Last weekend I took my daughter to watch the Miss Wiregrass Noel Pageant. I did not put her in the pageant because I was wanting her to relax this month since she had state. I had not really seen the “bad pageant” moms come out until this pageant.

First let me set the stage for you. This pageant is a fund raiser for the Wiregrass Children Home. All the money goes to buy gifts for these children. It is not a “formal wear” pageant so there are no pageant gowns. In fact the application I got says “SPORTSWEAR/FASHIONWEAR” it does not say anything about Christmas attire.

So now we sit in to watch the pageant. And let me tell you there was some cute stuff on stage. Nice Christmas casual outfits.

Now in my opinion Heirloom is not sportswear or fashion wear it is pageant formal wear. So the winners start being announced and in the younger age groups I did feel the judges were way off. They picked the girls in the Heirloom dresses. And in some cases I think they were not the best ones out there.

But what really got me was how upset some of the parents got. Apparently they thought it was to be Christmas themed outfits. And strictly Christmas themed outfits.

Well when the older girls came out there was one who was in a very Christmas themed outfit. And to her credit she did win the best dressed award. The other girls in her class wore sportswear. But there was this one girl. And I swear she is good. In fact she is the only person this year to beat out Caree’s coach. Hands down if she is there she is going to own that stage. She is tough competition.

So of course she wins the crown. She had a cute pink polka dot dress and she did a super model type walk. Now the mother of the Christmas outfit girl decided to go off I guess on the director that the rules were not followed. But from what I can tell they were.

Anyways to my point. She caused a major scene and even had her daughter involved in it. It was horrible. So horrible in fact that I removed my daughter from the facility and left. I could not believe that someone would go and ask for their money back just because their daughter did not win.

Now if you just went by the application and did not call the director should you be penalized? I mean the application does not say anything about Christmas wear.

Either way would you ask for your money back? I mean that entry fee paid for the gift for one child. Would you take that gift away from them?

Love Kisses and Prayers

Well…where does one begin. One’s job of hole digging is never quite complete when Carry Prejean is the one speaking. At her rate – and should she be a cartoon (and I strongly advocate for a cartoon version versus a real Carry) – she has dug herself to China and back a couple of times already.

Carry Prejean timeline: Inappropriate homosexual comment at Miss USA, followed by inappropriate relgious defense, followed by a confession of inappropriate requests for implants, followed by inappropriate underage photos, followed by inappropriate contract breeches, followed by inappropriate lawsuits, followed by inappropriate settlements, followed by inappropriate sex tapes, followed by inappropriate book writing, followed by Larry King being called inapproprate, by Carry – who I think, thinks that she is appropriate?

I wonder if she viewed herself on Larry King and wished the earth opened up and sucked her in. I know I sure wished it. Making fun of Carry Prejean is too easy – what amazes me is that I’m blogging about her – again.

Anyways, she needs to be a case study for future publicists on when to walk away. I have never had to deal with a winner that just would not disappear into oblivian. For the Miss California USA organization, the world empathizes with what you had to deal with – and hey if you’re ever looking to hire a public relations director…I’m right here!

Natalia Navarro, from the Bolivar province, smiles after being elected Miss Colombia during the annual beauty contest in Cartagena November 16, 2009. /PHOTO: REUTERS

From the indiatimes.com -

North of Santander department`s contestant Karen Ortega during Parade in Swimsuit in Cartagena, Colombia. /PHOTO: AFP/Rodrigo Arangua

(PICTURE LINK) Natalia Navarro during parade in Swimsuit, before being crowned Miss Colombia 2009 in Cartagena. /PHOTO: AFP/Rodrigo Arangua

I guess being that it is the middle of November most people are thinking “Wow were has the year gone?” But not me. Heck I think it has gone by fast by oh my gosh this weekend is the big state pageant. I am freaked out. My daughter just started doing pageants in June and we are already competing in a state level pageant. She will be up against other girls who have done lots of these.

Did I do everything to make sure she was ready and had a chance?

Gosh I hope so. I got her a new dress and spent lots of time getting her sportswear outfit put together. I hired someone to do her hair and make up. I made sure she worked hard with her coach. Had her stop doing other pageants for an entire month so she was fresh for this one.

Is she ready?

She is so amazing. She is relaxed and laid back. She tells me all the time “mom I will do my best” and that just makes me happy. She always does her best and she never gets stressed out or nervous. She loves it so much.

