Goodness me...

It's been a month since I last posted and what a month it's been!  That's where the title of this post comes.  In my family when you view an event, or series of events,  and realize how fun/crazy/busy it was you say, "goodness me!"

In the last month I've had 8 Mrs. Colorado appearances.  These appearances are so precious to me.  Team Fort Collins is an organization that focuses on drug and alcohol prevention in youth.  The event was beautiful. I was honored to help with the live auction events.

I was able to visit the VA hospital as well.  I enjoyed listening to the stories of the men and women.  They were so open and friendly.  What I always find interesting is how easy it is to make connections.  Whether we come from the same town, know some of the same people or have similar experiences.  It doesn't matter the age or cultural differences, we can all find common ground and that is truly lovely.

Yet another gift of Mrs. Colorado is being able to participate in Dale Carnegie leadership training.  I was not about to let this opportunity pass me by!  I met 18 great people from around the state.  There was also a lady from Oklahoma there.  We started talking and realized she lived 10 miles from where I grew up!  I even went to high school with her next door neighbor!  The connections keep coming!

Last night my husband and I were invited to the Cat Rescue gala.  This northern Colorado organization was started by 2 vet techs about 10 years ago.  The employees and volunteers rescued over 200 cats during the flood relief last September alone!  Well, we didn't come home with an extra kitten.  I think our own cat, Johnny Rotten, would not appreciate sharing his space.

During this past month my daughter also turned 10, double digits!  Therefore, a slumber party was necessary.  My son participated in a band concert with his instructor, as well as giving a presentation to the Optimist Club of Windsor.

Also, did I mention I just finished working a 12 day stretch?  So yes...goodness me.  It's been quite a February.  The last photo is my current pile of laundry that I'm working on today.

I've done my best to be present for every moment as Mrs. Colorado.  I don't mean just showing up.  I mean soaking up the energy, loving the experience and giving fully of myself.  My time is coming to an end *sniff *sniff  - but now is the time to put my full energy into Mrs. Colorado 2014.  If you are participating, those four days will be beyond anything you have experienced before.  I am so excited to get to know each of you.  I know right now you are working hard to showcase your best selves.  Congratulations on taking this journey.  Be proud!  It's almost time to celebrate your hard work!

I think red is our color!

10th birthday party!

really bad selfie - but I won "Best performance"  @ Dale Carnegie!

Christian and his trombone instructor

Is that ok when your husband takes a better photo than you?

Today's project.  If I can't do it all, I'll skip laundry!

Tickets go on sale January 31, 2014!

Ticket go on sale tomorrow through your local contestants!  We will see the 2014 state finalist at the Mrs. Colorado Office located at 11020 S. Pikes Peak Dr. Suite 240a Parker, CO 80138 in the Victorian Peaks Office Building.

Get your ticket through a state finalist or purchase them online at the www.mrscolorado.com website homepage.  See you at the 2014 Mrs. Colorado Pageant on April 12, 2014!

Preliminary Pageant is April 10, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Denver Cherry Creek
Final Pageant is April 12, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the DPAC

Host Hotel Link

We are excited to announce the 2014 Mrs. Colorado Host Hotel is the Holiday Inn Denver Cherry Creek.  It is minutes from the Cherry Creek Mall on Colorado Blvd.   All pageant events will be held at Holiday Inn Denver Cherry Creek in Denver.  This hotel is about 3 miles away from the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the DPAC.   To receive the Mrs. Colorado special rate, please use the link below to make your reservation. www.cherrycreekhoteldenver.com is the website.

http://ichotelsgroup.com/redirect?path=rates&brandCode=HI&GPC=MCP&hotelCode=DENCB&_PMID=99801505

The queens took Seattle!

The gifts of being Mrs. Colorado continue to surprise me.  Last weekend fourteen state queens, our Mrs. World and the Colorado director, Emily, came together for a girls weekend.  It was truly one of the best weekends of my life! My queen sisters are women that are changing the world for the better.  They are intelligent, motivated, compassionate, funny and simply lovely.  It is so special to be apart of a group of many different personalities and backgrounds, while still be able to come together with love and commitment to each other.

