Thanks Beyoncé - ….. I think!

Pretty shouldn't hurt!

I don't even know how I came across this video today, but I saw crowns and trophies (****squirrel ****)

Why is it that when ever anyone wants to make a point about inner beauty, enhancing self confidence and self-esteem and being proud of yourself they always showcase the down side of pageantry?  I mean COME ON, can we get away from the bad raps already?

I love Beyonce' as much as the next person, but I was a little offended at the negativity associated with the backstage pageant inference.  {Okay, for argument's sake forget about all of the seasons of Toddlers & Tiaras -----PLEASE :-)!! } Pageant really are a good thing, I've met some of my best friends competing against them in pageants!

In any event, I know how much I love pageantry and what I have gained from it.  I have seen countless young women earn scholarships, make lifelong friends, travel the world and promote platforms that bring light to many social ills as well as raise much needed funds for for a variety of causes.

So while I didn't too much care for the video (like the song). I am gonna say THANKS Beyonce' for giving me another chance to speak about the BEAUTY of pageantry.  Pretty shouldn't hurt!

Operation Pretty and Polished…..The work of the Crown continues!

We, here at Pageants & Pearls, just LOVE to see queens give back and continue the work of their crown!  We especially love it when they give back and make young ladies more beautiful at the same time!  This past weekend, that's exactly what happened at Operation Pretty and Polished in Washington, DC - thanks to State Farm and Once Upon a Prom.

Local DC Area teens had the opportunity to pick out prom suits and dresses for the season.  Radio Station, WPGC 95.5, was a major promoter of the event!

One of my FAVORITE pageant queens - Mrs. Maryland International 2011 Sandra Bryan-Grier was on hand to help motivate, style and encourage young people.  Along with her daughter, their organization SanSan's Closet donated multiple pieces of jewelry, handbags, shoes, gowns and more.

Sandra put out a call to her pageant friends, network and family - through their contributions a donation of:
* 73 Gowns/Cocktail Dresses (15 new)
*15 Packets with Pastie Bras
* 15 Purses (3 new)
*30 Earrings (25 New)
* 12 Fashion Bracelets (New)
*25 Pairs of Shoes

Way to go Sandra, a GREAT job showcasing that the work of a TRUE beauty queen never stops. The power of the crown and sash can always be used for good!  

In Memory of Darrin K. James........We're Back!!!

My dear pageant friends, fans & supporters,

I know it's been a while.....I've been through a few life changes over the past nine months...most profoundly the sudden loss of my husband in November 2013.  He was my biggest supporter and quiet as kept, took great pride in being Mr. Maryland United States and Mrs. District of Columbia America respectively.

It's now time to get back in the saddle and return to what I love and enjoy......watching, researching, looking at and reviewing pageants, beauty trends, inspiring young people and female empowerment.  I hope you will rejoin me as we get back on this roller coaster of exploring the Pageants & Pearls of pageantry.

I love you Babe! Rest in peace. Thank you for always being there for me and being the life of the "husband" parties at Nationals. I am still going strong and thinking of you.

In the infamous (yet, modified) words of Jay-Z "You ready Dee?" BEST BELIEVE I AM!!!  Pageant season #2014 is here.

For more on our pageant and event planning services, please visit www.madisondonovangroup.com