Thursday January 21, 2009 St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty Coronation Ball

What fun! The Royal Coronation Ball to kick off the St. Paul Winter Carnival, The largest and oldest winter carnival in the country. King Boreas LXXIV was crowned, along with Aurora, Queen of the Snows. Over 600 people attended and what a spectacle it was! Cap guns went off for the royalty from the West Wind, Exotic music played for the royalty from the East Wind and Red hot Southern passions flared with the South Wind royalty. Since I dressed as Aurora, Queen of the Snows as my state costume during the National Mrs. America competition, I chose to wear my icicle crown tonight to honor the spirit of the event. I received so many compliments throughout the night on the crown (which I had made in London to replicate the crown the Snow Queen of Narnia wore in the film.) It is available for rent if you're interested for an upcoming event!

Sarah Schweich, sponsored by Dakota Premium Foods was crowned Aurora, Queen of the Snows and she looked every bit the part. One of the most fun parts of the event is the Klondike Kate announcement and song. Think Mae West and you'll understand the racy and entertaining role she plays in the festivities!

I hope you'll be able to make it to some of the Winter Carnival festivities happening until February 1st.

I want to mention an amazing young woman whom I met at the dinner who is pictured with me second from the top. Her name is Alexandra Schmitt, National Title Holder of Ms. You Can Do It. She was born with Cerebral Palsy and expected not to live, walk or go to school. Alexandra defeated the odds and dances, went to college and is now the Minnesota Director for "Ms You Can Do it!" Please contact her if you know anyone who would be interested in competing for the MN title. Young Women 5-24 years old with special needs and challenges can enter and will compete in interview, casual wear, evening gown and on-stage question. Photogenic and congeniality awards are also given. Her email is alex@2008msyoucandoit.org. Remarkable!!!

The Women's Expo January 16-18th

A very successful day at the Women's Expo with Faith and Carl--we recruited quite a few new people to the pageant and to their modelling school! Soon came Miss MN USA, Erica Nego and Vanessa Johnston Miss MN Teen--looking adorable and gorgeous! Bessie, Mrs. MN 2007 also came and spent the day with us.

One of the most fun parts of the Expo was seeing Edida from "Dancing with the Stars", one of the most beautiful and talented professional dancers on the show, dancing with her husband for the huge crowd! It inspired me to dance!

Disney with my family January 8, 2009

My daughter's favorite part of Disney outside of the Magic Carpet ride, was the luncheon with the Disney Princesses at Epcot. One of her favorites has always been Ariel! Earlier, Chloe had visited the Bibbity Bobbiti Boutique at the Magic Kingdom where she was transformed into Tinkerbell--her latest discovery! The Fairy Godmother who helped transform her, made it a magical experience with her beautiful singing voice!

Shop NBC New Year's Eve

I just adore Brian Kessler, my co-host at Shop NBC on New Year's Eve. We had fun selling jewelry and ringing in the New Year!

Going to Give Blood with Memorial Blood Center December 24, 2008

One thing I try to do in life is challenge myself to face my fears. One of my least favorite things to do as I was growing up is to get shots---so I have made myself give blood in the past and this year, I thought it quite appropriate to give blood on Christmas Eve. The ladies there were thrilled to have such a great turn out! The blood drive was hosted at Dunn Brothers in Eden Prairie. I think it's important for all of us to give blood at least once a year---there is such a need, and you never know when you may NEED blood!