Little LP Christmas Parade

On December 13th, I rode in the Lake Placid Christmas parade...short and sweet! The best part was the amazing convertible I borrowed from Alan Jay. Needless to say, I had quite a fun weekend zipping around in that! I was always eager to run to the grocery store or go into town if my parents or I forgot something. There's nothing like riding with the wind blowing through your hair- no worries (at least for those few minutes : ) The worst part was handing the keys back over to the dealership- I felt like I just lost my best friend : ( Anyway, I also put together a storytime last Friday for Christmas in Lake Placid with Jr. Miss Lake Placid, Kassie Canevari. We didn't have a very big turnout, but had fun with the ones who came. If I get some pictures, I will be sure to post them! Christmas break has been very busy so far- not much time for fun. I've been working, with a few days off to go shopping. It's so weird, but I really do miss Nova right now. I thought I would NEVER say that...I used to count down the days until I could come home! Who thought I would ever miss school? lol. Hope the Christmas season isn't too stressful on you-remember to cherish the memories and make it count! Love 'til next time!

Boys and Girls Club

Last Friday night, I was invited to emcee the Boys and Girls Club Performing Arts Center Annual Holiday Showcase. I had a blast getting to know everyone backstage before the event. I met some very talented performers and future actors, actresses, and American Idols! The show was youth produced by members from different clubs all around Broward County. Even dinner was prepared by the members of the Admirals Club right near my college. I was introduced to many staff members and volunteers (that I will be working with), who all seem so genuine and helpful. They definitely have some very special connections with the kids, and you could tell that it was a family-type atmosphere, which was relaxed and refreshing! I also had fun chatting with the students after the showcase about their dreams for the future...and the thing I love about them? They dream big, just like me! Why settle for less when the possibilites are endless? I truly enjoyed my night- God has been teaching me so much about really learning to live in the moment and savor it-take it all in. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, I now look forward to it with anticipation, but remember that the day can easily get lost if I'm too busy looking ahead. Every day, every moment- God has something special planned for us, and I wouldn't want to miss out on the possibility that today has to offer because I'm too busy running ahead of Him! It was so fun to just talk and enjoy the company of all these amazing and gifted students, and I look forward to working with them throughout the remainder of my school year here in Ft. Lauderdale! For now, it's back to long hours of studying, complete with highlighters, flashcards, and snack breaks (which is my favorite part ; ) in preparation for finals. One more week until I'm back home for Christmas break, and I can't wait to spend time with my family and friends! Only 18 days until Christmas...boy, do I have some shopping to do (as if that's a bad thing)! : ) Love 'til next time!

Christmas on Las Olas

A White Christmas in Florida?
With Mrs. Florida and Miss Florida Teen

At Carrol's Jewelers, a pageant sponsor for Florida US Continental

Salvation Army Band

Perhaps the most adorable girl ever...though I meet too many to choose just one!

Last night, I made an appearance at Christmas on Las Olas with Lindsey, Mrs. Florida US Continental and Jenna, Miss Florida Teen US Continental. The street was bustling with activity, from show choirs to children's dance groups to bands. There was even an ice skating rink set up and a mountain of snow. Needless to say, the event was a hit and attracted a very large crowd from the area. It took me almost 20 minutes just to walk to Carrol's! I met many little fans and had fun chatting with people of all ages. It was a bit chilly, and I was worried that I wouldn't have anything to wear...that's the bad thing about leaving for college- you don't want to bring all your clothes, but you never know which ones you will need. I missed my cute red trenchcoat, but threw on a black velvet jacket over my dress to keep warm. It worked for the most part. Next weekend, I'll be headed back home for some good R&R after finals- thank goodness! I'll be participating in the Lake Placid Christmas Parade and also hope to do some storytime(s) there over break.
I will keep you posted...for now, enjoy the holiday shopping and festivities!

Miracle on 136th Street

Kassie and I had the opportunity to participate in the Falls Mall annual parade- Miracle on 136th Street. The parade is a spin off the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, so it's a very big event for Miami and we had lots of fun participating! We rode in a 1957 Ford Thunderbird convertible, which was so awesome! I loved meeting all the small (and incredibly adorable) admirers...many are in pictures above. I also ran into the only present I want for Christmas- an adorable pink customized Range Rover- that's not too bad right, Dad? : ) Just kidding! My mom, Mrs. Jen, and Mrs. Wrenn all joined us for the fun- though poor Mrs. Wrenn was food deprived while searching for the car and waiting for the driver to arrive ; ). After the parade, we changed out of our heels, dresses, and queen apparel into "normal attire," which was way more comfortable. We didn't let the day escape without a shopping finale. Mom and I didn't have very much luck, but definitely enjoyed spending time together! Leaving the mall, we headed for some food at Bahama Breeze, only to find a waiting time of an hour and a half!!! Our stomachs were way too hungry for that! Instead, we decided to head to Outback, which totally broke our rule of never eating somewhere that's in Highlands County when going out of town...oh well, we had fun regardless! It was great to do an appearance with Kassie and spend time with my Mom all in one day. What can I say- I'm a lucky girl!

Miss LP Pictures

Hometown Pageant Update

This sure brought back some good memories! I was crowned Miss Lake Placid in 2006, and it was one of my favorite titles. There's something about representing your hometown that's different than state or national pageants. I was tempted to wear my Miss LP sash and crown, but decided to stick to the usual : ). The night began with a dance opening number that was fun and upbeat-to the song "Daddy Took Her T-Bird Away." I was amazed at the balance they maintained while dancing on lawn chairs- somehow, I could just picture myself trying that...it would go very wrong! Then the eight contestants modeled their fashion outfits, which were adorable (wish that segment was in the pageant when I did it!). After that came, my favorite part of any pageant, evening gown. The girls looked very beautiful and did a great job. Taylor Conklin was crowned the new Miss Lake Placid, and the night before, Kassie Canevari was crowned the very first Junior Miss Lake Placid! I wanted to attend Jr. Miss, but school activities wouldn't permit : (. After it was all over, I headed to Beef's because, as usual, that was the only thing open besides Pizza Hut...ah, the joys of a small town (some things never change). I'm now spoiled by fancy restaurants and shopping malls here in Ft. Lauderdale, but nothing compares to little LP- I do miss it!

