Basically I'm Just Going to brag for a little bit.....

A couple weekends ago was the Miss Minnesota pageant. My dear friend Elizabeth competed this year, she is Miss Saint Paul. You've heard me talk a lot about Elizabeth here on the blog before. She's become such a dear friend to me. I love how our relationship has grown over the years. She's grown so much since I first met her when she was sixteen, to an amazing confident woman.

A woman to puts the needs of others before her own.

A woman who is passionate about serving the Lord.

A woman who knows who she is, and wants to make a difference with her life.

I'm so proud of this girl and the woman of God that she is. Her heart and her compassion for others is one of the most beautiful things about her.

I feel so honored to know her, and have played some small role in the person she's become. But, the truth is that who she is is because of her faith and love for Christ, and her amazingly supportive family. 

Her family is the real deal and I love them dearly. 

The Miss America & Miss Minnesota Scholarship programs are more than just beauty pageants. They are platforms for young woman to take their passions and share them with the world, make a difference for the benefit of others, raise awareness for things that matter, and further their education. 

I'm so incredibly proud of how this organization and helped Elizabeth grow in so many ways. This year at Miss Minnesota Elizabeth placed 3rd runner up to Miss Minnesota Siri Freeh. But, so much more than that she also won the Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life Award, and the Miss America Community Service Award, both amazing awards that were given because of her true testament to who she is, and her service and dedication to helping the special needs community. 

It's one thing for people to see your beauty, because there's no doubt she's gorgeous. But it's another for people to see your heart and your character. I'm so proud of her that not only does beauty exude from her but poise, grace, humility, and a love for others shines so much brighter. 

To read more about Elizabeth and her platform visit her website. 

all images copyright Tom Scipioni

Hello, I love you: Blue & Pageant Gowns

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I've had pageants and Miss America on my brain the last week. Searching for ideas for Miss St. Paul and my friend Elizabeth. I've always been very drawn to blue gowns, I wore a couple blue gowns myself in my pageant days. 

So in my hunting and research this week here's some gowns I've loving that just so happen to be blue! Here's a look inside my pageant brain;

Source: shoplacasa.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: bessiesboutique.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Source: edressme.com via Andrea on Pinterest

This one has been a favorite since I saw it on Miss USA 2010 Kristin Dalton a few years ago!

Source: shoplacasa.com via Casey on Pinterest

What blue things are you loving these days?! Linking up with Heather today over at Angel Face Designs.

Have You Laughed Today?

I believe laughter is the best medicine and essential to life! I'm sure it releases some sort of special chemical into the body and soul making you feel better after you'd had a good laugh.

Like pee your pants, stomach hurts so much because of it!

Today I laughed. Really, really hard when I saw this:

Isn't that hilarious?!! If you didn't laugh then I don't think you have a sense of humor! It's no secret that I love sparkles, pageants and tiaras. A lot of people ask me if I'll let Ava compete in pageants when she's young. My answer to that is "no." I love pageants, and I have a deep appreciation of the Miss America Organization. However, I am not a fan of pageants for little girls. I will however consider letting her compete when she's a teenager and has the full understanding of what she's getting herself into if she at all expresses interest in them.

There, now my soap box is over.

Enjoy!

ps- I'm hosting two Ava's Closet giveaways this week! Jump on over to Mrs. B's blog to enter, then jump on over to Lyndsie's blog and enter too!

Miss America 2011

A new Miss America was crown last night. I gathered some girl friends last night and we watch the pageant, ate junk food, and made our own scoring assessments from the evening. Miss Nebraska was crowned last night on the 90th Anniversary of Miss America! Such a milestone year.

There's so many wonderful things that I have to say about this program and how much it's been apart of my life and why I continue to give my time and service to this Organization. This afternoon I watched the Miss America press conference from last night, and truly the new Miss America is going to do an amazing job as the ambassador of this program for the next year. She's very well spoken, and handles herself very well and I can't wait to see what she does this next year. 

I know a lot of people don't agree, roll their eyes and have a lot of negative things to say about a program that I still think is relevant and important today. I challenge you to watch this press conference and see if she doesn't change your mind and perspective and make you a fan along the way. 

Miss South Central 2010

Yesterday night, I was wishing I was in Waseca, MN for the Miss South Central Pageant. I wanted in anticipation to get a text from a friend announcing the winners that evening. My friend Elizabeth was competing for the title of Miss South Central. It was a little over a year ago I was persuading her to run in Miss Twin Cities, she did. And she did really amazing for her first pageant. 

