Project Style

 Style Off and Fashion Show

September 2nd

The only picture I was able to get with Mondo before the show started  because after everyone ran for cover from the torrential down pour.

Judges- Dana Kurts and Mondo

Judging with  Odell Stroud

This one has definitely been right up there as one of my favorite events.  I was asked to help judge the Style Off and Fashion Show event at Southlands Mall.  The concept was really fun and exciting and I had the opportunity to judge with Mondo from Project Runway and Odell Stroud.  Individuals who had the gift and talent of style were able to compete against each other on line.  Over the course of six weeks, votes were calculated and six winners were announced.  These six winners then went on to compete against each other for the final round at Southlands Mall.  The winner received a $1,000 gift card to the mall.
The Style Off began with an introduction of the contestants and a short description of their personality and personal style, then they were each given a gift card for $200.  The contestants had one hour to shop the entire outdoor mall and create a look from head to toe that would showcase their personal style all while staying under the $200.   During their shopping spree the judges and audience were entertained with dancers and updates on what to look for this fall in fashion.  As final judging drew near so did the storm clouds that had been hovering earlier in the day.  Unfortunately, the event was cut short due to a down pour.  A winner was quickly announced and everyone scattered for shelter.

Mondo giving us a heads up on what to look for this Fall.

some of the adorable models strutting their stuff on the runway.

the contestants showing their final looks.

The rain unfortunately put an abrupt end to the show.

Tea Party

 Senior Citizen Home
September 1st


with my mother-in-law, mother and other volunteers from the nursing home.


My mother and mother- in- law lead by example. These women are always doing for others and not just for their own family and friends, but those outside their inner circles.  They both volunteer at the Castle Rock Senior Citizen home.   They coordinate and encourage social activities every Thursday afternoon.  They have done everything from crafts, games, gift giving to themed parties.  They were organizing a tea party and thought it would be great for me to join in the fun.  I had the pleasure of meeting and mingling with some extraordinary individuals who have seen, lived, and experienced incredible events over the course of their lives.  They were so happy to share their adventures and reminisce with me, I also received many words of wisdom and advice for my own life.  I am so grateful for the afternoon I was able to spend with them all.

Joe and I had a really good visit, he used to be a musician and school teacher.

with my mother and a good friend of our family, Stephanie.

Celebrity Waiter

Concert for KidsAugust 27th

Walter Isenberg with his wife Christie, who is the founder and director for Concert for Kids.

No I do not consider myself a celebrity, but nevertheless I was invited to attend the Celebrity Waiter event which helped to raise money and awareness for Concert for Kids, which helps local children's charities.  They proudly support over 40 children's charities with a primary focus on health care and education.  It was a crazy night at Shanahan's Restaurant with the wait staff dressing up in costumes, dancing and singing for donations, and a few local firefighters there willing to take off their shirts for the cause.  I fortunately was able to stay clothed and save myself from the embarrassment of sharing my gorgeous singing voice.  I greeted patrons as they entered and visited with the staff.  I was the hostess with the mostess!

with some amazing people who are making a difference.

with some of the beautiful patrons of the evening.

Happy to have run into some family members at this event. Pipr and Bret Ames

One lucky lady being attended to by the firemen dressed in their very best!

What a fun night and all for an organization doing great things for our children in the community!!

Wine and Wishes

Make A Wish
August, 25th
I have donated to Make A Wish for some time and was eager to see how I could get involved further as Mrs. Colorado.  Make A Wish grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions.   I receive the news letters and love reading about the granted wishes and how it effected their lives and sometimes even their treatments.
They invited me to attend their annual event "Wine and Wishes".  Held at the beautiful Cable Center on the DU Campus, guests were encouraged to bid on the many fabulous auction items, dine on delicacies, and meet some of the children who had enjoyed having wishes granted.

with my mother in law, Marcia, and date for the evening.



with Josh and his new puppy Venus. His wish for a furry companion was granted only a few weeks prior to the event.

