Cancer Ball 2010

On Jan. 23th 2010, I, along with my good friend Elise Counts, owner of Lovely You , celebrated life, love, motivation and inspiration when we honored five amazing women at our first annual Cancer Ball. The black tie event was held at the Crowne Plaza , in Somerset NJ. Our beautiful honorees included Dr. Hiawatha Goins Baron, DonnaLyn Giegerich, Amandalyn Mosby & Meg Mornhineway. Each woman was honored for their bravery, determination and their efforts as community ambassadors. Entertainment was provided by Miss Queen City, Nychole Hunt and featured U.S. Open singer Ja'Niel Humphrey. Motivational speaker and T.V. One host, Dee Marshell mesmerized the audience with her words of encouragement. It was an awe filled evening that brought out family, friends and pageant sisters alike. The highlight of the night for me was being able to speak about my beautiful courageous sister who loss her battle with Cancer, but who's legacy continues to live on. Proceeds from the night's event was raised for the American Cancer Society.

Welcoming Baby Ava!!!!

On Sun. Jan. 17th, I had the most fun at a baby shower for my pageant sister Catherine(standing in top photo), Mrs. Somerset County 2009, to celebrate the birth of her beautiful baby girl Ava. Also in attendance, along with many of Catherine's family and friends were Vivian, Mrs. Hudson County 2009 and Mrs. New Jersey 2008, Evelyn. Congratulations once again to Catherine and her husband Mark on their beautiful new addition!

Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen 2010

On Jan.16 Millville Senior High School played host to the 2010 Miss NJ Outstanding Teen Pageant. 18 of our state's most talented young ladies between the ages of 13 to 17 competed for the prestigious title. Congratulations to 13 year old Audi Babusik(not pictured) who was chosen to represent New Jersey at the national pageant. I truly enjoyed watching the show with my good friends America's Mrs. New Jersey 2010, Evelyn Mccloud and Mrs. New Jersey All American Classic, Patricia Sullivan.

Ladacin Network's Polar Bear Plunge

On Jan.16 I was in Manasquan NJ, on the beach watching many passionate men and women brave the icy water in a Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the Ladacin Network which services over 2,8oo infants,children and adults in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, my beautiful son Elijah being one of them. I was thrilled to help out and show my support for the agency that provides education, therapeutic, social, and residential support for people with physical disabilities. Thank you to Leggett's Sand Bar & Restaurant for hosting the special event! For more about the Ladacin Network and their services or to make a donation visit http://www.ladacin.org/

Thank You MRM Pageant Gowns!!!

I want to take this opportunity to say a special "Thank You" to Mary Tortorici of MRM Pageant Gowns for selecting me as Queen of the Month on the MRM Pageant Gown Website. I sincerely appreciate the honor and recognition. For some great pageant finds (especially for the little princess pageant divas) and for more about Queen of the Month, visit www.mrmpageantgowns.com

Wicked!!!

Taking time out to enjoy a great holiday night on Broadway in NYC!

I simply love the theater and the beautiful told story of Wicked is one of my favorite musicals. If you love the Wizard of Oz and powerhouse singing, then you must see Wicked!

Vegas Baby!!!!

They say "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" but I decided to share some photos of my wonderful time competing with some of the most beautiful, intelligent, family orientated, career minded women I ever met. It was a week filled with laughter, inspiration and motivation. Please enjoy some of the pics from a week I will never forget!!!

Turn For The Judges

I would like to take this opportunity to send a very big THANK YOU to Devon Lee from the pageant website and publication Turn For The Judges. For years I looked to TFTJ for all my pageant info, happenings and behind the scenes insight, so imagine my surprise when I was asked to be interviewed about my experience as Mrs. New Jersey United States! It was my honor to be featured in TFTJ and speak about everything important in my life with pageantry and beyond. Thanks again TFTJ!!!!

Party Time!!!!

One of my favorite days during my year as Mrs. New Jersey was the day of my send-off party before the national competition, which was held in Las Vegas. It was a wonderful day filled with great food, good times, well wishes and inspiring words. It was great to see my family, and pageant sisters all in one place as partied the afternoon away. A special thanks goes to my directors Michelle and Chris for all they did to prepare me for nationals, where I had one of the best weeks of my life!!! Above and below are just some of the photos from that great day!

Holiday Sing Along

On Dec. 23rd I had the pleasure of attending a sing along given by the students of Mill Lake Elementary in Monroe, N.J. I enjoyed holiday tunes,the excitement in the air and a festive atmosphere as the students sang their hearts out all for "peace on earth and goodwill towards men". I also got an opportunity to speak to the children about the wonderful job they did raising over 600 donated toys for Toys for Tots and my good friend Claire Pavlinec's charity, Maternal Wings. The children of Mill Lake Elementary really know what the holiday season is all about!

Cape May Holiday Parade & Going Green!

On Dec. 7th I,along with Mrs. NJ Classic All American Patricia Sullivan, smiled, waved and braved the bitter cold as we rode in the spectacular Cape May Holiday parade. Hundreds of people lined the street as we welcomed in the holiday the Cape May way! I also used that day as an opportunity to teach others a little something I learned about "Going Green" , the outfit I wore helped to prove my point (can you guess what it is made of?). Stay tuned for my future posts on my adventures of "Going Green"!