Pre-Pageant To Do List

Hi y'all! Here's another list I compiled in pre-pageant planning. Just some of my basic to-do! So, as usual, steal, modify, do what you please! And I also have the nice pdf/word version of this too!

                                                         XOXOXO, Lo

□ Go to Store for:

□ Misc, Beauty Routine (Tan, Workout, RL)

□ Gas up Car.

□ Pack/Gather Together Pageant Needs

□ Pack Overnight Bag (if needed)

□ Load into car, make sure you have:

o   Main Suitcase

o   Little suitcase

o   Overnight Bag (if needed)

o   Make Up Case(s)

o   Mirrors

o   Dresses

o   Elliot/Montee/Dominyk

□ Make Sure Phone is in Car.

Pageant Pack List

Well I know every time a pageant comes around, especially with an already hectic schedule, I run around like a chicken with my head cut off, and freak out when it comes to the packing! So, while bored at work, I decided to compose a list of pageant needs, to ease my anxiety of forgetting something I may need. And I'm guessing others may have the same problem, so here is my basic list, feel free to steal, add to, change, print out, etc for yourself! Mine has things more geared for a vocal talent (like cough drops), so if you're a dancer or anything else, you may need a couple extra things! ;]

I also have the nicer word/pdf version too, I can e-mail to anyone who may need it! :] 

                                                                XOXOXO, Lo. <3

Outfits:

□   Interview

□   Talent

□   Evening Gown

□   Cocktail/After party

□   Swimsuit

□   Opening Number

□   Any Special Outfit per Pageant

Shoes:

□   Nudes

□   Black Pumps

□   Silvers

□   Golds

□   Red Pumps

Undies:

□   Spanx Cami

□   Spanx Thigh Tights

□   Girdle

□   Black VS Shaper

□   Nude/Suntan Tights

□   Nude Bra/Thong

□   Black Bra/Thong

□   Sticky Boobs

Jewelry

□   Swim Earrings

□   EG Earrings/Bracelet

□   EG Necklace

□   Talent Jewelry

□   Interview Jewelry

Hair:

□   Flat Iron

□   Curling Iron(s)

□   Hairspray(s)/Gel

□   Hair Ties

□   Clips

□   Bobby Pins

□   Brush

□   Pik/Combs

□   Headband(s)

□   Hair Pretties

Misc:

□   Spray Tanner

□   Lotion

□   Make up box

□   Makeup Brushes

□   Solid Makeup Bag

□   Full Mirror

□   Make-up Mirror

□   Pads/Tamps

□   Power Strip

□   Robe

□   Elliot/Montee

□   Interview Prep Folder

□   Safety Pins

□   Slippers

□   Pageant Emergency Kit

□   First Aid Kit

□   Phone Charger

□   Talent CD

□   Extra Paperwork

□   Cough Drops

□   Butt Glue

□   Scissors

□   Ibuprofen

□   Baby Wipes

□   Sewing Kit

□   Swabs

□   Stain Remover

□   Razor

□   Cleanser

□   Moisturizer

□   Other Skin Care 

□   Toothbrush

□   Toothpaste

□   Body Spray

□   Eyelashes/Glue

□   Deodorant

□   Rockstar/Monster/Coffee

□   Vitamins/Supplements/Water Pill

□   Towel

□   Music (iPod/Dock)

□   Baby Powder

I'm Still Kicking!

               Well, once again, I have fell off the blogisphere face of the Earth. But I have an awfully good reason for it... I'M A BUSY GIRL! Between 2 jobs (I'll elaborate on those later), taking classes full time, competing in about every Miss Ohio prelims possible, AND trying to keep up something of a social life, I'm lucky to remember what my first name is! But I must say I've missed you all, of course. I've had some amazing changes happen in the time I have been in hiding, and planning on more changes to come. But let's start with the changes that have happened. :]

                  Bringing in the Benjamin's!! (very slowly, that is.)