I was put in charge of the wine wall.  We had 125 bottles of variously priced wines donated and individually wrapped and put on display for people to purchase.  My partner, Sofia and I  sold each and every one which helped grant 1/2 of a wish for a child.  It was a spectacular night that I was proud to be a part of.

with Sofia, a volunteer and Wish Granter.

 

Salt on the Rim

Kempe FoundationAugust, 20th

The Kempe foundation is a non profit organization which helps to treat and give hope to neglected and abused children.  I have a soft spot for any and all organizations children based, so of course I jumped at the chance to attend the Salt on the Rim fundraising event which took place at Kent Denver.  It was a gorgeous evening with many generous sponsors, delicious food and music provided by Soul School.  The event was a huge success which raised over $40,000.  For more information or how you can get involved visit:  www.kempe.org

with Sharon Schonaut a wonderful volunteer

with my date for the evening and best friend, Becca Smith (The gown is from Kim's Closet)

with some of the co-Chairs Paul, John, Lawrence and Gregory

Mrs. Colorado Sponsors

Obviously becoming Mrs. Colorado has many perks, having a platform to get out into the community, creating new relationships, rediscovery, gaining queen sisters, the list goes on and on but as Mrs. Colorado you also gain a team of experts.  Believe me it takes a team of highly trained professionals to keep this train moving, without the amazing and generous sponsors it would be more difficult for me to get my job done and look good while doing it.

 

Here are some of the sponsors that I would encourage you to support.

 

Megan Anderson with Graphique Photography

http://graphiquephoto.com/

 I love working with Megan and her creative talents are endless.  We have shot some amazing images together.

One of my ad pages from last year



another ad page from last year, my personal favorite.

 

DJ and Courtney with Timothy D's Salon   

 303-744-6444

Masters at coloring, cuts, and extensions.  He is the up do master!

with my fabulous Great Length extentions



DJ showing off Christina Sacha's beautiful updo.



 

Kari Kisch my makeup guru

720-233-5652

Looking for a flawless finish, a lesson, or have a special occasion Kari is phenomenal at what she does.  She has used her magic brushes on me for the past three years during competition and I have also used her for photo shoots and special appearances where my raw talent just wasn't enough.

 



Amy Nakos with Mind Redesign  

 http://www.mindredesign.com/

I worked with Amy before winning Mrs. Colorado about some internal feelings that I felt were holding me back from success.  I believe working through those issues  with her and her techniques contributed to not only winning Mrs. Colorado but also receiving 2nd runner up at Mrs. America.

 

Raj Terkonda with Longmont Clinic

303-494-3114

Dr. Terkonda and his staff are wonderful and my skin has never looked better.

 

Tiffnay Yee (Ms. Fitness USA) with Body Statement Gym

http://www.bodystatementgym.com/

This is a sponsor who so graciously jumped on board after I went to Mrs. America.  I went to her asking for help after gaining 10 pounds, yes that is right 10 pounds, a few months after competing at Mrs. America.  After being so diligent with workouts and eating clean leading up to Mrs. Colorado and Mrs. America, then returning to a very complex and busy schedule of appearances and family life, I burnt out and something had to give and of course workouts and eating right was the easiest thing to put on the back burner.  I am proud to say that I am taking back control and excited for the transformation.  Stay tuned for before and after photos!

 

Kim with Kim's Closet

303-741-2214

Located in Timothy D's salon you will find a vast selection of gowns, accessories, and unique clothing.  She has dressed me for many of my formal appearances.

Gale Love with Love Skin Care
http://www.loveskincarecenter.com/about-us/
With attention to detail Ms. Love specializes in spa and medical treatments.  I love the way I feel after a visit with Gale.

Abby Richardson with Solera Salon

303-408-7107

Abby takes care of my hands and my feet with regular manicures and pedicures.  I have never had a nail color stay on my nails longer than a week or two, I don't know how she does it but I have lasted almost a month with no chips or fading.

