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

NEW CROWN GIFTS and CROWN JEWELRY are HERE! Crown Votive, Crown Frame, Crown Business Card Holder, Crown Party Favors, Crown Wine Bottle Stopper, Crown Candle, Crown Notepad Holder & more! Enter code MRSCOVIP10 FOR 10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER! Valid through Dec. 1, 2014.   LIKE us https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crown-Chic-Boutique/185301954879777?ref=hl   for more discounts and freebies!   www.crownchic.com

The Experience Of A Lifetime

Hi Everyone!

I am finally getting the chance to sit down, catch my breath, and share my Mrs. America experience with you.

It has truly been the most eventful, exciting, exhausting and exhilarating year of my life - and it's not done yet! My trip to Tucson, AZ felt like that entire year packed into 9 days. It was wonderful and crazy, and I can't tell you how many times I had that "pinch me, is this real?!" feeling during my stay.

From the time I won the state title at the Mrs. Ohio pageant (which already was a huge surprise to me!) the whirlwind began. I had about 9 weeks to get new pictures, new wardrobe, new sponsors… you name it! Oh, and then finding out I'm pregnant with my third child!! I definitely did not see that one coming! I was definitely "freaking out" at first… but more on that later. Suffice it to say, it added a new layer of intensity to my prep!

The day I left was surreal. I stepped into the airport with my Mrs. Ohio sash on and my MOUNTAIN of luggage in tow. From that moment on, I left "normal life" and embarked on a journey that no matter how much I prepared for, you can't really be prepared for. People stopped me in the airport and asked for autographs and pictures, yelled "O-H!" across the terminals (I loved that:) and gave me the chance to share about our program and goals. When I arrived in Tuscon, I found some of my pageant sisters in baggage claim. Thanks to social media, we all had a chance to get to know each other and bond before we even got there, so it was like hugging the best friends you've never met before. Seeing the airport workers, taxi drivers and resort staff try to manage all of our baggage was a sight to behold!

It was great getting there a day early and having a chance to settle in, meet so many of the ladies and take a deep breath before the week began. We had a great dinner to celebrate Mrs. Virginia's birthday, met the directors and staff and best of all my roommate, Mrs. Colorado. We became fast and close friends and I couldn't have asked for a better "partner in crime" for the week!

The next morning all of the other ladies arrived. We had photo shoots, video projects, orientation - you name it! It was "go time", and it never slowed down from there. The week was full of rehearsals, formal dinners and "meet and greet" opportunities, gift giving and… did I mention rehearsals? Yeah,  lots of those:) Putting on two live shows in one week, corralling 52 chatty ladies, all amidst a super busy schedule - my hat is off to our choreographers, Frit and Frat, for that!

I knew that Mrs. America would be an amazing, once in a lifetime experience, but it was so much more special than I even expected. The relationships I developed will definitely stand the test of time - a sisterhood was formed there that I thank God for. So many women of passion and purpose in one place, all able to support one another in our missions, share our dreams and goals, and cheer each other on. The stigma of "Pageant Patty" and selfish, rude women was definitely laid to rest by the compassionate, supportive and driven women of Mrs. America! I could not be more proud to be part of that honorable group of women.

I feel like there is just too much to fit into one blog post, so I'll post a day by day rundown as soon as I get our beautiful pictures back from our national photographer. He has been capturing Mrs. America, Miss USA and Miss Universe for the past 32 years, and is phenomenal at what he does. I can't wait to give you a glimpse of our week through his lens!

Thanks to ALL of you who supported me as I accomplished those goals and made those memories. The words of encouragement from each of you carried me farther than you know! I can't wait to share the rest of this experience with you, as well as the wonderful things the rest of this year holds.

Love,
Shaylyn Ford
Mrs. Ohio America 2014

Mrs. Ohio Pageant is Accepting Applications for 2015 Pageant

Have you ever considered representing your community at the Mrs. Ohio Pageant? Our pageant is part of the highly revered Mrs. America system and features a selective group of amazing women representing all regions of our great state. It is indeed a wonderful honor to be selected to compete in this event, and I am excited to invite you into this first stage of becoming a state finalist.
Mrs. Ohio America Pageant is now in its 39th year, and is highly respected both in our state and nationwide.  Your personal journey starts today by calling the pageant office at 303-593-1199 to receive your information packet and culminates next spring with a grand pageant focused on your accomplishments, goals and beauty. Along the way, you will make new, lifelong friends, discover new aspects of yourself, and have the time of your life! It's impossible to finish a goal that we don't start.  Without taking the first step, goals are just nice ideas that fail to ignite our true potential.

Mrs. America Pageant has begun

Mrs. Ohio has arrived in Tucson Arizona to compete for the title of Mrs. America 2015.    If you are not following the official Mrs. Ohio Facebook Page, please do. We will post photos all week of the Mrs. America Pageant activities.

www.facebook.com/Mrsohioamerica

Mrs. America

I can't believe it's been a year since I boarded the plane to leave for Mrs. America. I was so excited to be representing Ohio, and loved walking through the airport in my sash and answering all the questions about the Mrs. Ohio and Mrs. America pageant systems. My trip out to Tucson, AZ was awesome! I felt like a celebrity....

And that feeling continued as I stepped off the plane and made my way to baggage claim, greeted by cameras and videographers, and a few of my Mrs. America sisters. With a flurry of flashbulbs, my ten day adventure began!

My Mrs. America experience was something that I will always cherish, and I truly appreciated all the love and support from my family members who were able to make the trip to Tucson, and from my family and friends back home who sent words of encouragement through texts, phone calls, flowers and cards.

As our Mrs. Ohio America 2014, Shaylyn Ford, leaves for Tucson on her own Mrs. America journey, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. If you could take a few moments out of your day, I think it would be awesome if we could shower her with love while she is out there. I know it would really mean a lot to her to know that we are thinking of her and supporting her from back home.

If you would like to send something to Shaylyn, you can send it to the following address:

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Drive
Tucson, AZ 85750

We love you Shaylyn and are so proud of you! Best of luck at Mrs. America!


Hugs,

Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013

Mrs. America Give Aways

As one of the Mrs. America traditions, each delegate brings an item from their home state to share with every lady.  This is such a fun way to learn a little something about each other's state.   This year Mrs. Ohio will be taking Cheryl's Cookies as her state gift.

If you would like a cookie or two.... check out http://www.cheryls.com

Mrs. America Fundraiser!!

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/

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

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:

• 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

And these are a few of the songs I use to relax and unwind, to calm the jitters, to inspire me, and to remind me of my value, who I belong to and what is really important in life:

• 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

I hope that some of these speak to you as much as they do me. As always I am here to help you on your journey!  :)

Big Hugs
Teri
Mrs. Ohio America 2013

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

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

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