We had a blast touring the Space Needle and underground Seattle.  We felt like celebrities running around Pike's Market.  Seeing Amy say her goodbye's, as Mrs. Washington 2013, on stage Saturday night while we handed her flowers was so memorable.  These are times that will stay with me forever.  These ladies are my friends, my family...my sisters.

Friendships are so very important.  It is something that I haven't always valued in my life, but I have now learned to cherish.  I encourage you to reach out to your girlfriends if you haven't in a while.  These special women in your life will bring you joy and enlightenment and you for them.  Don't take them for granted.

Also my dear Emily, our time together was precious to me.  I love that I can be completely myself when I am with you.  You are an amazing woman! I cherish our friendship and feel confident that it will continue to grow throughout the years.

xo
Mina

Meet & Greet for Interested Ladies January 11, 2014

The Good on Food

If you are starting to prepare for Mrs. Colorado 2014 or just want to look your best, I have a great diet to get you started!  Since I posted on Facebook yesterday about eating better, I thought it would be a good time to talk about what I do eat during competition season.  This menu was created for about 6 weeks out.  So even though it's a little early, it's really not that much different from what I was eating 4 months out from competition.  I wasn't always perfect with this plan, but I was darn close.  The occasional latte or glass of wine would get me!  If you start something similar and have a bad day, the important thing is to forgive yourself and try again the next day.  The same goes with exercise. As a full time working mom I had only 4-5 hours a week to dedicate to exercise.  There were some days that I had absolutely no interest in going.  In fact, I remember one time pulling into the parking lot and then turning around.  That day it just wasn't going to happen!  But most of the time it did.  All I had to do was picture myself in a bathing suit in front of a thousand people and BAM I was climbing that stair stepper!  With this diet you will feel great!  If it's a major change it can take a couple of weeks to get used to.  The dedication to your diet and all aspects of competing for Mrs. Colorado are worth the effort!

Breakfast:
1/2 cup oatmeal
10 blueberries
1/2 cup egg whites

Mid morning snack:
Protein shake
small green apple

Lunch:
4-6 oz chicken, fish or turkey (no processed meat)
small spinach salad with any non-starchy veggies
spray vinaigrette dressing, or small amount of salt

Post workout:
Protein shake
1/2 sweet potato or 1 red potato

Dinner:
4-6 oz of chicken or fish
Broccoli or asparagus

Snack:
1 brown rice cake with a teaspoon of almond butter

Lots of water throughout the day - at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces.


Good luck ladies!!  I am looking forward to seeing you at the shopping days, as well as the meet-and-greet on January 11th!

xo

Mina

Writing our gifts and goals...

Writing is such a gift.  We all write for many different reasons.  It could be to organize our lives, such as to-do lists or the grocery store.  Over the past year I've learned to better use my smart phone. It will give me daily reminders of emails that I need to send and clients I need to call.  I am also able to share calendars with my husband.  This is good with all the Mrs. Colorado appearances!

Writing to set goals is also really important.  At the start of the New Year this is, of course, a tradition.  I never liked the term "resolution."  It sounds intimidating, like a do-or-die situation.  It's no wonder people tend to break it!  I like the idea of goals.  For example, becoming more physically fit, or reading a classic novel.  I really like the idea of trying something new or stepping outside of your comfort zone.  This could literally be anything!  Let your imagination soar!