Packed?

Gosh I hope I don’t forget anything. I got her IPOD charged and updated. She needs that because that is what she uses to get in her “mood” before going on stage. I got the pageant box with all her hair stuff and makeup stuff (just in case) and shoes for both outfits and safety pins and bobby pins.

So are we ready for state?

I think so. Heck she is I think it is me that is freaking out. Wish her luck. Leave her a comment here to let her know that everyone is with her.

Love Kisses and Prayers

Antioquia department`s contestant Macri Velez Sanchez during Parade in Swim suit in Cartagena, Colombia, on November 15, 2009. /PHOTO: AFP/Rodrigo Arangua

Here we go again, kickin’ off another week. Holidays will be here before you know it (next week) . Have a great week everybody. From the indiatimes.com -

Risaralda department`s contestant Mario Franco Zapata during Parade in Swim suit in Cartagena, Colombia, on November 15, 2009. /PHOTO: AFP/Rodrigo Arangua

(PICTURE LINK) Meta department`s contestant Leydi Gomez during Parade in Swim suit in Cartagena, Colombia, on November 15, 2009. /PHOTO: AFP/Rodrigo Arangua

Thanks to working two jobs, living in three cities at once (Chicago, Champaign, & Streamwood), and struggling to become proficient in my two newest languages (French and Japanese) for my job.  I hardly have time to be my creative, socially critical, technologically active self.  So that’s why I haven’t been writing blogs often or checking my FB, well I limit my FB checking anyway, because I fully believe Facebook can (and is) easily used for evil or to drive yourself crazy.  My tumblr stats are at 0 right now, but its all cool.  Because all of this crazy running around transition stuff is going to pay off in a big way.  I keep reading Jeremiah 29:11, yes I’m a Christian, no I’m not holier than thou.  My faith just works for me, and yes I believe in Evolution and the Big Bang…I hope all your stereotypes don’t collapse at once…because I also refer to myself as human not as a race, I listen to indie rock, and I don’t speak in ebonics.  UH OH.

Anyway, I have a YouTube channel, I mean who doesn’t these days?  I thought I share it…that’s all.  The videos are not interesting.  I’m awkward.  I’m boring.  I just make them b/c I can and I have freedom of speech, and freedom to be hoplessly dorkish.  Hopefully someday I’ll have interesting things to say and do for people to watch, and I also hope not to cut off my eyes in the video next time.  Ciao!

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things“….

1.  Autumn in Bardstown.  Leaves of crimson, gold, orange framing the streets of town!  Breathtaking!!  People strolling casually through downtown enjoying the last few days of sweatshirt weather before the winter coats come out of the closet.

2.  I love watching pageants!  My daughter, Aimee, and I started getting involved with pageants when Aimee graduated from high school and found it to be a great tool for her to develop communication skills and confidence.  We got to spend lots of time together and I just love seeing the beauty of God’s work.  Novembers were the month where we got serious in the last few days before Miss KY USA pageant.  I know it sounds silly- but these were some of our most memorable mother/daughter moments!

That's my Aimee (center) in the top 5 in 2007 at Miss KY USA.

3. Thanksgiving!!!  My favorite holiday of the year.  It’s because I “claim” Thanksgiving as my own holiday.  No matter what people do with other family throughout the year, I expect them to be at my house for Thanksgiving!  Since the passing of my mother about 20 years ago, it’s harder to bring everyone together for all the holidays- but I try to make Thanksgiving a priority for me and my family!  Besides- it’s the day the Smith family takes its Christmas card picture!  My family looks so forward to finding out what my “vision” for the year will be!  (OK- maybe not so much, but they do work with me!)  Good old traditional Thanksgiving food, football on TV and out in the yard, great conversation and the joy of having family together! 

That's our card picture for 2006

I love a perfect Fall day better than just about anything!  For Saturdays in November, I recommend a big pot of soup, some sandwiches, a little leaf raking before settling in for an afternoon of college football!  Stop by- I bet I’ll have enough soup to share!

What are some of YOUR favorite things?

Sponsors are a very exceptional source of revenue for your Contest. Be creative in linking them to your Beauty Pageant
New restaurants are looking for novel ways to advertise their business.  Get them to be the host for the Winners Banquet.
A few days after the contest we had the banquet at the restaurant. The winners’ meal are free.The queens will bring along family and friends who will pay for their own dinners. So the restaurant donated about ten dinners and received about twenty paying customers.