                I've had TWO job changes/additions, one more recent than the other. In April of this year I said "Peace Out, Dillard's " (I literally shouted those exact words), and was welcomed into the family of Bare Escentuals (<not a typo, I promise.). I must say, I absolutely love what I get to do there. Not only do I get to play in make-up all day, and be an artist, but I get an opportunity to touch and change the lives of the women who come in. I mean the company's motto should give insight to how amazing the company itself is. Our battle cry and what we center around is the phrase, "Pretty is, beauty does." (Judges: *cough, cough* perfect question opportunity ;] ) Another awesome thing is how BE chooses their models... Instead of doing a line-up or a go-see, these models submitted their life story, and were chosen by their story instead of their looks! And each are beautiful in her own way! And I could probably recite a couple different commercials for you to further explain how amazing the company is, (I've had to hear each about 8 million times) but I would encourage you to look into it yourself or stop in and see me! Notice how I haven't even had time to discuss our product yet... Bare Minerals and BE Skincare are honestly, hands down, the best products I have ever used. Instead of hiding imperfections, clogging pores, and looking gross or non-existent by the end of the day, it fixes your skin while you're wearing it, is so safe and clean you can sleep in it with causing harm to your face, AND is long-wearing, and in my humble opinion looks better as the day goes on. It's amazing for pageants, as a bunch of the contestants I know swear by the products. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point on my love of the job. And the best part? It allows me to promote my platform in everyday life!

                My most recent job change was my beginning as a receptionist at the Brown Honda dealership. Slightly less thrilling then being a make-artist, BUT a fun job nonetheless. I get to work with 20 or so different sales people, who (most of the time) make me smile, and I have lots of downtime so it gives me plenty of opportunity to do school work and update this blog! (which is allowed, how cool is that?! Getting paid to blog and do school work?!) While the pay isn't much, I have steady hours and will (fingers crossed) hopefully be able get an apartment with one of my best friend's Mariah soon! I'm sure I'll have some interesting stories as time goes on!

                                        Pageants!! Pageants!! Pageants!!

               Just like everything else, my pageant career has changed. I'm FINALLY starting to get a feel for who I am within the system, and what it takes to be successful. So far, I have competed a total of 7 (going on 8 this weekend at Miss Vacationland!). I have watched many amazing girls, whom I'm honored to call friends, win their titles, and have watched myself grow. Last season my goal was simply to get experience and learn the ropes and have fun. Now, I am adding achieving a Top 5 spot to my list of goals. Not even necessarily winning a title, but just placing. Granted, winning a title would be completely amazing, but I know I still have awhile before I will have that expectation. I'm so blessed to have an amazing support system, both those who have been there from the start, and those whom I am lucky enough to have picked up in my journey. I cannot thank the Nelson family enough for constantly being there to watch, support, give advice, tote me around with them, etc! As well as my other best friends who come and support me too! And also, the people I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know, like contestants and their moms, hostesses, and Olivia and Rachel Anderson... You all rock my world and keep me going. You inspire me every day!

                Alright, now that I got the mushy-mushy out of the way... ;] My changes competition-wise, since my last post: Sheesh. Where do I begin? My talent I have changed about ten times, from different vocal songs, to my 3 different colorguard routines, back to vocals ranging from Adele to Hairspray to Wicked. It seems as though I have a bit of talent ADD. However, I have landed on a vocal that I think I will be sticking to... finally. As Jana Thomas said, I think I have struck gold with this one. It fits my range, personality, and I can rock it like no other. As a back-up (for weeks like this when I believe I'm getting sick and sick/sore throat/stuffy nose/etc, etc and singing just don't work together.), I'm keeping my Shake It Out Colorguard routine ready to whip out if needed. It's a harder talent to score, but it's solid. And adds a little variety! :]

                      Wardrobe is another thing that has changed completely. Different interview dresses, different swimwear, (obviously) different talent costumes, and a couple new gowns. My most recent treasured find was a brand new, beautiful, aqua Sherri Hill gown for (wait for it........) $50!! Originally $569ish! Thank you, Henri's! ;D And now for the reason (aside from my addiction to shopping) for needing the new wardrobe:

                          The incredible shrinking woman!

