Knowledge Is Power!

I know we have heard this many times over the years, but it is so true! Without knowledge, we rely on other individuals to make decisions for us. We rely on experts, but what most of us do not consider is the alternative, the other side of the story. We go to the doctor, and we expect that he or she know best in regards to our health. We go to the dentist, and we expect that he or she knows best for our teeth. But are we asking enough questions to be certain that the results make sense for us? What if I told you that by doing just a little research on your own, you could be armed with the information you need to make some vital decisions that could change your life?

Part of my persistence in the journey to become a title holder was to be able to have a voice in matters in which I feel passionate. My platform – Healthy Today, Healthy Forever – is just that. It’s an all encompassing stage for issues of health and fitness, nutrition, emotional strength, financial stability, and ethical and personal values. I pride myself on living a healthy lifestyle. I work out regularly (even if it’s just my 15 minute morning bathroom routine), eat well, have worked hard on gaining financial stability, and have created my list of what I call “non-negotiables” on a personal and ethical level. I have created a place for myself where emotional strength is always a possibility by taking control of the reactions I have, and while I’m far from perfect, I have made tremendous strides.

What I have not done, and what I feel needs to be done, is change the focus, even if just briefly, from what we are doing or should be doing as listed above to what we are NOT doing as a society…research!

I suppose I should give you some history on what prompted this post. In a recent visit with my mom, I read an article about a school district that had scheduled the nasal vaccination for the H1N1 virus (the “Swine” Flu) for every student. It was a little disheartening for me to read on so many levels - first and foremost on a personal level, having a very solid belief that these decisions should not be forced upon everyone but a choice of the family/parents -- which leads me to this post.

People today are not dependent on the Encyclopedia Britannica to find the answers. Only a small percentage of society spends time researching information for the purpose of gaining knowledge and having a better understanding of how and why things work. The majority of people do not know why they do what they do – they just do it, because it’s what they were told, because it’s what they observed, because everyone else is on the bandwagon, or because someone said it was appropriate or right. But how many of you consider that maybe the latest breaking news and what the majority of the population is doing may not be the best decision or the right decision for you?

If I help any one person do something for themselves through my reading, my hope is that I inspire you to do your own research! Don’t believe what you hear just because it’s on the news, or it’s the next “big thing”. The media does not always tell us the whole truth. Instead, because of financial funding and marketing, the media tells us what certain individuals want us to hear. The media, advertising, magazines ads, billboards, are designed to encourage us to purchase the products, not necessarily to be a healthier individual. Don’t fall into the trap that society has set to keep us in need. Read, ask questions, Google, search your library, talk to experts, get both sides of the story – and then ask yourself, what makes sense for YOU? We are not always given both sides of the story, and sometimes that is used against us for propaganda purposes, marketing and advertising, and to drive the economy. Fair? No. But true nonetheless, and sad that more people do not take advantage of the resources available to create our own destiny.

Do not get me wrong -- the media has many advantages, and some of what is written or produced is very beneficial for most. Just make sure it's right for you!

Imagine, for just a moment, being so healthy that cancer cells cannot survive or multiply within your body. Imagine being at the top of your game and in a peak performance state all the time, not being tired. Imagine being emotionally healthy, standing strong in your personal values and having to confidence to not waver for anything. Imagine experiencing financial freedom and not having to work to live, but being able to work so that you can enjoy life.

All of this is possible within everyone. We all have the ability to create our own future, to be whatever we want it to be. Society tells us otherwise, and through the years and over time we have just been inclined to trust what we should question, and question those we love. The only way to overcome this, the only way to have true freedom, is to create it for ourselves, within ourselves! So get curious, get opinions, ask questions - start today! The more you know, the better....

Congratulations!!!

Congrats to Steffi Holmes and Nicole Bosso -- Miss New Castle County and Miss Diamond State -- as they begin their journey to become Miss Delaware America 2010.

It was a great pageant, and all the ladies did a FANTASTIC job!! It was a very close competition, and I'm really proud to have been able to be a part of it!

