Princess Fun at the Farm

There is nothing quite like spending time outside underneath the beautiful June sky in Maryland.  "Princess Fun on the Farm" was a charity event organized by my truly outstanding teen, Arcadia.  Arcadia's personal platform is childhood literacy and all proceeds from the event went to support the Maryland Board of Education as well as Children's Miracle Network. 

There was certainly much fun to be had at Spring Meadowns Farm last weekend.  From pony rides, to miniatrue tractors, crafts, and a moon bounce, lots of children enjoyed themselves amongst the Miss America "Princesses".  One special guest and friend of the MMO girls that attended was Chris.  "Fun at the Farm" was the first time I met Chris and was immediately taken by his joy in everyday things.  So many of us allow ourselves to get caught up in the little speedbumps of life and overlook the bigger picture.  Chris reminded me that your life, and your life only, is meaningful only if you spend it doing things that you love.  Enjoy yourself everyday and indulge in the age old saying, "live life to the fullest".  It was a pleasure meeting Chris and I cannot wait to be reunited at the Miss Maryland Pageant!

Arcadia is an exceptional young woman and I am so proud of her as my Miss Appalachia Outstanding Teen.  Without her dedication to her platform and the mission of the MAO, "Princess Fun at the Farm" would not have been such a wonderful event.  I wish her the best of luck at the Miss Maryland Outstanding Teen Pageant next week!

Mr. District of Columbia Pageant

Bringing in the month of June, I attended the Mr. District of Columbia Pageant put on by the Miss District of Columbia Organization.  Contestants were able to participate if they liked by nominating a gentlemen of their choice to take home the title of Mr. D.C.  All proceeds from the pageant were given to Children's Miracle Network as well as 45% of the nominee's score based on their fundraising efforts.  The pageant was held at the L2 Lounge in the always glamourous Georgetown district.  Needless to say it was a fun night out with my girlfriends including Miss Charm of the Chesapeake, Vanessa!

Not only did I attend to help benefit Children's Miracle Network, but my bestie Ally who is a contestant in the Miss DC pageant nominated a mutual friend of ours John.  John, who has a contagious personality and spunk, performed a make up artist routine as his talent with Ally as his model.  From the moment those two walked out, the audience was captivated.  Not only did they have a unique talent, but their chemistry and laid back attitude made the judges not only intrigued, but at ease.  John walked away with the best in evening wear award and we could not be more happy for him! He will always be our Mr. D.C. :)

In just one evening, the Miss D.C. Organization raised over $7000 for Children's Miracle Network.  Ally alone has raised over $1200!  Congratulations to all of the Mr. D.C contestants and good luck girls this weekend at Miss D.C! Another special treat- meeting Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010!

"A Night for Royalty" Princess Party and CMN Spirit Night!

After meeting Wes, the incredibly talented, devoted, and faithful marketing manager at the Nottingham Chick-fil-A during my tour of the Baltimore Health Expo, I decided to organize a fun event to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  On May 29th, Chick-fil-A hosted "A Night for Royalty" Princess party and CMN spirit night in collaboration with me to give back to the children and families touched by CMN hospitals.

Each princess that joined us at the party received their own special tiara! We raffled off great prizes that were generously donated by Chick-fil-A, Lowes, Wal-Mart, Hersheys, Girlee Gurlz Salon, and Yia Yia's bakery.  20% of the total proceeds from those who came and ate dinner in honor of spirit night were donated directly to Children's Miracle Network.  I have to say thank you to Wes, Paula, Steve, and the Nottingham Square Chick-fil-A team for helping me put together such a successful event.  Without their dedication to service and community, the night would not have nearly so special.  Their kindness, hospitality, and work ethic are truly inspirational.

Along with Chick-fil-A, I had some wonderful princesses of my own there to help.  Three of "my girls" that I have taught dancing to since they were 7 and 8 years old came out and supported the fundraiser with charismatic charm!  I am proud of the women they have become, now 16 to 18 years old and I will forever cherish their friendships.  I would also like to thank the wonderful titleholders that attended.  My beautiful Miss Appalachia Outstanding Teen, Arcadia was a great spokeswoman for what CMN means to her.  She also entertained and talked to many of the princesses who were excited to have her company :)  Thank you as well to Miss University City's Outstanding Teen, Kennedy, Miss Charm of the Chesapeake, Vanessa, and Miss Greater Baltimore, Brittanay. Finally, my heart goes out to my always loyal best friend Ally and my loving family, thank you for all that you did to make the night a success!

My favorite part of the night was absolutely spending time with my Miss Maryland Princess Sydney.  Sydney herself is a Children's Miracle Network baby.  Born at Johns Hopkins weighing only 1lb,15oz, CMN took care of her and her family during her extended stay at the hospital.  CMN helped to not only cover Sydney's treatment, but also allowed her family to stay by her side by providing hotel rooms, cell phones, and laptops. At 6 years old today, she is happy and healthier than ever thanks to Children's Miracle Network.  While she was there Sydney impressed me with her knowledge of designer handbags- we've got a future fashionista on our hands.  She told me all about the Micheal Korrs shoes she is bringing to Miss Maryland and the dress she has ordered.  Sydney warmed my heart the most when she came up to me before she left, hugged me and said, "This is the best night ever! Why can't I stop hugging you?!"  As I embraced her I realized just how special our time would be at Miss Maryland and what a special princess she is :)

First Pitch!

