Come enjoy a night of fun and some AMAZING giveaways - fantastic products and items from fantastic Ohio companies!
All of the proceeds go to support Mrs. Ohio's journey to the Mrs. America pageant.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1500908113454286/
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Monday, July 21, 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
What Is Your Dream?
Becoming Mrs. Ohio was a dream come true! I will never forget the moment when they called my name and I realized I had won. It was so much more than having a crown placed on my head - although that was fantastic, don't get me wrong:) But the most exciting part was knowing what was out there for me in the year ahead. I knew that the title of Mrs. Ohio would provide an amazing platform and opportunities to speak, write, support charities and spread the message that "You can do this!" to women across the state.
I am passionate about encouraging women to move past insecurities and excuses and strive for the dreams in their hearts. The things you are passionate about are not there by accident! You have gifts and talents that intertwine with your passions. Your mission is to find out how to put those things together and put them in action. For most of us, the problem is not identifying what we love or are good at. The issue lies in the excuses we make. I'm not pointing fingers here; I spent years making excuses of my own! We tell ourselves that we aren't "good enough", we don't have the time or money to pursue it, it's not that important…the list goes on. We can spend our whole lives missing out on the things we were put here to do. I decided I was done sitting on the sidelines of my own life. Here are the steps I took that have helped me move beyond my fears and pursue things like the Mrs. Ohio title and launching my own business:
1. Identify Your Goal.
This sounds easy, but sometimes it takes some work to narrow your passion down to a workable goal. I wanted to use my skills as a hairdresser and makeup artist to help people feel their best for the big moments in their life, and I wanted it to be flexible for my family. It took some time for me to figure out what that would look like. Obviously, the goal of becoming Mrs. Ohio was a simpler one. If your goal isn't already clear, think about what you love and how you want it to fit into your life. Want to lose weight and become more fit? How about a goal like participating in a charity race, or knowing you will be in a bathing suit on the Mrs. Ohio stage? This will give you a goal to be excited about, and a deadline to achieve it.
2. Do Your Homework.
I love research - it makes me feel more confident approaching whatever goal is in front of me. Once you have identified what you want to do, spend time learning as much about it as you can. In preparation for the Mrs. Ohio pageant, I spoke with past winners, read articles and blogs from pageant coaches and directors, brought questions to the Ohio state director and looked through oodles of pictures. All this helped me understand what I was getting into, identify what I needed to work on, and sharpen the image I wanted to present. I went into the pageant knowing what I wanted and with a defined plan on how I would try to get there.
3. Put It Into Practice.
You know the saying, "practice makes perfect"? Practice may not always make you "perfect", but it will make you prepared! Spend time making your goals and the research behind them part of your everyday life. If you want to change your body, find a fitness plan that is realistic and implement it. Need to work on interview skills? Time yourself, have friends and family write questions for you to answer, even have them give you mock interviews. Want to launch your own business? If you've done your homework, you now know what classes you may need to take or equipment you might need to purchase - do it! Taking little steps every single day toward your goal will keep you encouraged and prevent feeling overwhelmed.
4. Now What?!
It's funny how sometimes we have big dreams, we plan how to get there… and then we don't have a plan for what we will do once we get there! Don't neglect this important step. You have your business rolling - now where do you want it to go? You ran your first race - now what? I think sometimes we have this unspoken belief in the back of our minds that we will never actually reach our goals, so when we do, it takes us by surprise! EXPECT that you WILL reach your goals! PLAN for SUCCESS! When I competed in Mrs. Ohio, I planned to win. I had no guarantees, but I went into it with a plan of what I would do if I did. When I won, it was that much sweeter knowing I already had planned how to make the most of my year as queen.
I am so excited to use my new platform to partner with you in making your dreams a reality! It's time for us to lay down the hurtful words, painful experiences and fear-filled excuses from our pasts and move uninhibited into our full potential. Growth and change can be scary, but it is ALWAYS worth it. Let's stand together as an example for the generations looking up to us. Tell me your story - I would love to hear from you!
