Go confidently into the direction of your dreams.
Live the life you have imagine.
Henry David Thoreau

My biggest fan, and the greatest father in the world!


The Fabulous Sign made for me during Columbus Day weekend!


Proudly sporting my Giants Eli Manning t-shirt, during a photo shoot!

Wow, what a weekend it has been. I feel like I say that a lot, but every day is another new adventure, and every week brings on more challenges, and Columbus Day weekend, was certainly the true test of a Champion! But I was so excited to be at my home local pageant, and be there as their second Miss New Jersey in a row!!

Ashley and myself enjoying a moment during our "Back 2 Back" photo shoot

"Back 2 Back" Miss CD 08 & 09, Miss NJ 08 & 09


Miss New Jersey 2009 vs. Miss New Jersey 2008
Giants vs. Eagles

The weekend began on Thursday with a visit to my voice teacher for a final practice before the weekend, then Saturday was the big Atlantic City Columbus Day Parade, in honor of me! It was just a bit chilly, but we had so much fun waving to everyone on the boardwalk. All the Miss Columbus Day, Miss Atlantic County, and Miss Bonnie Blue's Outstanding Teen contestants were a part of the festivities and placed on their own float, with the beautiful Krysten Gavigan, Miss Atlantic County 2009. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Foundation and all the girls!

With Miss Cape May County Brandi Sanguinetti


Right under the famous Boardwalk Hall! On the fabulous boardwalk!

Quickly after the parade we went straight to rehearsal for the pageant the next day. I was unfortunately feeling very tired and sick, but made it through the long day, and tried to get some sleep that night because the next day was going to be action packed!

Sunday, Sally and I were up bright and early to head to Seaside Park for the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade! My driver was a novice to parades, and was so honored that he had Miss NJ for his very first parade! Everyone along the parade route was so excited to see me, and made me feel so loved! It was especially nice to see all the awesome Giants jersey's along the parade route! I felt right at home! Unfortunately, I was late for another appearance, so Sally and myself were quickly on the road (although we did try to break the law, in an attempt to escape faster from Seaside)

My Driver Rudy, and his fabulous 1966 Mustang Convertible


His Wife

I flew down the parkway to make it to the Columbus Day pageant for the second half, for my grand entrance! My parents escorted me into the theatre to the USC Trojan Marching Band, and I was so excited that it was my grand entrance! I remember last year watching Ashley Fairfield have hers, and I wanted it so badly to be me, but also how much I wanted to be Miss Columbus Day 2009.

Krysten and myself, singing "Sisters"


The Columbus Day Family


Lindsey and Katie, welcome to the family!


Krysten, Lindsey, Adele, Katie, and myself!


Isn't she gorgeous?!

I had such a wonderful time at the pageant singing "Sisters" from White Christmas with my beautiful sister, Krysten. Also, singing my talent for Miss America. I have to thank the Columbus Day Committee and Bonnie Blue for the generous award of a $1,000 cash scholarship to me for my efforts throughout the next year. I was so honored and it means so much to have their unending love and support behind me!

After everything was all said and done I was so proud to pass on the crown of Miss Columbus Day 2010 to Katie Berry, who I'm sure will do a wonderful job at representing the organization! Also, a huge congrats goes out to Lindsey Petrosh for winning Miss Atlantic County, and the first ever Miss Bonnie Blue's Outstanding Teen Adele Taylor! We have three fabulous titleholders, who are all beautiful and talented young women! I'm so excited to see them at their respective competitions! They are going to be fabulous!

After a late night out celebrating with everyone (and a slight mishap to my beautiful Jetta, which is another story for another time) Sally and I were up bright and very very early on Monday morning to make the trek into NYC for the Columbus Day Parade in NYC. At first, from what I was told, I thought I was going to be in a red Fiat. But when I arrived, I found out that actually, it was a Red Ferrari F1 360 Spider. Not a bad ride huh? Mr. Joe and Mr. Ponti were my drivers for the day, and were so excited to have me in their car! Mr. Joe kept saying how he was the luckiest driver, but it was definitely an adventure to be with them. Then, getting on TV two times, was really cool! I didn't think we were going to get on TV.

Mr. Joe and Mr. Ponti, my drivers for the day!