 

Raeanne Smith with Royal Image Boutique

http://www.royalimageboutique.com/

Looking for a special occasion gown, accessories, or just some sassy everyday wear then you need to check out this boutique.  She has an amazing selection of pageant, prom and special occasion gowns.

 

 

Alicia Ryan for everything beautiful

www.alichiaryan.com

Alicia gave me the gift of lashes before heading to Mrs. America.   It was fabulous to have natural, full, and gorgeous lashes heading out to compete for 15 days.  I never had to worry about putting on fake ones, glue, or even mascara.   She also specializes in makeup, waxing, hydrafacials, and spray tanning.

   

Women's Build

Habitat for Humanity
August,  20th
When I was at Mrs. America we all participated in a Women's Build for Habitat for Humanity.  It was an extremely rewarding experience for me and I had vowed that when I returned home I was going to team up with the Colorado Habitat and create a Women's Build.  I mentioned my idea to Emily, our Mrs.. Colorado director, and she too loved the idea and said she would help gather current titleholders to help out my efforts.  I am so grateful to the gals who came out for the day and from all over Colorado.  We managed to put up insulation, help with dry wall preparations, and even some of the braver ladies headed to the roof to secure the framing.  Thank you ladies for making it possible!!  Looking forward to our next build.

with my niece, Shalie, dad and step mom. They stopped by our job site for a quick visit.

with Rita Case

Jen Rindahl

Erin Feltes putting up insulation.



The girls hard at work moving dry wall around.



Emily Stark prepping for dry wall.

Valentina Anderson getting down and dirty.



Our hard working crew!



Queen for a Day

August 8th
I have been looking forward to attending a Children's Hospital event since the moment I was crowned.  This is usually a hands down favorite and I knew I would feel the same.  Having three children of my own I could only anticipate how I would be touched.  I have been blessed to have only used the facility for my own purposes for a minor surgery a few years ago to get my son's adenoids removed.   I remember looking around at the other parents walking around the hospital and realizing that for some of them this is a daily occurrence.  
I was given the opportunity to come and celebrate "Queen for a Day" with all the children.  I was accompanied by Tori and Ashley (Miss Colorado Teen World and JR Miss Colorado World) and some wonderful men in uniform, firefighters from the local precinct.
We greeted, took pictures, created crafts, and crowned our own little princesses.  The children had an amazing time and for one moment I think they forgot where they were and why they were in the hospital.  The smiles made your heart melt and the excitement made it all worth everyone's efforts.  I also had a chance to visit a floor of children who were in the hospital for various reasons.  We were greeted by big smiles and appreciative families.
I am looking forward to volunteering my time again in the near future and even collaborating with Children's to create new event ideas.

with Tori, Miss Teen Colorado World and Ashley, Jr Miss Colorado World.

I will post more pictures of the days events when I receive them from the photographer.

Queen's BBQ

August 6th

Every year at the end of summer it is tradition that the Mrs. Colorado queens get together for a BBQ.  This is different than the annual Christmas party because the husbands are invited to enjoy the festivities as well.  Unfortunately for me, my guy was traveling and missed out on our first debut as Mrs and Mr. Colorado.  It was great to see everyone who attended the party and catch up on all the  happenings over summer break.   Christina Sacha (2008) was a gracious host.   I am looking forward to the next get together which is during the holidays.



with Megan, Traci, Marney, Christina, Jennifer, Sharon, Tricia, Elizabeth, and Emily



Back to school

August 1st
Where did summer go?  I feel like right when we settled into the idea of longer evenings and pool parties it was once again time to switch gears and begin preparations for "Back to school".  We did not even have two full months off for summer vacation being on a modified traditional schedule.  I am not used to seeing pool toys and school supplies sold in conjunction, it just feels wrong.  
I think a part of me would not have been ready even if it were the more traditional three months off, I am not emotionally ready to send all three of my little ones back to school.  My baby is a kindergartner this year, which means they have all entered elementary school.  They of course are ecstatic, to see friends, to be in a new grade, and to be back on a schedule.
The days, seasons, and years seem to be passing by quicker and quicker, as my grandmother always says they do the older you get.  As I have mentioned before in earlier posts, I am thrilled that they are all doing so well and growing into wonderful individuals, but a part of me is feeling the conclusion of a season.  A season that I happen to love very much!  I am excited to see what the new chapter holds, what will be my next adventure, only time will tell.



