since each of our 16-ounce glass Singletons hold the juice of roughly 2-3 pounds of produce, you bet yer sweet bippy we have a lot to share!

All of this pulpy stuff brings up a tender point: People sometimes harp about the waste with juicing (like this old article from Modern Farmer did a year ago). But the truth is, there’s waste in pretty much all corners of the culinary world, from the citrus we peel to the fat we trim to the chaff we separate from wheat. As our bees know, TJS holds environmentalism near and dear. Hopefully other areas of restaurantdom will, too, as media shine a light on mindful topics like composting and how much more can be done to reduce waste in this world.

2) Our Glasses Are Always Full AF.

Last fall, Jamie and Marcella made the choice to end TJS’s 3-and-a-half year program of accepting back our bees’ empties, sanitizing them, and re-bottling TJS’s juices and nut milks into responsibly recycled 16-ounce glass “Singletons.” (Get the full down-low here.)

So why’d we stop? Keyword in that above sentence was “responsible,” as in it was no longer responsible to use so much water to complete our Singletons’ #CircleOfLife. We are in a desert, after all. So, yeah: Not responsible.

Two good things came out of shifting TJS’s environmental perspective from recycling to water preservation: Singletons dropped in price by a buck, and since our neck of Nevada started curbside recycling pickup, there were still options for our bees to do the right thing. Cuz remember: #ItTakesAHive. #AndSimba.

3) Like Sands From The Juice Glass….

Speaking of Singletons, did you know that when our glass bottles break down, they turn to silica? Dasright: Glass is basically silica. So even if bottles weren’t recycled (which we know you bees would never dream of not doing), our Singletons will someday become, yaknow: a beach.

This point really goes back to Jamie’s and Marcella’s choice to not bottle in plastic…opting for the vessel that keeps on giving for, like, ever. You can do your part, too: bee like us and choose glass whenever you can.

4) Feed The Bees, Feed Thyself.

File under advocacy: You can help increase the bee population by planting shrubs and trees that attract our little fuzzy-bodied friends. With the bee beeing TJS’s mascot (and the underlying reason for being for Jamie and Marcella), we care hella lot about the plight of the bee (click here for more on this topic in this month’s newsletter). Thanks to organizations like The Honeybee Conservancy, we can learn how to help attract them so they can bee all they can bee, too.

5) Feed Thyself, Heal Thyself.

Think that food can bee a first line of defense in how we care for our WHeatlh™? Earth Day is the perf day for thinking about the choices you can make about where you shop, and what you get once you’re there. And ultimately, how you stock your kitchen, pantry and medicine cabinet is how you’ll stack your gut against disease, malaise, and all kinds of other words that end in “se.”

Tomatoes at the Charles Square Farmer’s Market in Cambridge, Mass. (aka, near Hahvid Yahd).

So what can you do? Hit a farmers market; grow container herbs; plant a garden; buy organic when possible (or consider sacrifices in other areas of life to feed your organics habit). And what about once you get all that goodness at home? How can you feed thyself to heal thyself…from the inside out? Drink water! Or, donate to a water conservancy; volunteer at a food pantry; serve food to the homeless; replace something in your med-cab with an essential oil that came from a source that takes good care of its farmers; buy fair-trade coffee; hell, buy local coffee (like what we get).

From what you eat to the doctors you seek, a thousand little choices about where you shop, what you buy, who treats you, and what you do with with your knowledge adds up to a WHealthy™ handful of things that not only support the people you love…but they support the people who provide the things you love. There’s positive power in that on Earth Day, and it’s positively powerful to pepper these elements (and more!) throughout your everyday life.

(Can you feel the love tonight or what?)

TJS Edit: Bees Finally Land Endangered Act Protection

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General Mills is doing its darndest to put eyes on GM cereal boxes by hollering out a key ingredient that’s not in Honey Nut Cheerios any more:

Buzz. Buzz The Bee.

