Jan 9th-Jan 15th - Miss New York USA Preparations!

On Thursday I went to my incredible sponsor Scott Miller to get my eyebrows done for the pageant. They are the best at shaping the brows without making them thin and then filling them in naturally! Later at home I got my swimsuit for the pageant and made sure that it fit well. I also tried on my interview outfit which I put together of wardrobe pieces from different stores, (I have to give credit to Mike for helping me pick out the shirt and blazer)!

(Not the best picture of it but just to get an idea)

The next day Mike's sister and husband came with me to pick out my hair extensions. I loved what they chose and Scott Miller cut them to make them blend in with my hair. Later I did more research for the pageant on anything that I thought could be asked in interview including New York State facts.

Over the weekend my Mom and I went to Scott Miller to get massages because I wanted one before the pageant to relax and help my posture (it may be somewhat of an excuse but I think that it helps haha). Back at home my Mom made vegetable soup and we baked biscuits mmmm!

That night Mike came home from Peru! I was so happy that his trip went well and that he was back home! The next morning Mike, Scott and I went to the archery range!

Later I brought my pageant gown to the Thimble Tailor to get it steamed before I left! Then I got a spray tan done so that I would have color but also have time for it to fade and look more natural. On Tuesday Mike and I brought Massimo to the veterinarian for a check-up and then I did more research for the pageant. The next day I went to Scott Miller to finish getting ready to leave for the pageant! They were beyond generous giving me makeup lessons, blowdrying my hair, putting in extensions and doing my nails! 

That night Mike's family and some of our friends went out to eat at Hose 22! It was so nice to go out for a nice dinner and feel so much support from everyone before I was leaving for the pageant!

Thank you everyone for the love and support not just before the pageant but always! After dinner I made sure that I had everything packed and I tried to get a good sleep before leaving the next day!

Jan 2nd-Jan 8th - Miss NY USA Workshop & Preparations!

On Thursday I went to the Thimble Tailor to try on my Miss New York USA gown! The last fitting I had they did a great job tailoring the dress to me but there were plastic strips to shape the dress that you could see sticking out through the silk. I was a little worried that there was nothing we could do but they cut the strips in the perfect spot so that they still kept the shape but did not stick out!

It was snowy out so I spent the rest of the day at home cleaning and doing research for the pageant. 

The next day it was my cousin Blake's birthday who lives in Texas... I hope you had a great day cuz! During the day I went to the mall to eat lunch with Liz! We always have a good time going out to eat and catching up. On Saturday Sarah came with me to NYC and we stayed with Dennise! The three of us and our friend Ryan went out to eat at Five Napkin Burger which was fun!

The next day I went to a Miss New York USA workshop by Michelle Holmes from Joyce's Boutique and Prepare To Win. 

Sarah was so sweet to come with me and take notes and video. We went over information about competing and filling out the pageant questionnaires, as well as walking and the competition patterns. Even though I had thought about the pageant for years it was helpful to practice so that I felt more prepared!

While I was there Mike was in the desert in Peru doing archery! When I saw photos I was so happy for him but definitely wished I could be there too!

After the workshop we headed back to Rochester, New York so that Sarah could go to work the next day. On Tuesday I went to C.A.S.H. (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) training. I have volunteered for the organization before where I help people get ready to have their taxes done at no cost, as well as inform them of services in the community. Each year they have training and testing before the tax season starts. The meeting went well and I was excited to help my community! 

The next morning I spent time with my kitty Cookie Dough! <3

Later I went to my awesome dental sponsor Contemporary Dentistry to get whitening trays to use as much as I could before the pageant. They were so helpful getting me everything that needed right away! 

Then I went right down the road to Thimble Tailor to have my last gown fitting! We were having trouble with my shawl part of the gown because part of it popped off but Fatima secured it and I absolutely loved my gown! I felt amazing in my gown and Fatima also tailored my interview outfit shirt! I cannot thank Thimble Tailor and Contemporary Dentistry enough for their truly amazing and speedy work!