My sweet little ones on their first day of school. The signs are tradition in our family and go way back, thanks mom.



Relay for Life

July 30th, 2011
With so many people effected by cancer every year, I thought this would be a great event to support.  At Relay for Life, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path.  The Parker Relay for Life began Saturday at 3pm with each team setting up their spaces around the track at Salsbury Park in Parker.  Teams decorate their booths and set up their tents for the long night to come.  The race ended the next morning at 7am with a huge pancake breakfast.  To kick off the event they have all cancer survivors walk the track to celebrate their fight.  During the race there were events scheduled every hour all evening long and into the morning for both racers and team members, everything from Bunco Games, Movies on Blow up screens, kid relay races, and ZUMBA!!  It was a touching night with so many incredible displays of strength and hope.  I can't wait to be part of this event again next year.

with the Mayor of Parker, David Casiano, wearing my Mrs. Colorado tank, thank you Roni Bibb.

with my team, The Chamber Maids, at our Mardi Gras inspired booth.

The inspirational group of Cancer survivors who also kicked off the event by walking the first lap.

My little sister's wedding

 July 22-24th, 2011
I had decided early on that for one of the months during the summer I would do fewer appearances and more family things.  It wasn't hard to determine what month that would be, with my sister, Samantha's wedding taking place in July.   The weekend after the 4th we decided to steal her away for a long weekend in Arizona to celebrate the ending of her bachelorette status.  With mom, sisters, and friends in tow we headed to Scottsdale.  With two weeks until the wedding we were able to make some lists, create a plan of attack for when we returned, and of course get a tan. 
The next few weeks were filled with fun and exciting wedding details.  I could hardly wait to watch her marry the man of her dreams.  Jarrod is a perfect addition to our large, crazy family.
The wedding fun began with a family golf tournament on Friday followed with beauty treatments for the girls.  Saturday we all ventured to Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur for our rehearsal with a fabulous rehearsal luncheon at Maggianos.  After lunch many headed to Washington Park for some Volleyball before keeping with tradition and going separate ways.  The girls all stayed at my mom's where we celebrated my sister and stayed up way too late.  The boys went to the hotel where Jarrod's whole family stayed.

with the bride and other bridesmaids, what a great group of girls.

With everyone up and running around, my sister Courtney began beautifying us all.  Samantha looked like she was clipped from the pages of Bridal magazine......Stunning and perfect in every way.  Courtney nailed the look and continued to do so on all the bridesmaids.  The day was exceptional and we are blessed to have Jarrod and his family join ours.

Our first family photo

The 4th of July

July 4th, 2011
I love this time of year!  I love it for so many reasons, my little ones are off for summer break,  the days and nights seem longer,  BBQ's with family and friends, and a sense of pride for living in this great country.  As my children get older they too love the festivities associated with the  4th of July, some of which scare me to death.  My husband decided that our boys ages 7 and 9 were old enough to light some little firecrackers for the first time this year, talk about fueling the fire.  They became obsessed and for a month after they would ask when they could light more.

My two little Pyros

We decided to head up to Breckenridge for the long holiday weekend.  Our family has a place up there and it just seemed like a perfect time to get away.  I of course saw this  as a great opportunity to be a part of the celebration as Mrs. Colorado, two birds with one stone. 
It all began with the Breckenridge parade right through the middle of town.  Once again my daughter and I took our place in the convertible, this time my handsome husband took the wheel.  While in the loading area we had a fabulous time visiting with all the other participants.  This was a record breaking year with over 70 floats.  It was awesome to look out into the crowd at the sea of Red, White, and Blue.  After the parade we decided to change and hit the town with the rest of our family to enjoy the many happenings of the weekend.  There were great vendor booths set up, activities for the kids, live music, and food.  The fireworks display was just the perfect ending to a perfect weekend.



