Preconceived Obstacles

     Fear. It is what holds us in place, never moving forward, never trying anything new...and ultimately never growing or achieving that dream in our heart.
     There are some of you that have chosen to step out of your comfort zones and take a chance at the Mrs. Ohio title. But, there are some of you who are still sitting on the fence, so to speak. Your heart is telling you to "go for it!", your head is asking you, "are you crazy?". Let me tell you, I was there once. But I am so glad that I did not let the fear hold me back, and I kept pushing forward because being Mrs. Ohio is my dream come true!
     When we are considering something new, our mind will come up with a myriad of reasons why we can't take that first step. If you have read my biography on this website, you probably remember me listing a few of mine. As I have been speaking with some of you who are wavering between competing or watching from the audience, I have heard some of your preconceived obstacles for pursuing the Mrs. Ohio America title. In an attempt to help you, I would like to dispel some myths and hopefully put your preconceived obstacles to rest:

•  "I'm too short". There isn't a height requirement for pageantry. I am 5'3" and have placed before women much taller than me. At Mrs. America, I was one of the most petite (I prefer this word to "short" lol) contestants there, but I still placed in the top 15. And with my 5 inch heels, I appeared to be the same height as some of the other women. The judges are not looking for a short or tall queen. They want the total package...someone beautiful on the inside and out, someone people can relate to, and the person they feel would best represent the system. So, put on your high heels and go show them what you've got! 
• "I'm not in shape/I weigh too much". Yes, it is true that physical fitness is important when competing in a pageant, and it is taken into consideration on stage. But don't use this as an excuse not to compete. Instead, use it as inspiration! Start eating healthy and exercising early in the pageant year. What better to motivate you to shed those extra pounds and inches than to appear before hundreds of people in a bathing suit, or put on that beautiful fitted gown? Maybe you won't be exactly where you want when you compete, but working hard to accomplish a goal builds confidence. The pageant may be just the motivation you need to keep living a healthy lifestyle. Remember that the judges are not looking for a stick-thin runway model. They are looking for someone healthy and physically fit. They also know that this is a "Mrs." pageant, and many contestants have children. That is taken into consideration. So, use the pageant as a challenge to get in shape, and then get out there and show off that new body. (And don't worry about cellulite or stretch marks! I have them too!)
• "I'm too old".  There is no age limit in the Mrs. Ohio America pageant. In fact, there are 70 year old women who compete with confidence! If you watched the Mrs. America pageant, then you probably know that I was the oldest contestant in the top 15. Last year and the year before that, Mrs. America was in her 40's. Age is just a number. (And they say that 40 is the new 20!). 
• "I can't afford it". I'm not going to lie, pageantry can be an expensive hobby. But, you don't have to rob a bank, or refinance your house in order to compete. Ask your friends and family to sponsor you. Their financial contribution can help pay your entry fees or other pageant expenses. You also do not have to spend thousands on a gown. In fact, I beg you not to! Remember, it is the girl that makes the gown, not the other way around. You want them looking at you, your grace and your poise, not just staring at your dress. Borrow a gown from someone you know. If that is not an option, there are several websites that offer reasonably priced, previously worn gowns. Try Pageant Resale, or the Ms., Miss, and Mrs. Facebook page.This rule also applies to your interview attire, shoes, and anything else you may need.  I have been fortunate enough to find some really great pieces on these websites to add to my Mrs. Ohio wardrobe. 
• "I'm not pretty enough." Unfortunately, as women, that is a lie we often tell ourselves. We are bombarded by heavily airbrushed photos of beautiful women who appear to have no blemishes or wrinkles and who have amazing porcelain like skin with flawless make-up. Yes, it is a beauty pageant, and yes, facial beauty is taken into consideration. But, it is much more than that. Interview is 50% of your score, which means that your inner beauty is equally important. Have you ever met that person that you think is nice looking, but they become more beautiful after you get to know them? I have for sure. Their inner beauty and their heart transforms their outer appearance. Be confident and let your inner beauty do the same for you.
• "I have stage fright". Oh girl....let me tell you, I can relate to this one! I had a horrible case of stage fright. My eye would twitch, my lips would quiver, and my legs would shake. I would get chills, but my skin was clammy, and my heart would beat so hard I was sure the judges could hear it. One year, my legs shook so much that I stumbled a couple of times. But, every time I appeared on stage it got a little bit better, and now I am able to control those butterflies (they seemed like large-winged dragons before that!). It  helps to get out there an make appearances with your city or county titles. The more you are exposed to crowds, and people you don't know, the better it gets. My advice for stage fright? Feel the fear and do it anyway. Each time you do this, you are wiping out the fear bit by bit. Before you know it, you will be a pro!