The engine to the Ferrari, which is what kept me warm! lol


Sally snapping a quick picture in the parade route!


Me, Miss New York, and a great American Hero, Buzz Aldrin in NYC Columbus Day!!


The Columbus Citizens Foundation was so hospitable and gave us breakfast and lunch, which was so delicious! I met some really amazing people, and even got to spend time with the beautiful Miss New York, Alyse Zwick! We had the chance to sit down for lunch together, and we exchanged contact information! We are so close, we have to get in touch more! The "New" states have to stick together! Overall I would say it was quite the adventure!

There is so much going on, and so many decisions to make! So, look out for my next blog post about the restaurant opening at "El Sham," my sponsorship with "Talk of the Walk," and the Megan Kanka Foundation Casino Night!

Also, please pray for my puppy Molly, she is very sick, and we are hoping she pulls through.

Wishing you Health and Happiness!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb --Miley Cyrus

I know it may seem silly that I have Miley Cyrus lyrics here, but this particular song has really become my anthem over the past year, even before Miss New Jersey. I believe that there really is a strong message to be learned from this song!

Things have been busy as walways, and I have been diligently working on figuring out another charity event, as well as putting together the final pieces to my new coloring book. I'm very excited about these things! I've also been very busy with preparations, and of course you can always find me working out at the gym! I also had to have a cavity filled, which was very depressing because this is my first cavity in over 18 years. The doctor had to numb my entire right side, and I couldn't eat much less talk. Then our water pump broke in the house, so no running water, which is always fun!

Saturday, I went to the Miss Columbus Day and Atlantic County rehearsal. I'm so excited for this weekends festivities! Even though I don't want to loose my beautiful sister, Krysten, the show is going to be a great show! It has been such a wonderful year to spend with her. She has been so supportive, and such a great inspiration in my life. She has taught me so much about life, and her ability to embrace every experience is something I truly admire about her! I don't think I could have been any luckier than to have her in my life. She has become my family, and I'm so proud to say that our friendship will certinaly span beyond pageantry!

Then on Monday I'm going to be in the NYC Columbus Day Parade, which will be broadcast LIVE on NBC at 10am! So watch for me!!

Krysten and myself crowned as Miss Atlantic County and Miss Columbus Day 2009
October 12, 2008

She will always be MY Miss Atlantic County!

Monday I did my contestant lottery for Miss America. That was such an intense experience! Waiting to see New Jersey pop-up in the little box was enough to cause an ulcer! I almost lost my spot, when NJ finally popped up in the box because I had only 5 minutes to make the decision, and when I dialed my phone kept cutting out! I was near tears when I finally got through, took a deep breath and selected the #16 spot in the Alpha group! Which means that I do Interview-Monday (PM), Talent-Tuesday, On stage Question-Wednesday, and Swimsuit/Eveningwear-Thursday. I'm really excited about my placement, and so happy things worked out!

getting ready anxious and excited to begin the lottery!


still waiting for New Jersey to be picked...
That's it for now, until next time, stay healthy and stay positive!

Once you give yourself permission to think
about things which are obviously impossible, you are
on your way to shaping your future
--Joel Barker

One of the greatest parts of the job of Miss New Jersey is that it forces you to step outside your comfort zone, and experience a whole new world. The various individuals who I have had the pleasure of meeting, come from all walks of life, and impart so much wisdom and experience that I truly cherish as I prepare for Miss America. I think networking is becoming my favorite pastime :-)

Since we last spoke, my weeks have been filled with preparations, phone calls, fittings, meetings, appearances, and trying to catch up with some old friends! Things have been happening that I still can't believe are coming true, but this is truly the time of my life! I can't believe that it's almost October! Time is just flying by!

My trainer has been kicking my butt, as my status on Facebook says frequently. I'm making huge progress, and I'm so proud of how far I've come. The challenges I face in the gym, I believe mentally prepare me for all the challenges of my life because they force me to focus my thoughts and my energy. Health and Fitness are truly a passion of mine, and I know that if I can do this, anyone can!