When you decide on a goal, it's important to make the list of what it will take to accomplish it, to make YOU feel you've reached your goal.  For instance, you've decided to compete for Mrs. Colorado.  Yes, a list of to-dos and deadlines is necessary.  Great dress, check.  Giant cheering section, check.  When I competed I was really good at all of those details.  Emily would always tell me I'm one of the ones she never had to worry about.  I would get it all done.  Even though that's important, it's not what I'm talking about here.  I'm talking about what will make you feel successful when you leave the stage April 12th.  Is it that you walked in your beautiful gown with grace and love for yourself?  Is it that you met some of the most wonderful women and now have life long friendships?  Of course you are saying, the crown!  That's what would make me feel successful and you would be right.  Go for it!  Each and everyone of you has the potential to have the crown on your head by the end of the night. But I also hope that this experience is so much more.  Because it most certainly can be.

When I came back from Mrs. America I had a dual going on in my head and my heart.  On the one side, I was so very disappointment in myself.  I knew the errors that had been made, so I wasn't confused about my lack of placement.  But, I would have loved a do-over!  The what-ifs would wake me up in the middle of the night.  On the other hand, I met some of the most amazing women!  Our conversations were deep.  We all had things we wanted to change about the world.  The women I met were sweet, intelligent, funny and my heart swells with love for all of them.  They are my friends for life.  How can I regret any part of that experience?  That's what I am hoping you do, enjoy the experience.  Be present in each and every moment.  When you do that not only are you able to absorb all the joy of competing, but you also shine the brightest.

That takes me to the final part of the importance of writing.  Thankfulness.  This past weekend I quickly posted on Facebook a few of the things I was doing.   Only when I did that, did I realize how blessed I am! This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the gym (and now I am so sore!).  I do see being able to exercise as a blessing.  My mother-in-law passed away a year ago from lung cancer.  She also had MS for 20 years.  The disease had forced her to be wheelchair bound for the last 5 years of her life.  Anytime I'm think I just don't want to do it, I think of her and how she didn't have the option.

Then, out of the blue, a friend offered up her condo in Estes Park to my husband and I for the weekend.  Not only did we have a lovely dinner with her at the Stanley Hotel, Walter and I were able to spend some much needed quality time together.

Finally, tonight my darling daughter gave me a back massage for the mere cost of $5.  Can't get any better than that!

At the start of the New Year I encourage you to write down your goals and what it will take to reach them.  I love this time of year.  It feels fresh and open to all possibilities.  Make those possibilities into realities!

xo
Mina

January 11, 2014 Meet & Greet

Yippee!! Christmas is almost here!  The last few weeks have been full of friends and fun!  I had such an amazing time at the queen Christmas party.  Courtney, Mrs. Colorado 2012, did a wonderful job hosting our event.  Next year is my turn and I'm already planning!  Well, maybe not planning quite yet...but definitely thinking about it!

I love getting to know the past Mrs. Colorado's.  We come from such different backgrounds and in a lot of ways live very different lives.  But the common thread is there.  These women will go to the moon and back for each other.  This was apparent from the very beginning.  When in new situations I've been accused of being shy.  When someone first said this to me I was completely taken aback.  I don't think of myself as shy at all! I really do enjoy meeting new people and learning what makes them special.  I just tend to get engrossed into finding out about the other person and forget to speak up! Little by little I'm learning all about these amazing women and enjoying every minute of it.

Another fun thing is this morning I found not one, but two packages on my front step.  The first was a plague from the Highlands Festival in Estes Park.  In September I was invited to be a special guest for the entire weekend.  Our family had so much fun!  I am blown away by their generosity.  The plaque is beautiful and something that I will forever treasure.

The next package was from my Mrs. America Secret Santa!  Mrs. Florida sent me a beautiful necklace, among other lovely gifts.  I think every year there are some amazing women that compete at Mrs. America.  But I think our group is extra special!  We talk regularly on Facebook, making each other laugh and supporting each other.  Our lovely Mrs. California organized the Secret Santa and it has been so much fun!  Then, come January, seventeen states are getting together for a girl's weekend in Seattle, Washington!  Mrs. Washington's 2014 pageant is that weekend and what a great excuse to get together!  We actual rented a house on Pugent Sound. We plan to shop, tour Seattle, laugh a lot and just enjoy our time together.

