Happy Halloween!

It's that time of year again, my favorite time of year to be exact.  I absolutely LOVE the fall season and everything it brings with it and leads up to.  The holidays are extremely important to me, because it reminds me of how lucky I am to have a wonderful family.  

As for today's Halloween activities, I've planned to go with my dad to the Fulton County Historical Museum after classes, because on my way to school I heard all about it's hauntings on Fly 92.3 (I'm a firm believer in paranormal activities).  After that I'm going trick-or-treating with my two wonderful nieces, Avery and Julia and I cannot wait, it's my first time being able to go with them since I don't have a work schedule to interfere!  

On a more serious note, my thoughts are with all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy.  I can't describe how fortunate I feel to not have been affected by the storm, other than a few branches here and there.  Recently for Miss New York, I was in Staten Island for a week and it breaks my heart to see all of the damage that Hurricane Sandy has caused.  I'm wishing everyone a safe and speedy recovery, and just remember that even though you may have lost items that contain a lot of memories, nothing can take away the memories you have in your heart.

I hope everyone has a wonderfully spooky Halloween and is safe for trick-or-treating tonight!

Miss New York

Hello everyone, I apologize for the delay in posting a blog about my experience at Miss New York.  Truth is, I couldn't come up with a way to write about my experience that week, I feel that words won't even be able to do it justice.  I'm sure you're all wondering about it and I'm a big believer in telling stories in pictures...so that's how I've decided to share that week with you!

But first, I just wanted to express how blessed I am to have been given the opportunity to compete for my dream and honored to have stood on that stage with the 25 other beautifully talented women.  The week went by so fast, but it was an experience of a lifetime and one that I will cherish forever.  A special thanks to everyone that helped me prepare for Miss New York, including Kathleen Piccirillo, Janet Murphy, David Curtiss at Progressive Fitness Training, Alayne Curtiss at Make Me Fabulous, Capital Region AFSP Board of Directors, and of course my parents (I love you!) - thank you all so much for helping me feel better than ever about myself!  Also, a huge thank you to the Miss New York Organization for making Miss New York week and the pageant so memorable - it literally wouldn't be possible without you!  A huge congratulations to Miss New York 2012, Mallory Hagan, your journey to becoming Miss New York is a prominent example of where persistence can lead you, you're going to have such a fabulous year and I can't wait to see how great you're going to be at Miss America in January!!

So, without further adieu...ENJOY!

Introduction 

Lifestyle & Fitness

Lifestyle & Fitness

Coney Island

Evening Wear

Coney Island

Talent

First Day at Miss New York

Talent

Settling in with all the girls

Departing the hotel

Mr Empire Rose at Mr New York 

Ready to go!

Parents at Visitation Night 1

The Empire Rose Group

Miss Empire Rose Princess

Jan & Poppy on the final night

Miss Empire Rose Outstanding Teen, now Miss New York's Outstanding Teen 2012!

Colleen (Fulton County), Kaitlin (Miss New York 2011), and myself at the Gala

OH and Happy Father's Day Daddy!