- Shaylyn
I am passionate about encouraging women to move past insecurities and excuses and strive for the dreams in their hearts. The things you are passionate about are not there by accident! You have gifts and talents that intertwine with your passions. Your mission is to find out how to put those things together and put them in action. For most of us, the problem is not identifying what we love or are good at. The issue lies in the excuses we make. I'm not pointing fingers here; I spent years making excuses of my own! We tell ourselves that we aren't "good enough", we don't have the time or money to pursue it, it's not that important…the list goes on. We can spend our whole lives missing out on the things we were put here to do. I decided I was done sitting on the sidelines of my own life. Here are the steps I took that have helped me move beyond my fears and pursue things like the Mrs. Ohio title and launching my own business:
1. Identify Your Goal.
This sounds easy, but sometimes it takes some work to narrow your passion down to a workable goal. I wanted to use my skills as a hairdresser and makeup artist to help people feel their best for the big moments in their life, and I wanted it to be flexible for my family. It took some time for me to figure out what that would look like. Obviously, the goal of becoming Mrs. Ohio was a simpler one. If your goal isn't already clear, think about what you love and how you want it to fit into your life. Want to lose weight and become more fit? How about a goal like participating in a charity race, or knowing you will be in a bathing suit on the Mrs. Ohio stage? This will give you a goal to be excited about, and a deadline to achieve it.
2. Do Your Homework.
I love research - it makes me feel more confident approaching whatever goal is in front of me. Once you have identified what you want to do, spend time learning as much about it as you can. In preparation for the Mrs. Ohio pageant, I spoke with past winners, read articles and blogs from pageant coaches and directors, brought questions to the Ohio state director and looked through oodles of pictures. All this helped me understand what I was getting into, identify what I needed to work on, and sharpen the image I wanted to present. I went into the pageant knowing what I wanted and with a defined plan on how I would try to get there.
3. Put It Into Practice.
You know the saying, "practice makes perfect"? Practice may not always make you "perfect", but it will make you prepared! Spend time making your goals and the research behind them part of your everyday life. If you want to change your body, find a fitness plan that is realistic and implement it. Need to work on interview skills? Time yourself, have friends and family write questions for you to answer, even have them give you mock interviews. Want to launch your own business? If you've done your homework, you now know what classes you may need to take or equipment you might need to purchase - do it! Taking little steps every single day toward your goal will keep you encouraged and prevent feeling overwhelmed.
4. Now What?!
It's funny how sometimes we have big dreams, we plan how to get there… and then we don't have a plan for what we will do once we get there! Don't neglect this important step. You have your business rolling - now where do you want it to go? You ran your first race - now what? I think sometimes we have this unspoken belief in the back of our minds that we will never actually reach our goals, so when we do, it takes us by surprise! EXPECT that you WILL reach your goals! PLAN for SUCCESS! When I competed in Mrs. Ohio, I planned to win. I had no guarantees, but I went into it with a plan of what I would do if I did. When I won, it was that much sweeter knowing I already had planned how to make the most of my year as queen.
I am so excited to use my new platform to partner with you in making your dreams a reality! It's time for us to lay down the hurtful words, painful experiences and fear-filled excuses from our pasts and move uninhibited into our full potential. Growth and change can be scary, but it is ALWAYS worth it. Let's stand together as an example for the generations looking up to us. Tell me your story - I would love to hear from you!
- Shaylyn
Sunday, July 13, 2014
My Pageant Playlist
Music speaks to me. I love so many different genres and artists, and the lyrics, tunes and beats help me express emotion, lift me up when I'm feeling down, or calm me when I'm feeling anxious. As you are securing your 2015 titles and beginning your journey to next year's Mrs. Ohio America pageant, I wanted to share with you some of the music that has been instrumental in my own preparation. Some of them are new, some are old...but all hold a special meaning for me in one way or another. Maybe some of them will give you the motivation and inspiration you need to hold fast to your dreams and work towards your goals!
