Nov 19th-Nov 23rd - Mike's Parents Visit LA!

Tuesday I had a go-see for Clover Canyon and then Mike's parents got into town. We met them at the Sunset Marquis where they were staying and we saw Joe Jonas there. That night we had a nice dinner at Cecconi's where I had soup and gnocchi!

The next day I had a go-see for Cinderella Divine. After that we went shopping and ate at Red O restaurant which everyone really liked! I loved the interior design and the live music. Thursday I was on hold for Cinderella Divine but I was booked by Modnique.com! I had fun modeling Paprazzi jackets, Diesel jeans. Betsey Johnson jackets and jewelry.

Afterwards, I met up with Mike and his parents and we all went to Pizzeria Mozza for dinner. It was a lively environment and the appetizers and pizza were really good! The bread that they brought out was especially scrumptious!

On Friday I went to a go-see for Bailey 44 and they had me try on several outfits. They were really nice and my agency said that they wanted to book me but they needed a model who was permanently in Los Angeles. Right after I had a go-see for Rachel Pally and then ran to photographer Tracy Kahn's studio for a test shoot!

I got an e-mail last minute for a Body Language sports wear go-see right after the shoot. Luckily I got there just in time before the casting ended! Then I went to Sunset Marquis to meet up with everyone and we saw actor Gabriel Byrne. The next morning Mike's lawyer Renee Karalian, who works with the top people in the music industry, met us at the hotel for brunch which was nice!

Then I went with Mike and his parents to go shopping in Beverly Hills. While we were there we ate at South Beverly Grill and it was so amazing that it has become one of our favorite restaurants! There is an artichoke special that is one of the best things I have ever had and Mike said that their burger is his favorite in the U.S. 

We had such a great time together there. After, we walked around, looked at the Christmas lights and did some more shopping. 

Getting a workout at Barneys haha 

Later we ate dinner at Rivabella which has a great atmosphere and of course delicious food. It was our first time sitting inside a separate room that they have but it was quieter so it was easier to talk. 

Scott and Helen had to leave the next day but we were so happy that they got to visit! It was special to all be in Los Angeles together. <3

Nov 13th-Nov 18th - Samsung Commercial & The Hunger Games Movie Premiere!

Wednesday morning I went to Quixote Studios for a fitting for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie premiere that I was booked for! I tried on an elaborate dress that was made out of a material that looked like wood on top and chiffon on the bottom.

Then I had a go-see for Just Fab and Shoe Dazzle but my call time for the Samsung job was made earlier so I headed to set! When I got there I did not see any other cars but I saw a huge production down the road. From the looks of it I thought a major motion picture was being filmed but it turned out to be for the commercial! I got my hair and makeup done in the trailer and the team was all really nice. They had catering there and I ate with an actress names Katie who was sweet! I watched them finish filming a scene and then we headed to the next location.

The house we were filming in had a beautiful view. While they were setting up I saw a young woman coming to the trailer, we both recognized each other at the same time and our jaws dropped! My old friend Julianna who was Miss New Jersey Teen USA my year at Miss Teen USA and later became Miss NJ USA was going to be in the commercial too! It was so nice to see each other and catch up! 

(Me and Julianna at Miss Teen USA 2006!)

The first scene we filmed was a group of people hanging out at a cocktail party. The singer Robin Thicke came through and said hello to some of the guests because the idea was that he was hosting the party for a friend. Then myself and two other models did a scene against a white wall where Robin was holding a phone and we had the Samsung watches on. Then I went back to the cocktail scene and we filmed the friend walking through the door and everyone surprising her! 

(Setting up the scene)

Honestly, when I booked the job and found out that Robin Thicke would be in it I was worried because of his recent controversies. I reached out to my agency, friends and family to get their opinions before doing the job and they reminded me that I was not endorsing Robin but rather professionally working for a very reputable company. I was glad that the filming went well and I had one more day to shoot later that weekend. 

The next day I went hiking with my friend Alics and her puppy Teddy. He did not like walking uphill in the hot sun so we carried him some of the way and then called it day. Afterwards we went to Spoon to get tea and give Teddy water. 