Where’d Buzz go?

In a campaign that’s almost as deft with its hashes as we are (#ArentWeSoBloodyHumbleAbout #ItTakesAHiveAndTheOtherFunnyHashtagsWeDrop), GM’s #BringBackTheBee hash accompanies a white cut-out of where Buzz’s cartoony bod used to flit on Cherrios boxes. It’s the conglomerate’s not-so-small attempt—and maybe a little silly?—to bring attention to the United States’ dwindling population of a healthy handful of bee species that pollinate a kajillion handfuls of food.

But the attempt might’ve worked.

In January 2017, it was widely reported that the 40-year-old Endangered Species Act (EDA)—signed to protect innocents from extinction in the animal, insect and plant world—might go bye-bye if our new administration had anything to do with it. (Full Fairness Disclosure: For at least the last 8 years, Republicans have tried to loosen the EDA’s grip on rules and regs that could make way for more logging, drilling and other digging activities that twitterpate the hearts of non-Democrats far and wide.)

If the EDA was going down the proverbial toilet, so would the fight to add the rusty patched bumble bee—a bee that in the last 20 years has seen a 95 percent existence drop despite once being prolific across 13 mid-Western states. But that didn’t happen. And on March 21, ol’ Rusty beecame the first bee protected by the EDA when it was added to the U.S. endangered species list. Finally, after being fought for by the Xerces Society and the Natural Resources Defense Council—two U.S. orgs that, much like the EDA, exist to protect bugs and stuff—Rusty’s chance of survival just got a solid.

If all of this is still a little Wha? to you—if Colony Collapse Disorder isn’t the CCD you’re used to, and you still wonder what the bee fuss is all about, here’s why this is a BFD:

Every third bite or sip you take today is thanks to a bee.

Let that sink in.

Aside from the water you drink to, yaknow, survive…bees are the next most important thing in the ecosystem—in your ecosystem—beecause you’d starve without them. Yet the plight of one of the most important cogs in the universe’s machine of life continues.

Pesticides vs. Parasites…who’s right?

Both sides of The Great Bee Argument include what we refer to as “The P. vs. P. Debate”: Is it pesticides or parasites that do the bee killing? Each contests it’s the other. And though everyone has an opinion they have a right to, it’s pure fact that more than three dozen bumble bees (and another few hives’ worth of honey bee species) are pollinators, which means many of them need help. Many.

Thankfully, people are paying attention. This front-section feature from a February Sunday New York Times by Stephanie Strom is nice storytelling that tells a newsy tale about farmer Bret Adee and his family in Bakersfield, Calif., doing their part with human-directed crop pollination to help these little fuzzy buggers live amid the changing landscape of farming.

(We think you should read it. Click here.)

Plus, as we wrote about in our Earth Day piece, places like the Honeybee Conservancy are also out there doing what it takes to inform all of us everyday folk what we can do to try to help our honey-loving friends.

So with this new endangered designation, we can go into April knowing that the administration and the entities that filed the attention-bringing suit in D.C. district court all helped give the bee a badly needed wing-up. It’s something we here at The Juice Standard think about with near cyclical, sacred-ical consistency…saving the bees. Beecause honestly, it’s this profound and really this simple: #SaveTheBeeSaveYourself.

(#TakeThatGM)

 

A Story Worth Telling #2

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The Juice Standard is all about helping our human bees achieve their optimum sense of good…good WHealth™, good self: good stuff. Last month we launched a new format called “A Story Worth Telling,” where we share our most favoritist, goodest interactions with you—our glorious bees—about you, our glorious bees.

Culled from conversations with TJS District Manager Amber Cariker and the TJS managers and beehind-the-counter bees she supports, these snippets reflect stories from our  employ-bees who days in and out meet the raddest people (you and yours) who are willing to rely on cold-pressed juiceness as a potential holy grail of WHealth™. (We said “potential.” You know how itchy people get about medical claims and all….)

