Be-You-Tiful

  I'm  excited to share my 5 page spread in the international, Washington Polo Club Magazine! I am so humbled to be among the  forty and over modeling crowd that's helping to change the  world's perception of beauty.  You can be beautiful at any age, color, size and shape. Just make sure you are beautiful at your core and you're more than half way there. Add to that eating heart healthy, exercising on a regular basis and sticking to a skin care routine and you will be the timeless beauty that you were meant to be. Most of all Be Empowered, Be Inspired, Be You-Tiful!
The fact that there is only ONE you in the world means that your beauty is priceless! To all the beauties in the world, I salute you!

Go Red: Eating Healthy & Loving It!

  As we are nearing the end of Heart Month, what lifestyle changing have you made to ensure you are living heart healthy? I have vowed to limit the amount of processed and fast food that I consume. Being a very busy Mom of 4 makes it quite easy for me to rely on quick (and not so healthy) meal choices. I made a significant change this month. I ate fast food only once this month (pizza) and replaced the chips and soda with fresh fruit & water. My children enjoyed the change! We made homemade tacos (yum!) and baked a cake using applesauce instead of oil (not so yum), but fun none the less. I made pasta dishes with whole grain pasta and loads of fresh veggies, my hubby grilled turkey burgers and salmon & the kids loves snacking on carrots with seasoned greek yogurt.  It has really been a fun month of eating great food that is good for us. On tonight's menu, Black-Eyed Peas and Rotini..The recipe is straight out of the  American Heart Association's 49 Healthy Soul Food Recipes Cookbook. To find some fun heart healthy food ideas visit www.heart.org

Behind the Scenes - Featuring Trevor Mind & Ceylone Boothe Grooms

Mrs. Northeast International 2015!

I am so happy to announce that I am the new Mrs. Northeast International 2015! It is an honor to represent my region in this prestigious pageant for women from all across the world. I cannot wait to meet all the beautiful delegates, this Summer in Jacksonville, Florida.  As stated on the offical website, "The Mrs. International Pageant system has been developed to to promote today's married women, their accomplishments, and commitment to family and marriage."
  As Mrs. Northeast International 2015, I will be advocating my platform The Esther Project. a women's empowerment movement that encourages women to live with passion and purpose. It is our belief that when you empower women, you empower the world! The best thing about participating in a pageant that celebrates women and their families, is the fact that the whole journey is a family affair. Here's some pictures taken by my 13 year old son, my official photographer. It's our idea of playing in the snow. To learn more about the Mrs. International Pageant System visit www.mrsinternational.com

Winter Blues

If you live on the East Coast, you no doubt are experiencing the big freeze. With snow falling almost everyday and temperatures at a record low, protecting your skin is at an all important high. Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% UV rays, which are the primary source of wrinkles, which is why I make sure I wear my sunglasses and sunscreen everyday , yes even in the Winter! #aginggracefully #Fortyplus #FabulousForties

Passion, Purpose, Destiny!

One of my favorite movie lines is "The saddest thing in life is wasted talent" from A Bronx Tale.
Hard work + Passion+Purpose=Destiny! Make sure your talent is not wasted, work everyday to make all your dreams come true.

Raw Visionary Fashion Show

I had the pleasure of walking the catwalk for the incredibly talented designer, Yanci Portillo.
Her collection of gowns were both sexy and sophisticated. I look forward to seeing what Yanci has in store for the future.

Beauty in your 20's, 30's, 40's

I remember when I was in my 20's, 40 years old seemed OLD..Now that I'm approaching my 44 birthday, I  (of course) feel differently. I'm proud of my age and the lessons that I have learned throughout my years. Eating right and exercise is key to maintaining a age defying look. Having a healthy frame of mind is equally important. While is my 20's I  made sure I used beauty products that were specific to my skin type.  In my 20's I lived in NYC so I did a ton of walking. This helped me maintain a healthy body type. I, also drank at least a gallon of water everyday, great for the skin and body. In my 30's I realized that my skin type was changing, so I incorporated  different products such as under eye cream and night time skin cream. I also started eating more fruits and veggies because I was now a mom of 4 and wanted to set a great example for my children. Now that I am in my 40's, I make sure I continue my good habits of the past and I've added some new ones. I use a skin serum under my moisturizer, give myself a facial at least once a week and drink a veggies filled green smoothie everyday.  Here is a pic of my beautiful friends and I representing 20's, 30's & 40's right before we were about to step on the runway to walk for designer Yanci Portillo.

Blood Pressure Awareness with Ceylone Boothe-Grooms- Part 2

Philadelphia Heart Ball 2015

I truly love volunteering for the American Heart Association's Heart Ball. I have been volunteering for the heart ball, in New Jersey, since 2009. This year I had the opportunity to go outside my home turf and volunteer in nearby Pennsylvania.  What made it extra special was sharing the experience with my International Pageant sisters. The Philadelphia Heart Ball was a glorious affair for an important cause. With heart disease being the #1 killer of women, it is imperative that we do all we can to raise awareness and funding for research. Life is why! To learn more about the American Heart Association visit www.heart.org

Toastmasters International -Cutting Out Filler Words

Toastmasters International -Cutting Out Filler Words

The Esther Project

        Five years ago, my very good friend, The Rev. Tiffany Williams, told me about an idea she had to empower and inspire women. She said  "I want to start an women's empowerment movement that encourages women to find their purpose and passion".  Her words struck a chord with me because two years prior to our conversation, I had lost my beautiful younger sister to cervical cancer. At the very moment of her passing I made a vow to honor her by living my life with passion and purpose! I knew I just had to be involved. Together, along with some other wonderful women, we started our mission. Our motto, "Empowering women to Empower the World!" 

         Tiffany was inspired by the  Bible's book of Esther. Esther was a young queen who diligently prepared for her role and encountered a deeper purpose when she was challenged to use her influence to save an entire race from genocide. Esther reminds women to prepare themselves, get in position and uncover their purpose.

          To learn more about The Esther Project, please visit us at www.iamesther.org