Back to the Grind....

Hi All!!

So I'm FINALLY settling back into the daily routine after a nice long stay out in Vegas! :)

The Ms. United States pageant was a GREAT experience! I met some great people out there, had a chance to spend time with girls from each division and get to know what they have been doing since they have won their respective state titles. Of course, I was hoping to make the top 6 and didn't, but that's the way the cookies crumble sometimes. Besides, how many can say they were in the MS UNITED STATES PAGEANT right??

Since I've gotten back, I've jumped full force into getting this golf tournament up and running. I'm really excited about it...18 holes, a putting contest, dinner and a mini exhibit, possibly a fashion show, and a silent auction benefiting Supporting KIDDS! It's going to be a good time for sure!

Most recently, I spent an hour with Tony Maxwell on the UD campus...WVUD radio show! It was a pretty fun time...I've never been on the radio to talk about myself and what I believe, but it was a great experience, and I had a lot of fun being behind the scenes in the production of a radio show. AND...I wasn't nervous at all! Tony Maxwell was a great host, and I was able to go into some details about what I have done to get healthy and to prepare for the state pageant and my role as Ms. Delaware United States.

Well, back to the grind once more (I should be working, not writing....). Until next time....

oh no....what to say now that Vegas is done???? Thoughts?? lol

And the fun begins....

The first day went VERY well...except for the tiny bit of time change that hadn't caught up with me!! I made some new friends already...Ms. DC is really cool, and Radiah is definitely a sweetheart, as always! The women in my division are each unique in their own way, and it was clearly evident from the first day that it going to be a fierce competition, but fun nonetheless!!

Last night we paraded through the hotel to the bowling alley in ball gowns!! Talk about drawing attention to yourself!! I even met a really nice couple from DOVER!! YAY!! They're here for the week, and I think I gained two more fans in the process!! :)

I scored pretty high at bowling...I think I may have earned the highest score of the evening! 159 -- not too shabby in a evening gown! The funniest moment was when my shoes got caught on my dress, and I slid into a split with a bowling ball in hand! I may not be the greatest at staying on my feet, but at least I'm graceful when I fall!! LOL

Off to rehearsals today....then fashion show tonight!! Wish me luck! Until next time....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!!

VEGAS!!!!!

The challange of packing the suitcase (or 2) for 9 days in Vegas was not easy...it required planning, drawings, and strategic placement of all items -- at least 12 complete outfits, evening gown, opening number dress, bowling dress, casual dresses, pajamas, curlers, hair stuff, make up, and at least 8 pairs of shoes -- so that they all fit in two medium sized suitcases. It was packing, re-packing, and re-packing it several more times to make sure both were under 50 pounds, and realizing that packing light just wasn't happening. Finally I went to bed around 3:30 last night because I was tired of looking at suitcases and clothes!! lol Only to wake up this morning and re-pack AGAIN...one last time!!!

I'm not much for airport check ins, or plane rides, but it was a fairly smooth ride. Sleeping on the plane is not the easiest, and I was so anxious about this coming week, that I couldn't stay asleep anyway! I kept running through interview questions and answers in my head....thanks Siouxzan, Meredith, and Julia. :) The cab ride was short (and cheap, thank goodness!!), and the Orleans Hotel is just off the main strip and is very nice!! I ordered room service because I hadn't eaten yet, unpacked, and watched a movie....except I fell asleep during it because it was 9pm back home and I didn't sleep much last night.

And after all that...I ACTUALLY FORGOT A PAIR OF SHOES!!! lol Thank goodness I have friends in high places with shoes I can borrow...and a sister who will pack my left behinds with her when she comes out here to cheer me on from the audience!!! :)

Everything starts tomorrow...I cannot wait to meet everyone, and get this journey started! It's been a long road traveled to be here, and I am ready for this next challenge!

I'm feeling very confident this evening, well prepared thanks to Siouxzan, and my great friends and family who are my support system who have helped me get ready by shopping with me, offering advice, lending clothing or shoes, interviewing me, or just being a phone call away! Thanks for everything...keep your fingers crossed, and if all goes well, we will celebrate upon my return!! :)

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

OMG -- where did the time go???