These are a few of my favorite songs to "pump me up". I used these (and still do) to exercise to and to get me in a determined and bold state of mind:
Big Hugs
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013
These are a few of my favorite songs to "pump me up". I used these (and still do) to exercise to and to get me in a determined and bold state of mind:
- Fighter- Christina Aguilara
- Heart of a Champion- Nelly (clean version)
- I'm Every Woman- Whitney Houston
- Strut- Sheena Easton
- She's Not Just a Pretty Face- Shania Twain
- Uprising- Muse
- Born this Way- Lady Gaga
- Eye of the Tiger- Survivor
- What Makes You Beautiful- One Direction
- Headstrong- Rapt
- Clear Eyes, Full Heart- T. Powell
- Survival- Muse
- Independent Women- Destiny's Child
- Feel This Moment- Pitbull w. Christina Aguilera (this was my crowning song!)
- The Champ- Nelly
- Hall of Fame- The Script
- Fancy- Iggy (clean version)
- Applause-Lady Gaga
- Beautiful-Carly Rae Jepsen w. Justin Beiber
- Voice of Truth- Casting Crowns
- You are a Child of Mine- Mark Schultz
- Broken and Beautiful- Mark Schultz
- The Climb- Miley Cyrus
- This is My Now- Jordin Sparks
- I Believe- Fantasia
- Praise You in This Storm- Casting Crowns (This song has really been a blessing lately!)
- You are a Child of Mine- Mark Schultz
- Hallelujah- Matthew Schuler
- How You Live- Point of Grace
- Blessed- Martina McBride
- How Great Thou Art- Carrie Underwood
- Agnus Dei- Michael W. Smith
- Amazing Grace- Chris Tomlin
- Anyway-Martina McBride
- Change-Carrie Underwood
Big Hugs
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013
Friday, July 4, 2014
How to Treat PPD
Do you have it? Have you heard of it? PPD...Post-Pageant Depression. Okay- so maybe it isn't a clinical diagnosis that can be found in any medical book, but that doesn't make it any less real to those who experience it. So, what is it? Post-pageant depression is that "slump" you experience after the pageant is over. It is characterized by feelings of fatigue, the "blues", lack of motivation, and a desire to eat everything in sight and forget what your treadmill or inside of the gym looks like. You may begin questioning yourself, questioning the world around you, re-thinking your goals and wondering if you have set the bar too high and dreamed too big.
I would like to tell you that I have never felt this way, but the fact that I am writing this blog probably gives me away. lol. Don't worry, it's normal, and I promise you that you are not alone. So, what causes it? Well, just for a minute, let's take a trip down memory lane....
One year or so before the pageant date, someone talked you into competing, you decided to cross something off your bucket list, you set a goal to lose 30 pounds, or you decided to try and fulfill the dream you had as a child of being a beauty queen. Whatever the reason, you took the leap of faith and decided to compete. You mailed in your application and fee, and from that moment on, the planning and dreaming began. You pictured yourself on the stage, laid in bed thinking of what you would say in the interview, and dreamed of what it would be like to have that crown placed on your head at the end of the night. You paid close attention to every detail, drove your husband crazy sharing all your thoughts about what you were going to wear and how you were going to walk and pose. You sought out sponsors, ran, did lunges and squats, shopped, got your hair colored and cut, did your nails.....and the list goes on. Your year was spent in preparation. Your daily life went on, but free moments were spent in pageant mode. There was HOPE....the hope that at the end of the night, that title and crown would be yours.
Next, pageant weekend arrives, and the adrenaline takes over. You are so excited to meet all the ladies, but there is also some apprehension. It is finally here! Will I look okay? Will my gown be just right? Will I say the right thing? Will I trip in my heels? Millions of thoughts fill your head. There is a nervous energy, but you are having so much fun. Then, it's finally show time- and it is everything you anticipated....BUT, it is over in the blink of an eye! All that time spent preparing, all that hard work...over in two hours. And you didn't go home with the crown.You are so happy for the woman who did. She is deserving and beautiful. You are so glad that you put yourself out there, and your family is so proud of you. But, after the hamburger and cheesecake you celebrated with are gone and your bags are unpacked, that nasty PPD starts creeping in.
