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!

Bessie's Holiday Shopping Party

It It was so much fun seeing everyone Saturday night! Bessie had yummy chocolate cookies, adorable sugar crown cookies and lots of great accessories to choose from! I left with a rhinestone black and white puffed heart necklace and wore my fabulous black jeweled purse from her boutique!

Faith and Carl were there looking as fashionable as ever, Charity McClung, Mrs. MN 2002, Anne Marie Moore, her Mom and sister did a little shopping and several 2009 contestants were there! The Hair District of Edina team stopped by before heading to an Indian food dinner and Gary made me feel great by telling me what a great job I did at Nationals and that I was a winner in his eyes... A kind and talented man.

Next SAturday is the Grand Opening of Santorini's Restaurant in Eden Prairie and a benefit for the MN Landscape Arboretum---It should be a blast! Stay tuned for more updates cause I'm moving at full speed ahead with tons of appearances over the next few months!!