It's officially 2 weeks until Finals night!!! AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

okay --breathing again! Ya know, my state director asked me yesterday if I was nervous....well, gee, I wasn't until you asked me! :) But when I think about how the time has flown by, and that NEXT SATURDAY I will be on a plane to VEGAS for the national pageant...WOAH!!

I am excited, nervous, lucky, happy, exhausted, and anxious all at once!!!

haha If anyone is interested, I'm sure there is still room on the plane!! Come cheer me on with my biggest fans...my mom and my sister! Ya know, they haven't missed a pageant yet!!! :) They are the best...the best cheering section, the best criticizers, the best complimenters, and the best family and friends a girl can have. They have stood by me year after year in these competitions, when I refused to change to be like the stereotypical pageant girl, and they are really have been my support system! :)

Okay -- back to the screaming because...I LEAVE FOR VEGAS IN 8 DAYS!!!!!
AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!


Until next time...
VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!

The shoe fiasco!!!!

Okay -- so I was in desperate need of new shoes going into the national pageant! The clear princess shoes I have used for the last few years have finally seen their last day! They are no longer comfortable, the rhinestones are falling off, and my ankles swell like potatoes when I wear them!! I could probably stand them for one more, but I thought...new shoes, what a better excuse! And besides, nationals will probably only happen once for me, if for no other reason that I don't think I have the patience for 13 more years of pageants before I have another state title! lol

"Piece of cake!" I thought to myself! Between department stores, and shoe specialty stores like DSW, and bridal salons, I'll be able to find shoes no problem!!

YEAH RIGHT!!!!

I'd find the color but not a high enough heel, or I'd find the heel height but not the right color. Then, I get lucky enough to find the right color and the right heel, but it doesn't come in my size!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME????

Someone (namely, Ellie, former Mrs. Delaware) suggested I try pageantresale.com. So I do, and low and behold, shoes galore!! Now of course, with anything previously owned obviously you have to wait until you are lucky enough to have someone who is your size sell what they don't want. AH HA!! I'm THAT lucky!! The ad reads...."Size 8, 4 inch strappy sandal in taupe. Perfect for swimsuit, or anything. Only worm once, EXCELLENT like new condition. $40 or best offer."

WOO HOO!!! I email....and they are still available!! I'LL TAKE THEM!!!

I anxiously wait, and check the mail every day. In a weeks time, what arrives on my doorstep priority mail? THE SHOES!!! I'm so excited, that I rip into the packet almost tearing the box lid with it, and I pull out the like new taupe colored size 8, 4 inch heel!! I am in total AWWW. I put them on.....what?? You have to be kidding me???? THEY'RE TOO FREAKING BIG!!!!!

My dilemna -- I am a size 8. Actually, sneakers I wear an 8 1/2 (my foot expanded a half size when I was pregnant with my son). But I have a very narrow foot, so when it comes to dress shoes and heels, especially strappy heels, sometimes I need a 7 1/2. That would be the case with this shoes. So, do I try desperately to find a replacement or try to make this lovely perfect shoe work for me??

Well, after some facebook replies to my "how-to-make-a-shoe-fit" inquiry, I am happy to report that after doctoring the shoes with Dr. Scholl's for the ball of the foot, inspirational Sole Expressions in leopard print, and double sided tape to reduce friction on the strap...THEY FIT!!!!

Thanks for all the advice everyone!! I have a shoe for the swimsuit competition!!! YES!!

Until Next Time....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

Following in Ginny's footsteps..."My Competition Diet"

I recently attended a seminar in Florida that had a portion about foods and healthy eating. It's amazing to learn what actually goes into processing foods that we then put into our mouths to fuel our bodies. Everyone hears and knows the essentials...4 servings of fruits and vegetables, 8 glasses of water, etc. But has anyone actually looked into if that is accurate? Is it true for everyone? For example, 8 glasses of water each day -- that's 64 ounces. For someone who is 120 to 125 pounds, this is accurate, but what about someone who is 190 pounds? Good rule of thumb... body weight #/2 = ounces to drink each day. (200 pounds/2 - 100 ounces).