Four years ago, I couldn't even do a pull up, now I'm doing weighted pull-ups

Some reps of Bicep Curls

A week ago I was the featured guest at the "Miss Moorestown Estates" Pageant. Moorestown is an assisted living facility, and I served as a judge and also sang for the residents. But it was a very difficult decision, they were very talented, and one of the women baked for us! It was very hard not to be swayed! In the end, we named Frances, "Miss Moorestown Estates 2009!" She is 85 years young, and collects stuffed animals from around the country. (If anyone has seen my room, you can see how I identified with her!) She was so shocked that we chose her, but she was such a kind and loving woman. It felt so good to see her smile, and enjoy the experience!


Signing an Autograph for Joy! She made me cry with her story!

With the two Miss Moorestown Estates 2008, and Miss Moorestown Estates 2009, in her "Red, White and Blue Eveningwear" that she made herself!

Since then, my Dale Carnegie courses have really kept me busy! It's so weird to have homework again, but my instructor is fabulous, and getting to know my classmates has been a really wonderful opportunity. And of course, meeting with some of my new sisters, former Miss NJs, who have become such an instrumental part of my reign and support system!

I have also begun meeting with the esteemed, David Gross, who is working with me on my music for Miss America. David is one of the most talented pianists I have had the pleasure of working with, and I'm confident in his ability to produce a beautiful piece of music!

Unfortunately, my Golf Outing had to be canceled, however, we are planning another event later in the month of October. For now, I'm focusing on putting together my new coloring book, as well as getting ready to crown the new Miss Columbus Day! It's going to be such a great event! I hope everyone will be able to attend that double crown, as well as the parade on the Atlantic City boardwalk on Saturday the 10th at 11am.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the crownings of Miss Eastern and Miss Atlantic Shores Pageant as well as the Miss Mercer County and Miss Mercer County Outstanding Teen crowning. I want to congratulate Maggie Sabota, Brenna Welsh, and Courtney Charataris for winning their crowns. Also, I would like to wish all the best to Katie Berry, Miss Mercer County 2009. She was a fabulous representative for the crown, and I wish her continued success in all aspects of her life.


Miss Eastern/Atlantic Shores crowning with all Miss/Teen Contestants

With Sam, Miss Atlantic Shores Preteen, and Katie Hope's little sister!

Miss Mercer County and Miss Mercer County OT 2010

Me and Katie Berry, Miss Mercer County 2009

Well now I'm off to the gym again, and trying to get rid of my cold once and for all!

Stay Positive and all the best!

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring --Oscar Wilde

Wheew! What a week it has been! I have so many exciting things to tell you! But first, I wanted to Congratulate Katie Hope for a job well done at the National Sweetheart pageant. From the pictures I saw, she looked beautiful, and made NJ so proud! We know that she is a true Sweetheart!

I'm so excited to announce that I've been diligently working to re-create my coloring book "Harry the Healthy Horse," which will be used throughout my lessons with my younger students. A very good friend of mine agreed to completely re-design "Harry" and some of the scenes. He is a fabulous artist, and I'm so excited to implement this in my curriculum. Also, I'm in the beginning stages of my Miss NJ "Healthy Recipes" Cookbook, which I'm hoping to sell to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network! Stay tuned for details!

My week began at the 40-74 Magazine Photo shoot on Wednesday. The photographer was so much fun, and they made me feel like a queen! I can't wait to see the final product in the November issue of 40-74 magazine in the "Passions" section of the magazine! From what I'm told, they are basing my spread on the Bruce Springsteen "Welcome to Asbury Park" Album Cover!

Setting up the Shot

Reviewing the shots with the Editor

Later that night I met with the Hyacinth Foundation to discuss my appearance at their AIDS Foundation Gala in November. It is going to be a great night, and I'm looking forward to performing with their live band! The next day I was on my way to my voice lessons in NYC and other preparations for Miss A.

Friday I was on my way in the monsoon weather to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), with Sally holding on for dear life in the passenger's seat. We arrived safely, even though my GPS was no help whatsoever! (When you are by the hospital, it's a complete maze because of it's enormity!) Once there, I enjoyed the afternoon at the CMN Radiothon with Miss PA and Miss DE, who are always great to be with! We decorated crowns, signed TONS of autographs, met the President of the Hospital, Dr. Altschuler, and Dr. Phil! (Yes, he does wear makeup!!)

