Day 2 at Mrs. America

This morning we had to be up, looking fabulous in our swimsuits and out by the pool before sunrise. Most of us were fortunate enough to receive a little time cushion by going back several time zones. While getting up at 5:45 was early, it was really only 7:45 back home.

We had a wonderful breakfast and then headed straight for rehearsal. Frit and Frat were the perfect people to choreograph the show. They were full of life and happiness! We learned some basic steps and just enjoyed moving around and having fun.

In the afternoon, we went to an event off property. St. John’s had the red carpet rolled out for us and welcomed us with a glass of champagne. We spent the next 3 hours walking around the outdoor shopping center. We found a great deal on some adorable rompers at BCBG. We had to have them!!!

We had dinner at El Charro’s. It was great to sit at big tables and chit chat with all the ladies. Everyone has great stories about why they are at Mrs. America. This is a very dynamic group. I don’t know how the judges are going to select our new Mrs. America.

Tucson Bound

It is time to put all my hours of preparation to work! I had a relaxing morning getting ready. John loaded all my bags into the car and dropped me off at the airport. I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it is to only drive 35 minutes to the airport, instead of 2 hours! Alyssa, Mrs. Oklahoma was already waiting at the gate when I arrived. Samantha, Mrs. Kansas, joined us a little while later. We all 3 feel very fortunate to have Tracy as our director. Mrs. Ohio was also on our flight. The flight crew was very sweet to all of us and they even wished us luck over the PA system.

We were in a little bit of predicament when we tried to fit all or our luggage, 4 titleholders and Mrs. Ohio’s travel companion in the minivan. Alyssa and I pretty much sat on each other’s laps for the 45 minute drive from the airport to the hotel.

We stepped out of the van and were immediately grabbed by the photographer for pictures. This is why they tell you to always be ready! When we went to check in to our rooms, they had us on opposite sides of the hotel. We were supposed to have adjoining rooms. It took some time for them to rearrange us, but it was well worth the wait to be next to Alyssa and Sam. We checked in with the Mrs. America staff and received our sashes, competition swimsuits, opening number dresses and shoes.

Audrey, who was Miss AZ when I was Miss DC, and her mom brought me a steamer later in the afternoon. We had free time, so I was able to join them for a bite to eat. The 3 of us are all business partners with Rodan + Fields Dermatology, the Doctors of ProActiv. If you are looking for a way to Change your skin and Change your life, check out my websites; for products http://www.blogger.com/www.spatterson.myrandf.com and for business opportunities http://www.blogger.com/www.spatterson.myrandf.biz.

We attended an orientation dinner where we had our first chance to meet all of the ladies. Everyone was full of energy and all dressed up. We had a chance to introduce ourselves and meet everyone on the Mrs. America Board. You could feel the excitement in the room. I am very impressed by how composed and beautiful all the ladies are! After dinner, we headed straight back to the room. We have an early wakeup call in the morning.

Packing for Mrs. America

I am finally packing for Mrs. America. I shipped my state costume, the Yellow Rose of Texas, and state gifts earlier this week. I was hoping to send some of my wardrobe also, but it just didn’t happen. I think the biggest part of the room in my suitcases is being taken up by shoes. Every pageant girl knows that you can’t take 3 pairs of shoes to the pageant. I think I am taking 3 different pairs just for stage.

After a lot of thought and careful consideration, it looks like I will be able to fit everything into 2 suitcases that will not be overweight. I am carrying my competition gown and interview outfit on the airplane. I have never lost my luggage, but I didn’t want to chance it and have a first. I feel like I have everything together. If I forget something, I know that I can have John bring it out with him.

I have to say that practice does make things a lot less stressful. This round of packing was much easier then when I packed for Miss America.

The Lash Lounge

The Lash Lounge is one of the awesome sponsors for Mrs. Texas. The owner, Anna Phillips, sponsors Mrs. Texas with a full set of lash extensions and a fill. This was the perfect thing to have for Mrs. America. I made my appointment and went to the Lash Lounge in Plano. I have never had eyelash extensions before, so I had no idea what to expect. The store is beautiful! In less than an hour, I walked out with an incredible set of long, luscious set of lashes! I am really looking forward to not having to glue fake lashes on my eyelids at Mrs. America.

I highly recommend visiting the Lash Lounge. They have 3 locations in the DFW area. Check out their website, http://www.thelashlounge.com/.

MLS Training

I am at the Collin County Association for Realtors today for 4 hours. They are teaching us how to use our local MLS. This was the last piece to the puzzle that I need to finish to be an official real estate agent. I can’t wait to start listing houses!! This is going to be an awesome career for me.

Premier Hair Studio

I am starting the final stages of my Mrs. America prep work. Today is hair day!!! One of my fabulous girlfriends helped me find a great hair studio here in McKinney. Sandi Ortiz at Premier Hair Studio was kind enough to squeeze me into her extremely busy schedule. Sandi not only fit me into her schedule, she blocked out 3 hours to make sure my hair was perfect. I am so thrilled with how my hair turned out that Sandi has a new regular client. I cannot thank Sandi enough!!!

If you are looking for a great hair stylist in McKinney, please check out Premier Hair Studio. They are located at 6150 W Eldorado Pkwy Ste 200, McKinney, TX 75070 and their phone number is (972) 540-0085.

Pilates Reformer

John and I joined Lifetime Fitness Center in Allen. It is nothing short of amazing. I don't know how you could get bored at this gym. I took my first Pilates Reformer class tonight. I have done Pilates mat work for many years, but I have never used a reformer machine. It kicked my butt. It has been a while since I left a workout and felt absolutely exhausted!!! It makes me want one of these in my new workout room upstairs :-)