At The Plato's Closet Fashion Show

4-29-2011

I attended the Plato's Closet Fashion Show Fundraiser at the Atlas Theater in Cheyenne, WY.  As part of the VIP section I got a goody bag filled with all kinds of great items and of course one of the best seats in the house.  This fundraiser benefitted the Cheyenne Little Theater, a non-profit cummunity based theater whose mission is to consistently bring high quality communtiy based theatrical entertainment and education to people of all ages in the tri-state region of Wyoming, Northern Colorado and Western Nebraska.  The show was produced by Plato's Closet and all clothing featured was from Plato's Closet.  The Fashion Gives film that was part of the show was also filmed at the Historic Atlas Theatre.  The four amazing scenes were: Bohemian Summer, Rocking Fall, Wilting Winter and Kooky Spring (that was my favorite!)  This show was fabulous!  From the music by DJ RJ-BEATZ, the gorgeous models to the fashionable ensembles created by the Plato's staff....I had a ball!!  There were 45 models and live mannequins.  I am pictured with some of the models in the show: Rosa, Rebekah and Christine. 
Here is a link to a sneak peek of the show.  http://www.kgwn.tv/story/14538301/atlas-theatre-hosting-fashion-show

Meeting the Great-Granddaughter of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."

April 23, 2011

I had the honor of meeting Helen Benziger McKinney today.  It was a step back in time!  The Historical Plains Hotel of Cheyenne, WY hosted full tea where Helen spoke on Tea Etiquette, the History of hosting low, high and formal teas and of course interesting stories about her great grandmother, Margaret "Molly" Brown.  This was my first Tea and it was incredible in every sense.  Helen is a warm, spirited, fun woman and I enjoyed her so much.  She asked me about my Ms. Essence title and I was excited to tell her all about it.  She introduced me to the guests and I had an opportunity to say a few words to everyone before the event began.  Helen Benziger McKinney has spoken to numerous groups across the country about her remarkable great grandmother, the colorful Titanic survivor who was the inspiration behind the hit musical, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." She shared the inspirational stories of her great grandmother's journey through life, as she was little known for her involvement in the women's suffrage movement, foster care, her run for senate and silent funding of numeorus special interest groups.  The featured Molly Brown Tea is a private label tea created in Partnership with Providence Hospitality Partners and McKinney for sale within their Historical Hotels. It was served with Devonshire Cream and scones with private label preserves, savory tea sandwiches and a delightful array of classic tea pastries and Chocolate Decadence.  I am pictured with Helen.  Also, I took a photo of our wonderful servers: Maurece and Alicia. 

Hoppy Easter!

4-23-2011
It was a brisk April morning at the 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Holliday Park in Cheyenne, WY.  Kids ages 2-6 ran at the word, "GO!" to retrieve as many Easter Eggs and candy as they could.  I am pictured with the Easter bunny herself and with my little jelly bean- Juliana. 

Casa Bonita in Denver, CO

4-18-2011

I spent the day at one of the nations top 10 roadside attractions: Casa Bonita Restaurant near Denver, CO.  Casa Bonita has been serving Mexican food, fun and entertainment for over 30 years.  I am pictured in front of one of the waterfalls, with one of my favorite people at Casa Bonita's....Madame Estrella the fortune teller, and in front of the restaurant.

Here are some interesting facts about this unique place.   

Casa Bonita opened at 6715 West Colfax Avenue in the Denver suburb of Lakewood, Colorado in 1974.

It took approximately one year to create Casa Bonita.

The famous pink tower facade is 85 feet fall.

The dome is covered with 22-karat gold leaf and features a statue of the last Aztec emperor - Quahuatomec.

The fountain in front of the restaurant was shipped in pieces from Mexico.

The restaurant boasts over 52,000 square feet and seats over 1,000 guests.

The waterfall, designed to resemble the cliffs of Acapulco, is 30 feet high and the pool is 14 feet deep.

Check out www.casabonitadenver.com

Florida Essence Pageant

April 8-10, 2011

The Florida Essence Pageant was held in Plantation, FL at the Renaissance Plantation Hotel.  Ladies from all over the sate of Florida competed for the 2011 titles of Miss TEEN Florida Essence, Miss Florida Essence, and Mrs. Florida Essence.  Also, one in each of those divisions also were awarded with People's Choice awards.  All six crowned will compete at the National Essence Pageant in June.  There was also a princess program where young girls participated in modeling their pageant dresses and wearing outfits that represented what they want to be when they grow up. 
I had so much fun talking to the contestants at lunch before the pageant about my story of overcoming obstacles and promoting my plaform.  I also had a great time having a professional photoshoot with photographer Baron Deparre!  I loved hanging out with my sister queens: Adera Preston, Miss North American TEEN Essence, Angelica Spicer, Miss North American Essence and Sheila Vitiello, Mrs. Classic Essence.  Sheila and I went to the beach and had some amazing seafood which I don't usually get to have in my home state of Wyoming! 
I was honored to Emcee at the Florida Essence Pageant as well as interview the contestants for videos that will promote the pageant.  I am excited that the newly crowned Florida state royalty will compete at the National Essence Pageant in June.  See you all there!
I only wish I could have stayed a little longer!!  Thank you to Sue Drakefored, National Essence Pageant President, and Jana Murrell, Florida Essence Pageant Executive Director, for inviting me to be part of pageant weekend.  Also a big thank you to Greg and Sheila Vitiello for opening their home to me for the weekend.  I adore the hard working Florida Essence Pageant staff: Dr. Jana Murrell, Every Etienne, Jose Torres, Gina spicer, Alma T. Filer and Gwen Murrell. 
Please visit www.essencepageant.com and www.floridaessencepageant.com for soon to come photos of the FL winners.