"Failure will never overtake me if my
determination to succeed is strong enough!"

Me and my pup, Callie!

With Ronica Licciardello, Miss Philadelphia 2005, and a very dear friend!

Before I get into my events from the past few weeks, I want to take the time and send all my love to Silvia Barthold, the State Field Director for the Miss NJ Education Foundation. She has been very sick, however she is slowly making a recovery. It will be a very long road for her, but she has a wonderful and very loving support system behind her. There is no doubt in my mind she will conquer this illness, and I want to let her know how much I care about her, and how thankful I am to have her in my life. She has always been such a huge supporter of mine, and I am forever grateful to her for that. We love you Silvia!


With Silvia and Lou at my Send off party!

I was reminded the other day how I have less than 3 months til I pass on the crown to the next Miss New Jersey. And I truly can't believe how fast the time has past, it feels like I've only just been crowned Miss NJ. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to represent, and I am so thankful for the adventures I have had the chance to experience. But, I still have time, so I won't dwell on the sad part.


The Greatest moment and feeling!

I have had a busy couple weeks! Last Tuesday I was the invited guest to the Galloway Township Wellness Fair, that was held at Galloway Township Middle School. I had such a great time meeting with families and even making home-made trail mix! Yum!

Signing autographs!


With the Think Safety, Dinosaur!

Later that week, I was a featured guest on the "Let's Talk with Gary Gellman." It was so much fun to meet with Gary again, and speak with him about the Miss America pageant. It will be aired sometime in the coming weeks on Verizon Fios 1.

Being interviewed by Gary!

On Saturday I had the honor of attending the Miss Philadelphia pageant held at the Mandell Theatre at Drexel University. I was so excited to see Miss Delaware and Miss Pennsylvania, since we hadn't seen each other since Miss America. We had such a wonderful dinner with the judges, and I even had the chance to sit and talk with the Interim President of Drexel University, Mr. Chuck Pennoni. I want to congratulate Andrea Helfrich, the new Miss Philadelphia 2010, and I want to thank Kevin McAleese for inviting me, and treating me to such a wonderful evening!


With Heather and Shannon!

I can't forget to congratulate 4 new local titleholders who have punched their ticket to Miss New Jersey 2010! First, Carissa Polumbo, Miss Middlesex Area 2010. I had the honor of attending her crowning. However, since I wasn't able to attend the pageant, I want to congratulate the Michele Goldberg, Miss Northern Lakes, Melissa Ruiz, Miss Tri-County, and Jeannie Revier, Miss Gateway! I am so excited for all of you young ladies, and I can't wait to see each of you at Miss New Jersey!

Carissa Polumbo, Miss Middlesex Area 2010!


Michele Goldberg, Melissa Ruiz, and Jeannie Revier!

April looks like it's going to be a fun one! Stay tuned for more adventures as my year as Miss NJ 2009 comes to an end!

Health and Happiness til next time!

"Life is not about how many breaths you take,
but the moments that take your breath away." -Anonymous

My little piddle monster!

Welcome to March everyone! This is probably one of my favorite times of the year, beside Easter and Spring on it's way, I LOVE MARCH MADNESS!! Since most of you know my passion for sports and the sports industry, I'm right at home!! I made my brackets and everything!! Don't forget to watch out for the Marist Women's BBall Team, as they take on #5 Purdue from Berkley, California! Let's go RED FOXES!!

March has turned out to be a wonderful month, and the beginning of a lot of new things in my life! My puppy Callie, is still a little terror. We are having such a hard time house-breaking her. I've also began studying for the GMATs to go back to business school, which is never fun, but time to move on with the rest of my life, but enough of that for now!

Onto some fun things, on March 7th I was on my way to NYC to film a pilot for an online program. We're hoping that this gets picked up, and turns into a profitable project! It was an exhausting day working in front of the camera, but I loved every minute of it! I miss television!

