What You Need to Know Before Competing at the Mrs International Pageant

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

 As a Mom of four, Dr. Seuss books have been a constant read in our home for more than eighteen years. I actually started reading the books to my children while I was pregnant with each of them. The word patterns, rhymes and whimsical illustrations make Dr. Seuss book so fun to read (I still enjoy them)! My children first fell in love with reading by reading Seuss, then  they graduated to countless authors who now capture their imagination.
 As I write this post, I am reminded of the fact that there are many people all across the world who are not able to read. According to the Unesco Institute for Statistics, there are 774 million adults, worldwide, who cannot read or write. Two thirds are women.
 Thankfully, there are organizations such as www.savethechildren.org and www.familieslearning.org, that have programs dedicated to helping to solve this problem. We can also help by donating books and our time to under served communities where this problem is seen most.

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

Happy New Year!

New Year, new goals. I love the first of the year because of all the possibilities that lie ahead. Making plans, setting goals, dreaming big and watching those dreams come true.  I am so very happy with all that I was able to do last year, successfully balancing family, career and community service and

I'm particularly proud of the work that I am doing with The Esther Project, a women's empowerment organization designed to help women across the world find their passion and purpose. We feel that every woman is a Queen and as such, she has the power to change the world! So to all you beautiful Queens out there, Happy New Year! Here's to all the wonderful opportunities that the New Year can bring! To learn more about The Esther Project, please visit us at www.iamesther.org

One Couture Bride: Castle Couture Hosting Charity Fashion Show!

One Couture Bride: Castle Couture Hosting Charity Fashion Show!: Castle Couture will be hosting a charity fashion show on August 18th to support the organization Kick Cancer Overboard. Tickets are now on ...

Save the date!

I am so excited to announce the date and location of our Kick Cancer Overboard Fashion Show Extravaganza! Please save the date of August 18th, 7pm and join us at Castle Couture in Marlboro, NJ for this awesome event that will benefit a great cause! It will be a night to remember. Stay tuned for more details!

Gowns Galore @CastleCouture

I love my job as a promotional model! To be a over 40, mother of 4, it is empowering to be able to walk runways, appear in advertisements and showcase beautiful clothing from designers all across the world. The lovely garments pictured here can be found at www.castlecouture.com. You will find all you need to feel like a princess!

Kick Cancer Over Board Volunteer Breakfast

Dancing, singing, eating great food and awarding another deserving family with a dream vacation. This all took place at the Salad Shack in Long Branch, NJ. It was a wonderful morning getting together to celebrate all the hard working volunteers of Kick Cancer Overboard. All who understand the importance of creating and keeping a positive frame of mind while battling cancer. Thank you everyone who is helping "Kick Cancer Overboard"!!!

Pinwheels For Prevention

Did you know that the pinwheel is a symbol for child abuse prevention? My friend and fellow pageant sister, Lea Moelk informed me of this fact when she invited me to the Child Abuse Prevention Gala which was held at NJ PAC. Prevent Child Abuse NJ is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse. Prevent Child Abuse.org started Pinwheels for Prevention, an initiative to remind everyone that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood. To learn more about Pinwheels for Prevention, visit www.pinwheelsfor prevention.org

Next Level Youth

Being a positive influence to young girls is a passion of mine. I love to help our youth shape their perception of themselves by allowing them to see the beauty that I see in them. Teaching young minds the importance of inner /outer beauty is what I love and live for. My good friend Evelyn Mccleod also shares this passion, as she is the director for the Miss Next Level Youth Pageant, a pageant that gives girls the ability to learn life lessons through healthy competition. I had the opportunity to serve as host for this great event a couple of years ago and was honored to serve as a judge for this year's pageant. I was so impressed by all the beautiful, talented and intelligent young ladies, who stood on that stage like they were ready to rule the world. Congratulations to Evelyn and her good friend Pandora for giving young ladies a chance to shine!

Jovani in the House!!!

I just love the beautiful, glamorous and elegant fashions of Jovani , so it was an extreme honor to meet "Mr. Jovani" himself & a lovely and talented designer of Jovani fashions. Whether you what to be Red Carpet Ready or Pageant Princess Perfect, Jovani has gowns that will definitely allow you to stand out and SHINE!

NJ Marathon/Kick Cancer Overboard

What's  better than volunteering to help thousands of runners get off to a great start at the New Jersey Marathon? Volunteering at the New Jersey Marathon with the awesome Kick Cancer Overboard crew!
It was a wonderful day in Central Jersey to see the thousands who came out to run for great causes and personal achievement. Especially so soon after the sad events that surrounded the Boston Marathon. It gave me a warm feeling in my heart when I saw people wearing t-shirts that read "WE RUN FOR BOSTON"!

Now that what I call "The Spirit of NJ", we remind people that though hard times we come up Jersey Strong!! I dedicate this post to those who were affected by the tragedy in Boston. Peace, Prayers and Love.

Celebrating Ten Years!

The beautiful Jaffa Shrine in Altoona PA, played host to the Miss, Teen and Mrs. PA International Pageant 2013! It was a wonderful night filled with wonderful women who are the perfect examples of inner/outer beauty! It was also a night to celebrate director Jodi Cessna, for ten years with the International system! Congratulations to the Cessnas, Jodi, Scott and Sammi..I know it is a team effort. I would also like to send a special congratulations to Miss PA International Rachel Syktich, Miss PA Teen International Ashlee Fagans,  Mrs. PA International Marci Mc Nair, and all the ladies who competed that night. You all were awesome!! To learn more about how you can represent at the next PA International Pageant, visit www.papageants.com

Blessings of Beauty

Prom time is such an exciting time for a young woman. It can also be an expensive time..That's why I enjoyed being a part of the Blessings of Beauty Dress Fair where dresses were donated to young ladies who need a helping hand when it comes to the financial stress of prom purchases. I was so touched when I saw how many beautiful garments were donated. The selection rivaled most high fashion boutiques! A special shot out goes to my friend Dani Micale and her Mom, Dot for putting the fair together.

Ibiza Donna: SPOTLIGHT: Shopping trip with Miss NJ USA 2013

Ibiza Donna: SPOTLIGHT: Shopping trip with Miss NJ USA 2013: Today I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the day with the gorgeous Miss New Jersey, Libell Duran, as she went dress shopping for her M...

Go Red for Women

Women taking care of themselves, living heart healthy and putting their needs first is a very important message. That's why I was so honored to be invited to the the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Luncheon in South Jersey. It was such a beautiful sight of people coming together, rocking red, in support of women everwhere who are, or are in danger of suffering from heart diease. To learn more about Go Red for Women visit www.goredforwomen.org. Thank you to the beautiful Robin Vitale for allowing me to be a part of your wonderful event!

"Movin' For Mille"

Thoughts of Donna Summer, The Village People, platform shoes, and shiny white vinyl boots were all in full effect at the Alzheimer's Benefit Disco which was held at the Crowne Plaza in Jamesburg, NJ. This wonderful event was put together by my friend Danielle Micale in honor of her late grandmother, Mildred. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, a number that is not lost on Dani (Danielle) and her family. For the past few years they have been raising money and awareness to fight the disease. It was my pleasure to take part in their 70's style, Disco themed event which was estimated to raise over $2,500 that evening. A large portion of the proceeds went to the Alzheimer's Association. To learn more about the effects and warning signs of Alzheimer's, visit www.alz.org