I know there is a lot coming up with Mrs. Colorado as well - ticket day and shopping day.  I will be there and cannot wait to see all of you!  You are starting an extra special journey and I can't wait to ride along with you!

xo
Mina

Christmas present from my sister, Mrs. Florida

Mrs Colorado 2013 Christmas party!

Honored Guest plaque from Longs Peak Festival

Mrs. Colorado's Favorite Beauty Items

1.  Every girl needs a friend that dresses better than she does - for me that is friend is Jen.  Recently, Jen was texting me about a "laser cut leather dress" she found and loved.  She bought it and planned on getting it altered, but when she tried the cut outs were now in the wrong place,  (If you know what I mean!)  Lucky for me I'm a size bigger and I snagged that dress right up!  It's something I never would have thought to get for myself, but I completely trust whatever Jen wants, I need!


The point is, leather is in!  When I first think of leather I think of tight minis and thick leather pants from the '80's.  Now leather is lighter and definitely more fun!  The skirts are full and the pants are sassy.  Everyone can look great in the right cut.

My friend Jen!

2.  What else is in this fall?  Plaid, animal prints, cigarette pants, bright colors and, of course, boots, boots and more boots!  YEA!!

3.  Maxey Cosmetics is a favorite of mine.  The product line was developed by a physician and scientist, raised right here in Colorado!  One of his products enhances and conditions eyelashes and is truly revolutionary!  I use this product every night and my eyelashes have never looked healthier!
http://shop.maxeycosmetics.com/

4.  A great mascara to go along with those healthy lashes is Covergirl LashBlast.   It comes in a bright orange tube, you can't miss it!  My makeup artist Kari Kisch got me hooked to this brand.  I haven't bought anything else for the last 3 years!

5. I encourage you to try a lipstick in any shade that is out of your comfort zone.  MAC is a favorite of mine.  The last time I went to their store the makeup artist had on a deep shade of purple.  Something I never would have chosen on my own.  But I thought it was truly beautiful.  I bought it and A-Maz-ing!! I now see the advantage of a good lipstick.

6.  There are so many nail trends right now, and I love them all!  OK, well most of them.  I can't wear very many because I constantly work with my hands and even the best shellac only lasts 5 days on me.  But how cool are the dark colors, matte and glitter?!

7.  Let's talk Botox girls (and guys!).  Working at a Black Diamond Skin and Laser Clinic (top 1%!) I am very partial to this little miracle medicine.  If you have frown lines, forehead lines, or crow's feet there is nothing else that will soften the lines like a few small injections.  In the hands of an expert you will never look plastic or "overdone."

8. In my opinion Skin Medica is the best skin care line on the market.  I especially like the Essential Serum and the Eye Repair.  The Essential Serum is a double pump system.  One side is 94% human growth factor.  It's been proven to soften lines by 40% in 3 months! The 2nd side is 7 different antioxidants and 3 peptides.  Everything you need!  I recently left my Eye Repair at a hotel. :(   Within 2 weeks my eyes were looking dry and in desperate need of # 7 (see above)!  Eye Repair to the rescue!!

9.  I personally don't know a lot about Essential Oils. (except they smell wonderful!)  At Mrs. America all of us were constantly putting the oils on for different ailments, including headaches, body aches and exhaustion. I put doTERRA Lavender oil in my bath tub at night and fall instantly asleep!  It really does seem to take the tension away.  There is a whole assortment of products in their line that I am just starting to explore.  I can't wait to see what I find next!

10.  Finally, we all know that beauty starts on the inside.  I could write a whole article on this alone!  I work very hard at eating healthy and clean foods everyday.  But there are days when I just need a quick snack and finding something healthy can be a struggle. Foodie Fuel brand of snacks are my go-to and it's made in Boulder, Colorado.  I could seriously gobble up an entire bag in one sitting!  It's high protein and low glycemic.  The flavors include Chai Expresso and  Coconut Vanilla. It's healthy with no artificial ingredients.  Check out their website at:  foodiefuel.com

dancing the night away!