Next time you come in and have a special interaction with someone, you just might see it come back to inspire others. But don’t wait for then! Got some feedback? Wanna #PayItForwardBees? Go to our website and share yer thoughts here at our comments page. We’d love to hear how we can better serve you…or simply hear some of your juicy love.

Love, TJS

Compliment Of The Month

In February, our heart runneth over thanks to the thanks Debrah Anderson left for us at info@juicestandard.com.

“Just wanted to say I absolutely love your juices, coffee, and customer service! From Nate to Daniel and Kody, they all rock they always make me feel special…remembering my name and always making me the greatest Bee Invincible Ever!”

When we wrote to thank Debrah for her kindness she wrote us back ah-gain, adding…”I so look forward to seeing everyone and especially knowing I’m getting my amazing juices and delightful treats! And all my nutrients I need daily💜

If that doesn’t sum up the very essence of why we do what we do….

Heard Behind The Counter

During her tenure at TJS, our manager Elle has come to know a regular client named Deepak. The two have seen each other so much over the years that he even has a super-secret Deepak Smoothie named and made just for him. (Secret’s safe with us, D).

Deepak happens to be a part of the Suja juice family. Previously in Las Vegas but now living in Huntington Beach, Cali., when he has to be here in the Valley, Elle says that Deepak makes TJS his first stop, and his last.

Are Deepak’s stops for TJS juice, or for the pleasure of Elle’s company? We may never know. But we do know that our time is presh, and loyalty like that is what fills up our juicy hearts with pride. We’re grateful for Deepak’s patronage and for Elle being the kind of manager—employbee—human beeing that people gravitate toward and want to be around. Beecuase (say it with us), #ItTakesAHive.

Buzz-Worthy

District Manager Amber was at The Buzz last week (and that’s what we affectionately call our location at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas), she met a client named Scott who was visiting from Bozeman, Mont. The two started talking, and Scott shared how disappointed he was that the The Cosmopolitan’s concierge hadn’t told him there was a cold-pressed juice company on the property…but that now that he knew, he’d be back early and often.

Amber and Scott parted ways but not before exchanging numbers, just in case Amber could help Scott during his stay with juice-related questions. (That’s the kinda gal she is). Four hours later, Amber saw Scott reappear with a gaggle of friends, and his perfect timing allowed him to meet and chat up Marcella and Jamie about the company and his insta-love for TJS’s product.

Juicy vibes abounded.

A week after returning to normalcy in Bozeman, Scott texted Amber relaying his total gratitude for meeting her, Jamie, and Marcella…and  admitted hittin’ up TJS six times before flying from McCarran.

Best part? Amber says Scott’s come-to-juicing experience alit him so much, he researched home presses to make his own concoctions. Second-best part? Hearing that, Amber researched home juicers and pressers, too, so she can create a one-sheeter on products we can describe to clients about who might be interested in making a total wreck in their own kitchen juice at home. Expect that share in the coming month here on the blog and social media.

“I realized my vegucation wasn’t where it needed to be,” says Amber of her home cold-press knowledge. While we don’t think Amber should be too hard on herself, we applaud her initiative, and we’re beeyond grateful that Scott would share how his TJS encounter made an impact on his stay at The Cosmopolitan. Hopefully, cold-pressed juice will impact him, his digestion, his mental health, and his heart for years to come.

Like what you’re reading? Have a story worth sharing about how TJS has impacted your life? We wanna hear! Email us at info@juicestandard.com or reach out directly to TJS’s Content Director Jen Chase. We’d love to hear about your path to WHealth™ and glowing self!