I've had the honor and privilege of knowing Elizabeth since she was sixteen years old. We met when I was a youth leader at a local church in Minneapolis. She was in the youth group, in my girls discipleship group, we went on a missions trip together, and through the years I've not only had the chance to mentor such an amazing young lady, but also she's become my dearest of friends. 

I couldn't feel more proud to hear her name be announced as the winner of Miss South Central 2010. She's an amazingly talented young women, with passions, dreams and convictions. She is a person who lights up a room, is so friendly and personable, and loves people. 

I feel so proud to have been part influence in this title. SO proud to call her friend, and get to share in this exciting journey. Words can't express enough great things about this girl, and the amazing family she's got behind her. 

Elizabeth, 

As you take the next steps in this amazing year ahead of you I know that it's going to be a year of changes and growth. You're going to have so many great experiences along the way. I just can't wait for others to get to see the amazing lady I already know. Your passion and drive with your platform is inspiring. I know that you're going to WOW everyone! Take all this in. Let it change you for the better. Let it be a learning experience. I love you so much, and I can't wait to hear about everything you do. With all my heart, I'm so proud of you and honored to be in your life.

Andrea

Miss America 2010

Although, I was not in the audience this year to watch Miss America I sat at home with my usual scorecard in hand, narrowing down the delegates one by one, and making my predictions. It was an interesting year, a lot of my initial delegates didn't make it into the Top 15, which threw me off a bit. But after hearing some of them speak and go through the different phases of competition is was clear why Miss Virgina was named Miss America last night. I sat here with Hubby before the announcement, and said Miss VA is going to win!

The new Miss America 2010 is Caressa Cameron of Virginia. She's the 3rd Miss VA to be crowned Miss America. And, I have no doubt she'll do a fantastic job. Congrats!

Also, BIG congrats go out to our very own Miss Minnesota, Brooke Kilgarrif for being nominated as a Quality of Life Award finalist & for winning a Non-Finalist Talent Award! Both very huge accomplishments at Miss America!

Miss America 2010

Caressa is crowned by Miss America 2009, Katie Stam

In Evening Gown by Sherri Hill

Singing Listen from the musical Dream Girls

Caressa won a Prelim Talent Award for this performance earlier during the week.

photos via Miss America Organization

Friday Frills: Miss America LIVE!

It's finally here, the super bowl of all pageants; Miss America! This time last year I was in Vegas for the pageant. Such a fun trip with tons of lasting memories. Wish I was there again this year to cheer on our Miss Minnesota who I worked with when she was Miss Twin Cities. But I will be watching tomorrow night and hoping she makes it into the Top 15!

Miss America 2009

Katie Stam- Indiana

It was a lot of fun being in the audience last year getting to watch Katie's crowning moment. Who will it be this year?!!!!

Tonight, there's a special on TLC for Miss America and then Saturday night is the BIG event. Be sure to watch tonight and vote for your fave contestant to make into the finals.

Happy Friday!

photo credits: Miss America Organization

Sara's Farewell Video

I made this little video for my friend Sara, who is this year's outgoing Miss Capital City. Since the day I met Sara her heart and generosity for people caught my attention. Over the last year I've been able to work with her, mentor her and be apart of a wonderful phase in her life. My life has been enriched and blessed in so many ways by her. I am proud and honored to have met her and be apart of her life, and to call her friend.

Sara I know that God has amazing things ahead for you in this next journey! My love and prayers are with you as you seek it. Enjoy this video!

Miss Twin Cities & Miss Capital City 2010!

Miss Capital City 1st RU

Tricia Eisen

Miss Twin Cities 2010

Kathryn Knuttila

Miss Capital City 2010

Kaylah Dockter

Last night was the Miss Twin Cities & Miss Capital City Pageants in St. Paul, MN. I was sitting at home in anticipation to hear about who won! This week was a little bittersweet for me as I was supposed to be there, had we not moved. The Miss Twin Cities family, and Kathy mean the world to me and I will forever be grateful for the time of mentor ship and friendship that I have had with that Organization. I was wishing I could be there to see Sara and Brooke give up their titles, they have both been wonderful queens and I'm so proud to be called their friends. I know great things are ahead for them both!

Couple shout outs:

Tricia, I am so incredibly proud to have worked with you and so proud of your 1st Runner Up finish last night!! I wish I could have been there to see you shine on stage! You've come so far, keep going for it.