Restaurant as a Beauty Pageant Sponsor

Photos of the queens and the restaurant owners are used in advertisements and in the restaurant’s celebrity gallery. As the  director I was able to give my girls pointers on making appearances representing their title.

Form profitable liaisons with restaurants and your Pageant using this method.

Yours in Pageantry
Shelly

Contestants vying for the Miss Earth 2009 crown parade with placards in their swimsuits in front of press photographers in Manila on November 4, 2009.

Manila | From the dailytelegraph.com.au -

“Miss Earth 2009 ~ 87 beauties championing green causes took part in the Miss Earth beauty pageant, with the aim to spread awareness on environmental issues. The winner will be crowned on November 22, 2009 in Boracay Island from among the contestants in 87 countries.”

Miss Earth 2009 contestant Takada Tomomi of Japan holds a placard during a media presentation in Manila November 4, 2009. Some 90 beauties from around the world declared their personal environmental campaigns, with the theme for this year’s competition focused on "Beauties for a cause".

(PICTURE LINK) Contestants vying for the Miss Earth 2009 crown pose in their swimsuits in front of press photographers in Manila on November 4, 2009.

Shelly & Pageant Director Neil Balsamo

The Internet has made it so easy to find all the items you need to run a successful pageant. There are some wonderful and reliable web sites that sell crowns, pins, banners, sashes, and other gifts.

I have my favorites that you can find in the links part of my website directyourpageant.com.

Of course you should also ask other directors for referrals of dealers they have used for crowns and banners.

If you have 10 divisions in your beauty pageant you will need ten crowns. Sometimes I’ll get an extra crown and give it as a side award for “Most Beautiful”.

You’ll also need 10 banners for each division and the banners for the overall winner.  Purchase enough matching pins for the banners and sashes.

Pick appropriate crowns for the winners of each division. When selecting crowns for kids, kings and queens, make sure the height is no more than 3-4 inches high.

Remember these small people will be wearing these crowns and banners at other functions so you don’t want something too heavy.

If your pageant has a specialty theme you can purchase crowns that incorporate the theme. Some examples I have seen include Christmas, Easter, and Halloween.

The Banner will include the Pageant name and the Division. For example:
Teen Miss- Miss New Orleans 2008.

Pageant directors also need to plan for purchasing enough sashes. Sashes are like banners in that they drape over the contestants shoulders and across the waist, but they don’t contain the pageant name or division title. Sashes are great for “Most Photogenic”, “Prettiest Face”, etc. For the kids divisions I give toys instead of sashes.

I’ll also give a sash for the “Supreme Award”. Before the event contestants are encouraged to sign up with a $20 entry fee for the “Supreme Award”. When the event is over the contestant who racks up the most overall points gets the award.  If the person with the most points didn’t register for this award then it goes to the contestant with the next most points who did register. I give a fur coat out as the award (I’ll purchase a Faux Fur Coat from Burlington Coat Factory).

For kids crowns I usually spend about $30 each.

On the Older Divisions I’ll spend around $50 each.

Yours in Pageantry

Shelly

So here it is Friday October 30th. Today both of my kids are riding in the homecoming parade for our high school. My beautiful daughter is riding as a beauty queen and my son is riding with his Pee Wee Football team. Homecoming around here is a big deal. Every high school does parades. But parades are fun.

Tomorrow is Halloween. Conner has what might be his last football game tomorrow at 2:00 and than we have nothing, I mean nothing the whole rest of the day. Until we go trick or treating that night. I can’t wait a Saturday that is not packed full of stuff to do.

But this is only the calm before the storm. The State Pageant is in November and we have the BIG PEANUT PARADE that Caree will ride in on a float. That is a huge a deal. And than the 14th we have Conner’s First Communion Class and a pageant to attend and than the next weekend is it the big one. The big state pageant we have been waiting and working for.

She is working so hard to get ready too. Her coach is seeing her every week now and really make her practice. It is great. I love to see her so passionate about something.

