My Week at Mrs. America

I have to say that I am ecstatic that I finally have enough energy to write this blog post! While my week at Mrs. America was amazing, it was also quite exhausting.

Day 1: As you saw in the post below, upon our arrival to Tucson we were quickly whisked away to photo shoots all over the beautiful property at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. That evening we all attended a formal dinner to meet all of our fellow Mrs. America classmates and the Mrs. America staff. Everyone looked absolutely gorgeous! I also met my gorgeous and hilarious roommate, Shaylyn Ford, Mrs. Ohio. Let's just say we are two peas in a pod.

Day 2: After a fun night of friendship and delicious food, we had to head straight to bed to make sure we were up for our 6:15 am swimwear photo shoot, which we all know means 4:30 am wake up call for hair and makeup. Thank goodness for Kari Kisch and DJ McDermott! I have to say, we all looked pretty good for 6:15! We also had wonderful lunch with the Mayor of Tucson, Jonathan Rothschild at a delicious Italian restaurant, Tavalino's. I want to thank Ranch Foods Direct and Hall Brewing Co. for sponsoring the gift I gave to the Mayor and General Manager of the resort. We then took a tour of Tucson and finished up with a fun night of rehearsals. No, really, it was fun! It was like a huge dance party with 51 of my best girlfriends! Oh and I can't forget Frit and Frat.

Day 3: Rehearsals, rehearsals, and more rehearsals. We also had dinner with the General Manager of the resort and the prestigious panel of judges. It was another night full of great conversation, beautiful gowns and delicious food.

 Day 4: First day of competition! Tuesday was interview day. At the national pageant interviews are conducted in a round robin style, interviewing one-on-one with each judge. They were all so great, but I really enjoyed chatting with Starla Stanley, Mrs. World 1999. Later that evening we were all invited to a reception in the National Director's suite. It was a great opportunity for us to chat with Austen Williams (Mrs. America 2013) and Kaley Sparling (Mrs. World 2013). The national directors, David and Elaine, are so generous. From hosting this party to handing us gifts almost daily, they were simply wonderful.

 Day 5: Rehearsals, rehearsals and preliminary competition! It was our first night on the beautiful stage and one of my favorite nights. I love the lights and the crowd, it makes my heart race. At the preliminary competition all 52 contestants model their Carol Wior sponsored swimsuit, evening gown of choice and state costume.

Day 6: To sum it up in one word...rehearsals. ;)

Day 7: Finals night! Going into finals night I really had zero expectations. From the beginning when I was asked what I hoped to do at Mrs. America, I always responded "I would like to place as a semi-finalist, but I already won the title I was working for, this is the bonus round." With that in mind, I was at peace as we walked on stage that night. It was such an exciting night, the room was full, everyone was dressed up, and Florence Henderson (THE Mrs. Brady) was there! There was a lot of fluff at the beginning of the show, but then it started, the calling out of the top 15 semifinalists. Fourteen of the finalists were chosen by the judges and one was chosen by America. Florence was on a roll calling state after state, each girl called had definitely earned her spot and with only one spot left, I thought to myself, "it wasn't God's plan" and then...in the words of Florence Henderson, "our final spot goes to Mrs....COLORADO! I was absolutely floored, but so excited that I had another opportunity to walk that stage and was one step closer to becoming Mrs. America. 

By the end of the night Michelle Evans, Mrs. Oklahoma, was crowned Mrs. America 2014. She is an amazing woman with a wonderful heart. I know she will do great things and represent the married women of America well. All-in-all it was an unbelievable experience that I will cherish forever. I want to thank all of my friends, family and sponsors who supported me on this journey. I couldn't have done it without you. To my new friends from the Mrs. America Class of 2014, I love you!

Mrs. America Week has begun

 Mrs. Colorado has arrived at the beautiful Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.  Tonight kicks off the Mrs. America events.  

Storybook Soaps

You know that saying "It takes a village," well that's how I have felt while preparing for Mrs. America. I truly don't know where I would be without the support of so many wonderful people. To thank my generous sponsors I will be featuring each of them here on the blog over the next few weeks.

