Gown and Crowns

This afternoon my husband was freezing his buns off at the Bears/Packer's game. Meanwhile, I was with Julie and Marcie Aceto in Oak Park for a showing of Mac Duggal's new prom line. Mac is an Illinois gown designer who started in a house a few decades ago. Now, he is a name known to many ladies in need of something beautiful to wear for a special event. The show was hosted by "That Girl," boutique which is also a long time sponsor of Mrs. Illinois America. I was able to spend time with more than 60 high school girls who were wearing Mac Duggal's designs. They are all so lovely and have so many great plans for their futures. They did a great job on the catwalk. We had a great time watching them shine. It's hard to believe we are already talking about prom as it's only January!
1)Mac and me before the show
2)With the ladies in red
3)Can you believe these gals are only in high school?

Miss America

This evening a group of us gathered at my dear friend's house to watch Miss America. Jennifer Naida was the perfect hostess and even designed score cards for us. I brought these adorable cake pops made by creative genius Monica Kieres. Miss Arkansas (who is from my parents' town of Ft. Smith)was first runner-up and Miss Nebraska (and only 17 years old!) became the new Miss America. Congrats to Teresa Scanlin and to Michele Strom from the Winning Crown Boutique in Nebraska who helped her get ready for the job. Michele helped me find my gown for Mrs. Illinois America and also helped me with hair and make-up for interview out at Mrs. America. She and her team are getting to be very successful on the national level which is no surprise. Well done ladies!
1)Cake anyone?
2)The new Miss America is...
3)I took this shot from Michele. This Michele and Teresa at Miss America before she became Miss America. Both are breathtaking!

A Happy and Healthy 2011 to You!

We rang in the New Year down south near Naples, Florida where it felt a bit like the Midwest. Burr, it was cold the first few days we were in Florida with frost on the golf course every morning. So the kids caught up with Scooby Doo 3-D. Finally it warmed up enough to swim and hit the beach with some of our family. It was a great way to usher in 2011. I hope you welcomed the New Year with loved ones as well.

Party On!

Today was the last day of school for my children who will have the next few weeks off for the holidays. They celebrated with class concerts for us family members as they took on the likes of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," and other holiday classics. Now it's time to plan the many ways to keep the kids occupied until the school bell rings once again. When is that again?

I Vant Your Blood...

Giving blood is so simple and yet, so critical. We all need it and right now there are serious blood shortages. My dear friend Jennifer Naida has a background in the medical field and was asked to be part of a blood drive through Life Source. It was outside the Illinois Nut and Candy Company in Skokie which has amazing treats. And in spite of blizzard conditions, people came out and donated. You never know who you may touch as I was told my donation alone would help 6 others in need. So, this giving season, consider giving a little bit of you!

Good News!

Johnny's nursery school is always teaching the children to think outside themselves, which I LOVE. So today Johnny's pre-k class made cookies from scratch to then give to the Good News Mission in Chicago. Whether it is keeping them from eating the raw dough or keeping hands away from hot surfaces, it can be a tricky feat when you have more than a dozen 5 year olds "helping." But we all survived, safely!

Zipping, Tying and Gluing

This week several of us chaperoned the Miss Illinois USA and Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant. This was my second year, but for most of the others, they have chaperoned for years. It was a privilege to be part of a weekend of dreams. 200 young women from all over the state found themselves undergoing quick panel interviews and then on stage for swimsuits and gowns. There has to be something in the water because these ladies were stunning and sweet. And charitable! They brought over 700 coats that are now in missions around Chicago just in time for our winter weather. One contestant brought over a 100 coats! Even though Trump may want the focus purely on looks and sex appeal as we heard over the weekend, these girls have much, much more to offer and I hope they never negate that.
Congratulations to Miss Illinois 2011, Angie Sparrow and Miss Illinois Teen USA 2011, Paige Higgerson. We'll be watching for you at nationals!

1) With Jennifer Naida...Mrs. Illinois America 2010 and Mrs. Illinois International 2010. Yes, we are friends;)
2)Some of the teens lined up for opening number
3) The BEST chaperones ever!!
4)A few of the Miss
5)Load of coats