Later I went to a go-see for Prive hair salon where they looked at my hair to see if it would be good for their instructional videos and promotional photos. Friday morning I had a request go-see for Roxy.com where I tried on different clothes and they took pictures. Afterwards I went shopping and found a skirt that I fell in love with and I bought it to wear during my interview for  Miss NY USA! Then I brought my friend Autumn to a go-see and we got our nails done together. Later at night Mike flew to LA and I picked him up! 

On Saturday I finished filming for the Samsung commercial. I got ready in the hair and makeup trailer and then hung out with the other talent until it was time to film my scene. Myself and another model were driven to a park where we filmed a scene of us stretching and running in the park. While we were running we got a text on our watches inviting us to a surprise party that night. They asked me to film another scene after but then they didn't want the same person in two different scenes so I was done! 

I was thankful to have this opportunity to work with Duroo Productions and Samsung! Later at night Mike and I went shopping and he found a shirt for me that turned out to be perfect for my interview outfit! After we had a delicious dinner at Cafe Med on Sunset Boulevard. The next day I worked the job for Prive where they did two instructional videos and two little photo shoots of the final looks. 

Monday night I was going to be modeling at The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie premiere so Mike thought it would be fitting to take me to an archery lesson! He had tried shooting before and really liked it and after I tried it, I loved archery too! 

That was a fun date and then we headed to a go-see for Paule Ka. There was a long line and I did not want to be late for my call time for the premiere so unfortunately I had to leave without meeting the client. Mike dropped me off at Nokia Theatre where I went in a back entrance and went straight to the hair stylist (who was a stylist for the Samsung commercial too)! Then the makeup artist warned me it was going to be very interesting since I was supposed to be from the Capitol. While he was doing my makeup I could hear everyone cheering outside as the movie stars walked on the red carpet into the premiere. After, I put on the Capitol couture gown and went to the amazing after party where I took pictures with guests!

Nov 5th-Nov 12th - Back To LA!

On Tuesday I headed to LA and when I landed I got a confirmation that I would be working for Modnique the next day! I did some cover photos for the site and then modeled NU New York and Aoyama clothing. It was so nice to see the team again and we had fun like always!

Afterwards I went to my favorite place Spoon by H to say hi to my friends! Friday morning I babysat the apartment owner's dog Lilu who is a cute little bulldog.

Later I went shopping to look for an interview outfit for Miss New York USA! I got some ideas but did not find anything quite like what I had in mind. Then I went to my friend Erica's house because I was going to be staying with her and her husband for a few days! The next day I hung out with my friends Alics and David at Spoon and our friend Yoon decorated a plate for us which was sweet.

At night the Miss Universe pageant was on and I could not find anyone who got any channels to watch it so Erica and I spent a long time trying to find a way to stream it from online. All of the streams were really fuzzy but we finally found one that was clear, it was just in Spanish. All of the contestants looked beautiful and Miss Venezuela did a great job! It is my dream to be on that stage representing the USA!

(Credit: Miss Universe Organization)

On Sunday I went hiking at Runyon Canyon with my friend Autumn! Later I went hiking again in Burbank with Erica, her husband and their dog. Both mountains had beautiful views and it was a fun day! 

Later I went with Erica and Jason to eat at Dino's Pizza which was good. Monday was Veteran's Day, thank you to the men and women who have served our country including my Grandpa Joseph, Grandpa George, Uncle Richard and Cousin Joseph. 

That day I got a last minute casting for a Samsung commercial. At the audition they had me holding a phone and making expressions of being happy and surprised. Afterwards I went shopping to look for an interview outfit and found a skirt that I thought I could use. Then I was asked to go to a fitting for the commercial that day and that would determine if they were going to confirm me. When I got there the team was really nice and they had me try on a party outfit and a workout outfit. The next morning I was confirmed for the job!

Later I went to a go-see for The Reformation where they had me try on clothes. Then I went to sleep to get ready for a busy day!

Oct 29th-Nov 4th - Halloween & Miss NY USA Headshot!

During the week I worked at Scott Miller and I found another Sherri Hill dress online that I liked even more than the one I picked out before. I went to Joeval's Formalwear but they said that they were not sure if it would come in time for Miss New York USA in January! I was willing to take a chance because I knew it could be the one so we ordered it!

