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!!

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!

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.

St. Jude's Fashion Show

It was a wonderful afternoon with our St. Jude's group. From left to right:
Michelle Barber (former Mrs. Illinois), Carol Gunnell, Kennedy Ann, Me, Marcie, and Julie. We all walked away with the newest trend in purses. We got matching Beijo Bags!

Here I am with Sonya Alverez from Fox News, and again with Greg...the best model escort ever!

St. Jude's Fashion Show

As disappointed as I was that I didn't have my mom with me for the day it was just as special because I had my daughter, Kennedy Ann. It is great fun to be able to share this journey with her every step of the way. She is having as much fulfillment from this reign as I am....if that's possible! Here I am with Kennedy and then my good friend Sonal Patel. If you look closely Kennedy already has the "pageant pose" down!

St. Jude's Fashion Show

As a celebrity guest I was asked to walk the runway with other Chicago Celebrities and model a lovely fur from York Furrier. Here I am with the guest speaker and child cancer survivor Greg Mikault. His story was heart wrenching and victorious. One that would touch any one's heart and remind us of our own inner strength. Here we are sharing the runway together. I was honored to have him as my escort.

The St. Jude's Children's Hospital Fashion Show

On November 9th I was the featured VIP Guest at the St. Jude's Children's Hospital Fashion Show. It was such a wonderful event. Marcie had coordinated a table for our guests. It was Julie, Marcie, Carol ( our senior chaperone for Mrs. Illinois), my daughter Kennedy Ann, and my good friend Sonal Patel, and former Mrs. Illinois, Michelle Barber (who I think is just a sweetheart). My mother was to also be with us but she was unfortunately under the weather and unable to attend. Here I am at the cocktail reception before lunch greeting and welcoming guests. There were 1,000 guests total.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Burr Ridge!

Then after the parade and pictures with special VIP's it was off to sign autographs and take pictures with carolers. It was a good thing I had one of my prizes from the pageant with me. I was wearing my beautiful fur coat given to me by my directors Joe and Marcie Aceto. Again, the most amazing, generous, and loving family!

Christmas Tree Lighting in Burr Ridge!

Here I am at the Burr Ridge Christmas Tree Lighting. It was held with a parade to kick it off. Thankfully I was able to ride in my directors nice warm car and wave from inside. Joe Aceto jr. was my escort and photographer. Joey had me posing with anyone and everyone. Here I am with the Mayor of Burr Ridge, then Santa.

The best boutique in Naperville!!!

Here I am with the owner of Brizanne Couture out of Naperville. Sue is the most amazing and generous woman. You may remember he from earlier posts, she is a sponsor of the Mrs. Illinois pageant. We have now become great friends and I think she has the most amazing boutique in Naperville which has become quite a success in such a short time. But, then again, good things happen to good people!

Me with Chicago Designer

Here I am at the Naperville Jr. Women's fashion show with Chicago Designer Yanna. Her clothes were amazing. She said she has some ideas for me...hmmm...can't wait for our first meeting.

It's the Naperville Junior Women's Club Fashion Show!

Here I am with my directors, Marcie and Julie Aceto. After the show we ran to one of their favorite restaurants(and now one of mine) the Club House, in Oak Brook.

It's the Naperville Junior Women's Club Fashion Show!

It was a full weekend that is for sure. November 7th was our KeKe Creations' party for South Africa. Then, on November 8th we had three appearances booked. My first one was the Naperville Junior Women's Fashion show with Tracy Tarrentino and Zazz Productions. Tracy is also the choreographer for the Mrs. Illinois pageant. Here I am with Tracy.

KeKe Creations Raises $1,000 for South Africa

Here is Kennedy with a couple of freinds: Claudia, Kennedy in the middle, and Becca. Then it's Patty Bulanda trying on "Sassy Girl" accessories and making some great purchases for a great cause!. Finally, it's Kennedy having fun while manning her table and shoppers shop. Kennedy is definitely a "whistle while you work" kind of gal! She likes to have fun.

KEKE Creations Raises $1,000 for South Africa

Global Poverty and AIDS is one of my platforms along with Girls of Greatness and building into our youth of today. My daughter, Kennedy Ann started her own jewelry making business a year ago to help make a difference in the lives of children in South Africa and Zambia. As a family we are currently building an orphan home. But Kennedy, has been making huge strides on her own. She donates her proceeds to global Connections at Willow Creek Church. They have designated her money specifically for purchasing uniforms for children so they can go to school (In South Africa and other surrounding countries children can not go to school unless they have a uniform). Since the inception of KeKe Creations almost one year ago, Kennedy has been able to provide uniforms for more than 150 children. Yes, the proud mamma has to boast. My 10 year old daughter helped to send 150 children to school. I look at my children and know what blessings they are to me and Dean. But, I have to say, God often speaks to me through my children and their actions. I learn more and more every day, how small our world is, how we all have gifts and talents, and how we all can make a difference in some form or fashion.
Here, my girlfriend, Sandi Vigou hosted a mother/daughter party to benefit KeKe Creations. Sandi has her own jewelry and purse business and she wanted to donate a portion of her proceeds to Kennedy. It was a hit. Here are a couple pictures of the girls shopping and making jewelry. Kennedy is second from the left, second row. Here she is with her girlfriends: front row Rebecca, Grazella, nicole, Blair. Second RowltoR Claudia, Kennedy, Isabel, Lauren. Back Row L to R: Lauren, Mia, Sneha.

Off to the Awards Show at Macy's

After the Fashion Show we were off to the awards show at Macy's on State Street. I have to admit I do miss Marshall Fields but it was still a nostalgic feeling once inside. It was a long, but amazing night! Here I am on the red carpet, where I stood to take pictures with guests and sponsors. Then, off to the cocktail reception where I was interview for t.v., and then presenting awards.

Meeting with Sylvia Perez

Here I am with Mrs. Illinois sponsor, Joey Mujanda of Ubigand Paris. He is such a dear sponsor and sweet man. I had the chance to meet ABC 7 Reporter and mid day anchor, Sylvia Perez. We chatted about the fashions and designers. she is such a sweet sweet lady. Her smile is contagious! Here we are all together.

OHHH The Fur Coats!!!

Here I am trying of fur coats from Hanna K Furriers, at Latin Fashion Week. Marcie, Julie and I had a ball even though it was short lived! We didn't get to take them home!