Saturday, December 13, 2014

Pageant Survival Guide

Hi Everyone!

This is a practical post - but still fun! I know "pageant" and "survival" sound very melodramatic together in the same sentence, so let me clarify. Although I doubt anyone has every died from participating in a pageant (maybe I should Google that?), you often hear of women passing out or just plain freaking out during the pageant weekend, and a little extra prep and know-how can really make the whole experience WAY more fun for you. If you are considering participating in a pageant, this post might be really helpful for you. So what do you need? First, let's put together a "survival kit":

  - Makeup: Duh, right? A few things you may not typically use in your daily makeup routine that are a must for stage are false lashes (BIG ones!), eye drops, waterproof versions of everything (because you will "glisten" under the hot stage lights:), a heavy duty concealer, good contouring products (IT Cosmetics makes a fantastic kit) and a quality setting spray. Everything tends to slide from it's intended location during a long night under bright stage lights, and you want staying power! I highly recommend Urban Decay primers and settings sprays to help your makeup stay put through all the smiles, tears, kisses and hugs the night will bring. 


 - Hair products: Again, I'm sure you were already planning on bringing some things with you. Hot rollers, curling irons, flat irons, hairspray… Here are a few things you may not have thought of. Always pack more bobby pins, hair pins, hair bands and hair spray than you think you will need. Nothing will cause you more panic than getting halfway through an updo and running out of pins! Plus, even if you don't use them, you may be able to rescue one of your fellow competitors in need! I also recommend going to Sally Beauty Supply and looking for their heavy duty pins - these are huge, clear plastic pins that come in smaller quantities but hold HUGE amounts of hair. Literally, two of them can hold fine hair into an updo! A teasing brush, not a teasing comb, is another great item to have. They give you much more volume in less time with less damage to your hair - wins all over! A hard hold hairspray like Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Harder is a great choice too - again, hot lights = meltdown! ALWAYS practice what you want to do with your hair before the pageant so it's easy for you to recreate and there is no last minute stress. Shine spray is another great choice - Redken Outshine is a good one. And don't forget your extra hair!


 - Safety pins… lots of sizes. Safety pins are to a pageant girl what duct tape is to men…

 - Butt Glue. Yes, I just wrote butt glue. I don't recommend walking into your local Target and asking for it, unless you like getting crazy looks:) Go online or to your local fitness/supplement store (like a Supzilla) because the type that fitness competitors use on their posing suits is by far the best. I like spray on the best - the roll-on kind can get messy. You can use it if you have a loose bathing suit top or gapping in your gown too!


 - Baby wipes and baby powder. You aren't changing any diapers - you are getting your butt glue off after swimsuit round so your evening gown doesn't stick to you:)

 - Shoe inserts/pads, grip pads for the bottom of your shoes - no wipe outs for you! Band Aid anti-chaffing stick is AMAZING - it comes in a little blue stick that almost looks like mini deodorant, it's only about $2.50, and you will be SO grateful you have it. It's also great anywhere else clothes might rub, like the inside of your arm against a heavily beaded gown.


 - Orajel. No, you aren't planning on getting a toothache. It's for your ears! This was a genius bit of advice from Mrs. Ohio 2013, Teri Grothaus. Pageant earrings are much bigger and heavier than what you would typically wear, and it doesn't take long for you to wish your earlobes would just fall off. Putting some Orajel on will make it so much better!

 - Midol. It will give you pain relief (hello hours and hours of high heels!), bloat relief (hello bathing suit!) and it has a touch of caffeine to perk you up. They really should market this stuff differently! It's not a bad idea to put together a mini first aid kit too with Band Aids, Neosporin, vitamins and cough drops.

 - Super glue. You never know when a heel will break or a piece of jewelry will need repaired. Just don't confuse it with your butt glue! :)

 - A stick on bra or "chicken cutlets". 'Nuff said:)

 - A "snack bag" and LOTS of water. Too many women try to avoid meals so they don't look "poochy" on stage, but you need energy! Pack things like jerky, granola, nuts, etc. that will keep you going and don't take any prep. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water all the time. I have seen women drop like flies from dehydration after hours on their feet. Don't risk it!