Dec 26th-Jan 1st - Connecticut & New Year's!

On Thursday I went to the archery range with Mike and then I went to Connecticut to visit my family! We got to my Uncle Austin's house at night and we hung out for a little while but everyone was tired including Rudy.

The next day Mike left home to go to Peru to visit our friend who lives there! During the day we drove to my Mom's neighborhood when she was a child. It is always special to me to see where she grew up and to hear stories about my family. 

Then we went to my Aunt MaryAnn's house where we had fun playing boardgames together and later went out to eat dinner in Litchfield Connecticut. 

Afterwards we went back to my Uncle's house and spent time with him, my Aunt Melissa and Rudy. The next morning we went to my Aunt Lolita and Uncle Richard's house to make treats to bring to our family Christmas party! Later at the party we had pizza and everyone hung out and of course ended up playing Scat which is a family tradition of ours. It was a great time and I was thankful to see everyone! I love my family!

We drove back home the next day and Mike messaged me from Peru saying that he was doing archery and he got a Robin Hood where he shot an arrow into another arrow! 

The next day I cuddled with my kitty Cookie Dough and I cleaned out my room and made a donation pile. At night I went to Mike's Aunt and Uncle's house to visit with his family in town! On New Year's Eve I worked at Scott Miller during the day and then went to the Thimble Tailor to get my Miss New York USA gown tailored! I got a gorgeous Sherri Hill gown from Joeval's Formalwear but it needed to be taken in and Fatima and her family are the most talented so I was honored to have them work on my gown. 

At night I went to Mike's house and had such a nice time with friends and his family! Then I went home to watch the ball drop with my family and spent all of New Year's day with them! I hope that everyone had a happy and safe holiday! 

Dec 18th-Dec25th - Miss NY USA Fundraiser & Christmas!

On Wednesday I styled my hair and went to Scott Miller to get my makeup done by Silvana for my fundraising event! At Five Guys Burgers Pittsford they let you choose a night where 20% of your guests' orders goes towards your organization. This worked out perfectly to raise money for the entrance cost for Miss New York USA. That night is one that I will never forget. So many friends of mine, my parents' and Mike's family came and it was very heartwarming to feel the love and support from everyone.

I really cannot express how much it meant to me to have everyone there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! <3

The next morning we celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah at Mike's house! We were opening presents and Mike got a new sight for his archery bow. He asked me to go get his bow case so he could put it on and see what it was like. When I opened the case to take it out for him I saw a bow in plastic wrap. I was confused at first and then I saw it was pink and black and heard Helen say "Merry Christmas!" I was shocked! It was so exciting to get my own bow, and an amazing one at that!

After we celebrated Mike and I went to the range and I got to try it out! It was awesome and we had fun shooting together!

The next day I spent time at home and my Dad got out the ornament boxes and we decorated the tree! I stopped over at my cousin Amanda's house and got to see their new pup! 

Later at home my best friend Sarah came over and she, my Mom and I made gingerbread houses! My Mom also made ninjabread men that someone gave her the kit for so we made a Fairport Karate Academy gingerbread dojo!

Friday night some friends from the salon came over to Mike's house and they made a ton of different Christmas cookies. 

The next few days I worked as a hostess at Scott Miller and went to look at houses for Mike's sister and her husband. Monday was my Grandma's birthday, I love you Grandma! Then it was Christmas Eve! During the day I went to Amanda's house and celebrated with her. That night my Mom and I volunteered at Barnes & Noble where we wrapped presents to receive donations for Safe Journey which helps victims of domestic abuse. 

Then it was Christmas morning! My Dad brought my Grandma to our house and we all opened presents, including Cookie Dough! 

We had a nice time and then Sarah came over and we all had fun celebrating! 

Later I went to Mike's house to see him and his family! I love Christmas time and I had such a great holiday with my loved ones! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! 

