Next Level Youth Pageant

I was so honored when Evelyn asked me to sing the National Anthem for her Next Level Youth Pageant held in New Jersey on May 24, 2013.

Evelyn does an incredible job with these ladies.  She collects clothing, gowns, and just about everything that they would need to participate in a pageant.  Then she gives them interview and stage training.  These are not the contestants that participate in 10 pageants - and this is yet another one.  These are contestants that but for this pageant would not necessarily have the opportunity or the funding to participate in a big production.  The stage and speaking skills taught during their training  provide invaluable life skills.

Kudos to Evelyn for an incredible job!!!!!!  Kudos to the terrific contestants for an incredible performance; they were just lovely on that stage!

It was also fun to visit with other current titleholders (Ceylone (Mrs. New Jersey International 2013), Susan Huntley (Mrs. Pennsylvania America 2012), and Joy (Mrs. New Jersey United States 2013)) as well as pageant friends.

The emcees for the evening were FANTASTIC!!!!!

Special Congratulations to the Pageantry Spirit Award Winner: Richard Krauss!!!!!  

Enjoy the photos!

Regina Santos and her daughter

Mrs. NJ US 2013 (Joy) and Andrea

Me, Joy, and Michelle Anderson

Danielle, Me, Ceylone, Mary, and Susan

WHAT I WORE:

This outfit is somewhat repeated from here: What I Wore
David Miester Dress from Nordstrom and black rhinestone shoes from Nordstrom.  This dress is extremely comfortable and since it was a wet and rainy evening that night, it worked quite well.

The shoes are by GLINT

Earrings were purchased from Gaspar Cruz back in 2008.  I wore them in this old headshot:

LINK UPs:

The Pleated Poppy

Watch Out for the Woestmans

Get Your Pretty On

Style Elixir

Stella and Dot and Fundraising for Alzheimer's Association

On May 23, 2013, I traveled to the home of my dear friend, Danielle Micale (Mrs. New Jersey International 2011), for her Stella Dot Fundraising Jewelry Party.

The weather was a bit muggy, but with a room full of lively girls trying on incredible pieces of jewelry, there was a lot of fun!!!

We snapped a few photos as the purchases were used to raise funds for Alzheimer's Association of New Jersey - an organization that has twice honored Danielle for her incredible dedication.

Here are a few photos:

Danielle's God-Daughter

Danielle's God-Daughter's photograph work!

Oops, crooked crown.

Boy Scout Luncheon - Altoona, PA (May 21, 2013)

The DeGol Organization was honored with a Civic Award at the Boy Scout Luncheon on May 21, 2013.  My brother gave the speech accepting the award on behalf of the DeGol Organization (I think my dad felt that he did enough speech writing and public speaking with his Rotary speech).  David (my brother) did a great job!  It was a honor to be asked to sing the National Anthem at the event and a true pleasure to hear a speech by an Eagle Scout and learn about a great project for our Veterans in Tyrone, PA.

I was so flattered to see my name tag!

My brother offering to be a chaperone to the awesome Boy Scout camp in West Virginia (there are days that I wish I were a boy!)

Brother (David), Me, Dad (David), Renee

My incredible cousin, Tony DeGol

David and Gram (Lena DeGol)

Aunt Polly, Gram, and Renee

Love Gram's purple!

Uncle Don, David, Me, Renee, Dad, Uncle Bruno, Bruno 3.0, Lea, Don, Jr.

WHAT I WORE:

LINK UPs:
Watch Out For The Woestmans
Style Elixir

The Pleated Poppy
Get Your Pretty On



Purple Dress by Milly - available at Nordstrom

Jewelry - Sabika's Chic Stir pendant necklace and earrings

Denim rhinestone choker in 6mm stones (very similar to Sabika's choker pictured above) and rainbow chokers are both from Europe

Elena Maratos Necklace

Shoes - taupe sandals available at Dillards; these shoes were very comfortable given their height.

After the luncheon, I took Harlow, Renee's terrific new dog that she fostered since her birth, for a walk around my dad's driveway.  Harlow is the sweetest thing on earth; she is so much fun!

National Anthem at Delaware Park

For several years now, I have been extremely lucky to have been asked to sing the National Anthem at Delaware Park Race Track.  I love doing this.  My husband and I love horse racing, so it is always a special treat.


This year, I finally had someone snap a photo of me singing the Anthem on the big screen in the center of the race track.

WHAT I WORE:
Ralph Lauren dressed on sale rack at Macy's from several years ago.
Jewelry - Sabika necklaces and earrings from Spring 2012 catalog
Shoes - Earthies - I love these shoes.  They give about three inches of height, but have a one inch platform.  They have arch support - essentially, the shoe bed molds to your foot.  Probably the most comfortable shoes that I own.  Best place to purchase: Sierra Trading Post when they give you a coupon via email!

The screen where I was broadcast

After Delaware Park, I headed to New Jersey to celebrate birthdays for Kim and Susan.  We ate oysters on the half shell - that alone made is a great night for Kim and I!  I am so blessed to have such incredible friends and am so thankful for the time that we share!!!

Armed Forces Foundation Dinner in Richmond, VA; May 17, 2013

Returning to McGuire Veterans' Hospital in Richmond, Virginia was an incredible experience.  I really enjoyed speaking to a patient from the central plains.  I wish I had more photos, but this patient and I were busy discussing and solving the world's problems.  His background gave him unique insight and perspective.  It was a great conversation.

After the dinner, I was able to grab a few shots with some other volunteers.

What I Wore:

Coral Dress by Gianni Bini available at Dillard's.  I love how comfortable this dress is, but the sleeves were too hot for the Virginia humidity.

Shoes: I wore flip flops while serving the meal because you need to be comfortable and able to move quickly.  But, the shoe that matches this dress is by Antonio Melani (also from Dillard's).

Jewelry:  Sabika makes an appearance (heck, I am always mixing my Sabika with my other jewelry).  Below is a close up I snapped on the car ride.  I am wearing the Sabika Garden Party choker, cross pendant, and flower pendant.  These items are classics and are available to purchase.  The second necklace is a rainbow necklace purchased from Europe.  The heart pendant was purchased from Blessed Inspirations (search that name to friend request her).

LINK UPs:

Watch out for the Woestmans

Plane Pretty

The Pleated Poppy

Get Your Pretty On 

Ever want to help the troops by serving a meal in Richmond?  Email me at marci@papageants.com

Mrs New Jersey United States 2013

It was so much fun to return again to the Mrs. New Jersey United States Pageant and watch another great production by Chris and Michelle!

I always love being treated to Michelle's melodic voice and it was especially exciting this year because she is pregnant!

Congratulations to Joy Carmack, the winner.  Special Congrats to Melissa Smith - she was again the first runner up (and was 3rd runner up at the Mrs. PA International Pageant with me this year).  I love Melissa and was so excited to see her; she looked beautiful and performed flawlessly on stage!

I used Studio Vivarant Into the Night scrapbook kit to create these pages.

What I Wore

Fashion Link-Ups:

Watch out for the Woestmans

The Pleated Poppy

Get Your Pretty On

Style Elixir

Navy Dress by ASOS purchased for less than $50 several years ago
Jewelry is a combination of Sabika choker (the largest stone choker) and rhinestone chokers that are from Europe.  Earrings are also by Sabika.
Shoes: Boston Proper from several years ago (love their outlet/clearance section of the website; if you check often, you can find great deals).  Sign up for Boston Proper Emails for the best chance.

At five feel tall, I find that my best looks are solid color well-fitted dresses.  I add jewelry to being the eye upwards towards my face.

Close-up of the jewelry