Six ways to keep your hands out of your kids Halloween candy

When October hits it brings with it the anticipation of the upcoming Holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving and then to top them all, Christmas.  I love this time of year (although summer is still my fav).  The beauty of the outdoors with the changing color of the trees, the smell of autumn in the air, the crunch of the leaves under my feet.  It is time to pull the decorations out from storage and fill our home with ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and turkeys.  The smells from a fall scented burning candle are in the air and as the days get cooler, the thought of curling up in front of the fireplace with a warm cup of tea or cocoa are very appealing.

In just a couple weeks now the doorbells will be starting to ring and little creatures of all different shapes and sizes will be standing at our doorsteps with open pillowcases or plastic pumpkins saying those magic words, “Trick or Treat” and patiently anticipating a candy bar to be dropped into their waiting pumpkins!  Its fun and cute and I LOVE interacting with all the little goblins that show up at my door, but I am always left in a dilemma about giving out candy.

It hasn’t always been this way,, but since I am now a Health Coach and have learned more about I ill effects on sugar in our health I am in a quandary as was to do this Halloween season.  I have the option of not buying into the candy biz and turn off my lights and watch spooky movies downstairs with my family (I did opt for this last year), I could just go against my conscious and go ahead and give the kids what they want (it is a tough battle to fight), or I could get and do something different – but what?

In case you think I am over thinking the funness of the holidays let me share with you some fun facts:

A – Both the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association has lowered their maximum ideals on how much sugar we should be consuming daily.  They went down to only 25 grams per day which is about 6 tsps.  In order to determine who many teaspoons are in a gram, take the gram and divide by 4.  Start doing the math – you will be surprised.  The average person consumes 22 teaspoons a day with a teen consuming upwards to 34 teaspoons per day!

B – The other fun fact is that it is not fat making us fat – sorry low fat dieters – but it is our sugar consumption.  We are OUT OF CONTROL with the average American eating 180 pounds of sugar per year!!  We are all feeding on a food that is killing us.  It is what makes us fat, leads to heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimers!

There is hope and it begins with YOU!!  Here are 6 things you can do now to begin lowering this crazy sugar consumption:

1 – Drink Water.  Many times our sweet cravings are our bodies way of saying it’s thirsty, so reach for some water when you are wanting to dig into the candy.

2 – Eat some sweet veggies, fruit and spices.  We have taste buds that are sweet and so in order to satisfy them – reach for those whole foods, the kinds that our bodies actually know what to do with.  Foods like squash, yams, carrots, beets, berries, figs and apples.  Cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, cloves and cardamon.

3 – Eat more protein.  It’s important to get a good balance of protein – to little or to much and lead to sweet cravings.  So play around with this one and find your sweet spot.

4 – Get rid of Fat Free.  What are manufacturers putting into foods when they take out the fat?  Yep – sugar!  Fat helps us feel full and satisfied and sustain our appetites longer.  I am talking healthy fats, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, nuts, seeds, Avocados.

5 – Exercise.  Moving your body releases stress and makes you look and feel great.  After a workout your desire to eat junk goes out the window.

6 – Find the Sweetness in your life.  Many times we settle for a cheap candy bar when we really desire a nap, a connection like a hug, time to relax and read a book or take a bath.  What fuels you what can you incorporate in your life that brings sweetness?  Begin making a list of those items.  Work up to 50 items on your sweetness list and next time you want to dig in your kids Halloween bucket, grab your list instead and do something sweet for you!

Now you mamma’s out there, let your kids enjoy their trick or treat time, it is fun, my kids will go, but have a plan for how much candy your child will consume daily.  I usually let my kids pick out 20 items they love and the rest get donated in a buy back program or I will give them money instead so they can buy a fun toy that will not be damaging their health.  Get rid of the candy out of the house!  If it’s there the temptation is to eat it – donate it or just throw it out in the trash, that’s where sugar belongs anyway!

If you loved this blog post you’ll definitely want to GRAB a FREE copy of my Action Guide at my website www.beautifullydesignedwellness.com, that shares my time-saving secrets for a health life as a busy mom of five children. 

For more suggestions on staying healthy through the fall and holidays – check out my 10 Steps to Have a Happy and Healthy Fall.  It’s my gift to you.  And I would love to hear your ideas on how you handle the sugar this time of year.

Radiating Health,

Sheri

Certified Health and Wellness Coach

and Busy Mom of Five kids!