On March 14th, I was on my way to Kearny, NJ for the United Irish Association of Hudson County, even through the monsoon and rain! I had such a wonderful time with my driver, Doug AKA Doug E Fresh, and his awesome Jeep Wrangler. It was a little disappointing that we couldn't put the top down, but we still had a nice time driving in the parade none-the-less! I want to thank Doug, as well as the parade committee for having me a part of the parade!

With my driver, Doug E Fresh


In front of my ride ;-)

I unfortunately was unable to attend the Miss Bergen County Area pageant, but I want to congratulate the contestants, and the new Miss Bergen County, Madison Houck!

That's it for this week, I want to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope everyone stays safe, and I look forward to seeing everyone soon! 'Til Next time!

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. --Brian Tracey

With the Champion, Michael!!


With Mackenzie, Michael's Sister, and the other Champion!

This week certainly has been one of the most inspiring and exciting weeks in my life. Although I haven't had many appearances, there are so many new things that are happening in my life, and I just can't wait to tell you about them.

Monday I had a conversation with the National Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, and they would like to use me as a possible spokeswoman with their organization. Things are still being decided because they have so many new projects, and they are finding where I will be able to fit in the best.

Tuesday was National Pancake Day!! I hope everyone went out to have their free pancakes to support the Children's Miracle Network. I had the opportunity to go to the Brick IHOP where I met this year's Champions, Michael and Mackenzie, as well as last year's Champion Kaitlin. These children were so inspiring and some of the most wonderful individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting. Their stories are so incredible. They are truly inspiring young people, who overcame insurmountable odds. They exemplify true American Heroes, and remind me why I love my job, and I am so honored to work with such a wonderful organization.


With last years and this years Champions!



Pancake Stacking Contest!!

Never forget to reflect on your life and be thankful for what you are blessed with. There are so many people in the world with so much less than you, so be thankful for your many blessings. I truly believe that each day is a gift, so savor every moment and take in the precious time you have.


Flipping Pancakes!


Signing and Autograph for Mackenzie!

I am so excited to share the news that I bought a new PUPPY!! Her name is Callie Anastasia Shaffer. She is a 9 week old, Cavachon, which is a Cavalier Bichon Frise hybrid. She certainly is keeping me busy, and my hands full trying to train her. But I am so excited to have a little dog back in the house, she is definitely my little "peanut!"


Callie Anastasia Shaffer!!

March is going to be a relatively slow month for me, but I am looking forward to crowning so 7 new titleholders, all aspiring for the title of Miss New Jersey 2010!

Wishing you all Health and Happiness! xoxo

"The darkest night is often the bridge to the brightest tomorrow."
-Jonathan Lockwood Huie

From the Magazine 40-74, To read the article click HERE:
http://www.app.com/4074/janfeb2010/passions/passions.html


After some time of trying to get myself into a normal routine and dealing with all this snow and ice that is still around, I'm finally back on track! I've had a busy couple weeks organizing some exciting things, as well as getting back to my very important job of being Miss New Jersey!

One of my first interviews that I did upon returning from Miss America was with The Messenger Press, and then I was off an doing a taping with Assemblywoman Carolyn Casagrande, and her brand new talk show "Conversations with Carolyn Casagrande." I was so honored to be a part of this inaugural taping, and I look forward to seeing the finished product! She is such a wonderful woman, and I'm so honored to be a part of her district. I hope we can continue this great relationship we have established.

With Carolyn and the entire crew!


A quick photo of me on TV from Sally's phone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day! I know I did, and yes, I did have a Valentine, and I had a great time! :-)

Then on "Fat Tuesday" I celebrated Mardi Gras with the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA. I was their invited guest to help honor their "King" for 2010, who was from the state of New Jersey. I had the honor of crowning, Tom Reis, and the Mardi Gras King. I also had the honor of meeting Dave "The Hammer" Schultz from the Philadelphia Flyers. Dave was a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, so it was very exciting for me to meet a sports star!

Hanging out beads during Cocktail hour!


With Dave "The Hammer" Schultz from the Philadelphia Flyers!