Wednesday night Mike and I went to my house for an early Thanksgiving dinner since we would not be home for the actual day. Sensei Snow, who owned Fairport Karate Academy before my Mom, was visiting so he dined with us which was nice. I love the holiday food that my Mom makes every year!

The next day was Halloween! I knew I was going to be a nerd but last minute I put together things that Mike and I already owned and then Mike's Dad gave me funny fake teeth!

At night I was home helping hand out candy and the kids were so adorable! The next night we went out to eat at Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar to celebrate Thanksgiving! I was sad that I would not be home for the holiday but it is the meaning behind it that counts. I am beyond thankful for all of my loved ones in my life! 

On Saturday Mike and I went to our friend's sister's wedding. It was in a beautiful church and was a nice service. Then we went to cocktail hour and the reception at Turning Stone Casino! There were hundreds of people at the reception and the maid of honor was my friend Katie from college! Everything was very impressive, especially a video they played that a crew filmed throughout the day. Congratulations Lisa and Michael, we had a great time celebrating with you!

The next day we drove back to Rochester and I modeled a dress from The Limited in a fashion show I was asked to walk in at Eastview Mall. I got to see some people that I know from throughout the years and I got to meet some new models. 

All on that one day it was Charlie, Tony and Jorge's birthdays! Jorge is from Peru and was staying at Mike's house so we had dinner and cake to celebrate! Then my Mom and a group of people came over to hear Jorge talk about his experiences which was nice. On Monday I went to Carrie Mateosian's photography studio to get my Miss New York USA headshot taken! Scott Miller himself did my hair and Silvana from Scott Miller did my makeup. I was so thankful to have such a talented team work on this with me! 

I had a great time shooting with them and then I headed to Scott Miller to work for the night. Afterwards I got ready to head to LA the next day! 

Oct 20th-Oct 28th - Making Strides Walk & Alex And Jon's Wedding!

Sunday morning my Mom and I walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. It is always nice to see the thousands of people supporting the cause!

Later in the day Mike came with us to Powers Farm Market to pick out pumpkins! We got hot apple cider, went through the tepees and looked at the pumpkins. We could not find many good ones so we just got a little one and got more from Wegmans grocery store. 

Afterwards Mike and I went to Scott Miller where I practiced a flash mob dance that a bunch of the employees were in on together to surprise Alex and Jon at their wedding! The next day I worked at Scott Miller which is always fun. On Tuesday I went to try on a dress that I picked out for Miss New York USA! I really loved the way it moved and thought it might be the one! Then I went home and spent time with Cookie Dough. <3

The next night we had a bachelorette dinner for Alex! We went to Nikko Restaurant and it was delicious. The salads, sushi and desserts were all amazing and we had such a great time together! 

On Thursday Michelle came over and we put together the gift bags for the wedding. The next morning Mike had a fitting for his suit and it looked incredible! Later him and I went out to eat at Char in The Strathallan hotel and everything was so great! We were very surprised to hear that a couple of our friends that we ran into there treated us, that was so generous of them. 

After dinner we met up with my Dad and his friend Dave to watch the band Something Else perform! We are friends with the members and they are really talented so I am glad we all got to go. Saturday morning I went to Alex and Jon's wedding rehearsal and then I went to Scott Miller to get my nails done. While I was there I got to see Mike's Aunt Arlene and his cousins Arielle, Casta, Dennise and David! 

A night we had a delicious rehearsal dinner at the house catered by Osteria Rocco. Then it was officially the day! A bunch of us got ready at the house with Alex and Silvana did my makeup and Maria did my hair! I felt bad but I had to leave quick to go to a fitting at the mall for The Limited. I rushed back and we headed to the County Clerk building downtown for Alex and Jon to see each other for the first time!

It was a beautiful moment! Then they took pictures with a lot of family and friends which was nice.

After, we stopped at The Strathallan hotel and met up with a lot of the gusts at the bar and then headed to Good Luck where the ceremony was taking place! When I saw the room I was speechless, it was so beautiful with all of the candles and trees. Still, nothing could hold a candle to how stunningly gorgeous Alex looked walking in her wedding gown. A little play on the word candle but seriously her beauty was breathtaking. Helen was the officiator which was a surprise to most of the guests but it made it more personable and she spoke such words of wisdom and love, it was amazing. 