So what should you do? Well, let me start by saying again, that this is normal. And let me also say that it is okay to be disappointed. However, you can't let that disappointment drag you down and keep you from moving forward. So, if you need a week of hanging out in your pajamas with no make-up, eating cookies and salt and vinegar potato chips, going to bed early and sleeping late- so be it. BUT- then it's over. Girl, you have got to do something with yourself! lol. You don't have to decide right away whether you will compete again (although I will tell you that this helped me tremendously to never get "out of the routine"). But, you do have to decide to get back on track. So, here is my prescription to combat PPD:
1) Sit down with a pen and paper and write out a new set of goals, how you are going to get there, and then commit.
2) Get back on that treadmill. You worked so hard for that pageant body and you look great! Don't let it go now!! Plus- exercise releases endorphins-(nature's anti-depressants).
3) Return to your healthy eating. Our bodies feel so good when we fuel them with the right nutrients. Eating all that junk just makes us feel guilty and sluggish- ewww!
4) Surround yourself with positive people. These are the people who really want to see you succeed in life. The ones who love you no matter what, and who think that you are a winner just because you breathe.
5) Cut out the "Negative Nellie's". These are the people who discourage your dreams or think they are silly, the people who do not offer constructive but rather destructive criticism, and those people who are more than willing to join you as you are wallowing in self-pity.
6) Have some fun! Go away with your hubby for the weekend, take your kids to the zoo, or have friends over for a cook-out. Whatever makes you happy and makes you feel alive- indulge in that!
7) Spend some quiet time with yourself. This is the time to sit and reflect, to think about those goals, and to hear what God is speaking to your heart.
One last bit of advice- you entered this pageant for a reason. Think about that. Just because you didn't go home with the crown this year or maybe even last year, doesn't mean you never will. It takes work and everyone has something they can improve upon and room to grow. There is a learning curve, and you may be just coming around the bend. Don't give up. If you want it, go for it! Make it a goal to compete again in 2015, and seek out those who can help you. The sooner you shake off the PPD and get back in pageant mode, the more prepared you will be to take home that crown!
Big Hugs,
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013
"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way".Robert Kiyosaki
I would like to tell you that I have never felt this way, but the fact that I am writing this blog probably gives me away. lol. Don't worry, it's normal, and I promise you that you are not alone. So, what causes it? Well, just for a minute, let's take a trip down memory lane....
One year or so before the pageant date, someone talked you into competing, you decided to cross something off your bucket list, you set a goal to lose 30 pounds, or you decided to try and fulfill the dream you had as a child of being a beauty queen. Whatever the reason, you took the leap of faith and decided to compete. You mailed in your application and fee, and from that moment on, the planning and dreaming began. You pictured yourself on the stage, laid in bed thinking of what you would say in the interview, and dreamed of what it would be like to have that crown placed on your head at the end of the night. You paid close attention to every detail, drove your husband crazy sharing all your thoughts about what you were going to wear and how you were going to walk and pose. You sought out sponsors, ran, did lunges and squats, shopped, got your hair colored and cut, did your nails.....and the list goes on. Your year was spent in preparation. Your daily life went on, but free moments were spent in pageant mode. There was HOPE....the hope that at the end of the night, that title and crown would be yours.
Next, pageant weekend arrives, and the adrenaline takes over. You are so excited to meet all the ladies, but there is also some apprehension. It is finally here! Will I look okay? Will my gown be just right? Will I say the right thing? Will I trip in my heels? Millions of thoughts fill your head. There is a nervous energy, but you are having so much fun. Then, it's finally show time- and it is everything you anticipated....BUT, it is over in the blink of an eye! All that time spent preparing, all that hard work...over in two hours. And you didn't go home with the crown.You are so happy for the woman who did. She is deserving and beautiful. You are so glad that you put yourself out there, and your family is so proud of you. But, after the hamburger and cheesecake you celebrated with are gone and your bags are unpacked, that nasty PPD starts creeping in.