 

Friends Who Juice: Charlotte Evans

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For folks who grew up in Las Vegas (or who at least moved to the Valley around 1992), Charlotte Evans was a trusted name, face and voice that played a part in many of our everyday lives. As an anchor on the Las Vegas CBS affiliate KLAS, for nearly 20 years we invited her into our homes to deliver the news of the day, trusting her well-honed storytelling skills to report truth and fact with a healthy dose of heart. Even amid the blur of a growing 24-hour news cycle and always-on networks like CNN and MSNBC, Las Vegans turned to Evans for a dose of daily local love. And as you’ll read below, the reciprocity of fanboy and fangirl love (looking at you, TJS co-founder Jamie Stephenson!) was something that always warmed her.

Today, Evans is still telling stories…now, from the other side of the anchor desk. Writing for publications like the trade pub Vegas Legal Magazine, she’s sought for the proverbial tough interview that requires the deft voice of someone who can wax poetic…but do it with some spunk. Recent profilees include local icons like land developer and former DragonRidge Country Club owner Rich MacDonald, and Las Vegas City Attorney Brad Jerbic, 

And, lo, she juices.

(What is it that we like to say? “Lucky us?” Yes. Lucky us.)

Meet Charlotte Evans.

All About Charlotte

I’ve lived in Las Vegas since… March of 1992. I was hired by KLAS to help launch Nevada’s first ever, hour-long morning newscast called Eyewitness News This Morning. The other local networks quickly followed suit, and the morning ratings battle was on! The live morning newscast quickly expanded to a three-hour-long marathon, packed with live crews reporting from across the valley. In the 1990s, the local news stations had more staff and resources at their disposal (like helicopters) to provide an owerwhelming live presence. In my opinion, it was the heyday of the local news.

I can remember when I decided I wanted to start (and keep) my adult life here. It was the year… 1994. I got married in Las Vegas and there didn’t seem any pressing reason to leave.

…and what appealed to me about living in Vegas was…the fantastic weather and the  beautiful year round recreational opportunities!

In my experience, the biggest misconception about living in Las Vegas is…that Las Vegas is all about the Strip. Many locals never go near the Strip, or gamble, or go to strip clubs.  Per capita, Las Vegas has one of the most faith-based populations in the country.

The thing I secretly (or not-so-secretly) love most about living here is…the excitement and the culture, especially now that The Smith Center is open.

If I had to pick a daily mantra or a quote I try to live by, it would be...don’t feed negative energy. Abandon it, and focus your sights on the people and activities around you that bring you the greatest joy.

A favorite Vegas spot of mine that never gets old is…the Peppermill lounge. Peggy who runs it is an “old school” Las Vegan and a class act.

If I had to pick a theme song for my life it would be…too early to call, I hope! I do like the Diana Ross song, I’m Coming Out and played it often when I hosted a radio show.

Charlotte’s mum.

A person who inspires me every day is…my mother. She is one of the most guileless, forgiving and giving people I have ever known. I wish I’d appreciated that more when I was younger. Lately she’s been comforting folks on their deathbed without giving much thought to whether she’s had any sleep, food or rest herself.

…and the way she inspires me is…see above 🙂

Something people would be surprised to know about me is…I was a contestant on Win Ben Stein’s Money. I didn’t win, unfortunately, but it was fun meeting former Las Vegan Jimmy Kimmel.

About Charlotte’s Work

I first started working in Las Vegas in the year…1992.

True or False: I get a lot of those, “Hey…don’t I know you from somewhere?” looks. Yes. Much moreso recently, for some reason.

I know I get those looks because in my former work life, before I was doing what I do today, this was my job: Television News Anchor for almost 18 years at KLAS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas.

Want to hear a little about the work that I did and how it influenced my life? Here’s some background: I’ve been gifted through my career with meeting world leaders, local politicians, international celebrities and businesspeople that ordinarily I would never have had the chance to meet. When these high-profile people show up at a TV studio at 5:30 in the morning to be interviewed, it’s quickly apparent that they are human, too, and they are frequently overwhelmed, stressed, tired, and wracked with worry like the rest of us.