Kathy, you are amazing. Nuff, said! What you have done, and continue to do for this Organization continually amazes me. I hope one day I am half the Director you are!

Sara, I'm so lucky to know you and that you are in my life. So proud of you and everything you accomplished as our very 1st Miss Capital City!

Brooke, good luck at Miss America this year! You're going to do amazing and bring the title home to Minnesota!

To Kathryn & Kaylah, have an amazing year!! You have wonderful people to work with, make the most of every moment that you are Miss Twin Cities and Miss Capital City! Wishing you the best of luck.

House Sitting, Pageants and Visiting Friends.......

Orion and I have been house sitting for our Pastors the last six days, we've enjoyed days in the private pool and lots of cable t.v! We don't have cable right now so we were definitely spoiled. We only set the alarm off twice this time, and made it through the rest of the week.

If you haven't heard yet, I'm starting my own local pageant here in Glendale. I'm super excited about giving back to the community and getting involved with the Miss Arizona Program. I've been busy planning all this past week, getting our website up and looking for potential sponsors. I'm happy and excited to announce that I've got some great sponsors on board to help and meeting with a few more later this week. Our pageant is set for Feb. 13th, 2010. I've got 6 months of planning....good thing cause I still need judges, auditors, a venue and a whole slew of other things. If you know of someone who wants to compete or get involved send'em my way!

Last Friday, Orion and I attended a students' play. We had a great evening cheering on one of our own, great job Ben! We're missing our friends Jason & Jessica this week, they are in FL for the week doing ministry stuff. Monday, we were able to meet up with my Youth Pastor and his wife and have lunch. It's been two years since we saw them at our wedding, so it was good to meet up and catch up. I'm really excited to be living closer to them now.

This week is already flying by, I can't believe it's Wednesday! The apartment is finally together and I'm ready to start posting pictures. Look for them later this week......

Toodles.....

Miss Glendale Scholarship Program

I've had the privilege for the last two years, to work under some really great mentors in the Miss America/Miss Minnesota pageants. I started out my journey wanting to give back to a program who has given me so much. I wanted to make an impact, just like some amazing women, and directors have made in mine. To encourage and show people that Miss America is so much more than a crown. It was during this time that I learned a lot about, and learned what kind of director and local pageant I would want someday.

I'm excited and proud to announce the Miss Glendale Scholarship, will crown its first title holder in February 2010. I'm excited for this opportunity to start a local in Arizona, and bring my passion and what I've learned to this new program.

If you are interested in becoming a contestant, volunteer or sponsor feel free to contact missglendalepageant@gmail.com

More details to come, but for now check out http://www.missglendale.wordpress.com

Where did the Weekend Go?

It's already almost 11 PM on Sunday night, and I keep thinking where did the weekend go? It literally flew by!

Friday, I headed up Northwest to Perham, MN to judge the Miss Perham & Miss Heart of the Lakes Pageants. It was a full day, the pageant got over and we did a judges critique and I was on the road by 10 PM. It's a 3.5 hour drive for me back to the cities. And about 11 PM I was kicking myself that Orion had to work Saturday morning, and I had to come back that night. It was a long drive back home Friday night. I rolled into the garage at 1:30 AM! So tired, I came in said hello and good night to Orion and crawled into my bed and slept so good!

Saturday, I slept! Orion worked. Then Becky and her son Chaz came over to hang out. We chilled, made pizza and watched Chaz and Bentley chase each other around.

Sunday, we went over to Mark & Eunice's for lunch. I haven't seen them in a few weeks. So it was good to see Isabelle again and catch up with friends. Thank you Djerf's for the great lunch!

Tonight, Orion and I vegged watched movies and HGTV's Design Star premier! We're obsessed with design, even though we mostly don't agree, we're getting there! :)

There you have it, the weekend gone! Coming up on the horizon, a wedding next weekend! We're traveling home to Iowa, I'll be shooting a wedding next weekend, and then going with my future sister in law to pick out my #7 yes, seventh bridesmaid dress! Can't wait, it'll be a fun weekend at home.

Us Worley's have some stuff cookin' in the next couple weeks, so stay tuned for BIG announcements coming your way!