Hey everyone!  This November 20-22, I’ll be competing in the Miss Illinois USA pageant!!!  I’m a finalist!!  You can check out my YouTube Page to watch videos of me just talking about the process.  I was recently Top 5  at the Miss Northern Sweeps Pageant which is a preliminary to Miss Illinois in the Miss America system.   So I have experience to back me up at this upcoming competition.  However, I need your help…

Each contestant is required to raise money to compete, at least $1100.00.  So if you can help me out that would be great.  The money goes to my stay at the Hyatt Regency McCormick place, as well as scholarship and prizes for the winning contestant.  You can donate as much as you like and if you leave your name I will credit you as a supporter.

Check out my website to leave a Donation:  http://sites.google.com/site/starshine13/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Dominica1
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/DominicaStrong

Facebook: www.facebook.com/starshine13

Thanks in Advance!!!

Dammit! I want to win something! (This is where I am chuckling heartily in front of my computer…) Seriously though, all of us like to win and as I said on the raannt page, I’ll probably never win an Oscar…so here it is…vote for raannt and thoughts from the couch…I’m copying the directions below…Help me!!! (I’ll even where a tiara and a sash just for you!!!)

But…we might win two local contests if you guys help us out…we want to be the coolest kids in town!!! The first link below is for the contest The Top 50 Blogs in Indiana! Please help us win. It literally takes two seconds. All you have to do is go to the link and hit vote(for raannt of course!)

The second contest is the one we mentioned before…The Linking Indiana’s Best Blog…raannt is already doing well but we still need help. It only takes about 5 minutes to vote. First you go to the link, register, sign back in and vote for raannt.

If you’d like to be REALLY, REALLY nice, tell all of your friends about this AND vote for Peter’ personal blog, Thoughts From the Couch!

Much Love…Eyes Open, We’re Watching!!!

Sayeed St James - Mr. Tri-County National Newcomer

Sorry pageant fans – I have been sick as a dog this last week and have not been online to send our congratulations out to the new Mr. and Miss Tri-County National Newcomer pageant winners. For the boys – Sayeed St. James and for the girls Starr Sanchez. It was a fun pageant as 6 boys and 5 girls competed for the title at Club Revolution in Orlando, Florida. I probably would have had more fun if I wasn’t sick that night and still had to drive 5 hours back home but hey – I enjoyed the pageant. I finished the DVD today and I put up one preview trailer of the lovely Tiana Norrel Santi – Miss Tri-County Latina. Although the pageant was long (we had a triple male tie breaker Q&A at the end of the pageant) – it was well worth it to see who of the guys won. And for the girls – well rumor has it points were deducted before the pageant started that may have affected the outcome – but I have no knowledge of that and no tea will be spilled here (LOL).

Congrats to Sayeed and Starr – buy the gay pageant DVD from our website at Click Click Expose (Gay Entertainment Media) and congrats Sergio for a fantastic 2009 Tri-County year. We will see you guys November 22nd for Tri-County Legacy when Simba Hall gives up the title.

This year’s contestants included for the Males:

Zayden Bonet, Dontrell Iman, Sayeed St. James, Keondre Diamond, Deahire Santi and Ashlei Santi Valentino.

Starr Sanchez - Miss Tri-County National Newcomer

This year’s contestants included for the Females:

Taniyah Dior Dupree, Tranecia Sanchez, Zaniyah Bonet, Starr Sanchez and Makayla Sanchez.

Zayden was 1st runner-up, Ashlei was 2nd Runner up.

Makayla Sanchez was 1st runner-up and Tranecia Sanchez was 2nd runner-up.

And the battle for Miss Beautiful went to Tranecia Sanchez. You go girl!!

Thomas – Click Click Expose (podcasting, gay video sharing, gay blogging and live internet TV for the LGBT community)

Sayeed St James - Mr. Tri-County National Newcomer

Sorry pageant fans – I have been sick as a dog this last week and have not been online to send our congratulations out to the new Mr. and Miss Tri-County National Newcomer pageant winners.  For the boys – Sayeed St. James and for the girls Starr Sanchez.  It was a fun pageant as 6 boys and 5 girls competed for the title at Club Revolution in Orlando, Florida.  I probably would have had more fun if I wasn’t sick that night and still had to drive 5 hours back home but hey – I enjoyed the pageant.  I finished the DVD today and I put up one preview trailer of the lovely Tiana Norrel Santi – Miss Tri-County Latina.  Although the pageant was long (we had a triple male tie breaker Q&A at the end of the pageant) – it was well worth it to see who of the guys won.  And for the girls – well rumor has it points were deducted before the pageant started that may have affected the outcome – but I have no knowledge of that and no tea will be spilled here (LOL).

