Day One: The Show Me Your Shoes Parade is a new tradition for the Miss Utah competition. It's a fun way to get the week kicked off, loosen up, and show a little bit of Utah's great diversity! I represented the University of Utah vs. Brigham Young University Athletic Rivalry which has been a big part of my life, as well as an iconic "Utah" event! I am proud to announce that Southern Utah has now taken home the "Sportiest Shoes" Award TWO YEARS IN A ROW!! :)

 Sierra West Jewelers is one of Miss Utah's largest sponsors. On Tuesday night, Sierra West hosted all of the contestants for a beautiful evening of food, fun, and a girls best friend... Diamonds!! :)

Miss Asia Utah Orientation

I was invited to join the contestants of this year's Miss Asia Utah pageant for their orientation meeting and speak to them about my experience in pageantry and what makes a winner. I shared with them an acronym which I created that helped me in my Miss Southern Utah pageant, and I am now utilizing in my preparation for Miss Utah. The acronym is Go for G.O.L.D.! 



I have found that focusing on what you can Give to the pageant rather than what you can Get out of it helps to make the experience more meaningful. Also, being Genuine is the biggest key in any competition, being yourself ensures that you come out satisfied with your performance.

 Organization is the key to putting your best foot forward in a competition. Being organized helps you to feel prepared when pageant day comes.

A pageant has not done you justice if you don't Learn and Live through the experience. The Miss America Organization is concerned with turning out successful, accomplished women, not just queens.

The last part of the acronym is Determination, Don't give up. I tried to convey to the girls that whether you walk away from the competition with a crown or not, it is all about timing. It may be your turn to be queen or it might be your turn to do something else but if you truely believe this is something you love, then try again because it will only benefit you more and more each time.

Good luck to all of the contestants!!!



Head Start/Safe Kids Fit Fair

The Head Start and Safe Kids organizations pooled their resources to put on a Safety and Fitness Fair for kids and families in Kaysville Utah. Included in their activies was a Gold Medal Mile along which were stations which taught children and families how to stay healthy. My official service platform this year is Avoiding and Overcoming Eating Disorders but has recently expanding to include all areas of health, nutrition, and wellness.  My station along the Gold Medal Mile provided healthy snacks and hydration for the participants, as well as information on how to stay healthy and fit.

 

Get Involved!

Help me make miracles happen!  Its easy and FUN to get involved with Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, think of it... It could be as simple as ordering dessert at Lone Star next time you're out on the town for dinner, and who doesn't LOVE dessert?? You can also help by getting your sweetie a special edition CMN bracelet from White House Black Market and half of the money goes to children in need!

Click on this link to find even more simple and fun ways to get involved and help make miracles happen in our community!

http://childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/mayisformiracles

Miss Utah Day of Service

Miss Utah's Day of Service focused on making special activity packs for the kids in Primary Children's Hospital.

The Miss America Organization has a new tradition which is the Little Miss Program. Each contestant has a "Little Miss" who is involved with them throughout the pageant. This is my Little Miss Southern Utah, Anedy Hopkins. She is adorable and so willing to serve our community. As unofficial "big sisters" we try to show our Little Misses how influential women can be in the community. Anedy and I have "Friends Forever" bracelets on. 

 Anedy and I spent a little time chatting with Miss Davis County, Ciera Pekarcik and her Little Miss Amelia. One of the greatest things about the Miss Utah program is its ability to cultivate wonderful relationships between girls from all over the state!

 Putting together a matching game.

 Putting together activity and coloring packets for the children.

 We made pillow cases for the little boys with road maps and hot wheels cars. Creative AND thrifty!

Each contestant was invited to bring their mother to the day of service to help with the projects. The mothers spent all day tying blankets and quilts for the children in the hospital. It was a great experience to have our families involved with our service. A special thanks to all of the contestant's families who show us so much love and support!

The Golden Years: Health and Fitness at EVERY Age!

 Giving some suggestions on how to stay healthy and fit at every age of life.

"Honey Bun" from South Pacific

 

 "Johnny Angel"

 Just learning to play a little Bingo with the Golden Years regulars. Its harder than it looks!

I was invited to speak and entertain at the Golden Years in Davis County this week. I love spending time with the senior citizens of our community because they have such a zeal for life and so much wisdom to share. I spoke to them on health and fitness at every age in life and how important it is to maintain good eating and excercising habits when you are young and especially when you get older. Many individuals lose their appetite as they age and then don't eat as much as they should to maintain their health. One good tip is to plan three meals each day at the same time and to choose the components of your meal in advance to avoid skipping a meal or grabbing something that is "easy". Pre-made meals are a great solution. Also, try to take a walk in the morning or afternoon to keep your muscles working and metabolism going. Thank you to the Golden Years for inviting me to spend some time with you!

Gourmet Fusion!

Is your mouth watering yet?? I've actually TASTED this food and let me tell you it is absolutely amazing! Wendell White is a gourmet executive chef and makes all of his creations from the best food and ingredients. Everything he serves is truly inspired as far as food goes. I've never tasted anything like it! He does weddings, work parties, family events, you name it. He catered for my a family member's wedding last fall and the food was GONE! Give him a call next time you're planning an event! For prices and other info visit his website!! Gourmet Fusion does what catering should do... Cater to YOU!