Fashionably Fun

A couple of my amazing friends are organizing a Fashion Show that benefits St. Martha's Hall.  I was so excited to be asked to be a model in the show!  I couldn't say "Yes!" fast enough.  With two of my favorite things: dresses and walking down a runway, how could I say no?

Today we started our fittings and found our dresses!  It was a girl's dream, getting to spend a whole day trying on clothes with friends.  What could be better?

I found two super cute sundresses at Altar'd State in the Meadows.  Later, I also picked out two beautiful, but spunky evening gowns at Camille Le Vie at the Chesterfield Mall.  I cannot wait to be able to wear them and strut my stuff at the show!

I hope to see many people come out to Barat Academy and support this wonderful cause and watch the absolutely fabulous fashion show!  It will be on May 5th, starting at 3:30.  For more information, contact me via email!

"Fashion changes, but style endures." 
~Coco Chanel

Some of the models after the first fitting at Altar'd State

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I spent my Friday night with 20 young girls who were eager to learn how to face all their obstacles in life with confidence and respect.  Spending about 4 hours with these girls, I was able to realize how much I love working with kids, but also how much energy they have!

The girls were so attentive and took every chance to participate in the activities I had prepared!  We examined magazine ads, made a friendship web, and even created journals.  These activities, along with many more, enabled the girls to understand and put into action what they had learned from the discussions we had together about confidence, bullying, gossiping, friendship, and healthy lifestyles.  It was so much fun to be able to work with them and stand as a model for them to look up to.  

Even though they were amazed by the crown on my head, I was in awe at their respect and compassion they had for their peers!  I hope that I had, and continue to have, an influence on these girls, and that they develop the confidence to face anything that comes their way in life, especially while growing into the beautiful teenagers they will be.  

"Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." 

~Eleanor Roosevelt

The girls making a friendship web

Being silly

All of the beautiful young girls

On the Road to Miss Missouri

Yesterday, I was able to spend the whole day with my sister queens and directors as we continued to prepare for Miss MO week.  We had several mock interviews, rehearsed our talents, and walked in every shoe possible!  I cannot believe that Miss Missouri is only a couple of months away!  I am so blessed to have such amazing people, including my board, behind me and helping me to be the best I can be.

Along with much practice and hard work, just as all girls must do, we got our make-up done.  I want to thank Skin Solutions for their time and talents as they helped us create a great make-up plan for each of us individually.  It was such a FABULOUS time!

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
~Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Getting my make-up done by John Paul

I love my sister queens...and John Paul! :)

Let's Hear it for the GIRLS Night of Fun

I have very exciting news: On April 12th (from 5-9pm) I will be leading a "Night of Fun" for girls ages 8-14 to learn what being a girl is all about.  It is only $15 and all the profits will be donated to Children's Miracle Network and Girls on the Run, two worthy organizations.

My platform, Let's Hear it for the Girls is an educational and inspirational program that I created for young girls that teaches them the truth behind being a girl in today's society.

Through this program, girls are able to find their inner beauty and let it shine.  Activities concerning anti-bullying, self-esteem, and the media's portrayal of beauty are just a few ways these girls are motivated and equipped to live a healthy life.  This program believes that informing young girls early is critical, because the media is reaching and impacting them younger and younger now.

Please team up with me and this program, as we impact these girls, by being a leader in you own house and community.  Take a minute and think of all the young people you reach every day.  Don't you want them to learn the best from you?  Remember to always encourage kids to make the best choices by leading by example and being the best role model for everyone!

Please refer to the flier and registration form (also available on facebook) to learn more about this exciting and fun-filled event! :) I can't wait to work with these girls! 

A huge "thank-you" to Barat Academy for hosting this event as well! 

Please spread this on to all the young girls in your life! 

If you have any questions concerning this program or our Night of Fun, please feel free to email me: MissChesterfieldValleyOT2013@gmail.com

"If you even feel like giving up, just remember there's a little girl watching who wants to be just like you.  Don't disappoint her."

~Unknown Author

I Feel Pretty...Oh So Pretty!

This past Sunday, I headed out with my mom, my sister queens, and my directors to Kansas City to go dress shopping for Miss MO! I had dreams of what I wanted my gown to look like, and I couldn't wait to see what I was going to find.

When we arrived, Karin welcomed us in and was incredible at knowing our size, shape, colors, style, and everything else about us without even asking!  She quickly pulled out a dress for me, and when I stepped out in it, I knew that this was the one.  With "Oohs" and "Awws" scattered around the shop, I immediately fell in love!  I cannot wait to be able to show everyone my gorgeous gown at Miss MO OT this summer! :)

After finding my gown rather quickly, I spent the rest of the day watching my sister queens (minus Jenn and Stephanie who couldn't come) try on and find their own perfect dresses!  It was amazing to see their confident, beautiful faces when they found that one dress.  

I want to thank Karin and Net Fashion Avenue for an amazing day of relaxation and fun, and the opportunity to feel the prettiest I ever have, which is something every girl wants!  I can't wait to see you in the crowd cheering us on this June!

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." 
~Coco Chanel

Anna, I, Karin, and Brooke after finding our dresses

National Pancake Day

I had an amazing time today working up at my local IHOP collecting donations for CMN!  I reunited with Hayden, one of the St. Louis's Miracle Children, and met many new friends.  

I want to thank everyone who came out, ate an awesome short stack, and donated money to CMN.  Your support was greatly appreciated!  

After working at IHOP, I went to the last boys basketball game at my school and watched Barat come out on top!  Performing our guy-girl dance (AKA Baratcudas dance) just added to the excitement!  What a night!

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."
~Philippians 4:4

My new best friend, Kylie, who I met while working at IHOP 

Hayden, my best bud :)

Reunited and It Feels So GOOD

Yesterday I headed down to Hannibal bright and early with my sister and mom.  I was finally reunited with my sister queens (Heartland/Gateway St. Louis/Chesterfield Valley girls) and our directors.  

We started our day off with a mock interview.  Later, we worked on our strut.  Finally, we did a talent review and picked out our songs for Miss MO.  It was so exciting to start prepping for June!

After our pageant prep, we headed to our director's house and had a girls night!  Eating Mexican food, playing the Minute to Win It card game, and watching Pitch Perfect were just some of the best highlights from the night.  Getting to bond with these amazing girls and having a weekend to relax was much needed and incredibly fun!  Although we are a competitive and momentarily idiotic group (Yes, there are 26 letters in the alphabet), we are going to have such a great year!

After being the first one asleep and woken up by Keitt, Ray Ray, and Phillip, we enjoyed delicious eggs and pancakes for breakfast.  We then headed out to Mexico, MO to watch Miss Missouri, Tippe Emmot's, wardrobe showing for Miss America.  She looked stunningly beautiful in all of her attire!  She is going to represent our state so well in Las Vegas. 

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."
~Elbert Hubber

Amanda (Miss Heartland), Me, Anna (Miss Heartland's OT), Jenn (Miss Gateway St. Louis), Stephanie (Miss Chesterfield Valley), and Brooke (Miss Gateway St. Louis's OT) at Miss MO's Send-Off Party