One the many events that goes on during Mrs. America week is a contestant gift exchange. Each contestant must bring 51 items to share with the other contestants that represents something from their state. While considering what to do for my contestant gifts, I stumbled across an adorable hand-made soaps store on Etsy.

StorybookSoaps is owned by Marissa Villescas and is local here in Colorado. She makes the most adorable soaps. Marissa generously sponsored my gifts and I can't wait to share them with my Mrs. America sisters.

You can check out more of Marissa's creations at www.etsy.com/shop/storybooksoaps

Protein Bar Send Off Party

We would like to invite you to attend Mrs. Colorado's Send Off Party on August 13, 2014.
Thank you Protein Bar!

Mrs. America's Fabulous Face Contest

Hey everyone! Mrs. America is right around the corner, I'll be heading to Tucson on August 22nd, but before I get there I need your help. Mrs. America is hosting a contest and the winner is guaranteed a spot in the finals. Each vote is $2 and proceeds go to women's charities. I would so appreciate your support and I hope you'll be watching the live webcast on Friday, August 29th.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

http://fabulousfaces.mrsamerica.com/fabulous_face_2.htm 

First Runner Up Competition has Begun today!

The annual Mrs. First Runner Up Competition is starting today at the Mrs. America Pageant website.
http://mrsamerica.com/?page_id=3039

Here is how the contest works and why we want your votes:

Listed on the Mrs. America website is photos of all the state first runner-up delegates.  One of these delegates will come and compete for the title of Mrs. America 2014 and is automatically a SEMI-FINALIST!  It is a dollar per vote and net proceeds goes to these charity:

Foundation for the Blind
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund
MADD Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
National Association of battered Women
City of Hope - Pediatrics

Here is your First Runner Up - Krystal Blacke

Nicki's Summer Essentials

Since summer officially started this week, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things for summer.

1. First up is my summer skin care faves. I'm sure you would agree that summer is tough on the skin. Lots of sun, lots of chlorine and sweating. So we must take great care of our skin. No one wants to wear a heavy face of makeup in the summer so I recommend Nars' tinted moisturizer. It has broad spectrum SPF 30 in it and it has great coverage without feeling heavy for those hot summer days. They offer over ten different shades, so you should be able to find one that works for you.

My night time routine is a simple wash with CeraVe cleanser and my Nerium Age Defying Treatment. Nerium is like liquid gold. If you haven't tried it out yet, I highly recommend it. We are lucky enough to have a Nerium rep in our Mrs. Colorado family! Talk to Shalon if you are interested. (P.S. she didn't put me up to this, I really LOVE Nerium!)

2. A great beach bag. I'm a handbag lover, so not just any beach bag will do. Try finding one that doubles as a fashionable tote. I love bright prints for summer, tribal prints are huge this season. I love the little tassel on this bag. Target is a great place to find inexpensive fashion-forward bags.

3. The Waterlogged app. Hydration is key for beautiful summer skin, from keeping your face clear to helping your tan look better. I know that most days I don't drink enough water, so I downloaded this app to help me keep track. It's super easy to log you water intake and it even rewards you for reaching your goals. I've never been so excited to drink water!

4. Bright colorful accessories. Being a girl with short hair, I love a great pair of earrings. The more colorful the better! One of my favorite things about accessories are they can be pretty inexpensive and extremely fabulous. I usually scope out stores like Francesca's, Forever21 and Charming Charlie's for great finds.

5. A nice big hat. Sometimes I wish it were the early 1900's when everyone wore hats all the time. I love hats and hats are essential for summer. Keeping your face out of the sun will aid in keeping those wrinkles at bay, not to mention hats are a fun accessory! Floppy hats, baseball hats, fedoras...whatever your flavor, rock a great hat this summer.

6. I love the smells of summer. Coconut, sun screen, fresh cut grass...they all bring back wonderful memories. My favorite fragrance of the summer is Bath and Body Works' aptly named "Endless Summer." I love when I find a fragrance that comes in body wash, lotion and spray so it lasts all day, even if I sweat a little.