Oh my!  Last weekend was incredible!  My weekend started 8:00 am Saturday morning, driving to Denver - for hair and makeup.  I was honored to be asked to judge the Miss Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming Collegiate pageant.  What a great group of young ladies!  The ages ranged from Jr. High to College.  I was really impressed with their charisma, public speaking and intelligence.  These are the women that will be changing our world for the better!!
After interviews I was off to Dancing with the Stars Colorado.  I had a blast judging, meeting new friends and seeing a few old ones.  I also had the opportunity to meet an amazing singer, Such.  I was lucky to receive a copy of her CD and I have to say it's fantastic!
My family stayed the night in Denver with me, because the next day I was off to judge the finals of the Miss Collegiate.  I was home by 9:00 pm Sunday night.  Whew!  I think I was caught up on my sleep by Wednesday or so...

My co-judges for Dancing with the Stars

Me and my Mister - I'm wearing my favorite green dress, EVER!

With the lovely Christina Sasha

Cool Picture, right?  See how hard I'm concentrating!

Judging Miss Collegiate

The Wild Life Experience

Last weekend I had the honor of attending a gala to benefit the Wild Life Experience in Parker, Colorado.  This was such a classy, well organized event!  Our governor, John Hickenlooper, was in attendance.  He spoke about the amazing job our state has done in response to the recent flooding.  He reminded all of us that there are countless people affected by the flooding, including 2000 homes lost.  We must not forget our neighbors who are still struggling while being displaced.  If we can help in any way, we must do so.  We all have such pride and love for Colorado and the people that live here.  When I heard our governor talk about the first responders, and the record time they were able to rescue, it only emphasized what a great state we live in!

Governor Hickenlooper

with Ed Green, the MC for the night

with Hickenlooper and the lovely Rachel

Hope Lives in all of us!

Well, it has been a whirlwind few weeks!  On October 13th I co-hosted a fundraiser for flood victims in northern Colorado.  We gave the money to Larimer County Habitat for Humanity and the Larimer County Food Bank.  Habitat for Humanity has a special program for those who lose their homes in natural disasters. Once the dust (and water) has settled, they will know who wants to rebuild and who needs help in doing so.  The food bank was also greatly depleted during the evacuation process.  We feel fortunate that we could help these two organizations as they in turn help those in need.

I want to thank all of those that came and donated their time.  I am so lucky to know so many amazing people!  We had friends, family, delegates and even my sister queen Mrs. Wyoming!  A special thanks, as always, to Danette and Tracy.  What a team we made!!

Later that same week I had the opportunity to speak to the Colorado Workforce Council.  This is a group of 50 business men and women, from all around Colorado, designated by Governor Hickenlooper.  Being a full time working mother, I spoke about women in the workforce, the challenges we face and how we continue to have unequal pay for equal work.   More on that topic soon!

Last night I attended the Hope Lives Gala at the Embassy Suites in Loveland.  Hope Lives is a local organization that provides free services to women undergoing breast cancer treatment.  There were over 200 silent auction items, including a lunch date with me!  It was a cherished event and I am so grateful I could be apart of it!

My date for the night - my Mr. Colorado!

My co-workers - Terra, Alex, Emily, Lisa and Jessica - I love these ladies!

The amazing auctioneers for the night!

More of my lovely co-workers - Dr. Suzy Saenz and Stefanie Hussain

My queen schedule continues to be quite full. I am loving every minute of it!!
Have a blessed week!
xo
Mina

Tips for Halloween Costumes

Guest Blogger: Sharon Nuanes, Mrs. Colorado 1981 and Costume Designer

A few things to think are the following: Where is it going to be ( inside or outside, outside with the kids that fur rabbit costume will keep you warm), is there a theme at the event (Storm Troopers don't belong at the Renaissance), how long will I be in it (is it hot, claustrophobic, my niece wore a gunny sack over her head, creeped me out ), what will I be doing (can't dance in rubber duck feet, can't sit well in a Tin Man costume ), how can you eat or drink (it's no fun sticking a straw under a Darth Vader mask for your husband that doesn't want to break character), and you don't want to frighten little children (taking off your head when your cookie monster).

