Thursday, December 11, 2008

Spa Martinique!!!

I made an appearance at a special holiday open house at Spa Martinique in Schaumburg, IL. Here I am with the owners, Ramona and Deborah. The spa is just beautiful and offers full array of services. During the open house I brought my daughter Kennedy Ann and she had her first "paraffin wax". Kennedy took a picture with some other guests showing off their wax covered hands...which they loved once all the wax was peeled off. It was a day of pampering, hot cider, and scrumptious desserts!



Making it all worth while!!!

Having the opportunity to serve as Mrs. Illinois has been a blessing in more ways than one. It is also the same as being an author. My book, Girls of Greatness is now out and I have had the chance to attend signings or appearances and sign copies for many girls. I often, though, don't get the chance to see them again. But not in this case. Brianna is the daughter of the owner of Brizanne Couture in Naperville. On a day that I was in the store to meet with a client for pageant coaching I was able to spend time with Brianna. She had read my book and loved it. Hearing how much she enjoyed it and what all she gleaned out of it was such a special feeling. I realized, everything we do in life has an effect on others and this, was a reminder, that all the work was all worth while. Brianna is one "Girl of Greatness".....Here's to you Brianna!!


Monday, December 8, 2008

Girls of Greatness Book Signing!!

On November 22nd I was honored to have my publisher set up my very first book signing. It was held at Lemstone Christian Bookstore in Alogonquin, IL. It was such an honor to be there and be with such pleasant people. Here I am with the owner of the bookstore Gladys. She was thrilled with the outcome as was I! Thank you to Gladys, her son and husband for a wonderful afternoon. I am grateful for your hospitality...blessings to you!




Girls of Greatness goes Marine!

Girls of Greatness visited the Joliet Marine Corp Center for our latest show. The girls sat in awe as they listened to a female marine share the duties of our fine soldiers. Staff Sergent Smith is the only female marine at the Joliet Center. After taping our interview the girls went outside for a quick tour of the vehicles used, then it was off to their own obstacle course. They got to feel what it's like to crawl on your stomach, roll, run, and dodge things, all while weathering the cold fall elements. It was one of our better shows and the girls had a blast...not sure how their moms might feel when they come home with grass stained knees though!










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Girls of Greatness goes Marine!

The Girls feeling first hand what it's like to be in the trenches!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Barrington Junior Women's Club Fashion Show

Here I am with my directors, Marcie and Julie, along with former Mrs. Illinois America Karen Cline and her sweet daughter Krista. Karen is from Barrington as well, so it was wonderful to have her and her daughter there.


Barrington Junior Women's Club Fashion Show

So, you can tell who has the model smile and who is just smiling ear to ear! Here I am with the models from Ford and Elite. They were sweet as can be and even tried to train me the "model walk" as opposed to the "pageant walk". Now if I could just work on the model pose!
Tracy Tarrantino from Zazz Productions was the choreographer of the Barrington Junior's Fashion show. She is just the best ever. Her shows go beyond the average fashion show. I have had the honor to work with her on four shows already and each one out does the previous! Love this lady!! Oh yes, and her skirt, isn't that an eye catcher. It's from Maria Pinto out of Chicago, who dresses Michelle Obama. I had the privilege of wearing one of her designs in the show too.

Barrington Junior Women's Club Fashion Show

Here I am with the President of Barrington Junior Women's Club at their annual Fashion Show. Sara was such a pleasant lady who put her heart into this event. It was a huge success and Barrington Junior's should be soo proud. I had the chance to be their celebrity model and spend the afternoon with some amazing women. I had another special reason for being there...it's my home town!

Celebrating a Good Friend's Good Deeds!

On November 14th my husband and I had the honor of sharing in a very special night with one of our dear friends. Rob Samson, a market manager at Wachovia Securities with Dean was given the title of "Honorary Mayor" for Little City. Little City is a remarkable organization that serves individuals with special needs. Rob and his wife Julie work tirelessly to help raise funds and awareness for the organization. Here Dean and I are with Rob and Julie right after he was given his award and recognition. It was a wonderful event held at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Chicago.