It's important to first know what your nutritional goals are. Then, do your research! When you read something, ask yourself, does this make sense? Is it useful for me? By doing so, you will be able to make a sound decision on which pieces of vital information you can utilize in your daily routines. Everything in moderation, and of course, remember to save yourself a "cheat" time so that you don't get crazy cravings for foods you love (like chocolate cake!!).

For me, my goal is to have more energy without giving up my favorites. For me, following a low acid, high alkaline nutrition plan was the way to go. By making minor changes to my specific food choices, I was able to swap out alternatives so that I can still enjoy the foods I like without as much acidic foods that can have a negative impact on your overall health. For example, I eat spelt pasta or rice pasta instead of regular pasta, and almond butter instead of peanut butter.

So here is a one day of food for me...

Breakfast: Oatmeal, with a touch of honey (or sometimes brown sugar for special occassions)
Snack: Apple, orange, or grapes
Lunch: Veggie Wrap -- spinach wrap with hummus, spinach, avocado slices, cucumbers, tomato slices, and brussel sprouts.
Snack: Cucumber with apple cidar vinegar or hummus for dipping.
Dinner: Eggplant parm -- sliced eggplant dipped in banana and flaxmeal*, sauteed in olive oil, placed in a baking dish, covered with diced tomatoes and oregano/basil, topped with rice cheese and baked. Rice pasta on the side. (*Banana and flaxmeal replace the egg and bread crumbs)
Dessert: whole wheat wrap, almond butter, and a banana...yummy!! :)


I have several meals I make (eggplant, tilapia, rice, pasta salad, spaghetti, mac and cheese) that all use cleaner food choices, and there are always leftovers. My energy level has sky rocketed, my skin is always clear, my hair and nails are stronger, and I feel stronger. It's been wonderful!! :)

SIDE NOTE: For those of you who know me, I still LOVE LOVE LOVE macaroni and cheese, and it is the hardest thing in the world for me to give up. So....I do eat it with my son about once a week...it's my cheat day! lol

Some simple things I now eat that are easy replacements for your current food choices...no extra steps, no major changes or giving up your favorites, just cleaner choices:

• almond butter or soynut butter (replaces peanut butter)
• spelt or rice pasta (replaces regular pasta)
• at least one cucumber a day
• broccoli every day
• apple cidar vinegar (replaces any other vinegar)...use on salads with olive oil.
• rice cheese
• plain oatmeal
• water, water, water!! with lemon!! :)

So....who wants to know more? Email me! :) I challenge everyone I know to try it 100% for 30 days, and see what it can do for you!!!

Until next time....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

SUMMERTIME....

Hey All!!

Don't you just love summertime??? The warm sunshine on your face, light breezes in the morning, lots of yummy barbeques with hot dogs, burgers, and snacks?? Totally not on my nutrition plan, so what's a pageant girl to do??

Working out AND eating right are part of the plan to look my best come July 15 and 16, but it's tough to pass up some of those favorites!!

Well, I'll tell you my secret...foods in moderation, and a new boot camp work out at the gym that is just kicking my butt into shape really quick! But it's great! I am learning all sorts of good tricks in my workouts that I can use just about anywhere! A playground, a curb, my front step... all things I can use to my advantage during this last month before nationals. And I'm taking advantage! :) And I have this whole little bathroom workout that I do in the mornings when I'm getting ready for work...the sink, side of the tub, and the wall are all a part of my secret weapon workout -- 15 minutes every day. Just in case I don't make it to the gym! lol

Well, off to the gym this afternoon for some cardio and abs...

Until next time....
VIVA LAS VEGAS!!! xoxo

Congrats to.......

HEATHER LEHMAN!! MISS DELAWARE 2009


What a great show, and what a great group of young women that were competing for last night's crown! Congrats to the ladies who made the top 5 -- You are all beautiful and amazing women, and you should be proud of your accomplishment!