Those are the essential physical items you need. Other than that, the things you need most are:

 - A great attitude. Be prepared to enjoy everything this experience brings you!

 - Flexibility. Not everything is going to happen the way you expected. Go with the flow and make the most of it!

 - An open heart - be prepared to make TONS of new friends. If you go in with a desire to see the best in others, you will. Check your judgement and critical thoughts at the door and you will reap so many benefits.


I hope this checklist helps you really enjoy your pageant experience. Competing in a pageant can be some of the best memories you ever create for yourself if you come prepared with the right tools and the right attitude. I wish you all the best on your new adventure!

Have fun!
Shaylyn Ford

Gratitude & Vision

This is the time of year when we tend to reflect on our lives, the things we are grateful for, and the things we want to achieve or change in the coming year.

This year has definitely been one of the biggest of my entire life! As I look back over what this year has brought me and and my family, I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude. In March I celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary with my husband, Greg. We have had a truly wild ride over the past decade as partners in life, ministry and family, and I couldn't ask for a better man by my side! He has been so supportive and helpful as I have journeyed into a new chapter of my life (both as a businesswoman and Mrs. Ohio). I am so lucky to have him as the backbone of our family when life gets crazy!

We also moved into a new home this year, launched my business (Shaylyn Ford Signature Beauty, offering on location hair and makeup services) had the amazing privilege of becoming Mrs. Ohio - and then found out we had another baby boy on the way! Whew! If someone had told me last year about everything this year would hold, I can assure you I wouldn't have believed them.



Competing in the Mrs. Ohio Pageant was such a highlight of my year. It was a chance to step outside of "normal" life for a weekend, meet some of the amazing women from around my state, and challenge myself in a new way. I truly enjoyed the whole journey leading up to it; it forced me to focus on my priorities and find my voice. I can't say enough about the beautiful women (both inside and out) I had the honor of competing with and the way those relationships have enriched my life. If you are a married woman wondering what is next for you, I encourage you to contact Emily Stark and find out more about Mrs. Ohio 2015. I truly believe that the experience will open doors and open your eyes to potential and opportunities you may not have realized you had! I did not go into this competition expecting to win - wanting to, yes! - but the process of preparing and the joy of being chosen to represent our state were unexpected, wonderful surprises!


Preparing for Mrs. America was a such a whirlwind! I was so blessed to have the advice and support of my director, Emily Stark, my predecessor, Teri Grothaus, and the coaching of another former Mrs. Ohio, Rhonda Shappert. I had a fantastic group of sponsors too, who made the entire journey so much fun! I spent 9 unforgettable days in Tucson, AZ for Mrs. America, and it was truly a dream come true to make the Top 15! The friendships and memories will be something I treasure forever.




One of my best gifts from the Mrs. America experience? My roommate Nicki, Mrs. Colorado. I didn't know anyone was capable of making me laugh that hard before 6 AM! It was so thrilling to also share the Top 15 distinction and the same wonderful director with her!

As I reflect on all of the amazing developments in my life this year, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God and and the wonderful people He has surrounded me with. I am thankful that I have developed the courage and stamina to step out in faith and pursue my dreams. I am grateful to have found clarity in my vision and my voice, and now the opportunity to use those things to bless others. More than anything, I want the opportunity pass this on and "pay it forward." My prayer for you is that you find YOUR purpose and goals for the new year. I pray that you find the strength to pursue it no matter what the obstacles. My Christmas wish is that you will find a circle of support who pushes you towards greater things. Because let me tell you, although stepping outside your comfort zone is terrifying, the payoff is often more than you could have ever imagined!

Merry Christmas and a brave, exciting, happy and healthy New Year!

Shaylyn Ford

Monday, December 8, 2014

Pangea Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Are you wrestling with stocking stuffing ideas?  Are you looking for something that feeds your skin something healthy and non-toxic?  Pangea is a company that people have grown to trust for safe and effective skin care.  Here are a few ideas:







Give the gift of organic skin care this holiday season.  To order go to:  www.pangeaorganics.com/jeffandlori