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.