7. A long flowy maxi dress. They are so versatile! Dress them up or down, wear them day or night. I just love them. I'm especially loving the illusion bottom that is trending this summer. I found this navy maxi with illusion bottom at Target.

8. And finally, a great pair of boat shoes. I love my flip flops, but sometimes I just want something different. I usually pair them with some cute shorts or crop pants. Old Navy has great boat shoes in an array of colors, at a great price.

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. I would love to know what some of your favorite summer essentials are!

Thank You!

This past week I made a trip to my home state of Arizona, since nearly all of my family is still there, we decided to have a Mrs. America fundraiser. It was great to see so many friends and family and I just want to thank everyone who came out and supported me, my sister queen Janet Horvath even made it! I especially would like to thank the companies who donated to my raffle. You are all wonderful and I truly appreciate every one of you!

Also, Save the date! I will be having another Mrs. America fundraiser here in Denver on Thursday, June 19 at Blake Street Tavern. I hope you can make it!

Photos, Makeup, and Fun! Oh my!

Preparations for Mrs. America have begun! I'm having so much fun choosing my official Mrs. America headshot and designing my ad page for the program book. Mrs. Colorado sponsor Megan Anderson of Graphique Fine Photography is amazing! I know that many of you have worked with Megan for the state pageant, but if you haven't worked with her, you need to. Words to describe Megan and her team...talented, professional, artistic, and FUN! I also had the pleasure of working with a new makeup artist, Cejana Ferreira. It takes some work to make this face look picture perfect at 8 am and she does great work. 

If you need family photos, new headshots or just want to feel beautiful, be sure to contact these two wonderful sponsors. 

Graphique Fine Art Photography
Megan Anderson
graphiquephoto.com

Cejana Ferreira

Cejana.ferreira@gmail.com

(510)520-0996

www.Cejanamua.com

The Night I Met Ella

You know those people you meet that change your life? Those people you will always remember? I had the sincere pleasure of meeting one of those people last night. She isn't famous, she isn't a politician or CEO, she is a nine year old little girl from Riffle, CO.

Ella was last night's ambassador for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Glamour & Giving gala. She is funny, beautiful, and has such a bright smile. She also has adrenal cancer, a cancer that has been deemed terminal and yet she is living life like a normal little girl. Last night Ella got up on stage in front of hundreds of women and bravely shared with us the story of her fight with cancer, strutted her stuff on the runway and even told us a very funny knock knock joke. 

I was in awe of her strength and grace. As a mother listening to Ella's story I couldn't help but imagine how I would handle having a sick child. I know that many of the women who have competed in the Mrs. Colorado pageant have been dealt this card in life and I have so much respect for you. To learn more about Ella watch the video below. If you would like to support the work of St. Jude you can donate here.

Crown Chic Boutique Post

Nicki Myers Crowned Mrs. Colorado 2014!

Congratulations to Nicki Myers, Mrs. Colorado America 2014! Nicki will represent Colorado in the Mrs. America pageant this fall. Crown Chic is a proud sponsor of the Mrs. Colorado pageant! Nicki took home the crown and a selection of crown gifts from Crown Chic Boutique including a crown box tote bag, queen
sachet, crown purse mirror, pink crown pin, crown bracelet, crown tealight candle party favor votive, crown cookie cutter, and a crown water bottle! (At right: Amy Nugent, Crown Chic with Nicki Myers, Mrs. Colorado-America 2014)

We also had the opportunity to meet the beautiful Kaley Sparling, Mrs. World 2013 and Gaspar Cruz, pageant gown designer extraordinaire and owner of Crown Couture!  (At left: Gaspar Cruz, Crown Couture; Kaley Sparling, Mrs. America 2013; Amy Nugent, Crown Chic Boutique)

Visit our store for more sparkling crown gifts or to find out more about oursponsorship opportunities for your qualified pageant or non-profit organization! 

 

Happy Mother's Day!