Miale and I in our Red, White, and Blue waiting for the festivities to begin



My handsome driver, Mr. Colorado

Another group of float participants sporting their own created titles.  They were so much fun and clever.

Road Trip

June 18th, 2011
My first "overnighter" appearance.  Emily and I hit the road Friday night and headed south to South Fork, Colorado.  We were invited by Heather Brooke Meyer, a Mrs. Colorado titleholder.  She had put together a 5k Race for Help Break the Cycle, an organization that Heather proudly supports.  This group empowers youth to help break the cycle of domestic violence.  I was thrilled to come down and help out.  Emily and I had a great time spending the night at a local B&B and enjoyed the festivities of the race.  It was a gorgeous day and a huge success for Heather.

with Emily right before starting the race

with Heather getting registered for the race

Parker Days

June 11th, 2011
Growing up in Parker we always looked forward to Parker days year in and year out.  Now being a mom, my children also look forward to the Parker Country Festival.  We usually start off the day by watching the parade and then venturing over to the carnival rides ending the day with delicious and unhealthy traditional fair foods.  This year was different, my daughter and I would participate in the parade.   She was so excited to ride in the beautiful convertible provided by Medved of Castle Rock and wave to all the people.  She took her job very seriously and would get mad at me during the parade if I didn't wave at every single person.  It was a special event and I was glad to share it with her.  After the parade I took my position at the Parker Chamber booth and helped hand out upcoming event flyers and  greet visitors .   Emily and her son Anderson even stopped by to say "HI".


My boys were so excited to watch their sister in the parade, they just wish she would have been throwing candy!



waiting for the parade to begin

The Busiest day ever!!

June10th, 2011
This was the first and last day I will ever book more than two appearances in one day.  I had an amazing day, but I was exhausted!!

11amI started out the day by stopping by Michael Loomer's lemonade stand.  He is a classmate of my children, but what makes this young man so special is he is a cancer survivor. He participates every year since his own remission, in Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which fights childhood cancer one cup at a time.  His whole family gets involved by making sweet treats to hand out, and refreshing lemonade.  His two younger brother's flag down drivers in our neighborhood while he flashes his adorable smile.  Mom and dad should be very proud of their remarkable young man.




with Michael Loomer and his two little brothers, Ryan and JJ


12:30pmNext stop was the Optimus Youth Golf Tournament at the Ridge in Castle Pines.   I was asked to speak to the golfers before tee off and talk to them about this amazing organization, which was founded by some boys I went to high school with who turned out to be incredible men.  This organization finds unique ways to give back and provide for under privileged youth here in Denver all the while providing funds to build and provide for orphaned children in Kenya and other parts of the world.

with some of the Optimus Youth Leaders

6:30pmMy last and final stop for the day was ZOO BQ held at the Denver zoo by Lutheran Family Services.  This event was really great because I was able to bring my three children and use it as a teaching lesson, plus it was nice for them to see what being Mrs. Colorado is all about.  My dear friend Becca also attended the event with her two boys.  Lutheran Family Services of Colorado is a faith based, non-profit human services agency helping children and families during their most challenging times.  My job was to greet and visit with the families, we also took pictures and I signed autographs for the children.  What a great ending to a really wonderful day.

with our good friends Becca and Jackson



with Jane from Lutheran Family Services




sharing the evening appearance with my three little ones



Helping out a Queen Sister

June 3rd, 2011

Carrying the title of Mrs. Colorado has led to career opportunities for many former queens.  I had the privilege of helping out two of my queen sisters advertise for their businesses.
I started out the month by attending Royal Image Boutiques "Two Times a Year Sale".   I had so much fun visiting with customers and signing autographs.  What a beautiful store filled with gowns for all of your special occasions, gorgeous wedding and bridal dresses, jewelry, and sassy everyday apparel.

with Raeanne, Mrs. Colorado 2000, at her beautiful store.