June 22nd - Three Year Blog Anniversary! Thank You Viewers!

Three years ago today I started this blog when I was modeling abroad in Singapore! The time has flown by but many great things have happened! A quote of mine that I still stand by is "If you work hard and truly believe then you will achieve." You can accomplish what you want to and anything that does not work out the way that you thought it would, the Universe will show you the truth and guide you on the right path. It is comforting to know that if you try to be the best person you can be, put in effort and stay positive then the Universe will provide everything that you need in life. 

I know that I am a little detailed in my posts but to me every day is special; I enjoy each place that I go and I am thankful for all of the people in my life. I am also thankful for each and every person that views my posts! I have received many views from all different countries and I think it is amazing that we have the internet to connect the world. I wish that I could mention every country that people have viewed from but Blogger shows that the top ten countries are:


    

 United States of America!              Canada!                         Germany!           

      

             Singapore!                          Russia!                         Philippines!         

          

         United Kingdom!                   Australia!                          Malaysia!         

                                          

                                                       Ukraine!

I truly feel that each person's journey is special and beautiful in it's own way. Thank you again for sharing mine with me and I look forward to your continued support by viewing my posts and feel free to leave comments!

Life is in the journey.

Dec 7th-Dec 17th - Good-bye NYC & Miss NY USA Orientation!

On Saturday I flew to NYC to move out of my apartment there with my roommates Sarah and Dennise. 

We had great memories of living together and I was sad to move out but I was mostly in Rochester, New York and Los Angeles and it was costing me money to have the apartment. The whole next day I spent packing and cleaning the apartment. On Monday I met up with Ritz at the BET offices in Times Square to go to lunch together.

I was so glad that we got to celebrate her birthday and hang out! Afterwards since we were near Rockefeller Center I had to stop by to see the tree! I love Christmas decorations and being there was so lively and beautiful.

The rest of the day and night and all the next day was nonstop cleaning and packing! It was cutting it close to getting everything done but it felt good when we were finished! Then it set in that this was good-bye to living in NYC with Sarah and Dennise. It was sad to think about but I could not afford to be in three different cities. Our time together in the city is something that I will always cherish! 

When I got back home I spent time with my kitty Cookie Dough and our doggy Massimo. We also went to the archery range to shoot and the owner of Tradition's Archery let me borrow a bow while I was there to shoot with Mike and his Dad. The next day we went shooting again and then at night we went to our friends' grand opening of their restaurant Blu Wolf Bistro! There was a burger eating contest that consisted of eating four 8 ounce burgers and a lot more! 

Jon decided to go for it and he did very well but there were too many dry french fries that he could not finish before the time was up. Still we were proud of him and it was very entertaining to watch him! 

The next day I went shopping with Mike's Mom and Aunt just for fun and to get some Christmas presents. Then I filled out paperwork at Five Guys in order to have a fundraiser there for Miss New York USA. Later at night my Mom and I got our nails done together which was nice! On Sunday I drove down towards the city for the Miss New York USA orientation. They went over information and started teaching the opening number dance. While I was in line to sign up for my title in the pageant I met Amy who I became friends with and we decided to be roommates at the pageant! 

It was nice meeting the other contestants and I saw Rhaven who I knew from Miss New York Teen USA yeas ago! That night I stayed at Mike's Uncle Jack's house and our friend Jorge was there too. The next morning I drove back to Rochester and when I got home I helped bake sweet treats with my Mom! 

The next day I had a meeting at Scott Miller to talk about the model placement company we are starting. We went over the business plan and it was exciting to talk about something that I am passionate about doing. I feel that I owe a lot of my modeling career to Chantale Nadeau Model Placement and I want to be able to help other aspiring models achieve their dreams too! 

After the meeting I went home and we went searching for a Christmas tree! It was absolutely freezing out but we spent some time until we found "the tree!" At night I got things ready for my fundraiser the next day!