My Platform -- Healthy Today, Healthy Forever

I know, I know....it sounds so vague right?? Well, let me give you some background information on it....

I was married for 3 years to a man who turned out to be a great father, but just wasn't in a position at the time to be a great husband. The marriage was rough, and it was emotionally exhausting. The decision to walk away was one that I struggled with for some time. I didn't want to be considered a failure. It was hard for me to face myself where this was concerned...and it was a tough position for me when I left. For about 8 months I stayed single, and kind of fell into a slump, so to speak. I was very unmotivated, not wanting to go out or get involved. I did the same routine every day...got up, went to work, went home. I wasn't spending much quality time with Aidan, and I wasn't doing anything for myself.

One day Aidan looked at me, and asked if we could do something fun. He was probably 2 1/2, and that was it for me. Right then I realized that he didn't deserve to get the blunt of my misery, and I didn't really need to sit swallowed in this state of sadness. It literally was the flip of the switch for me. I had enough!! So out we went, Aidan and I. In the next few months, I joined a gym, got involved in church, volunteered more, and set some major life altering goals, specifically getting out of debt and buying a house, with enough motivating passion behind each one that they became a MUST for me!! Within one year, I had taken my new position and made it work for me. I paid off all the debts from my marriage, put myself in a great position to not only purchase a home but afford to do renovations and still have some savings. I have taken more vacations with my son, and try to get involved in new sports with him as often as I can.

Making those changes has made me a better person, a stronger woman, and a more attentive mom. Financial stability, having a home, and becoming physically active have created an emotional force that I can survive! Being healthy isn't just about eating right or working out...it's about enjoying life and taking everything it throws at you.

So this year, I'm focusing on other women who may be in similar situations. I want to be an example that changing your life starts with a decision that without fail is a MUST! I MUST change! I WILL NOT live like this anymore! Once you take that step, the rest is a given! :)

Until next time.... VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

Busy, Busy...

So....since last time, I have been busy!! Besides the shopping (which I still hate!!) and a few interviews, I spent some time with Habitat for Humanity at the All Women Build site. Wow!!! what an experience! To work with so many women to build a house....A HOUSE!! I got to build part of the fire wall that went between the townhouse units. I have never used a circular saw before...those little things have some power behind them! And a nail gun...woo hoo!! Talk about a kick! lol Plus, I got a little sun that day, which is always a good thing! :) It was tiring, for sure, but well worth the time! And I just know that the families that will live there are going to appreciate it so much because they were a part of it too! And what's more, it will help those individuals become emotionally and financially stable, providing them with peace of mind which goes a long way with your mental health! It is so important...I learned that after my divorce...and I got to be a part of that for someone else!

Oh -- I just got done taping the Tim Qualls Show!! Channel 28 I believe....airs all next week starting Sunday! Tune in and check me out. Feel free to give me some pointers back, too. And what's next? I'm throwing out the first pitch at the Blue Rocks on June 10!! Come out and see me....I'll be there all evening!

Next month starts my solid workouts too....I think I'll try something new in June. The Y is trying this bootcamp once a week. Should be fun! I think I'll sign up!

Okay, off to work! Hey -- if you have bugs, give me a call! Look up Ehrlich in the phone book, tell them I sent you! :)

Until next time..... VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!!

Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping....

I have unpacked another box in my house!! YAY!! For those who don't know, I purchased my house in August of last year, had tons of renovations to do, and moved in through the month of December. It's now May, and I'm still trying to unpack! I know...procrastination at it's best. Don't remind me....

So only 2 months until Las Vegas, and I must say that I never realized how much I actually dislike the art of shopping. I mean, I've always liked window shopping, and I do love to buy for others...it's always fun to find the perfect gift for someone special. But now that I have a purpose in shopping, and it is for me, I really am easily frustrated going from store to store trying to find the perfect mix my personality with pageant worthiness. A daunty task indeed!