My First Few Appearances

I am so excited to share my first few appearances with you! First, I had the pleasure of serving as an ambassador for an event called Dining Out for Life. This event was so much fun and I encourage you to look into volunteering for next year's event. Over 250 restaurants in the Denver Metro area donated 25% of their sales from the day to Project Angel Heart, a local nonprofit that delivers meals to people with life-threatening illnesses. As an ambassador I was assigned to a restaurant to greet diners, inform them of the event, and collect donations. Thanks to all of the diners that came out, Project Angel Heart was able to raise more than $300,000 for their mission. A special thank you to Erin Bodien (Mrs. Denver) for coming out to support the cause.

That same week I had the pleasure of attending a fun run in honor of Pat Tillman. If you don't know who Pat Tillman is let me fill you in. Pat Tillman attended my alma matter, Arizona State University (ASU), he went on to become a professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals and after 9/11 left his multimillion dollar contract to join the Army. Two years into serving his country as an Army Ranger, he was killed in combat. Soon after his death his wife and the community put together the Pat Tillman Foundation which now holds an annual fun run that is 4.2 miles long (representing Pat's football number). Although the main run happens in Tempe, AZ at ASU alumni groups all over the country and military around the world hold shadow runs. I was honored to have had the privilege of starting the race. Pat Tillman is the perfect example of a true American hero and will forever be missed. Check out this little video about the Pat Tillman and the foundation. I promise you it will inspire to get out there and be a hero in your community.

Finally, I was so honored that my sister queen, Debi Moore asked me to attend an art show fundraiser in Colorado Springs benefitting the Diabetes Community Center. Her sister Andrea Houk is the Co-founder and Executive Director of this amazing organization who's mission is to transform the lives of those touched by diabetes through education and support. I was able to meet many of the clients and I know that this organization is vital to the Colorado Springs community. Also, thank you to Emily Sabat (Mrs. Colorado Springs) and Muriel Blackshire-Martinez (Mrs. Pueblo) for coming out to the event. 

(The young man in the middle made me a friendship bracelet)

Colorado's Best

Well, today I had my first television appearance as Mrs. Colorado! Which of course called for a green room selfie.  I had the pleasure of joining Natalie Renee, owner of Paparazzi Posh, on Colorado's Best morning show to promote the Mamarazzi Mother's Day Fashion Show and Brunch. This will be my next appearance and if you don't have plans yet for Mother's Day you should plan to attend this family friendly event. For brunch reservations call 303-573-5000. See the segment below!

Well Hello There

It was just over a week ago that I fulfilled a lifelong dream and was crowned your Mrs. Colorado 2014. As much as I wanted the crown, I always felt that it was just out of reach. I have been competing in pageants since I was a little girl and had never won an overall title until now. I remember my old Cinderella state director, Denise Swartzman’s mantra that “a winner never quits and quitters never win” (I think Vince Lombardi actually coined this phrase, but I’ve only ever heard it from Miss Denise). These words are so true and I am glad that I heard her whispering those words to me as I contemplated whether or not to compete again for the title of Mrs. Colorado.

The past week has been an absolute whirlwind and I have a feeling the rest of the year will feel about the same, but I couldn’t be more excited. In the coming weeks I will be making my first official appearance as Mrs. Colorado at the “Art of Transformation” event benefitting the Diabetes Community Center in Colorado Springs (https://www.facebook.com/events/261006804060046/? ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming), turning 30, and heading to Mrs. America! It should be a very exciting and rewarding summer.

My goal this year is to make a difference in as many people’s lives as possible, through volunteering. This is my lifelong passion and I encourage all of you to find some time to volunteer as well. Also, if you have a project or event that you would like me to help with please contact Emily or myself. I would love to know what your passions are and help in any way I can. I hope that you will follow me along my journey here on the blog as well as on our facebook page.

To all of the wonderful women I have met through the pageant over the past two years, I hope that you will take a moment to meditate on the words of Miss Denise (or Vince) and consider coming back for another amazing experience. Each year will bring new growth, new friends, and new opportunities.

Congratulations Nicki Myers - Mrs. Colorado 2014!

Saying Goodbye...