The story I worked on that has stuck with me the longest is… I had the privilege of helping a local terminally ill boy who was a fan of mine meet his biggest hero, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler. We never did a story on the meeting, because that wasn’t the point. I made some private phone calls, and Steven Tyler being the sort of person he is rolled out the red carpet for this boy and his family and even hosted them backstage at his concert. This beautiful boy has since passed on, but I hope some day I am reconnected with him (or his family) in some fashion.

The best perk about my former job was…being welcomed anywhere with smiles from total strangers.

The thing from my former work that taught me the most about myself was…losing my job. No matter how awesome any position is, jobs change over time. I need to be less resistant to change and more willing to take risks that may lead to something elsewhere that’s even better. Stagnation is not good.

Today, when people ask me where I work and what I do, I tell them…I’m a writer for Vegas Legal Magazine.

In 5 years, my “daffy desire” is to be doing…some sort of motivational work with people who are suffering or struggling in life. I’d like to spread as much positive energy as I can and help people who’ve found themselves stuck. I’ve been there.

The most surprising thing I’ve learned about myself in my post-television life is...that my carreer is not who I am. It is a tiny fraction of me.

Charlotte, with daughter Maddie.

…and, the thing I’m most proud of is…yet to come, I hope! My daughter is the most  obvious answer, but really she’s a gift in my life. I can’t take credit for how kind or awesome she is. She’s just naturally “good people.”

Today, my favorite way to give back to my community is…highlighting the good work that others are doing and lending a hand to their causes.  I’ve been asked to assist with the Police Unity Tour coming up soon and I’m really looking forward to it!

The advice I’d give my younger work self is…don’t spend too long working at any one place. The security you think it gives you is false. The same can be said of some relationships. Don’t confuse how things “could be one day” with “how they really are.”

The advice I wish someone had given my younger self is… slow down and the answers you need will come. So will the right people.

Charlotte On Health In Vegas

In my opinion, the biggest difference in Las Vegas’ healthy-living scene between when I first moved here and now is…well, it’s night and day! The publication Las Vegas Perspective most likely has numbers to support that. There are so many people coming here to live and work in the health and wellness industries and their enthusiasm is palpable. The valley is growing in a way that is inspiring.

No matter how busy I get at work, this is what I do to make sure I eat well during the week: I try to keep emergency healthy snacks and bottled alkaline water in my car because I never know where the day will take me. I make lists of what I need and try not to grocery shop when I’m hungry.

The fruit(s) or vegetable(s) you’ll always find in my kitchen are…strawberries, bananas, mangos, apples, pineapples and/or watermelon. We power through them. In my crisper you’ll find vegetables that I bought with good intentions, but allowed to rot.

My total guilty pleasure food I’ll never-forever give up is…bacon.  

The total guilty-pleasure habit that gets me made fun of the most is…it’s hard to say today, but I’m sure my daughter could tell you.  I’ve managed to break a lot of my unhealthy habits.  I just need to put healthy ones in their place.

Charlotte On Juice

True or False: I’m a total juicing newbee and hadn’t done a full juice fast until February. True

True or False: Juicing at home is a pain in the tail…which is why I tried TJS’s. Very true

The person who introduced me to cold-pressed juice was…my daughter’s father. He is very good about keeping physically fit.

The first time I drank green juice, I thought it was…much better than I expected!

On a scale of 1-10, this is how likely I am to incorporate cold-pressed juice in my life: 10.

The reason I believe I should drink cold-pressed juice is because…I started to crave it in a way that makes me think my body was missing nutrients that I was able to get from juice.

The reason I like TJS’s cold-pressed juice is because…it tastes awesome!  It’s a guilt-free beverage that can rival ice cream for it’s taste and sensory perks. I trust how they make it.

The funniest thing that happened to me while I was on my juice fast was…my trips to the restroom doubled.

My advice to a newbee juicer is…find a friend to do the cleanse with you so you can share your experience.