                Ok, well it's not that dramatic. But as I said I would keep you updated, I have lost a decent amount of weight! I am down 20 lbs! It was 25, but I had a bit of a backslide. Rest assured, I don't plan on letting that happen again!! My long term goal would be 50 more lbs by June, and my next short term goal is 15 more lbs by the beginning of January. I have set my goals realistically, allowing for a slightly less than 2 lbs per week loss, and having my end goal be at the healthy weight for my body type and height. Granted, anything more or reaching a goal early would be absolutely fabulous, but I don't want to do it in way that causes long-term issues, or have a chance to gain the weight right back. As I have always said, I'm doing this for my future and my health, the looking good part is just an awesome perk! ;]

                                                     Closet Health Buff

               Many have asked what black magic I have used to achieve the weight loss. I'm proud to report none! But I do have secrets! In addition to my workout routine, and eating healthily, I have added a few supplements that I had recommended to me by a few different people. I know the trend mostly started on the Dr. Oz show, and it may just be hype, but so far they seem to be working. The first thing is the Raspberry Ketones capsules. Raspberry is a natural 'fat-buster', and helps break up fat cells to get them out of the body. The other is Green Coffee Bean! This natural supplement helps keep your metabolism going, and gives you energy. Both, especially when paired together have an awesome appetite suppressant effect. Which is honestly a problem for me so, I love that these are helping out with that! Both were relatively inexpensive at GNC, I got them BOGO for $40! Along with those supplements, I also two 2 Flintstones vitamins (you're jealous, I know it) a day to make sure I'm getting all of my essential vitamins and minerals. Also, for anyone wanting to lose weight, I cannot stress how important it is to get in your proteins! Many people don't realize how important protein is in a diet. Think of protein as food for your muscles, just like your stomach, they have to be fed, and fed well, to allow them to properly function. Think of what happens if you don't feed yourself, you get weak and skinny. The same happens with your muscles! If you aren't getting adequate amounts of protein, you risk severely damaging muscles, especially while working out. The reason muscles are so important, besides obvious reasons of being able to move, is the fact that muscles are what burn the calories in your body, and gives you the toned look many are trying to achieve. One great way to make sure you're getting everything protein and vitamin and etc-wise is to download the smartphone app "MyFitnessPal". It records your intake of calories, carbs, sugars, etc, as well as records your exercise, and tells you how much of each factor, like protein and calories that you should have, and also how many lost and/or need to replace after exercise. It's a lifesaver!

                           The Journey to a More Confident World 

                                                     And, World Peace. Of course!  

                 But seriously. We have got to do something about our confidence level, starting here in the great United States. This is my mission! My platform of Body Love promotes confidence, and loving yourself as your are! But it's also more then that. It's the realization that there is more to you then what you look like. It's just like Bare Escentuals motto... Pretty is, Beauty does. You can be the prettiest or most handsome girl or guy in the world, but that means nothing if you don't have the confidence behind it and don't try to make a difference in the world. You will just be a pretty face. Beauty means putting pretty in action!

                    My first step in spreading my message, aside from general word of mouth, was to join forces with Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty and Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. I have to support the causes I'm trying to get out there myself! Next was Beholder's Beauty. My blossoming fundraising venture, where I consult with the parties, do whatever needed to prepare for the picture taking for them, perform various types of photo shoots, and use the donations raised for CMN and my other two causes. 

                   Now I'm looking to expand, I'm starting by getting into contact with my siblings schools, and seeing if there is anyway I can get into the classroom and get to talk to the age groups where the issue starts. I'm working on a program to be able to present to the students. My other venture will go hand in hand with Beholder's Beauty, and was inspired by Lady Gaga's recent 'A Body Revolution' campaign. I want to have my own Campaign for Real Beauty!! I want to find confident PEOPLE (yes, both women AND men), comfortable in their own skin, and who want to put a message out to the world that they are beautiful as they are!

                                         That's Where You Come In!

                  I need volunteers willing to be photographed for my campaign! No matter if you're boy, girl, man, woman, short, tall, large, small, white, brown, yellow, purple, thunder thighed, or knock-kneed, if you rock it, I want you. I will be shooting both individuals and groups. Donations are welcome and go toward the causes above! If interested in being a part of making a change, you can e-mail me at lalalo_ren@rocketmail.com, find me on facebook, through searching Loren Baker or Beholder's Beauty, or commenting on here! I'd like to keep the campaign up through January, so there's plenty of time! 

                                     To Sum it Up...

               

                    I didn't fall off the planet, I'm out of blogger hiding, and ready to kick some butt! I have a lot of work to do, but with everyone's support, I know I can make great things happen. And also, thank you all for your continued support, it means the world to me! I promise to keep everyone updated, and not go on a hiatus for so long again. I love you all and feel free to contact me at any time!

I always like to end with a quote, soooo: 

“‎Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses, cuz we were born this way, baby!” -Lady Gaga