When I found out I had been asked to throw the first pitch at the Frederick Keys game I had flashbacks to playing softball in the backyard with my grandad...in elementary school.  Needless to say, I recruited all the men in my family to refresh my memory and sharpen up my nonexistent baseball skills.  Throwing a pitch is actually quite formulated and my lack of upper body strength became apparent as I limply threw the ball across the backyard.  But, with a little practice I perfected my pitch and prayed it would make it to the plate on the big day.

As they announced my name and title to the entire stadium, I walked down the red carpet in my most comfortable baseball shoes, Express gladiator sandals.  I took my stance on the mound and in the midst of my excitement forgot everything and hurled the ball as best as I could to the catcher.  I am not sure if I impressed or fulfilled expectations of a pageant queen throwing out a first pitch, but it made it to the catcher and I walked away happy.

From the stands my 2 cousins, my aunt, uncle, grandfather, and boyfriend all smiled and waved.  I knew that they were proud of my athleticism (sarcasm) on the field, but nonetheless were glad they were there to witness it.  The rest of the night was spent making new friends, cheering on the Keys, and enjoying a Friday night on the infield!

"Perfect as I am" Mentoring Presentation at Fountain Green Elementary

As a little girl I aspired to be a teacher, just like my favorite teachers at Fountain Green Elementary School.  I had my very own classroom in the basement with desks my grandad had built.  I stole extra worksheets out of the recycling box, created posters, and made my family play "class".  I had books with excerpts and assigned projects; I have been preparing for my opportunity to present my program "Perfect as I am" at Fountain Green Elementary for a very long time. 

As a Fountain Green Falcon myself, it was wonderful returning to my school and walking down the very same hallways I did as a 7 year old.  When I spoke with the schools guidance counselor about my dedication to service and desire to promote my personal platform, she greeted me with open arms.  "Perfect as I am" is a program I have developed to inspire girls and young women to embrace their bodies, respect themselves, and appreciate others by focusing on good self esteem and positive body image.  With the 5th grade girls at Fountain Green we discussed the tough transition from elementary to middle school and the challenges that they will face.

A recurring issue that is only continuing to evolve with the use of new technology is social bullying.  Rumors, "fat talk", and intentional exclusion run rampant amongst girls and young women.  My experience with social bullying along with other factors manifested itself as an eating disorder.  My hope is that by preventing these bullying behaviors, the 5th grade girls with go into middle school with strong self esteem.  We discussed how social bullying can affect the way we feel about ourselves, and how that can mirror the way in which we treat others.  We talked about what we can do to everyday to recognize our peers, appreciate their friendship, and feel confident going into middle school.  So many of them shared their feelings and all of them trusted and respected their peers.

I immensely enjoyed speaking with the 5th grade girls at Fountain Green and I cannot wait to be back to see them soon! I hope I have made a difference in at least one of their lives by sharing my experiences and my triumphs in the face of adversity. 

John's Hopkins Children's Center Fundraiser at Giant

This past Friday I had the pleasure of being able to assist in a charity benefit for John's Hopkins Children's Center.  Giant foodstores have pioneered a great new game called "Triple Winner" in which all proceeds are donated to local children's hospitals.  The Giant in Clarksville where the event was held is the leading Giant in Maryland by having contributed the most to Johns Hopkins Children's Center than any other store in the state!

Along with Miss Baltimore and Miss Allegany County, we walked the aisles of Giant speaking of the miracles inspired by the world class doctors at Johns Hopkins.  We encouraged people to donate by joining us at the cookout set up outside the store.  Hot dogs were grilling, sodas were chilled, and balloons were plenty at our donation station!  Among the countless generous donations were the smiles of children walking in and out of the store.  Knowing that a child just like them is recieving the vital care they need because of the kindness of a strangers heart is a surreal realization. 

Lily Pulitzer fashion show for "Thanks USA"

Sunday afternoon I had the chance to model for Lily Pulitzer at the "Thanks USA" charity fashion show in Bethesda, Maryland.  "Thanks USA" is a national charity that honors the children and families of our troops by providing scholarships.  Each scholarship gives hope of a higher education, a promise of a career, and the gift of faith.  Faith in themselves, faith in their community, and faith in their loved ones abroad.  I was so grateful to be a part of such a creative and fun benefit!  I met lots of new friends, enjoyed a few finger foods, and strutted my stuff on the catwalk!

I donned a beautiful lace detailed white sailboat sun dress embellished with a front gold zipper.  Not that I'm trying to sell you on this...but I am, it was so cute!  Paired with a pair of cute gold wedges and beach waves and braids, I was ready for a ride on the bay in my imaginary yacht! Lily Living!

I would like to thank all of those that organized and attended the "Thanks USA" fashion show.  With all of the funds raised, more dreams can come true for the children and families of our troops and that is something to smile about :)

To learn more about "Thanks USA" please visit, thanksusa.org