The food was so good and the Mother-Son and Father-Daughter dances made us all teary-eyed. Then we did the flash mob to the Spice Girls song "if you wanna be my lover" and Alex and Jon were so surprised! Alex looked so shocked and then stood there with her hands over her mouth and started crying which was so sweet that she loved how we all planned that for them. Then we all did the Horah dance where we danced in a circle and then Alex, Jon and their immediate family members each got thrown in the air in a chair! This was my first time seeing this tradition and it was tons of fun!

I got to spend time with my good friend Dennise who I had not seen in a while so that was really nice! Then we were all on the dance floor having a blast! There was also a huge table of cupcakes and cookies for dessert which I visited frequently haha! Then Mike and Jon's Brother signed as witnesses of the marriage and Helen signed as the officiant so we celebrated some more! 

It was such a beautiful wedding and I am so happy for Alex and Jon. Their love is so strong and I am glad that they had the wedding of their dreams! The next morning when we were at the house Alex and Jon opened up Mike and my gift for them which was a custom photo book. There were pictures of them since they have been dating and some of the whole family. As they were going through it they started crying. It meant so much to Mike and I that it had that affect on them because we put a lot of time and love into it. <3 Congratulations you two, we wish you eternal love and happiness! 

Oct 9th-Oct 19th - Birthdays & Rochester Fashion Week!

On Wednesday I was on hold for Destination Maternity but I did not book it so I flew home! The next  day I had a fitting at Joeval's Formalwear and Free People for Rochester Fashion Week. At night I went out to dinner with Mike's family to Next Door Bar & Grill. They have really good sushi there, I love their avocado rolls!

Friday I hung out with my kitty Cookie Dough and Mike's dog Massimo! I also had a fitting at Panache for Lilith clothing in Fashion Week. The next day I had a fitting in an interesting little town for Katrina. Then I went to fittings for Peppermint and Arlene Sutherland. At night we celebrated Mike's sister Alex's birthday! She knew that a few friends were going out but we brought her to her friend's house and had a surprise party there! Then a bunch of us went downtown to Saddle Ranch and Vinyl.

Afterwards we went really quick to Lux and all night while us ladies were out, the guys were out for Alex's fiancé Jon's bachelor party! Alex and Jon I hope you each had a great night! Meanwhile my cousin Amanda was out celebrating her birthday too and I felt bad that I could not go. Saturday was both Amanda and Alex's real birthdays and I found some old pictures to make a little collage for Amanda. We have been a part of each other's lives for over 20 years and I am so thankful to have you as my friend. Happy Birthday, love you!

That day I was at Mike's house to celebrate Alex's birthday and we had a really good dinner at their house! It was nice to all be together and I hope you had a great day Alex! Love you!

Monday was my cousin Courtney's birthday who lives in Connecticut. Happy Birthday, love you! That day I met up with my best friend Liz at the canal which was so pretty! 

We ate at Simply Crepes and it was good! The next day I had a fitting for Kouture who Mike knows the owner Kiley. Then I had a casting for a Johnson & Johnson ad and afterwards we ate at The Red Fern. We spent the rest of the day at our friend's recording studio and got to meet Brian and Kim's baby Penelope! 

Afterwards we ate at Plum Garden and then next day I spent time with my kitty Cookie Dough!

Thursday was the first day of Rochester Fashion Week and in the morning I had a fitting for Jenni Button who flew in from South Africa. Salon Brio did each model's hair and makeup and then I walked for Joeval's Formalwear, Bien Eyewear, Free People, Peppermint, Kouture, Faherty Brand and Jenni Button! Mike, his family, my Mom and a couple of her friends came to watch which was sweet!

The next day my friend Michelle and I went to get snacks for Jon and Alex's weddings gift bags! At night we went to our friend Cole's birthday party which was fun! Saturday was the last day of Fashion Week and Scott Miller specialists did amazing hair and makeup on the models! In the show I modeled for Jenni Button, Lilith, Katrina Elliott and Arlene Sutherland. 

I was so glad that I could be a part of this event in my community and help raise money for Center for Youth!