Miss Lakeville 2009

Tonight, I was honored to go to attend the Miss Lakeville 2009 pageant! I've known Elizabeth since she was 16 years old. Today, she's a 20 year old college student pursuing her future and dreams. Tonight she was crowned Miss Lakeville Princess 2009 and won $1000 scholarship! I'm so blessed to be her mentor and friend, and proud of her and all she's accomplished! I feel somewhat responsible for getting her into pageants, and there's nothing like the feeling of winning your first title! Congrats Elizabeth! 

Me & Elizabeth

Tricia, Elizabeth and myself.

Jessie, Tricia, Elizabeth and myself after tonight's crowning! 

Miss Minnesota: after party!

Deana came up for the weekend!

Finally they can eat! :)

Congrats Sara on your 1st Runner Up finish @ Miss Minnesota 2009! So proud of you!

Brooke & Sara

Deana, Brooke and Me at the after party for Miss Minnesota

Yeah Brooke!!! Congrats on becoming the NEW Miss Minnesota 2009!!! So proud of you, and can't wait to see you on the Miss America Stage!

Miss Minnesota Slide Show

Miss Minnesota 2009!

Wow! After a very long, exciting and also tiring weekend of pageants I'm proud and happy to announce Miss Minnesota 2009 is Brooke Kilgarriff our very own Miss Twin Cities. Also, our very own Sara Larson, Miss Capital City was named 1st Runner Up! I can't believe it! I mean, I genuinely thought that it would come down to the two of them, but to be sitting there in that audience when they called Sara & Brooke as the final two was an exciting moment, nerve wracking, and I felt like I was going to throw up! It was awesome to know that our girls had come so far, and one of them would be Miss MN 2009! I'm so very proud of both Brooke and Sara. They represented us with style, passion, grace, and beauty! To Brooke; best of luck as you continue your journey as Miss Minnesota 2009. We're so proud of you! To Sara; couldn't be more happy for you. I'm so glad we get to continue your journey as Miss Capital City and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds for you! I'm so happy to have been a small part in all of this!

Sara & Brooke named in the Top 10 on finals night!

Brooke Kilgarriff

Miss Minnesota 2009

Miss Twin Cities

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I'll post more pics this afternoon! Stay tuned!

Miss Minnesota; Prelims

Sara and Me after prelims tonight!

Jo, Cori, Sara and Me.

So glad Deana could make it up for Miss Minnesota!

Elizabeth and Me at Prelims tonight- she's going to be on that stage soon!

Elizabeth, Me and Deana tonight!

It's finally here! Tonight was the first night of Prelims for the girls. It's just 10 minutes shy of midnight and I probably should be in bed or planning my outfit for tomorrow :) But, I had to tell you about tonight before that. All 17 girls competed in all 4 phases tonight. Here's the run down of tonight's prelim awards:

Talent: Brooke Killgarrif - Miss Twin Cities

Swimsuit: Kelsey Malecha - Miss Mankato

Photogenic: Sarah Anderson - Miss Waseca

Miss America Community Service and Quality of Life: Quinn Nystrom - Miss Midwest

Academic: Danielle Tamke - Miss Winona

A pretty fantastic group of young ladies! Sara and Brooke both looked wonderful. They rocked their talents! Tomorrow night we see who makes Top 10! Follow me on Twitter to get all the details! :)

Miss MN Week: Updates!

Want updates on the girls?

I'll blog what I can, but follow the girls each at their websites:

Sara @ www.misscapitalcityminnesota.com

Brooke @ www.misstwincities.com

The girls will post pictures and updates on each day.

I'll be twittering the night of the pageant; follow me here for the updates.

Today we are taking the girls flowers to the hotel, a little something to make their day!

Miss Minnesota Week Kicks Off!

It has begun! Today we dropped off Sara & Brooke to check in for Miss Minnesota week. Both girls were nominated for the Quality of Life Award. Here, they are pictured with the 3 other nominees: Miss Midwest, Miss South Central and Miss Mankato. The winner will be announced Friday night of prelims!

The Miss Twin Cities/Capital City Committee with both Sara & Brooke at the hotel! We love our girls, and wish them both the best of luck this week!

Us, with Sara checking her into her room and saying our "goodbyes."

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More to come throughout the week as we head into pageant weekend!

Watch here for my updates!

Who Will it Be?

It's Up! The 2009 Miss Minnesota Contestant Showcase is up and running and ready for viewing! Click here, to read all about each girl. Of coarse, pay close attention to Miss Capital City & Miss Twin Cities they are my faves! ;)

Be the crown, wear the crown, you are the crown! - Vic