Once you've decided think about the total costume from head to toe. Think about shoes or foot covers. When I dressed in a rabbit suit for a preschool party a little girl cam up to me and said, "I know who you are your Heather's mom". I asked her how she knew. She said, "your wearing Heather's mom's shoes. Think about your head covering, does your costume fit through the door, will people be stepping on your costume if it extends out, do you want to wear make-up or a mask, do you have props to carry or keep track of (canes, chains, purse, staff, etc), do you have a pocket for your keys, money, id ( I try to put a hidden pocket in all my costumes just for keys), little details add a lot (period jewelry, gloves, hats).

Getting a costume early is great for adults because you can add to it as you see accessories. Kids are fickle they change their minds too quickly to buy too far ahead.

Glitter! Sparkle! Bling!

Guest Blogger Amy Nugent, owner of Crown Chic Boutique and Mrs. Colorado 1998

Here’s a few ways to incorporate Decorative Crowns into your next crown chic affair!

One of our customers used our Large Metal Decorative Crown (DC448) for centerpieces for her “Queen For A Day” bash!  The Decorative Crowns were covered with silver glitter, adorned with an elegant array of pink flowers and embellished with rhinestone and pearl buttons. These gorgeous crown centerpieces were used as table décor and also as crown party favors for guests to take home and enjoy!

She used our Fleur de Lys Crown ( MH7906W) spray painted with gold glitter and used these in the larger floral entry display tucked into a fabulous floral arrangement of pink and white. Iridescent confetti and beads were sprinkled around the entry table to set the tone for her royal court of friends! 

 Tables were first draped with silver metallic tablecloths. Then each placesetting was layered with silver and cream placemats, gold dinnerware and flatware, pink linen napkins, pearls, sparkling crystal stemware, and a crown party favor, of course! Gold and cream crown placecards greeted each guest at the table and a pink boa was draped across the back of each chair. Each guest certainly felt like a Chic Queen that day! 

FLOOD OF LOVE!!!

I am honored to be the co-host for Flood of Love at the Budweiser Brewery in north Fort Collins.  This event will be from 12-6pm this Sunday, October 13th.  80's Retro Band will be playing - who doesn't love the 80's!?!  The Clydesdales will also be strutting their stuff for the camera.  Plus, lots of food, drink and a silent auction!  

As we all know 7 lives were lost and 1500 homes destroyed in last month's floods.  This has had a devastating effect on our community.  But like always the people of Colorado have come together to help those most in need.   

One of those people is my dear friend Nicole.  We were nurses together on a surgical unit back in the days before kids and night shifts were the norm.  She will be there to tell her unbelievable story.  All of the money we raise will go to Larimer County Habitat of Humanity as well as the Food Bank.  Habitat will be able to directly help those that have lost their home in the flooding.  

My good friend, Danette, has been helping me with the Silent Auction bit.  I can't thank her enough!!  She has truly been a Godsend.   Tracy is the main man and also drummer, keyboarder and singer of the band.  He has been working tirelessly for the past few weeks to create an amazing event.  

If you are looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend, while helping our community, please join us!

xo

Mina

Comfort Foods Made Healthy – 3 Super Simple Tips

By Guest Blog Contributor: Paula Stephens,  Mrs. Colorado 1995

Fall is the perfect season to surround ourselves with comfort foods. They warm our hearts and make our souls giggle with delight…Then our hips & thighs roar in laughter when you try to slip into that favorite little black dress for the annual Holiday Party. It’s not fair! So here are a few little yummy tricks and treats that will make your heart & soul happy and that little black dress fit like summer.