And women always say that bathing suit shopping is aweful! Evening gowns have been a nightmare, and trying to find a modern professional look for an interview, but not a suit?? Yeah -- good luck with that!! Suggestions are welcome!! :)

Anyway... off to dream land this evening! Until next time....

VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

Okay.....

So we finally get our date set for the photo shoot, and what a CRAZY day it was!! My photo shoot followed a day of crawling in and out of attics and basements in search of bats and rats, and a few roaches too! For those of you who don't know, I'm a Commercial Sales Rep for JC Ehrlich, America's Finest Pest Control Company! I do what most people don't dare to do....I get to think like the insects, and figure out how to combat some of our worst fears....bugs, spiders, mice, and snakes.

So after a few long hours of bats, insects, and rats, I set out for the photo shoot. I figured 2 hours to VA and all is well...I'd be arriving between 230 and 300....YEAH RIGHT!! Bumper to bumper traffic almost the entire way down!! And on top of that, I get rear ended on 95! No kidding!! It's nearly 5 by the time I arrive to Charles Martin's place! But it was a fun shoot anyway...hair and make up, dresses and girlie stuff. Things turned out okay, but what a day it was!!!



I did come up with a slogan for myself.....Bugs by day; Beauty by night!! :) Tammy, Stephanie and I were laughing as Marci was getting her first shot done, and that's what we came up with! I think it suits me! lol

Now on to bigger things right??

Until next time....VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!

WOW!!

Okay - so whirlwind week number 2!! (I think I'm still taking it in!! lol)

I started making a list of things that I want to do and events that I want host, and I mention putting together a golf tournament, and what wonderful friends I have!! Nicole from LovelyGirls Events and Ashleigh Hudson, Miss Delaware Valley 2009 are helping me create this totally awesome event, and they are on point! Within one week, we have narrowed down a date, made a list of vendors to contact, have a band (Thanks Ash!), and are already working hard to create this family fun event geared towards promoting my platform, Healthy Today, Healthy Forever!! It's going to be a great event, so make sure you SAVE THE DATE, tenatively June 8th! (Sorry, I know it's a Monday, but it will totally be worth it!!)

This week, Siouxzan is busy putting together a calendar of appearances, including the Tim Qualls show and throwing out the first pitch at the Blue Rocks!! (I've been waiting 13 years for this, by the way!!) Anyone have a convertible for parades? :)

I have been searching site after site looking for dresses for nationals. I have some promising prospects, but nothing is set in stone yet. I'm thinking royal blue for the opening, and a hot pink evening gown with crystals or rhinestones-- chiffon! I am not really sure on the interview though....Thoughts??

Alright, friends! My cheerleaders just won Nationals down in Myrtle Beach, SC! I'm going to go enjoy the pizza party!! :) Until next time....VIVA LAS VEGAS!!

A long journey....

WOW!! What can I say....13 years, 15 pageant, some advice, and a lot of criticism, but here I am...Ms. Delaware United States 2009! And what a whirlwind first week it has been!

Right after the pageant, there was a lot of flashes from different cameras, and I remember feeling that my ankle had probably swelled to the size of a lemon (I tripped back stage....I'm kind of clumsy actually and the heels weren't helping). Graziella Baratta, Ms. United States 2008, was awesome! We spoke shortly after the pageant, and I had the privilege of an live webchat interview with her this past week as well (go to pageantchat.tv and check out the archives). Already I'm planning some events that are going to be big time fun and full of health and fitness. I started this blog. I met with Siouxzan. And of course, I'm starting to prepare for the Ms. United States Pageant in Las Vegas!!

I want to thank the judges, Siouxzan and Moore Pageant Productions, and my sister contestants! The ladies in the Ms. division were all wonderful!! Jessica and I have been competing together for over 10 years...it's incredible to think of the friendships that can be created out of a common interest and goal. I got to know many of the women who competed, and I hope to see them next year. I'm looking forward to a fabulous year with Marci, Mrs. Delaware United States 2009! Congrats again!

So bring on 2009 and let the fun begin!! Until next time.....VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!! :)