No Inspiration......but then, we give!

October has been a slow and busy month.  How is that possible?  Well for me, it's been pretty busy on a personal front - lots of work to keep me busy, football mom duties that are never ending and catching up on my new guilty pleasure - the television show "Revenge".   It's also been pretty slow in the pageant world, most systems are just getting into the revamp mode after summer national/international pageants.  Frankly, I've had absolutely no motivation to write anything positive or inspirational about pageantry.

But then something amazing happened!!!!  HOLIDAY SEASON fever snuck up on me!  I know what you're thinking, holidays - already!  Yep, it's hear folks.  In a few days, it will be Halloween.  Already the stores are a buzz with pumpkins and pretty fall decorations, which will soon turn to treats of Thanksgiving!  Soon after that (or during the same time) all the scents, feels, tastes and thoughts that we cherish about Hanukkah and Christmas will overtake us. 

You will begin to see tons of lovely ladies in crowns and sashes riding in parades, reading to children, visiting the elderly and manning tables as they pass out a wealth of information on various topics.  But what I love most about this time of year and how it relates to pageantry is the way women and girls from all types of systems start thinking of ways to give!!!

Whether is a toy drive, a canned food donation, gloves, hats and/or coats for needy children and families.  Pageant girls throughout the country make it a special point this time of year to find ways to give back and use the crown for good. 

I lost my mojo for a minute.  :-( But once again, I am inspired and look for and report on all the great things that pageant girls do with their titles and the wonderful examples they set.  Off we go...............to give!

Thanks alot "People"

Just when you think it's safe to step out again, something happens that can just set you back 30 miles.

Last week, People magazine ran a cover story, primarily focusing on the hit "reality" show 'Toddlers and Tiaras" and how it's most recent episodes are showcasing how pageants are damaging our girls. 

Always remember, Glam or Glitz pageants are not the only events for children to enter. You can often find events that don't require make-up or false hair pieces. This cover story by People magazine really gives pageantry some unfair scrutiny. 

For every one over the top glitz pageant you see on television, I guarantee there are at least three or four out there that are fun, educational and self-esteem building.  Off of the top of my head I can think of Cinderella Pageants, Beary Special and Winter Snow Queen.   

Want more, do a simple Google search.  Just because a young girl has a chance to win a very large crown, doesn't automatically make it an over the top pageant.

Finally, when it's all said and done, who's really to blame, the pageants, the kids or THE PARENTS!?  Children can't purchase this stuff for themselves.  Because OF COURSE, a 4 year old WANTS to dress up like the hooker in Pretty Woman.

Come on People!

RED HAUTE!!

This was my ABSOLUTE favorite look at the 63rd Prime time EMMY's.  Kerry Washington was the epitome of glamor on the red carpet.  I would LOVE to see a new Mrs. rock this!!!! The peek-a-boo bottom is a fabulous touch to spice up a classic look!

Momma Always Said

I thought I would try something different this go round with the recap of last night's Miss Universe pageant.  I asked one of my favorite "Pageant Moms" to write the recap from her perspective.   Today's author is Jennifer Horvath of Northern Virginia.  Her beautiful daughter, Kailee is a pageant queen, dancer and actress who has held titles in the National American Miss, Virginia International Pageants and most recently International Junior Miss! 

 
So it's safe to say that when it comes to pageant watching, Jennifer has a pretty good eye.   Here's what she had to say about the pageant.

As Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, was crowned Miss Universe 2012 in Sao Paolo, Brazil, two words came to my mind – genuine and stunning.  In her fitted evening gown covered with gold sequins and feathers she looked elegant and graceful and when she opened her mouth she showed an intelligence and inner beauty that wowed over the judges and me.  Miss Angola spoke of being “happy with the way God had created her” when the judges question asked her if there was physical trait she would change.  Any pageant girl knows you can look great, have the right dress, or make-up or swimsuit, but when it comes right down to it the interview or on-stage question is where the crown meets the head.  This was Leila’s time to show just how beautiful she was inside and her sweet smile and gentle laugh as she spoke of family principles and loving herself “as she was created “spoke volumes of her inner character.

During the swimsuit competition Miss Angola strutted across the stage in a bright yellow bikini that was pure perfection.  While evening gown is the favorite competition of many, the swimsuit competition is the one competition where true comparisons can be made.  Leila looked like a beautiful, poised gazelle.  And as to those bikinis – apparently the bottoms had to be sent back to have more fabric added.  

This 60^th Anniversary of Miss Universe was a fun evening with play by play by two commentators and fan voting shown on screen.  That fan voting was quite often in line with the judges, with the exception of fan favorites Venezuela, Columbia and USA not making the Top 10.  The contestants voted Montenegro as Miss Congeniality and Sweden captured the Photogenic title.  

 Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, made it to the top 16

All in all, while the runners up could have been juggled and the contestants chosen for the Top 16 or Top 10 could have been different, I believe that given a different set of judges on a different day they still would have chosen Miss Angola.  She stood out and truly exemplifies the diversity of the Miss Universe title.  Personally,  I can’t wait to see what she does with the crown.  

 Thanks again Jennifer!!!  I hope you enjoy reading her recap as much as I did!!

Universally Speaking

Congratulations Leila Luliana da Costa Vieira Lopes, Miss Universe 2011!!!!

 

The 25 year old Cape Verdean beauty, represented her home country of Angola, to win the crown out of more than 80 contestants.

She made her way to the national Miss Angola crown, by winning the Miss Angola UK pageant.

This is the first Miss Universe title for Angola.  1999 was the last year that a beauty from an African nation captured the coveted title - with Miss Botswana winning the crown. 

  Miss Botswana 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe, 19 becomes Miss Universe 1999

Watch Leila's crowning announcement!


More on the Miss Universe pageant tomorrow - "Perspective from a Pageant Mom" !!