Merry Christmas from Shop NBC and Wendi

Merry Christmas Everyone!

In this uncertain time of economic frailty, Family moves to the forefront of our mind--we remind ourselves that even with less money, uncertainty about employement, or a smaller house...we still have eachother and our love-- that's the most important thing. I thank God for all that he has given me and my family and I wish all of you the gift of gratitude this holiday season.

Blessings to you and your family!

Celebrity Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army

Macy's Courtyard at the Southdale Mall was loaded with fun characters and local celebrities all to raise money for our local Salvation Army. Two beautiful and funny Klondike Kate's from the St. Paul Winter Carnival sang Christmas songs to passers-by; Star Wars Stormtroopers were there to provide excitement for the little (and big) boys; the Vikings Cheerleaders added glamour and Superheroes Spidey, Superman and Batman were there saving the day!

Pageant Walking Seminar at Faith's Modelling School

Today I was able to meet 10 contestants from Minnesota and from Iowa! We were joined by new winners Erica Nego, Miss MN USA 2009 and Vanessa Johnston, Miss Teen USA '09 to help guide the contestants on the different types of walks for swimsuit and evening gown as well as to watch part of the pageant together. Next month, we'll be meeting to discuss what to wear for interview and each stage of competition--the key is to wear what looks best on you and nothing too busy! The judges want to see YOU!

Grand Avenue Royalty and Celebrity Bell Ringing for Salvation Army

December 6th at 1pm. Come to St. Paul to do your holiday shopping and view a street full of local atheletes, royalty and celebrities bell ringing to raise money for the Salvation Army! Thank Goodness I'm wearing Cedric's full length Mink coat cause it's almost zero degrees today! All royalty was posted outside Kowalski's and we raised a lot of money for the Salvation Army.

Rockin' Santa Fashion Show in Excelsior, December 4th

Dozens of women modelled fashions from local stores in Excelsior at the packed Jake's Restaurant, giving ideas for Holiday wearables and gifts. I modelled for Amore and Fede, wearing their tailored dark denim jeans, a crown t-shirt, a rhinestoned crown belt and to top it off, a decadent Cedrics Fur coat made of luxurious Rex fur! I had so much fun telling everyone what I was wearing that my group was done long before I was!!!

Natalie Hagemo helped plan this festive event and everyone had a ball, from the models to the patrons at Jakes--most people are still there now!! Thank you Amore Fede for my new crown shirt! I love it!!!

Walk 'N Pose Bootcamp in Chanhassen, November 25th

I helped host the Walk 'n Pose Bootcamp at the Chanhassen Dance Studios with the winner of the "America's Next Top Model" Walk off, Rebecca Epley. Natalie Hagemo planned this fun event to benefit the ICA Food Shelf---everyone who came to learn how to walk and pose brought canned goods for the holiday season.

I taught the ladies the difference between a "sassy" swimsuit walk and how to pose to best flatter your figure and hide your flaws, and the regal evening gown walk, and Rebecca taught them how to be "fierce" and work it on the runway! Many gals were here to learn how to work it for the upcoming Rockin' Santa Fashion show in Excelsior.

I was so impressed with their eagerness to learn and how quickly they all picked it up! By the end, a few ladies were ready to try their hand at pageants and several of the young ladies have a future as models for sure!

Miss and Teen Minnesota USA 2009 Pageant in Bloomington Sunday November 30th

Kaylee Unverzagt, Miss MN USA 2008 and Sarah Sprayberry, Miss MN Teen USA 2008 with the winners

Faith and Carl
Schway

Faith looked more beautiful today than ever before! Stunning dress Faith! ;)

Sarah Moses from the Pageant Shop and Holly Ernst, my coach

Wow! What a competition! I picked a few of my favorites, but I was rooting for Erica Nego probably because I knew it was her first pageant and because she came dressed as Cinderella and read a story at my daughter's Princess Party a few weeks earlier! I didn't even know she was going to be in the pageant!! What a surprise when she told me I had met her 6 months earlier at the Hair District!

She looked regal and stood out from the crowd with her unique dress from Bessie's Boutique and matching mirror earrings! ERica had a flawless figure in it and her presence the entire time exuded a queenly and kind attitude. I was so impressed!! There was heavy competition, with Danniel Epps, previously Miss MN International (I had watched her win then and knew she'd be stiff competition with her previous experience and her interview capabilities). Danni became first runner up and I could see that Erica was estatic!! Erica also won Most Photogenic.