I am hoping that I have covered most of the preconceived obstacles that are keeping you from realizing your dream of becoming Mrs. Ohio. Instead of thinking about all the reasons that you can't compete, start listing the reasons why you should. God put that dream in your heart for a reason. Follow it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

Hugs to all of you,

Teri
Mrs. Ohio 2013


P.S. If I can answer any questions for you or help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me through my Facebook or Twitter account. :)

                                                                 Mrs. America Top 15

Tips for Halloween Costume Selection

Guest Blogger: Sharon Nuanes, Mrs. Colorado 1981 and Costume Designer

A few things to think are the following: Where is it going to be ( inside or outside, outside with the kids that fur rabbit costume will keep you warm), is there a theme at the event (Storm Troopers don't belong at the Renaissance), how long will I be in it (is it hot, claustrophobic, my niece wore a gunny sack over her head, creeped me out ), what will I be doing (can't dance in rubber duck feet, can't sit well in a Tin Man costume ), how can you eat or drink (it's no fun sticking a straw under a Darth Vader mask for your husband that doesn't want to break character), and you don't want to frighten little children (taking off your head when your cookie monster).

Once you've decided think about the total costume from head to toe. Think about shoes or foot covers. When I dressed in a rabbit suit for a preschool party a little girl cam up to me and said, "I know who you are your Heather's mom". I asked her how she knew. She said, "your wearing Heather's mom's shoes. Think about your head covering, does your costume fit through the door, will people be stepping on your costume if it extends out, do you want to wear make-up or a mask, do you have props to carry or keep track of (canes, chains, purse, staff, etc), do you have a pocket for your keys, money, id ( I try to put a hidden pocket in all my costumes just for keys), little details add a lot (period jewelry, gloves, hats).

Getting a costume early is great for adults because you can add to it as you see accessories. Kids are fickle they change their minds too quickly to buy too far ahead.

Mrs. Ohio America Photos

Ever wonder what it feels like to be a superstar? Book a photo shoot with the fabulous Rick Martinez of Studio RM, and you will find out! I have had so much fun with every photo shoot I have ever done with Rick. But, this one was even more special because I got to wear this sparkly crown and banner! These are just a few of the many amazing shots Rick was able to capture. I LOVE being Mrs. Ohio America!! Enjoy the pictures...and just think...next year, this could be YOU!! :)

Hugs! 

Teri

 

Glitter Sparkle Shine

Guest Blogger Amy Nugent, owner of Crown Chic Boutique and Mrs. Colorado 1998

Here’s a few ways to incorporate Decorative Crowns into your next crown chic affair!

One of our customers used our Large Metal Decorative Crown (DC448) for centerpieces for her “Queen For A Day” bash!  The Decorative Crowns were covered with silver glitter, adorned with an elegant array of pink flowers and embellished with rhinestone and pearl buttons. These gorgeous crown centerpieces were used as table décor and also as crown party favors for guests to take home and enjoy!

She used our Fleur de Lys Crown ( MH7906W) spray painted with gold glitter and used these in the larger floral entry display tucked into a fabulous floral arrangement of pink and white. Iridescent confetti and beads were sprinkled around the entry table to set the tone for her royal court of friends! 

 Tables were first draped with silver metallic tablecloths. Then each placesetting was layered with silver and cream placemats, gold dinnerware and flatware, pink linen napkins, pearls, sparkling crystal stemware, and a crown party favor, of course! Gold and cream crown placecards greeted each guest at the table and a pink boa was draped across the back of each chair. Each guest certainly felt like a Chic Queen that day! 

Comfort Foods Made Healthy - 3 Super Simple Tips

By Guest Blog Contributor: Paula Stephens,  Mrs. Colorado 1995

Fall is the perfect season to surround ourselves with comfort foods. They warm our hearts and make our souls giggle with delight…Then our hips & thighs roar in laughter when you try to slip into that favorite little black dress for the annual Holiday Party. It’s not fair! So here are a few little yummy tricks and treats that will make your heart & soul happy and that little black dress fit like summer.

We are biologically wired to hunker down in the winter and be attracted for heavy warm foods that help us survive the long hard winter (read: store fat) and fight off the wooly mammoth (think Manny from Ice Age). The problem is, we no longer need this biological que to store fat. You can’t change your biology, so work with it and give it what it wants. No, not Mac & Cheese! Give it warm inviting flavors like Cinnamon, creamy goodness in fat-free greek yogurt and thick pumpkin.

On Sunday I whip I a big batch of this Fruit Dip, put it into small individual containers. That and a fresh Colorado apple from the farmers market and my tummy is as happy as my hips! The greek yogurt has the protein to keep you full and the pumpkin pie spice gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. If you want the nutritional info head over to the blog post on my website.

Another one of my favorite way to trick Mother Nature is by increasing the nutrient value of the foods I love. When your body is getting all the nutrients it needs (ie: vitamins, minerals etc) it is less likely to send you the signal to eat. Hunger signals are not just about your bodies need for calories, it is also how your body signals you it is lacking nutrients. Enter – Pumpkin! A super food with a crazy amount of antioxidants – I serving gives you 200% of your daily Vit.

Once a week I will cook up a master batch of Pumpkin Oatmeal that serves as a quick & uber nutritious breakfast for the fam all week.  It’s like eating pumpkin pie for breakfast, and it turbo charges your inner super-hero into action all morning. The entire recipe and nutrition highlights are here.