June 6th, 2011

Amy Nugent, Mrs. Colorado 1996, owns Crown Chic Boutique which carries all things crowns.  Anything and everything you are looking for that pertains to royalty and crowns you will find there.  Before I left for Mrs America I was given the most beautiful robe which had a crown on the back, it was the perfect gift and it was purchased through Crown Chic Boutique.   I was more than happy to be photographed in the same one for advertising purposes.  I also had the opportunity to model a cute crown cap and headband.



Modeling one of the gorgeous robes found at Crown Chic Boutique



Judging the Cinderella Pageant

May 27th-May 29th, 2011

I did not grow up competing in pageants and have my own thoughts on young girls competing in beauty contests, after all I myself have a five year old daughter.  At least I did, until being asked to judge the Cinderella Pageant.  My previous stereotypes had been proven wrong and at the end of the weekend I even considered putting my daughter in next years Cinderella pageant competition.  I had the privilege of judging with a mother daughter team who are the current directors of the Cinderella pageant in New Mexico.  The competition took place over three days and we judged interview and interactive play for the little ones, talent and onstage questions for the little ones, active wear, and party dress.  I was blown away with many of the talents these young women and girls performed on stage from singing while playing the piano to dance and acrobatic routines.  Elizabeth Burrill, the director, places an importance on fellowship and encouragement.  During the three days of competition Elizabeth plans fun and interactive activities for the girls to do during down times, they had a pool party, a small BBQ and carnival, and an awards dinner.  The emphasis of this particular pageant is youth development, that is why like the Mrs. Colorado pageant many of the contestants return year after year.

with my judging partners, Frieda and Desiree.



with Elizabeth Burrill, the Cinderella Pageant director



Mutts and Models Fashion Show

May 21st, 2011

With my furry friend, Risky.  He did amazing on the runway!!

It is all who you know!!  I was asked to participate in the 10th annual Mutts and Models fashion show where furry friends and fashion collide for a wonderful cause.  The owners of Waxing the City are incredibly involved in animal organizations and have teamed up with Mutts and Models for many years.  Waxing the City was a sponsor of mine last year and after winning asked if I could join the festivities.   Local celebrities walk the runway with their dogs to raise money for the Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital, which provides veterinary care for pets of the economically disadvantaged.  This was a very exciting event to be apart of and it was even more enjoyable being accompanied by three girlfriends.  We had a great time bidding on the amazing auction items, sharing some laughs and rubbing elbows with some of Denver's well-known personalities.  The auctioneer for the night announced that this show was the most successful year to date.

with Becca, Nicole, Sam, and Emily right before the fashion show.

Walking the runway as a group, Risky decided he would rather be carried.

Returning as Mrs. Colorado

Up to this point and two months into my reign, I have done 31 appearances and although 15 were accounted for while at Mrs. America, it has still been a very busy few months.  Some of my favorites are going back to visit groups I was affiliated with or attended before winning.

May 12th

While preparing for Mrs. Colorado I joined Parker Toastmasters, which is a public speaking group.   We would meet every other week and practice speaking and relaying our thoughts in front of the group.  I not only enjoyed the wonderful people I met at Toastmasters but also gained more confidence and structure.  After winning Mrs. Colorado, the group leader invited me back to share my experiences.  It was a very proud moment for me to let them all know how much they helped me to achieve my goal of winning Mrs. Colorado.

May 18th

The year leading up to competition can be crazy and for me the people who were around me the most understood and therefore supported my efforts.  It seemed only natural to make an appearance at my daughters pre kindergarten graduation.  My daughter's teachers, Miss Lori and Miss Erika, always made me feel great about my potential to win Mrs. Colorado.  I saw them three times a week and almost every time they would ask how I was feeling and where I was in my preparations.  It felt amazing to go back and share with them my accomplishments, in truth for me it is a shared victory.