Shaking Dr. Phil's Hand! (He was so excited to take a picture with us!)

He wanted to meet us! (we felt so honored!)

Decorating crowns

President and CEO, Dr. Altschuler

Working with the children of CMN is always such a humbling experience. They are some of the most resilient young people, no matter how much pain they were in. The experience reminds me why I am there, and to continue to fight for their cause. A young girl named Karena was in so much pain, but wanted to be a part of the festivities and meet Miss NJ so bad, she fought through it. Another young boy was waiting for a heart transplant and he just had the biggest smile on my face, and jumped for joy when he took a picture with us.

Saturday I was off to begin party planning! I could not believe that this was going to be for my send-off to Miss America! It blew my mind! Mark it on your calendars, January 2, 2010 at the Sheraton, Atlantic City!!! I can't spill too many details, but I can say that we are going to DANCE the night away!!

Finally on Sunday I attend Millstone Day, which is my hometown's fair. I was treated to first class treatment the minute I arrived, I felt so honored! Everyone from the town was ecstatic to meet me, and made me feel so loved! They surprised me with the Mayor's Award, and my Assemblywoman presented me with a State of New Jersey Proclamation from our State Senators! I was truly speechless, and cannot even begin to describe what that meant to me!

Owner of Frogbridge Day Camp

One of the Millstone Department of Agriculture Representatives

Receiving the Mayor's Award for Outstanding Service
Receiving the Proclamation from the State of New Jersey!

It certainly is not an easy job being Miss New Jersey, and I'm constantly faced with new obstacles each day. I remind myself each day of who I represent, and how I'm blessed with so many people who provide me with strength and love. Things will only get more challenging, so I appreciate those who have expressed their support and genuine love. This helps to keep me grounded, and live each day to the fullest, because life is going by way too fast!!

Now to catching up on some zzzZZzzz's...Love you all!

Don't let go...

Me trying to be elegant...Thank you Richard :-)

After this weekend, and being a part of my best friend's wedding, I had to comment on the one thing that happened all weekend...

One of the funniest things I have encountered as Miss New Jersey, is that fact that when people first meet you, they think you are this weird alien from outer space. People have so many misconceptions about "beauty queens" because for them, it's not everyday that someone gets to meet a Miss State. It's almost as if to them, you aren't a real person, which I think is hysterical because as soon as the crown is off my head, I'm just like everyone else again. It's like the crown has magical transformation powers.

Trust me, I'm real. (I've even had a little girl stroke my hand to make sure I was real) I make mistakes, quite frequently actually. I also get cranky and mean sometimes. Yes, I eat. No, I don't throw up after I eat. No, I don't have nude photos. No, I haven't had plastic surgery. Yes, we really do use butt glue. Yes, my teeth are real. Yes, we are allowed to have boyfriends. Yes, I am single. No, I'm not interested. (This particular group of answers usually comes from creepy old men, and unfortunately you have to always smile and nod) Yes, I know Miss CA! No...not Carrie Prejean. (Thank you Carrie Prejean for ruining feathers for me, I will never wear them now!) But, I really pride myself in being me. I'm not your "typical" girl/beauty queen, and I'm fine with that. I don't want to be like everyone else :-)


Before every photo session with Richard, he always takes a test picture with my rollers in, so flattering! :-P

Anyway, getting back to the wedding. It was such a great two days to spend with my closest friends. See, my friends are my world because they have been there throughout college, and there are six girls in particular that I lived with for four years, so when I get to see them, I'm finally in my element. I promised myself I wouldn't cry, but I knew I would because I'm such a big baby. But I just kept thinking about all the fun Kate and I had when we were roommates in I1.

The ladies of I1
(LtoR: Me, Kate, Rachel and Shannon)

The rehearsal went very well, I got chills practicing and watching Kate walk down the aisle with her Dad. Kate presented the bridesmaids with these absolutely beautiful Sterling Silver Tiffany's bracelets. We were so ecstatic to receive them, we were just so happy to be there to celebrate with Kate and Steve. Friday night, neither myself or Rachel slept. I don't know if I had so much on my mind, or if it was the ridiculously uncomfortable and noisy pull out bed. But we were up bright and early the next morning to get our hair done.


