Imaginary Lines

     It's February already! The hustle of the holidays is over and we are settling into what I think is the toughest part of winter. While I have been super busy, I took some time a couple days ago to sit and reflect. It is funny how God gifts you with something at just the right moment, just when you need it the most. I came across this quote and it spoke to me. As I thought more about it, I really wanted to share it with all of you.

     I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, they have never worked for me. But I DO believe in constantly setting goals for myself, short-term and long-term (sometimes that goal is just to get up and get dressed. lol). One of my goals this year? To not let fear hold me back from anything that God places upon my heart....to let my FAITH be bigger than my FEAR and just move forward, even if it's taking baby steps. There are some of you sitting out there in cyber land reading this blog who have signed up for this pageant, but are thinking, "what have I gotten myself into?" You may have become friends on Facebook with a few of the other amazing ladies competing, and you are looking at their pictures, reading their posts, and thinking "she is prettier than me, skinnier than me, younger than me, fitter than me, does more in her community than me"....and then you are fearful that you don't have what it takes. How do I know you are doing this? Because I was guilty of the same self-sabotage. The day I began comparing myself to other people is the day I drew that imaginary line and created limits for myself. I don't want you to be a victim of what I like to call "Stinking Thinking", so I am going to give you some tips on how to combat those thoughts and feelings. First and foremost, when that Negative Nellie starts whispering in your ear and telling you that you don't have what it takes, your priority is to immediately say two positive things about yourself. Put her in her place and show her who's boss! The pageant is not far away, so you should be in full pageant prep. Your second task is to do something each day that better prepares you. This can be physically (exercise, walking/posing practice, beauty prep), or mentally/emotionally/spiritually. Some things that really helped me were creating a "pageant playlist". I found songs that inspired me and made me feel strong and played them on my down days, or when exercising. I also read motivational books, printed off quotes and scriptures that spoke to me, and had my family ask me random questions. Third, surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people who believe in you and want to see you succeed. And lastly and maybe the most important depending on your personality....limit your social media time. If you find yourself spending time stalking (yep, I said stalking, lol.), other women's Facebook pages, you are not concentrating on YOU, and this is taking away from your own preparation and experience. You may have to commit to only checking your Facebook page once per week so you can limit distractions and negative feelings. 

     YOU have what it takes. YOU are Mrs. Ohio. Picture that crown on your head and sash around your body and be confident in your gifts and abilities. 

     For those of you sitting out there interested in competing, wondering "what if?", don't let anything hold you back. This is your year to set yourself loose of limits and erase that imaginary line you have been afraid to cross. Now is the time to step out boldly in faith and follow your dream! 

     I am here to help you. If you would like some help preparing for the pageant, please contact me as soon as possible so we can get started on your journey to the crown. 

I believe in you! 

Teri Grothaus

Mrs. Ohio 2013

   
   

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

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

Mrs. World Pageant

These are a few photos from the Mrs. World Pageant held November 19, 2014 in the Soloman Islands.  Fun fact - Mrs. Philippines was 51 years old and just a show stopper (yellow dress).  A handful of the 2014 Mrs. America class where there to cheer on Mrs. America and Mrs. North America.  We were so proud of both Michelle and Austen.   Ultimately, Mrs. Belarus won the title of Mrs. World 2015. 

Mrs. World Pageant is underway

The Mrs. World Pageant has begun in the Soloman Islands.  

Grab a crown and a deal

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