We are biologically wired to hunker down in the winter and be attracted for heavy warm foods that help us survive the long hard winter (read: store fat) and fight off the wooly mammoth (think Manny from Ice Age). The problem is, we no longer need this biological que to store fat. You can’t change your biology, so work with it and give it what it wants. No, not Mac & Cheese! Give it warm inviting flavors like Cinnamon, creamy goodness in fat-free greek yogurt and thick pumpkin.

On Sunday I whip I a big batch of this Fruit Dip, put it into small individual containers. That and a fresh Colorado apple from the farmers market and my tummy is as happy as my hips! The greek yogurt has the protein to keep you full and the pumpkin pie spice gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. If you want the nutritional info head over to the blog post on my website.

Another one of my favorite way to trick Mother Nature is by increasing the nutrient value of the foods I love. When your body is getting all the nutrients it needs (ie: vitamins, minerals etc) it is less likely to send you the signal to eat. Hunger signals are not just about your bodies need for calories, it is also how your body signals you it is lacking nutrients. Enter – Pumpkin! A super food with a crazy amount of antioxidants – I serving gives you 200% of your daily Vit.

Once a week I will cook up a master batch of Pumpkin Oatmeal that serves as a quick & uber nutritious breakfast for the fam all week.  It’s like eating pumpkin pie for breakfast, and it turbo charges your inner super-hero into action all morning. The entire recipe and nutrition highlights are here.

The last problem with comfort foods is that we tend to eat them in HUGE quantities (again read: store fat = biology). However, if we eat richly flavorful foods smaller amounts usually hit the spot. Take the picture below for example. Super simple – Fresh Figs, quartered and stuffed with goat cheese and roasted for 10 minutes at 425. Drizzle with Honey Balsamic. BAM! Rich flavors that explode in your mouth. And yes I did eat the entire plate of them. But at less than 300 calories it tastes better, has more nutrients and way less calories than anything on the Cheesecake Factory menu.

So here’s your take-aways.

1.       Add warm spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to healthy choices to warm them up.

2.       Use nutrient dense foods (think naturally orange & red foods) to satisfy your biology.

3.       Increase the flavor factor to WOW your tastebuds.

Last thought – All the suggestions I made here are super simple. I have a rule that I never pass on anything that isn’t as nutritious as it is delicious and simple. Now you go rock this fall season by embracing your biology, eating smart with the rich flavors of the season! 

Meet & Greet

Join us to learn more about the Mrs. Colorado Pageant at the Meet & Greet on Saturday October 5, 2013 at 10:00 am at the Dolce Vita Salon and Spa 9567 South University Blvd. Highlands Ranch. Meet Mrs. Colorado 2013 Mina Muirhead, former titleholders and the director.  This casual social event is open to all interested married women and provides a comfortable environment for answering questions about the Mrs. Colorado Pageant and getting to know other outstanding women in the community.

Shop Like A Deal Queen

By Guest Blog Contributor: Shalon Polson  Mrs. Colorado 2010 

My Mom raised me to shop for the deals, never pay full price.   School shopping at Mervyn’s was always a treasure hunt - I went to school dressed in the latest and greatest.   Sharing savings with others is a favorite thing to do – so listen up!

For you closet-savers, who wouldn't be caught dead in any store but Nordstroms, this is for you.

Nordstroms is notorious for their Half- Yearly events.  They actually want you to come and shop these sales; it helps clear their racks for the new items they are selling.  In fact they tell you when they will be held!  Go here to prove it! http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/frequently-asked-questions#salesevent

More reasons I LOVE Nordstroms? 

Customer Service is worth its weight in gold.  To me, it ranks up there with the dollar saved.  Returns are always welcomed.  No kidding! I have a friend who wore shoes for two full seasons, wore the soles off the shoes- she returned the very used shoes to Nordies and they happily gave her an in-store credit. Please! Do not misunderstand me here.  I’m not advocating taking advantage of their kindness, just a story to show how AWESOME they are.  If your item goes on sale, call their 800#, they will credit your card the difference.  If the price goes down more??  Call them again, they will give you the difference!! Shopping Nordstrom online is also a great idea - shipping is free! Free. Even the return shipping is free! 