Myself, Rachel, and Kate at the rehearsal dinner

Kate was unbelievably calm the entire time. But I guess I would rather her be that way, because if you know you are happy and with the right person, your wedding day shouldn't be stressful. On Saturday morning, it was like there was a new woman standing in front of me. I was totally fine, even with her putting on the dress, I didn't cry! Of course, I didn't have time too, but Kate looked like a princess. She was glowing! It was the most surreal experience to watch this friend of mine, take one of the biggest steps in her life. I don't know if I can really explain it, but there was all this symbolism and it was as if, everything was happening the way it was supposed to.


This picture says it all...


Kate and Steve dancing their first dance

At the church we were getting her veil on, and I was helping to fix it. As soon as I looked up at her, I began to sob like a child. The veil made it all real at that point. When she walked down the aisle with her father, I completely lost it. But she just looked wonderful! We danced the afternoon away together, and got to see all my close friends who I haven't seen in months! At the end we saw the lovely couple off on their honeymoon to the Mediterranean. We continued to party with Kate's entire family, until Rachel and I headed back off to CT for the night. I don't think we could have asked for a more perfect day!

Marist girls!
(LtoR: Maryellen, Jill, Jen, me, Kate, Rachel and Shannon)


the ever lovable, and fabulous Big Brother, Waz! Love you, Bro!


Me and one of my greatest friends, Mark

But it made me realize how fast life goes by, and now we are all growing up. So I think it's fitting that I insert a song that described this weekend perfectly...

Don’t let go
Hold onto every moment
Always know
Hold onto every moment that You can

September...already?!

Well it's already September! This is crazy! Where did the summer go?!

Although I have not had a busy appearance schedule this week, I've still had my hands full organizing so many different things. Not to mention my best friend is getting married this weekend! Eek!

I want to give a BIG shout out to our Jersey Girl, Katie Hope, who is representing New Jersey at the Sweetheart pageant in Hoopeston, Illinois. I was just given news that her interview went well, so I'm confident she is having the time of her life! Keep her in your prayers everyone! :-)

Thank-you to those who have been helping with the Golf Outing, and the sponsors! I really appreciate your support! The deadline is September 10th, don't' forget to sign up!

I also want to thank my FABULOUS hair stylist Issa, from Issalon in East Windsor, NJ. He has agreed to be my hair sponsor for the year, and he is absolutely fantastic! He is the master of cut/color/makeup/overall image. (He even fixed my personal boo-boo I made by making my hair TOO blonde before Orlando, and he fixed it perfectly!!) I HIGHLY recommend him to everyone, he has a full-service Salon, and I promise you will not be disappointed! He is very much in demand, so make sure you call now for appointment!
http://issasalonandspa.com/

Have no fear, I've been diligently working out at the gym. For those of you who follow my status on Facebook, you know I'm either getting my butt kicked by Linda, or at bootcamp or even doing some more Cardio. I'm pooped, but the benefits are so worth the hardwork! I had to go and buy myself a new pair of sneakers, which turned out to cause some blisters on the back of my feet, but nothing a few band-aids can't handle! I guess I have developed my own version "dancers feet!"

With all my travels and duties, my poor car is taking a beating. The gas attendants know me by name now with the amount of times I'm at the pump! But they still call me "Miss New Joi-zee" (notice the prounciation of 'Jersey') My Jetta is so dirty that a white car looks like it's off-white or ivory, Ew! I think I need a car wash sponsor!

Now I'm off to celebrate the marriage of my best friend and roommate, Kate O'Connor, soon to be Kate Prairie in Sturbridge, MA. (Hey Miss Mass, call me so we can meet up! lol) This is very bittersweet for me, she is the first of our friends to tie the knot, and one of my closest friends. She was the first girl I talked to the first day of band camp at Marist College, and we have been friends ever since! So I guess it's fitting she is the "first" wedding too!

She has been there through every pageant I've been in, and knew I could do it! She is my fellow "balla" as we joke around because we diligently followed college basketball together, although she is a UConn Fan, I accept it because she did grow up 20 minutes away from the University. I will be back with plenty of photos to share with everyone!

Kate and I at her Bridal Shower 07-11-09