Yesterday was truly a once in a lifetime experience.   This week I've been savoring each day as one of my last as Mrs. Colorado 2013.  I competed for four years to ultimately win this title.  Each year I had tremendous growth, successes and challenges as well.  Of all the things I learned over the past 4 years, I really learned the most about myself.  When else in your adulthood would you sit down for hours at a time and contemplate your values, goals, stories and how these all interconnect?  This is what the Mrs. Colorado pageant did for me.

This year has been filled with so many blessings.  In August, I had the opportunity to compete with 50 of the most amazing women in all of the United States.  I have never experienced anything like those 10 days.  They were truly remarkable.

One of the things I am most proud of is co-organizing the Flood of Love event that benefited the Larimer County Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.   The Food Bank was greatly depleted after the September 2013 Northern Colorado Flood.  Habitat for Humanity has a special program that will help those who lost their home in the flood rebuild.  A dear friend of mine lost her home in the flooding, which made this event even more important to me.

I was also a guest speaker with the Colorado Workforce Council, speaking about women in the workforce and the challenges we face today.  I was a special guest at the Scottish/Irish event in Estes Park.  My family goes to this event every year, so it was so special to be apart of the festivities as Mrs. Colorado.

During my year, I made over 50 appearances throughout Colorado, all while working full time and raising a family.  My family has been my biggest support.  My husband and children were at almost every single appearance.  It was truly a family commitment and we loved every single minute of it!

Thank you to my director Emily Stark and my coach Shalon Polson for making this year one of the greatest of my life.  Winning this title has changed my life.  It was truly magical and I am forever grateful.

Congratulations to Nicki Myers, Mrs. Colorado 2014.  She shined on stage last night!  I can't wait to watch her journey to Mrs. America and beyond.

Love to all.

Mina Muirhead, Mrs. Colorado 2013

Rehearsal day for Mrs. Colorado 2014

Rehearsal day!

Last night at prelims was so very memorable.  It was surreal to be watching instead of competing!  The contestants for Mrs. Colorado 2014 were amazing!  The gowns were out of this world beautiful.  Everyone looked fit and confident in their swimsuit.  A lot of hard work by these ladies and I commend each of you!

Today is the big rehearsal day, along with a special guest speaker at the luncheon.  Too fun!

I am so excited for tomorrow.  The production is  really the best I've ever seen it.  The women of Colorado represent our state well!  

I hope to see you there!

xo

Mina

2014 Mrs. Colorado Pageant This Week!

April 10, 2014 Preliminary Pageant 

Holiday Inn Denver Cherry Creek 

7:00 PM

Tickets available at the door

$20.00

April 12, 2014 Mrs. Colorado Pageant

Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the DPAC

7:00 PM

Ticket box office opens at 5:00 PM

Tickets available

$35.00

Lashes

It's a Girl Thing Lash and Wax studio is the preferred Lash Studio for Mrs. Colorado. Lashes are not only an accessory for pageants and special events, they are becoming an everyday accessory with lots of options and price points. 

Lara Coffman, Advanced Certified NovaLash artist at It's a Girl Thing, has taken her Lash Artistry skills even further by becoming certified in Volume Lashing. This technique has been around for years in Europe and it is now making it's way to the states. Volume Lashing is a ground breaking technique which involves 3 - 5 or more lashes attached to a single lash. The lashes used are faux mink lashes which are very soft and very light weight - light as feathers!

A total weight of 3 - 5 faux mink lashes is equal to one classic synthetic lash, so your lashes will not feel heavier with Volume Lashing. Faux mink lashes are applied to each lash several times creating amazing volume and length. Volume Lashes are easier to maintain for clients because they lightweight and more flexible. In the past, lash application has been limited by the number of natural lashes clients have, but with Volume Lashing, extensions are offering five times the volume per lash. Volume lashes are a very glamorous look that will surely bring out the DIVA in

you!

NovaLash Classic Lash extensions are also  available at It's a Girl Thing. NovaLash extensions use synthetic lashes which are applied to your own individual lashes adding length and fullness

and giving you a natural classic look.  Whether you want a natural look or total glam lashes, It's a Girl Thing Lash and Wax Studio can achieve your lash look!

Contact Lara at It's a Girl Thing for more information at 720-515-0725 or www.itsagirlthingco.com.