Which leads me to my equally favorite place to shop – ONLINE!!  I’m not talking about just randomly searching via google shop for the best deals, which is great for some.  Oh no!   I shop Ideeli.  And those who know me will tell you – 90% of what I wear comes from them. 

Ideeli is the first site I check – every morning. I kid you not. Some mornings – I beeline it to the computer before I even step foot in front of my coffee pot and click on my Ideeli bookmark.  I go online, pick out my favorite items and wait for the sale to start.  9:00 am sometimes takes FOREVER to come.   Ideeli is all about saving you money! Every item on there is reduced and by a lot!!  They often have special RED sales or Hurry Before it’s Gone sales and those are my favorite!  The year I gave up my title, for preliminary pageant evening event, I wore a $150 dress I stole on Ideeli for $30. Love that!  Anyone can become a member of the site.  I upgraded for a quarterly fee to be First in Line for the sales, I love being first in line for anything.  It gets me in trouble sometimes, especially in the car…  The low quarterly fee is more than worth it for me, it saves me from hitting the mall and spending more money on things that deter me from my shopping mission.  Ideeli is awesome about returns and they actually pay you when you get your friends to buy from them. Each buddy of yours who buys – gets you $25! www.ideeli.com/invite/shalonp

Target has forever been a close friend to me.  Shopping  at Targe` (Tar-jay)  is like going home to me.  I can literally remember buying my first sparkle lame` (la-may) swimming suit there. My mom tried so hard to talk her sweet 4 – year- old into a super cute, age appropriate, dull material number no doubt all my friends would be sporting.  I had none of that. I was all sparkle and bling at birth. 

Shopping the end-caps at Target can be the equivalent to finding a buried treasure!  I love searching the reddish tags to see just how little I’ll be paying.  But here’s the thing! I’m super competitive.  If I’m going to save, I want it to be the most savings possible and Target is known to take some time before they hit the bottom line.  So here’s how you know when the time is right to buy at Target: 

-          Read the tag. If it ends in an 8, wait!  If it ends in a 4, score! It’s that simple. A 4 means it’s been lowered to the lowest price.  Shop with a Red Card.  You save 5% on each purchase. Where I live, that covers sales tax! Love that.   Know the markdown schedule:

o   Monday – Kid’s clothing, Stationary and Electronics

o   Tuesday- Women’s clothing and Domestics

o   Wednesday- Men’s clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty.

o   Thursday- Lingerie,  Shoes, Housewares

o   Friday- Cosmetics

I utilize these tips to keep my costs down.  Maneuvering a family budget can be tricky, but remembering these tried and true shopping tips will help keep your pocket book and your closets full!

Our amazing state!

Just as I'm sure most of you do, I have such love for our state.  I moved here when I was 16.  As you can imagine, that is not an easy time of life to start over.  I did not want to come and I made sure my mom knew it.  But, within a month I apologized, knowing I had found my new home.  Even when, 2 years later, I was offered a scholarship to play bassoon in New York I turned it down.  Now my mother was scratching her head.  (All of those private lessons!)  But again, I knew I found my home and had no desire to change course.  

Over the past week my love and pride for our great state has grown.  We have been through damaging tornadoes, horrific fires and now the worst flood we have seen in 27 years.  Yet our community has pulled together to help those in need.  

My daughter and I had the opportunity to volunteer for The Red Cross last week. We were placed on the call center.  My job was to take incoming calls from people looking for friends and family.  My daughter would then take that information and post it where the evacuees could find it.  We had calls from Ohio, California, all over the nation, as well as, Colorado.  Can you imagine not knowing if your loved ones were safe and well?  Donations and volunteers flooded the church where The Red Cross was based.  As time goes on and more help and clean up is needed my family and friends will be involved.  I hope you will too.

xo