Congrats to Sayeed and Starr – buy the gay pageant DVD from our website at Click Click Expose (Gay Entertainment Media) and congrats Sergio for a fantastic 2009 Tri-County year.  We will see you guys November 22nd for Tri-County Legacy when Simba Hall gives up the title.

This year’s contestants included for the Males:

Zayden Bonet, Dontrell Iman, Sayeed St. James, Keondre Diamond, Deahire Santi and Ashlei Santi Valentino.

Starr Sanchez - Miss Tri-County National Newcomer

This year’s contestants included for the Females:

Taniyah Dior Dupree, Tranecia Sanchez, Zaniyah Bonet, Starr Sanchez and Makayla Sanchez.

Zayden was 1st runner-up, Ashlei was 2nd Runner up.

Makayla Sanchez was 1st runner-up and Tranecia Sanchez was 2nd runner-up.

And the battle for Miss Beautiful went to Tranecia Sanchez.  You go girl!!

Thomas – Click Click Expose (podcasting, gay video sharing, gay blogging and live internet TV for the LGBT community)

In 2005 Kevin was arrested. HE has not returned to this family since that very day. So recently he has decided that he thinks I am “forcing” Caree to do pageants because my sister has her daughters doing pageants. And he is worried because he does not want Caree to be disappointed.

Well “Mr. I walked out on my family but I think I should get to do what I want and still be in charge” you are a dumb ass. Caree had to talk me into letting her do pageants. And you obviously know absolutely nothing about her. She is beautiful and has a personality that the judges just love. She loves being on stage and she always make a point to talk to the girls in her class and make friends. And she does not care if she gets a crown or not she wants to have that day of beauty and be the center of attention and make friends.

But just to show you just how much your stupid pedophile ass does not know. SHE WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is right MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER is a winner. And not just winning crowns but she wins best personality and best dress. And best of all she is proud of herself.

And the damage YOU did to her when you decided that having sex with a child was more important than being a father a man and husband is fading away. She no longer calls you dad or even Kevin you have been demoted to “SPERM DONOR”. You had nothing to do with this beautiful child that has risen from the horrible things YOU did to her. She is strong and beautiful and vibrant. And she wants for nothing. She is surrounded by people who truly love her and would never for anything walk away from her.

Even your selfish parents have turned their backs on these children. Put that is fine.

She is a great and wonder young girl. And you will miss out on it all. You are the one who will be damaged now.

Love kiss and prayers

Buy Go-Natural All in One Cosmetic Makeup – Fabove.ca

Go Natural – The All in One Cosmetic Makeup Magic Powder – Natural Beauty Mineral Makeup in 1 Step – Seen On TV. click or call toll free: 1-877-446-6288  Ext. 1

Try it now for only 19.90. – RISK FREE TRIAL OFFER

Go Natural Home

Wholesale and retail sales and service for London Canada and Las Vegas USA Since 1999.

Toll Free: 1-877-446-6288

Shared via AddThis

Poor Girl!

Beauty pageants can be good or evil, depending on the contestant, and those behind the contestant. Namely, the pageant mothers! Some pageant mothers push their daughters to excel in the pageants whether their little hearts are in it or not. But others do it just because their daughters wish to be in the pageants.

I think pageants can be a good thing in the development of little girls. They develop confidence and self awareness. They have a lot of attention focused on them while they are preparing for the pageants, and are encouraged to take care of themselves and practice proper ettiquette in their actions and speech.

Sometimes children need to be pushed to be their best and to find their own motivations in life. But some parents can come down too hard on their children, and the pageant experience can be unpleasant. Kids are impressionable, and I think some subjects should be approached gently or not at all. With food and weight, girls should be taught how to eat healthy, and that not eating enough, is just as unhealthy and unacceptable as eating too much.

I am obsessed with King of the Crown and Toddlers and Tiaras on TLC. When I have a daughter, I would definitely want to put her in pageants, if she wants to!

The prizes in the younger pageants are usually money or savings bonds. The Miss America prizes include scholarships. The Mrs. America prizes include lots of certificates for gowns and gym memberships. Glittery stuff. Stuff I would like.

During Campaign ’08, the world was aghast when this video of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin parading around in a swimsuit during a pageant competition hit the web. Perhaps if she’d follow this advice, we would’ve had a very different election result: