Brandi Lea Nash

Brandi Lea Nash
Ms. Essence 2010-2011 to book for an appearance email me at msessencequeen@yahoo.com

Saturday, December 25, 2010

26th Annual Elks Lodge Holiday Dinner

Dec. 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!  After having our traditional Christmas morning cinnamon rolls and opening gifts at the house my family and I headed to Laramie, WY for the 26th Annual Elks Lodge Holiday Dinner.  Along with Crystal, Miss WY Galaxy 2010, I greeted people in the community taking part in the dinner.  The entire event is free to the public and donations are accepted.  There was also a raffle for a quilt with all proceeds benefitting children in need.  Here are some pictures of Crystal and I talking to people and in front of the quilt being raffled (with my son and daughter and Crystal's nieces.)  Here is an article from the Laramie Boomerang newspaper with information on the event.  http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2010/12/24/news/doc4d1436d7dae2d211173192.txt





Monday, December 20, 2010

Interview In the Wyoming Tribune Eagle Newspaper

Dec. 19, 2010

On January 7, 2011 I will be a Celebrity Waiter for a fundraiser supporting Safehouse Services, a local non-profit that is a safe place for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to go.  The Wyoming Tribune Eagle Newspaper featured this upcoming event and interviewed a few of the celebrities participating including me.  Here are a few pics of the article but I am seeing if I can get the write-up emailed to me in a word doc so you can read the whole thing. 



Signing Autographs at Maurices

Dec. 18, 2010

Maurices in Frontier Mall (Cheyenne) was gracious enough to host a special "meet and greet," where I signed pictures and talked to people about the Essence system and my platform.  I had information available for anyone interested in the pageant as well as my pageant pictures and having a bowl of candy on the table never hurts either!  Several little girls wanted to try on my crown and I was happy to let them.  Special thanks to my husband for adding the lights to my poster....ya can never have too much bling.


  

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Illinois/Missouri State Essence Pageant Conference Call

Dec. 12, 2010

It was my pleasure to be in on the Illinois/Missouri State Essence Pageant Conference Call this evening.  If any other state directors would like for me to participate on a conference call just email me!  Also, for any of the contestants.....ANY of you, I am here for you.  Email me if you'd like to ask me anything about my experience or otherwise.  (((HUGS))) to all of the Essence ladies that are preparing for their state pageant and/or the National Essence pageant.  Email: msessencequeen@yahoo.com

Check out this great Essence Pageant Highlight Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5DrrCnjMh4

Saturday, December 11, 2010

2nd Annual Merry Mutt Fair with the Black Dog Animal Rescue

Dec. 11, 2010

Today I was part of the 2nd Annual Merry Mutt Fair put on by the Black Dog Animal Rescue.  The family-friendly event is a celebration of the pets in our lives. It included pet pictures with Santa, pet service & product related vendors, music, door prizes, and adoptable pets.  There was so much to take in- even a "kiss a pit-bull" booth and a hot dog eatting contest for the pooches that came.  Some talented face painters were on hand as well which my daughter loved and she had some beautiful holly painted on her face.  I drew names from a bucket for the door prizes.  I am also pictured with my own dog, Blue.  He is a Catahoula Leopard dog.  We love him so much.  He was adopted by our family just a few months ago. 
Here is a little info. on Black Dog Animal Rescue-   
Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR), Cheyenne’s only No-Kill animal shelter. We are a small organization run solely on a volunteer basis and funded entirely through donations. BDAR came into existence because of a strongly held belief by its founders. Namely, that no animals should be euthanized in shelters because of population restrictions or because of the length of time it may take to find a permanent home. That said the following mission statement has emerged as a summary of the present and future goals of BDAR. Please Note: "Black Dog" is only part of our name - being a black dog is not a requirement to be rescued.  http://www.bdar.org/




With Santa and Mrs. Claus

Dec. 11, 2010

Here I am with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza.  They were curious about my title so I explained what it was to them and about the Essence Pageant.  I even told them about my platform and weightloss.  This Santa told me that after being diagnosed with diabetes, he then lost 85 lbs himself!  Way to go, Santa!!  I didn't even need to tell him what I wanted for Christmas because I am blessed beyond measure and have everything I have ever wanted.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Supporting Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army

Dec. 9

It was a pleasure spending lunch with members of the 153rd Air Wing at a special fundraiser. Texas Roadhouse hosted a free lunch of salad, pulled pork sandwiches and beans.  Contributions were by donation only and all funds raised today will benefit Habitat For Humanity and The Salvation Army. 

Monday, December 6, 2010

Speaking in Sundance, WY

Dec. 3, 2010

I spoke at the Community Chili dinner fundraiser/auction and Festival of Trees in Sundance, WY.  All proceeds benefit the local EMS.  I talked about my platform, "Show Time! Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal," and about the National Essence Pageant. 





Meeting Bryan Ragsdale

Dec. 3, 2010

While in Sundance, WY I met Bryan Ragsdale.  Bryan is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter.  He is currently on tour promoting his new cd (which I bought and had him autograph....it is incredible!) He penned the song, "Cowboy Christmas Tree," the Official song of The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 2010.  He has an impressive bio! http://www.bryanragsdale.com/ Bryan is a genuinely kind and giving person, it was an honor to give his introduction before he performed in Sundance.  Can you tell I am a fan?!


Sundance, WY Christmas Parade

Dec. 3, 2010

I traveled to Sundance, WY (10 hrs. round trip!) to help kick-off the holiday season by being in their annual Lighted Christmas Parade.  I even had my own truck!  Thanks to some wonderful Sundance ladies, my truck was decked out in lights and Ms. Essence signs.  It was great!  A few princesses joined me in the truck and we waved to the people of Sundance in 18 degree weather.  http://www.sundancewyoming.com/




  

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Speaking at MOPS

Dec. 1, 2010

I had a wonderful morning being the guest speaker at the Cheyenne Hills MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers.)  Visit http://www.mops.org/ for more information on this great organization.  For about an hour I had the floor all to myself.  I talked about my platform: Show Time!  Life Is Not A Dress Rehearsal, my weightloss, healthy eatting, fashion, makeup and of course the Essence Pageant and being Ms. Essence.  There were 40 to 50 women at today's MOPS meeting.  It was a pleasure being there and getting to know many of the ladies afterward.  I signed a few queen autograph photos too!  Thank you to the Cheyenne Hills MOPS for your warm hospitality and asking me to be your speaker for today!



    

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Cheyenne Christmas Parade

Nov. 27

It was a chilly night (34 degrees to be exact!) as people bundled up to watch the annual Cheyenne Lighted Christmas Parade.  Considered one of the finest Christmas Parades in the Rocky Mountain area, this years theme was 20 years of Magic & Music. The parade is funded solely by donations.  I was on the float with the newly crowned Miss/Mr. Merry Christmas Royalty.  In the photo I am with Faithe, Little Miss Merry Christmas Teen.  I had heard there was a record number of people who came to watch the parade which had approx. 140 entries.  Click here to view CBS 5 News coverage of the parade. http://www.kgwn.tv/_videos/pages/201011274049.html
Here is a link to more footage. http://www.kgwn.tv/_videos/pages/201011282754.html

Little Miss Merry Christmas Pageant

Nov. 27

I was one of 3 judges that judged the Little Miss Wyoming Miss/Mr. Merry Christmas Pageant in Cheyenne at The Little Cheyenne Theater.  Adorable and talented kids from across the state of Wyoming competed for Christmas Royalty titles.  Several age categories covered ages infant through 14 years old. Contestants were judged on casual wear, interview, personality, party wear/formal wear and talent.  After 6 hours of stiff competition the winners were crowned.  The winners from today will go on to the State pageant in June.  CBS 5 News was also there covering the event.  Here are the links to see the story and video.  Story: http://www.kgwn.tv/story.aspx?ID=4986&Cat=2

Video: http://www.kgwn.tv/_videos/pages/201011273743.html

Video clip with me in it! http://www.kgwn.tv/_videos/pages/201011282947.html

Below I am pictured with fellow judges: Diana a 5th grade teacher and mother of three boys and Gayle a classically trained singer and 27 year veteran of the stage, film and television.  From acting to improv she has done it all!  Also, I am pictured with Rae'Lee, 2010 State Royalty Little Miss Wyoming Pre-Teen who also emceed the pageant and did a great job.  I was able to get a picture of some of the new Christmas Royalty as well.  Congratulations to ALL of the kids....you were all wonderful!!



Saturday, November 27, 2010

Featured Queen of the Week

Nov. 27

Hey, everyone!  I am currently the featured Essence Queen of the week on the Essence Pageant newswire blog.  Check out my interview!!  http://essencepageantnews.blogspot.com/2010/11/featured-essence-queen-brandi-nash-ms.html

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Conference Call

Nov. 21

Every month the Essence Pageant has a conference call and each time there is a different Queen that hosts the call.  November was my turn to host!  I spoke about my weightloss and what I think are helpful tips when it comes to preparing for a pageant.  It was a great call and I look forward to meeting all the ladies in June at the National Essence Pageant! 

Friday, November 19, 2010

Now is the time to join the National Essence Pageant!

Essence Pageant June 23-26, 2011
Kansas City, Missouri
Hyatt Crown Center 

Divisions:
Teen (13-17)
Miss (18-30)
Mrs. (18-40)
Ms. (30-70)
Classic Mrs. (40-70)

Entry Fee Special $399.00 Expires Dec 31, 2010 after that the Entry Fee will be $695.00!!!  Check out our awesome Prize Package! Essence Pageant is the fastest growing pageant today! Check out our website www.essencepageant.com  Fill out an on-line application today to reserve your spot in the 2011 Pageant!  Don't forget to mention that I referred you.

There is also a Princess Program for girls ages 7-12.  The entry fee is $250 and the deadline to sign up for the Princess Program is Jan. 30, 2011. 


CONTACT ME!!!  Email me at msessencequeen@yahoo.com 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

With Crystal Shepherd, Miss Wyoming Galaxy 2010.

Nov. 18

A little birdie told me that Miss Wyoming Galaxy 2010, Crystal Shepherd was at an event in town helping to raise funds for Christmas baskets that would go to families in need.  So, I dropped by to say hello to her and find out how she was doing!  Yes, my crown is a little tipped but in my defense it was crowded in there!  It is winter in Wyoming so you will start seeing me in layers of clothing.  Way to go Crystal and you are doing amazing things my friend. 
 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Nov. 17

It is with pleasure that I tell you the 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is from Wyoming!!  So, when the tree made a stop in Cheyenne you know I had to be there for this historical moment.  This is the first time a tree from Wyoming has been selected.  I am pictured next to the massive truck that is hauling the tree, in front of the window where people can view the tree and signing my name on the banner...which there is not much room left on it to do so!  For more information on the Capitol Christmas Tree Project please visit http://capitolchristmastree2010.org/

Every year since 1970, a Christmas tree has been presented to the United States Congress from a national forest and is known as "The People's Tree." This year, for the first time, the tree will be a gift from Wyoming. The Bridger-Teton National Forest, at the request of Senator John Barrasso, is leading the State of Wyoming in the delivery of the Capitol Christmas Tree for 2010.
The Capitol Christmas Tree will grace the west front lawn of the U.S. Capitol in December 2010.
The Architect of the U.S. Capitol has already selected a 67-foot Engelmann spruce from the Bridger-
Teton National Forest which will be cut, loaded, covered and prepped for travel in November to
Washington, D.C. In mid-November, the tree will be toured across the state of Wyoming before heading east to the U.S.Capitol. In late November, the tree will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol, where it will be lowered into a 5-foot deep hole, strung with lights, and decorated with thousands of handcrafted ornaments made by Wyoming people from across the State. In December, the Speaker of the House, along with one Wyoming student, will light the tree and showcase Wyoming's historical, cultural and natural beauty. Through the holiday season, the tree will be lit at dusk, where it will be enjoyed by people from across world. The theme of Wyoming's tree is "Wyoming-Forever West."




Saturday, November 13, 2010

Aurora Children's Hospital

Nov. 13

I had the pleasure of spending the morning at The Children's Hospital in Aurora, CO.  The staff was so amazing and the volunteer that toured me around the facility was a gem.  I loved visiting with many of the kids and their families.  I even a met a little princess that was proud to show me her own crown!  I signed pictures that I left with each of the children I met.  Thank you to everyone at the hospital and God Bless those little sweethearts!!!

http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/



Monday, October 25, 2010

Spooktacular Parade at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Oct. 24

It was an boo-tiful day in Omaha, NE especially if you were at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and enjoying a Spooktacular Day like I was!  20,000 people attended the zoo on this day, many in Halloween costumes, for the Spooktacular event.  I lead the parade and had a frighteningly fun time.  Thank you to the Omaha zoo staff and all that you do. http://www.omahazoo.com/

Thank you to my friends Twilla and Jasmine (first photo) for your hospitality and showing me a great time in Omaha.

I even got a chance to catch up with Cindie Watts (second photo,) the Essence Pageant Vice President, Assistant Director/Director of Judging.