Vanessa Johnston won the Teen division and she was my winner if the judges wanted exotic and stunning versus the "All America Teen" look---she just appeared so much older and more sophisticated than I would imagine a teen to be! She had the poise, height and grace of a "Miss" contestant. But her stand out looks, height and intelligence, won out in the end. Congratulations Vanessa! You will do well at nationals for sure!

I also think Erica will be in the Top 10 in the nationals and I see her taking the crown! Congratulations Erica!!! Well done!

Jason Young from Youngquest received the sponsor award and had several competitors in the top 10--Congrats Jason! You deserve it!

Excelsior's Christkindlsmarkt Saturday, November 29th

Minnesota's only outdoor Christmas Market is adorable! Replete with 2 live reigndeer, a santa in robes on a trolley ride, mulled wine, hot chili, chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn, sauerkraut and lots of giftables and Christmas items for sale!!My good friend Natalie Hagemo introduced me to so many wonderful vendors and we sampled some delicious cake!

I ate my way through the Market and met a few friends along the way....

Artist Reception of Ashley Dull's paintings to benefit Kinship of MN

Saturday November 29, 2008 at 10am

Ashley Dully, 25, a talented artist presented a wide range of nature paintings representing "Giving Thanks"--to represent the thanks she has for the mentors in her life who have helped her develop into the woman she is today. Ashley and the Wilcock Gallery in Excelsior, have partnered and will be donating 10% of the proceeds to Kinship of Greater Minneapolis, a 52 year old mentoring organization located only in the midwest.

The turn out was fantastic and 2 paintings sold at the event! Her paintings almost look like photos and each painting featured a bible quote hidden within it. Ashley is so talented at such a young age--everyone feels she will have a bright future as an artist! Her paintings are on display all week.

Twin Cities Chocolate Extravaganza to benefit Make-A-Wish

Chocolate abounds at this annual event to raise money for the children from Make-a-Wish Foundation. They raise over $10k each year from the raffle alone..this year I won a cookbook!

Leisha Gust, Mrs. Minnesota International 2008 was the MC for the evening. The chocolate fashion show was the highlight of the day, featuring fashions designed with chocolates and simulating chocolate clothing. Here is my favoorite outfit at the show!

Eden Prairie Magazine Cover Story-November 2008

This month, I am honored to appear in the cover story of Eden Prairie Magazine! In the article, they highlighted my Mentoring work with Kinship, myreasons for becoming a mentor, my 8 years of mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters and currently through Kinship of Greater Minneapolis. They even interviewed my life coach in Los Angeles, Dr. Nikki Burke Monti!

The following photos were taken for the magazine by Marshall Long. Tyiteana, my mentee is so excited because she said that now she's famous!!! Please contact me about mentoring in your community...the process takes about 8 months and Kinship is in dire need during this tough economic time...think about giving TIME instead of $$$ this year!!

Chaska Kiwanis Club Speaker ---November 19, 2008

I met Randy, the President of the Kiwanis Club of Chaska and the 10 other members for a beautiful luncheon at the Hazeltine Golf Course. During the lunch, I spoke to the members about the local need for mentors, particularly men for our waiting children. I told them about Big Brothers' Big Sisters and Kinship and the different type of mentoring opportunities they can choose from. Their group expressed interest in helping to donate office supplies to Kinship! Thank you for your generous support and continued service in our community!!

Opening of Santorini's Benefit for the Landscape Arboretum November 15, 2008

Santorini's opened its new location in Eden Prairie this weekend! The new restaurant is gorgeous and features live bands! Their food was incredible as usual and I helped raise money for the Landscape Arboretum by selling gift certificates to their restaurant.

Bessie Giannakakis, Mrs. MN 2007 attended with her husband, enjoying the Greek camaraderie! My husband and I above-

Princess Party for Tyiteana's Birthday

Tyiteana, my mentee wanted a princess party--- Cinderella also made a personal appearance, sent Amy Marlin's Princess party business!! Contact me if you want her number--she'll bring the party, princess, goodie bags and crowns to your house!

Diva Minnesota Pajama Party Fundraiser for Aids Awareness November 15, 2008

What a fabulous and fun pajama event!! One room was a beauty room where you could get hair extensions in pink, eye brows tweezed, a massage, eye lashes put on, and another area was for shopping with tables representing boutiques from across the state carrying everything from pajamas to jewelry and boots.

Lori and Julia from 107.1 FM's talk show were there hosting and I helped co-host and reveal the raffle winners for the diamond simulant earrings! Bella Diva was singing their heart out and the dance floor was full! They had a photo area set up where you could get a "boudoir" photo on a pink bed with presents on it to raise money for AIDS awareness and testing. Go to DivaMN.org for future fundraising events!