With the Mardi "King" Tom Reis!

Wednesday, I was on my way, although I was battling a bit of a terrible cold, to Pine Brooke Care Center in Englishtown, NJ to be a part of their Hope for Haiti Concert. The care center employs numerous Haitians who have many family members who were affected by the tragic earthquake. I was so honored and pleased to be a part of that event, and sing for the residents as well as for the employees. I also had the pleasure of meeting the Mayor of Manalapan, Andrew Lucas.

Singing to the Residents during the Concert for Haiti!


With the Mayor of Manalapan!

Then Saturday, I was off to attend the Miss Cumberland County Pageant! I want to congratulate all the contestants on a job well done, and would like to welcome Holly Hunsberger to the Miss NJ family and congratulate her for winning Miss Cumberland County 2010! We are very excited to have you join the excitement of the Miss New Jersey pageant!


Holly, Hunsberger, Miss Cumberland County 2010!


Crownheads!

So now comes another busy week! I will be having a conference call with the National Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, and then National Pancake Day on Tuesday!

Don't forget to come out for National Pancake Day to support the Children's Miracle Network! I will be at the Brick IHOP from 7am-9am on Tuesday, come and stop to get some Free Pancakes!!

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end"

Finally! After a long hiatus from my blog, I'm back! My apologies that I have not had a chance to update before Miss America, but I will quickly share some of the things I did before I left for Vegas.

I first was given 2 complimentary tickets to see Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera. So Sally and myself enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Met, and it just blew me away. It was my first time ever going to the Met, and the production was just incredible! I was so excited to have seen the opera first hand.


Then I was an honored guest at CHOP with Miss Delaware, Heather Lehman for the "Miss CHOP America" Pageant. Unfortunately, we were not able to visit the children because of flu restrictions, but they broadcast Heather and myself Live to the kids rooms. Heather and myself sang for them and answered some questions about ourselves. We had a great time, and were awarded with flowers and banners :-)


Finally, I emceed the Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen Pageant, and I want to congratulate my new little sister, Andie Babusik, MNJOT 2010. I had a wonderful time getting to know the girls, and I'm so excited for the 6 months ahead with my new titleholder! Of course, I will always miss Brenna because she is truly an extroadinary woman., but Andie is a beautiful girl, and she is only 13!


Now onto MISS AMERICA!!





It was the time of my life, and the greatest opportunity to have been blessed with. The women I spend the 10 days have left an indelible mark on my life, and I will never forget the memories and experiences we shared together. I was so proud and honored to represent the great Garden State at Miss America, it was a dream come true.




I was able to walk on the Miss America stage, ride Gondola's at the Venetian, walk in the Fashion show on the longest runway in America, ride Go-Karts, and get to know 52 amazing women from across America. It was exhausting, and we were basically held prisoner for 10 days, but I wouldn't change anything. I promised myself, regardless of the outcome, I was going to have fun, and I did! It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wasn't about to let it slip through my fingers. And as much as my feet were so mad at me by Saturday night (they were swollen for almost three days after) every moment on that stage was wonderful.






As I look back, of course I was disappointed that I did not place higher in the competition because I felt that I had competed to the best of my ability, and deserved a spot in the top 15. However, I wouldn't change a thing, like I said I felt that I had done everything to the best of my ability. I was the best Ashley I could be. I prepared as much as I could, and I knew that there was not another thing I could do to have prepared anymore. I realize that everything happens for a reason, and whatever that reason is, I'm sure I will find out soon enough.






For now, I look forward to the rest of my year and what it has to bring to me. I will also continue to study for Law School, as that is part of my long term goals. I've been approached by some organizations to work with them as a spokeswoman, and I am also going to prepare training for a MS Charity Bike Ride! I'm so excited, and I know that there is so else for my future.


I'm also trying to convince my Mom and Dad to buy a new puppy!! We haven't decided what kind of dog we want, but we hope to maybe rescue a dog.

I'm already booked for some appearances next week, so look for my blog with updates for my upcoming adventures!!