Friday, May 15, 2009

My shoot with Clay Spann!

I have had the most unbelievable year as Mrs. Illinois. I have had the opportunity to shoot with some amazing photographers all over the nation. I shot with Dan Duverney who is a very near and dear friend of mine in Chicago. I've also had the pleasure to fly to New York and shoot with Fadil Berisha, who is the official photographer of the Miss. USA and Miss Universe Pageant. This past month I had the opportunity to fly to Alabama and shoot with Clay Spann. Here I am in his makeup chair waiting for the masterpiece to be finished. Clay is such an artist and every model...his pallet. He is amazing. It was a whirlwind trip. One day there and back. Here I am with Clay and then with a solider at the airport who wanted to take a picture with me...it was the hair and makeup I'm sure!





Mrs. Illinois is auctioned off!!!

The Barrington Junior Women's Club hosted an event at Pinstripes in South Barrington. The event was a fun filled event with over 200 in attendance and benefiting domestic violence. I have had the honor to speak at various events throughout the years in regards to domestic violence as well as the empowerment of women and children. This is a cause that is very near and dear to me. I was asked by the event chair if they could auction "me" off. what fun. It was a silent auction that was a day in the life of Mrs. Illinois. The day included a limo ride to a photo shoot, a lunch together, then a mini shopping spree. All things that any queen would want! I know some little girl will be thrilled to have won such an item, but I may be even more excited to get to do it with her! Here I am with my husband, Dean, and the event chair, Sonal Patel and her husband Vip.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Speaking Engagement at The Childrens' Museuum

I was asked to speak at the Children's Museum in Frankfort, IL. It was a pleasure to speak to a group of young girls and share my book "Girls of Greatness". It's always nice to hear feedback from girls that enjoy reading it, but it's even nicer when I get a chance to meet them in person and connect with them one on one. We discussed a few points in the book and I then did an activity with the girls. My mom and Kennedy joined me and the three of us had a great time not only at the museum but then jetting off to another appearance at Drury Lane in Oakbrook, that afternoon. Here I am signing books for patrons and then with the President of the Board for the Museum.