So what should you do? Well, let me start by saying again, that this is normal. And let me also say that it is okay to be disappointed. However, you can't let that disappointment drag you down and keep you from moving forward. So, if you need a week of hanging out in your pajamas with no make-up, eating cookies and salt and vinegar potato chips, going to bed early and sleeping late- so be it. BUT- then it's over. Girl, you have got to do something with yourself! lol. You don't have to decide right away whether you will compete again (although I will tell you that this helped me tremendously to never get "out of the routine"). But, you do have to decide to get back on track. So, here is my prescription to combat PPD:
1) Sit down with a pen and paper and write out a new set of goals, how you are going to get there, and then commit.
2) Get back on that treadmill. You worked so hard for that pageant body and you look great! Don't let it go now!! Plus- exercise releases endorphins-(nature's anti-depressants).
3) Return to your healthy eating. Our bodies feel so good when we fuel them with the right nutrients. Eating all that junk just makes us feel guilty and sluggish- ewww!
4) Surround yourself with positive people. These are the people who really want to see you succeed in life. The ones who love you no matter what, and who think that you are a winner just because you breathe.
5) Cut out the "Negative Nellie's". These are the people who discourage your dreams or think they are silly, the people who do not offer constructive but rather destructive criticism, and those people who are more than willing to join you as you are wallowing in self-pity.
6) Have some fun! Go away with your hubby for the weekend, take your kids to the zoo, or have friends over for a cook-out. Whatever makes you happy and makes you feel alive- indulge in that!
7) Spend some quiet time with yourself. This is the time to sit and reflect, to think about those goals, and to hear what God is speaking to your heart.
One last bit of advice- you entered this pageant for a reason. Think about that. Just because you didn't go home with the crown this year or maybe even last year, doesn't mean you never will. It takes work and everyone has something they can improve upon and room to grow. There is a learning curve, and you may be just coming around the bend. Don't give up. If you want it, go for it! Make it a goal to compete again in 2015, and seek out those who can help you. The sooner you shake off the PPD and get back in pageant mode, the more prepared you will be to take home that crown!
Big Hugs,
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013
"The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way".Robert Kiyosaki
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
First Runner Up Starts Today
The annual Mrs. First Runner Up Competition is starting today at the Mrs. America Pageant website.
http://mrsamerica.com/?page_id=3039
Here is how the contest works and why we want your votes:
Listed on the Mrs. America website is photos of all the state first runner-up delegates. One of these delegates will come and compete for the title of Mrs. America 2014 and is automatically a SEMI-FINALIST! It is a dollar per vote and net proceeds goes to these charities:
Foundation for the Blind
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund
MADD Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
National Association of battered Women
City of Hope - Pediatrics
Here is your First Runner Up - Mandi Brumfield
http://mrsamerica.com/?page_id=3039
Here is how the contest works and why we want your votes:
Listed on the Mrs. America website is photos of all the state first runner-up delegates. One of these delegates will come and compete for the title of Mrs. America 2014 and is automatically a SEMI-FINALIST! It is a dollar per vote and net proceeds goes to these charities:
Foundation for the Blind
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund
MADD Mothers Against Drunk Drivers
National Association of battered Women
City of Hope - Pediatrics
Here is your First Runner Up - Mandi Brumfield
My Final Blog....or is it?
I guess it is unspoken pageant etiquette for the former queen to write her "final" blog. So, here I am! (Better late than never, I guess!)
I have to admit, that the two weeks leading up to pageant weekend were kind of rough ones for me. There were a couple of days that I just cried off and on all day, knowing that my year was coming to an end (I'm just keeping it real). Maybe this sounds silly to some of you. But, as Emily said to me one day as I vented and asked if this was normal, "it is when you have cherished it as much as you have". And she is right, I have cherished every moment. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and spend time supporting a cause I am so passionate about. The title opened up doors. But that is not the only reason I cherished it....
