Where does the time go, Must we let it end
Where does the time go, Gone too soon my friend...

With the Somerset Patriots mascot!




With Mackenzie and Michael, this year's Champion Children!


Kaitlin, last year's champion child!

Well this has certainly been a very busy week and a half! So let's see, where to begin!

First, on March 17th, I was off to Summit, NJ where I participated in the Summit YMCA Healthy Kids Day! I had a great time signing autographs and selling my cookbook. It was a definitely a cold day, but everyone was so much fun, and I was able to discuss my platform with many young children! It was such an honor to be a role model to young children.

With the mayor of Summit, NJ!


He wanted to be Miss NJ, haha!

Then on March 18th I went to Mt. Laurel, New Jersey to the Burlington YMCA Healthy Kids Day! It was such a busy day, and I signed practically 200 autographs that day! I couldn't believe how excited everyone was to meet me. I was so honored and once again pleased to share my platform and belief in healthy kids for a healthy future!

With a young fan! :-)


With the Wii Bowling champion!


With some teens attending the event!

Later that week I was a guest judge at Rider University for the Color me Violet pageant to raise money for Domestic Violence. I had the pleasure of sharing the panel with Miss NJ USA, Miss NJ Teen USA, and my very own little sister Andie! We had a so much fun judging the pageant, and I was so impressed with the young women. They were all very talented, and so well spoken. I want to congratulate Jasmine Adams, Miss Popular, and Destyne Pitts, Miss Violet.


With the other judges!


Jasmine Adams, Miss Popular!


Destyne Pitts, Miss Violet!

Then on Friday, I was off to Ramapo College for CMN's Dance-a-thon. I had so much fun judging the Dance Contest, as well as spending some time with my friends, Kaitlin, Mackenzie, Michael, and Amara, who are all CMN Children. Mackenzie and Michael are this year's champion children nominees. These children just are so extraordinary and are such an inspiration to me!


With the top 5 dancers!


With all the CMN children!


Mackenzie, Kaitlin, and Amara! The girls!


With Amara! She is such a sweet girl!

That evening Sally and myself drove all the way from Mahwah to Ocean City, to be ready for Miss NJ Orientation the next morning. I literally drove the entire length of the state of New Jersey, Over 150 miles total!

Then Saturday morning I was up bright and early for Miss NJ Orientation, and I am so excited to see what lucky young woman will be joining this tremendous sisterhood! I am so proud of the each of the contestants, they are truly a very talented group of young women! I know that any one of the women can make a great Miss NJ! Come out to support these young women on June 17, 18, and 19th!

I was so excited because I also received my Miss America DVDs! I was hoping to see how my talent was, as well as swimsuit and eveningwear. I must say, I know it wasn't perfect, and there were things I wish I could have done differently, but overall I definitely felt great about my performance. I truly felt that I represented NJ very well, and did everything I could to be the best me possible. It just wasn't meant to be for me!

Well don't forget, even though April is almost over, it is still Healthy Kids Month, but most importantly, our children's healthy is something we must pay attention to every day. They are the future, and their well-being is crucial. I hope that everyone might be interested in buying my cookbook, I'm selling them for $3.00. There are recipes that are healthy and affordable for families!

Well until next time, health and happiness!

April is Healthy Kids Month!

Without your health, you have no wealth!
Ask how you can become healthy!

My little peanut, Callie :-)


Hands off my crown! I still have 2 months left!

With April being Healthy Kids Month, I want to take this time to share some thoughts on how to lead a better lifestyle. I truly believe that our health is our most important asset, and that is why I'm so passionate about platform, and believe in making a difference in the lives of Americans. Children are especially important because they are our future! I'm going to include some tips and recipes for children this month to help parents with some ideas to get their children healthy!

TIP #1
Stay Active!
Being active for children can be something as simple as jump rope or hula-hoop, even hop-scotch is another great way to get children moving! If necessary, MAKE the time for your child to be active, by getting them involved in intramural activities. This is a great way for children to socialize and make friends as well!

Kid Friendly, Healthy Sloppy Joe’s

Ingredients

• 12 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 cups finely chopped cremini mushrooms, (about 4 ounces)
• 5 plum tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chili sauce, such as Heinz
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 8 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted if desired

Preparation

1. Crumble beef into a large nonstick skillet; cook over medium heat until it starts to sizzle, about 1 minute. Add onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables are soft and the moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes and flour; stir to combine. Stir in water, vinegar, chili sauce and ketchup and bring to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the onion is very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve warm on buns.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: The filling will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Per serving: 233 calories; 6 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 28 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrates; 14 g protein; 5 g fiber; 436 mg sodium; 504 mg potassium.

So as things come down to the last two months of my reign as Miss New Jersey 2009, I have had a lot of time to begin to reflect on one of the most amazing years of my life. I'm at that point where I've started to look as to what is next, of course there are things that I have been thinking about since I returned home from Miss America, but now it's time to get serious.

The remaining blogs over the next 2 months will certainly be very reflective and help me to bring together everything that I have experienced. There have been so many amazing memories, it's going to take awhile to sort through everything in my mind! But even since I've returned home from Miss America, my life has completely changed, which makes me realize that this is just the beginning to the rest of my life. I have no idea what is in store for me, but that is the beauty of life!

I know that there is something, well actually, someone that everyone is dying to know about since it is a change in my life, and I figure it is a good time to share, even though I have tried very hard to protect him from this crazy pageant world! But for those of you without Facebook, yes! It's true! I, Ashley Shaffer, have a boyfriend, and his name is Mike McDermott. He and I go back to 8th grade, where we first dated each other, and went our separate ways in high school, but somehow found our way back. It's funny how life works out sometimes, but I'm so happy it worked out this way! He is truly a wonderful guy, and I'm very blessed to have him in my life :-)


On Easter :-)

I want to congratulate the last young woman to punch her ticket to Miss NJ 2010, and that is Roopali Pendse, Miss Stars and Stripes 2010! We now have 27 young women competing for the title of Miss New Jersey 2010, and I'm so excited to see who the next lucky young lady will be! Our orientation day is on April 24th, and I can't wait to see all the young women together!

With Andie, MNJOT, and Roopali!


With Miss Gloucester County, Kaitlin Davis!

It's an oreo! Of course, I'm the sweet cream filling ;-)

This weekend will prove to be a very busy one with two appearances with the YMCA, one in Summit, NJ and one in Burlington, NJ for the Healthy Kids Day! I can't wait to enjoy the festivities! Don't forget that April is Healthy Kids Month! So this is a great opportunity to learn more about how to incorporate more healthy lifestyles for children!

Til Next time, Health and Happiness!

"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!!