Why Worry?

I have to say, with all this political mess going on, I sure am glad to know that God is in control. Pastor Bob (from Calvary Chapel) reminded me of the importance of leaning on Christ and trusting Him no matter what. Who will win the election? I have no idea...who will win my heart? JESUS! And who is still on the throne today, tomorrow, and forever? You guessed it- God. I have nothing to worry about because the One who breathes life into my very being has complete control over all that will happen tonight and in the future. So, let's remember to use this election as a tool to share Christ with others. Maybe they're nervous about the president-elect, but we can be assured that God is faithful and He will carry us in His arms. Isn't it awesome to know who's really in control? Now that's something to get excited about!

Photo Tech Competition

Original Photo

A few days ago, I finished judging the pictures from the three clubs in Broward County that participated in the Digital Arts Festival Competition, sponsored by Microsoft and Best Buy. The entries were AWESOME! Some of the ten and twelve year olds would definitely show me up, as far as PhotoShop skills go! They were very creative and each entry had its own special uniqueness. For their project, they had to incorporate the cloud photo above from the Boys and Girls Club of America into their piece. The finished products were great, so I posted some of them here for you to see. The one with the alligator makes you really search for the clouds- can you see them? As you can tell, it was pretty difficult to choose a winner for each category, but I did have a lot of fun participating and was inspired by their incredible creativity!

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."

Henry David Thoreau

A New Partnership

Well...I met with Michelle this morning and realized just how blessed I am to have the opportunity to partner with such an incredible organization! The Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the county are far more than just after school programs to keep kids off the streets. These clubs are truly helping change lives by teaching necessary life skills through hands-on experience! The chapter I visited today is a Performing Arts Center, which seems to be bustling with events and activities for the next couple of months. They have just added a new recording studio (which is the aqua room pictured above). I forgot to get a picture of this painting that was hanging on the wall in the studio- I thought it was very neat. Michelle said it was a teen's combination of Dr. Suess and Starry, Starry Night. If that's a sample of what these clubs have to offer, they have some very creative and talented individuals on their hands! I have to work on filling out some volunteer paperwork so that I can really get involved and start meeting all these incredible kids. Words cannot express my sheer excitement about becoming more involved in the next couple of months. Michelle is going to be great to work with- she is so sweet and friendly and seems to really be dedicated to supporting the mission of the club. I'll keep you all updated as things progress! 'Til next time...

Boys and Girls Club Meeting

A couple days ago I spoke to Michelle White of the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County. I had emailed her to let her know I was interested in volunteering with events throughout the year to support their organization. She seemed thrilled to hear that I wanted to help and invited me to tour their facility...tomorrow at 11:00! I am very excited about the possibility of partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, because I believe it is so important to support children and encourage them to reach for their dreams. My first project will be judging entries for a Digital Arts Festival Photo Illustration Competition, which should be pretty neat, since I'm taking a graphic design class this semester. The children will actually be using PhotoShop, an Adobe program we are using along with Adobe Illustrator. Anyway, I'll stop babbling about all this technical mumbo jumbo. For now, I'm just hoping to get over this cold so I can function normally again. After all, even a beauty queen has to study for midterms : ).

Night of Pageantry

Last Sunday, I attended to Miss FL Teen USA pageant held just down the street from my school (the closest appearance I've ever made!). There were lots of queens in attendance, but my personal favorite was Rena, my sister queen ; ). Unfortunately, we didn't get to catch up much afterwards because we both had some schoolwork to do (I hate it when that happens). But it was good to see her and talk for the little bit that we did.

The pageant was interesting- much different than I ever expected. They gear the show more towards the taping than the live audience. It was funny to watch the camera guys cue the audience to clap and cheer for their favorite contestant (and all those years, I thought that was genuine!). I felt bad for the girls because sometimes they would have to stand on the stage for like 5 minutes (for commercial break) and keep their smiles going...all I have to say is "bravo, ladies"- my cheeks would have given out after the first hour. Besides that, everyone looked gorgeous and it was tough competition! There were so many beautiful and talented delegates vying for the crown. The evening gown competition was my favorite- I have a whole new wish list for dresses!!! The only problem is...I have nowhere to wear them right now!

We sat with Janet and Charlene. Charlene, top right, does makeup for the FL US Continental pageant. Thank goodness she touched me up before I was crowned- who knows what those pictures would have turned out like!

It was fun to finally attend another pageant. I feel like I haven't been to one in forever- the last one I attended was in July, and that was for the state title that I was giving up. Jenna McDuffie, my successor in the bottom left said she's having alot of fun making appearances and being a queen.

I also ran into my classmate, Anastagia Pierre, who is the reigning Miss FL USA. She will be competing in Miss USA in April, and I will definitely be cheering her on, as she represents the good 'ole sunshine state! Good luck, girl!

So that was my latest appearance...and now, it is time for this chick to get some beauty sleep! Ttfn!

In the beginning...

So- here it is! My brand new blog- an easy and convenient way to keep everyone updated on my personal life and my endeavors in pageantry. I will be posting appearance pictures and updates on my events frequently, so make sure to check back! And...if you want to see some of my appearances from previous months, check out: http://www.uscontinentalpageant.com. Enjoy, and remember..."The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams!"