A Member of the Mrs. Colorado America Family Remembered

Upon hearing the very sad news of the loss of our amazing Mrs. Colorado America videographer, I went looking for a quote that might touch, at the very least, on the professionalism and peaceful presence Phil Lucero carried with him.  As the videographer, Phil was charged with the task of capturing the moments that encompass what the Mrs. Colorado America pageant entails.  Phil was the consummate professional, he never failed at being exactly where we needed him to be at exactly the time we needed him. He made those he was capturing in his lens feel at home- or at least as close to feeling at home one can feel while competing for the Mrs. Colorado America title.  One of the biggest tasks he was asked to complete, was sitting in on during the personal interviews. Having him behind the camera, as inconspicuous as he could be, never hindered the contestants in their time with the judges.  The mementos Mr. Lucero created for our women will forever be treasured.  We will miss you Phil.  God bless you and prayers go out to his wife Vera and family.

Where Will You Find Your Greatness?

Are you toying with the idea of competing for the title of Mrs. Colorado America, but something is holding you back? It's impossible to finish a goal that we don't start. Without taking the first step, goals are just nice ideas that fail to ignite our true potential.

As Mrs. Colorado America I get asked a lot of questions, especially questions about what it takes to win. There must be a magic formula right? To that I say, NO WAY! Here are some Mrs. Colorado America pageant myths debunked.

Do I have to be a perfect 'Barbie Doll'?
Barbie doesn't exist. It's about who you are as a person. For more insight, read Some of My Best Friends Are Beauty Queens, by Tricia Dampier, Mrs. CO 1989.

What if I have already won another title?
We don't care what your pageant history has been. Christina Sacha, Mrs. CO 2008, held the title of Little Miss America. Shalon Polson, Mrs. CO 2010, was Miss Teen CO USA 1997 and placed in the top 10 at Miss Teen USA.

                                       
What if I'm not originally from Colorado?
We don't care where you grew up, just that you live in Colorado now and want to represent our wonderful state. Marney Duckworth, Mrs. America 2007 and Mrs. CO 2006, was raised in Nebraska and later moved to Colorado.

Do I have to be a college graduate or accomplished professionally?
Debi Moore, Mrs. CO 1994 was a stay-at-home mother and Toni Cole, Mrs. CO 1990 was a full-time student when they won. Your life experience is what matters.


What if I didn't win on my first try competing?
Experience is gained through competing. Raeanne Smith, Mrs. CO 2000, competed for four years before winning. Traci Holman, Mrs. CO 2001, competed twice and won.

What if I'm really busy?
Busy women know how to get things done. Courtney Graham, Mrs. CO 2012 ran her household and worked full-time while raising two boys active in many different sports.

Do you have to have children to win?
We have had several titleholders that did not have children including Jennifer Lamont in 2005 and Megan Yarberry in 2009, who also placed in the top 10 at Mrs. America.

What if I am pregnant or working on getting pregnant?
Deandre Warren, Mrs. CO 1997, was pregnant when she won. Tiffany Sawyer, Mrs. CO 2007, was pregnant during her reign. We are family at Mrs. Colorado America.

Is there a height minimum or maximum?
There are no height requirements to win. Sheri Engstrom, Mrs. CO 2004 is 5'4" and Gina Mulholland, Mrs. CO 1998 is 5'3".

Am I too old or too young?
The only age requirement is that you must be at least 18-years-old. We have had winners from 21 to 39 years old. Janet Horvath was 39 when she won in 1991, Mina Muirhead was 37 when she won in 2013. Elisabeth Cartmill was only 21 when she won in 2003.


What if I can't afford it?
We have many sponsorship ideas especially since the Mrs. America Pageant has teamed up with Vault Denim.  Plus, we have a new Share the Journey program to help you cover your expenses because life is more fun when it's shared.

What if I don't fit the mold?
There is no defined mold. Blair Morgan, Mrs. CO 1991, was in the military. Janell Ames, Mrs. CO 2011, is a self-confessed tomboy and placed second runner-up at Mrs. America. I won with a short pixie haircut.

What if I have no pageant experience?
Over half of our contestants are "new" to pageantry. Both Amy Nugent, Mrs. CO 1996, and Sharon Nuanes, Mrs. CO 1981, won in their first year competing.

When I am gathered with my sister queens from years past or even at the Mrs. America competition just a few weeks ago, one thing I notice is that we are all so different. That's what I love about this program. As married women we all bring something unique to the pageant world.

Together, we have conquered fears, overcome challenges, discovered passions. We believe the starting line is a springboard to accomplishment and that the finish line is simply a metaphor for achievement. 

We are strong. Fierce. Able. And kind. We are destined for greatness. 

- Athleta Lifetime Espirit de She

If you have more questions about competing visit our website, www.mrscolorado.com or leave a comment below.

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