It took me 5 years to become Mrs. Ohio. So, for 5 years, I was always in "pageant mode". You know, paying attention to what I ate, really working on my physical fitness, personal development, getting interview coaching, picking out gowns, interview outfits and obsessing about every detail (like making sure my toenails were the right color, lol). So, in those last two weeks it hit me that this was it! I had worked so hard for so long, accomplished the goal of becoming Mrs. Ohio America, and then in the blink of an eye (that is what it felt like), my time was over.
Pageant weekend was incredible though. Once I was there I was so happy to meet all the beautiful ladies competing. I had fun at rehearsals and at all the activities and I truly felt like a queen up there on that stage during the show. And as if all that was not enough, my beautiful friend Austen (aka Mrs. America) came to surprise me and was there all weekend as a judge. My "going-away" party could not have been any more special.
I am not going to recap my year. Since many of you followed my page on Facebook, you know what I have been up to. What I will do instead is tell you that this is not the last you will see of me. The Mrs. Ohio pageant is a huge part of my life. I feel like I grew from a seed to a flower while competing! I learned so much about myself (and others), made lifelong friends, and really grew in confidence. Not only am I able to talk to a room full of strangers, but I also believe that my dreams are not as far out of reach as I originally thought they were! So, I plan to remain a part of the system by helping with the pageant each year in whatever capacity I am needed. Additionally, I have been asked to coach contestants who have committed to competing in the Mrs. Ohio pageant. I am looking forward to sharing my experience, but also building the confidence of the women I am helping, as well as building the program. It is true that when one door closes another opens!
So my friends, instead of farewell, I will simply say, "See ya soon!"
Hugs,
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013
I have to admit, that the two weeks leading up to pageant weekend were kind of rough ones for me. There were a couple of days that I just cried off and on all day, knowing that my year was coming to an end (I'm just keeping it real). Maybe this sounds silly to some of you. But, as Emily said to me one day as I vented and asked if this was normal, "it is when you have cherished it as much as you have". And she is right, I have cherished every moment. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and spend time supporting a cause I am so passionate about. The title opened up doors. But that is not the only reason I cherished it....
It took me 5 years to become Mrs. Ohio. So, for 5 years, I was always in "pageant mode". You know, paying attention to what I ate, really working on my physical fitness, personal development, getting interview coaching, picking out gowns, interview outfits and obsessing about every detail (like making sure my toenails were the right color, lol). So, in those last two weeks it hit me that this was it! I had worked so hard for so long, accomplished the goal of becoming Mrs. Ohio America, and then in the blink of an eye (that is what it felt like), my time was over.
Pageant weekend was incredible though. Once I was there I was so happy to meet all the beautiful ladies competing. I had fun at rehearsals and at all the activities and I truly felt like a queen up there on that stage during the show. And as if all that was not enough, my beautiful friend Austen (aka Mrs. America) came to surprise me and was there all weekend as a judge. My "going-away" party could not have been any more special.
I am not going to recap my year. Since many of you followed my page on Facebook, you know what I have been up to. What I will do instead is tell you that this is not the last you will see of me. The Mrs. Ohio pageant is a huge part of my life. I feel like I grew from a seed to a flower while competing! I learned so much about myself (and others), made lifelong friends, and really grew in confidence. Not only am I able to talk to a room full of strangers, but I also believe that my dreams are not as far out of reach as I originally thought they were! So, I plan to remain a part of the system by helping with the pageant each year in whatever capacity I am needed. Additionally, I have been asked to coach contestants who have committed to competing in the Mrs. Ohio pageant. I am looking forward to sharing my experience, but also building the confidence of the women I am helping, as well as building the program. It is true that when one door closes another opens!
So my friends, instead of farewell, I will simply say, "See ya soon!"
Hugs,
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013
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