The last problem with comfort foods is that we tend to eat them in HUGE quantities (again read: store fat = biology). However, if we eat richly flavorful foods smaller amounts usually hit the spot. Take the picture below for example. Super simple – Fresh Figs, quartered and stuffed with goat cheese and roasted for 10 minutes at 425. Drizzle with Honey Balsamic. BAM! Rich flavors that explode in your mouth. And yes I did eat the entire plate of them. But at less than 300 calories it tastes better, has more nutrients and way less calories than anything on the Cheesecake Factory menu.

So here’s your take-aways.

1.       Add warm spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to healthy choices to warm them up.

2.       Use nutrient dense foods (think naturally orange & red foods) to satisfy your biology.

3.       Increase the flavor factor to WOW your tastebuds.

Last thought – All the suggestions I made here are super simple. I have a rule that I never pass on anything that isn’t as nutritious as it is delicious and simple. Now you go rock this fall season by embracing your biology, eating smart with the rich flavors of the season! 

Shop Like A Deal Queen

By Guest Blog Contributor: Shalon Polson  Mrs. Colorado 2010 

My Mom raised me to shop for the deals, never pay full price.   School shopping at Mervyn’s was always a treasure hunt - I went to school dressed in the latest and greatest.   Sharing savings with others is a favorite thing to do – so listen up!

For you closet-savers, who wouldn't be caught dead in any store but Nordstroms, this is for you.

Nordstroms is notorious for their Half- Yearly events.  They actually want you to come and shop these sales; it helps clear their racks for the new items they are selling.  In fact they tell you when they will be held!  Go here to prove it! http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/frequently-asked-questions#salesevent

More reasons I LOVE Nordstroms? 

Customer Service is worth its weight in gold.  To me, it ranks up there with the dollar saved.  Returns are always welcomed.  No kidding! I have a friend who wore shoes for two full seasons, wore the soles off the shoes- she returned the very used shoes to Nordies and they happily gave her an in-store credit. Please! Do not misunderstand me here.  I’m not advocating taking advantage of their kindness, just a story to show how AWESOME they are.  If your item goes on sale, call their 800#, they will credit your card the difference.  If the price goes down more??  Call them again, they will give you the difference!! Shopping Nordstrom online is also a great idea - shipping is free! Free. Even the return shipping is free! 

Which leads me to my equally favorite place to shop – ONLINE!!  I’m not talking about just randomly searching via google shop for the best deals, which is great for some.  Oh no!   I shop Ideeli.  And those who know me will tell you – 90% of what I wear comes from them. 

Ideeli is the first site I check – every morning. I kid you not. Some mornings – I beeline it to the computer before I even step foot in front of my coffee pot and click on my Ideeli bookmark.  I go online, pick out my favorite items and wait for the sale to start.  9:00 am sometimes takes FOREVER to come.   Ideeli is all about saving you money! Every item on there is reduced and by a lot!!  They often have special RED sales or Hurry Before it’s Gone sales and those are my favorite!  The year I gave up my title, for preliminary pageant evening event, I wore a $150 dress I stole on Ideeli for $30. Love that!  Anyone can become a member of the site.  I upgraded for a quarterly fee to be First in Line for the sales, I love being first in line for anything.  It gets me in trouble sometimes, especially in the car…  The low quarterly fee is more than worth it for me, it saves me from hitting the mall and spending more money on things that deter me from my shopping mission.  Ideeli is awesome about returns and they actually pay you when you get your friends to buy from them. Each buddy of yours who buys – gets you $25! www.ideeli.com/invite/shalonp

Target has forever been a close friend to me.  Shopping  at Targe` (Tar-jay)  is like going home to me.  I can literally remember buying my first sparkle lame` (la-may) swimming suit there. My mom tried so hard to talk her sweet 4 – year- old into a super cute, age appropriate, dull material number no doubt all my friends would be sporting.  I had none of that. I was all sparkle and bling at birth. 

Shopping the end-caps at Target can be the equivalent to finding a buried treasure!  I love searching the reddish tags to see just how little I’ll be paying.  But here’s the thing! I’m super competitive.  If I’m going to save, I want it to be the most savings possible and Target is known to take some time before they hit the bottom line.  So here’s how you know when the time is right to buy at Target: 

-          Read the tag. If it ends in an 8, wait!  If it ends in a 4, score! It’s that simple. A 4 means it’s been lowered to the lowest price.  Shop with a Red Card.  You save 5% on each purchase. Where I live, that covers sales tax! Love that.   Know the markdown schedule:

o   Monday – Kid’s clothing, Stationary and Electronics

o   Tuesday- Women’s clothing and Domestics

o   Wednesday- Men’s clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty.

o   Thursday- Lingerie,  Shoes, Housewares

o   Friday- Cosmetics

I utilize these tips to keep my costs down.  Maneuvering a family budget can be tricky, but remembering these tried and true shopping tips will help keep your pocket book and your closets full!

Elliott Sloan

Eliot Sloan with Blessid Union of Souls was the special entertainment at the 2013 Mrs. Ohio Pageant.

Visit his website at http://www.blessidunionofsouls.net/