Obviously it has been far too long since I've written! Sorry about that. I've been taking so many pictures I can't seem to keep up! Allow me to share some of the highlights of the past month...
On November 22nd I traveled to my hometown of Fort Myers and partnered with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for an event at a local Saks Fifth Avenue. I was greeted with warm smiles and open arms as I was escorted into the "spa" to get my make-up done. I then signed autographs as customers had the opportunity to get their make-up done at the various stations the Bobbi Brown artists had set up. I saw a lot of people that I knew, which was a pleasant surprise! This beauty-licious appearance ended with a very generous gift bag full of all sorts of Bobbi Brown products. Special thanks to Jackie Lopez, Andrea, and all of the beautiful Bobbi Brown ladies!
On the following Monday I accompanied my dear friend and mentor, Andrea Stephens, to the Lee County Department of Juvenile Justice...aka the Juvenile Jail. Once inside we met with 11 girls who were currently incarcerated. I spoke about how we all tend to wear "masks" from time to time, especially when we feel insecure about who we are. I gave the girls some tips to identifying and uncovering their masks and they really responded! It was a neat experience and I feel truly blessed to have been able to interact with the girls.
That evening I went to Andrea's youth group and gave my testimony to a small and attentive audience. Some of the students performed a skit that was absolutely hilarious! We all had a wonderful time!
While I was home for Thanksgiving I was interviewed by our local Christian radio station - WAY FM. We talked about my journey as Miss Florida and highlighted the upcoming "Poinsettias and the Princess" event at my church. Jeff and Steve were so much fun and truly made me feel like a celebrity!
After Thanksgiving mom and I hopped on a plane to NYC! While we were there I had three sessions with Shea to fine tune my dance. During one of our rehearsals the subject of getting "LaDuca" character heels came up...and it pretty much became necessary for me to get them. (Now you must realize that these are genuine Italian leather and what everyone on Broadway wears - the best!!) So...we called Mary and she agreed that they could be my birthday present from the Board! I can't even tell you how excited I was!!! Immediately after rehearsal we went to LaDuca and (after about 45 minutes of making sure I had the perfect fit) bought the beauties!!
Shea and I after class at Broadway Dance Center
Mom and I after dinner with Aunt Lo at the Playwright Tavern
We returned from NYC via the Tampa airport and met my dad, sister, uncle, cousin, grandma, and host family for dinner to celebrate my birthday!! (It wasn't my actual birthday, but close enough!) We had a delicious dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant and I was really blessed to spend some quality time with my fam.
On Saturday, December 6th, (my real b-day) two of my Sunshine Princesses, Shelby and Madison, came over to St. Pete and we were in the Santa Parade together. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we got to ride in a BMW convertible! The girls looked beautiful in their red dresses, but I think they got tired of waving! :) It's tough work being a princess!
After the parade we had a delicious lunch at Panera (one of my favorite places!) with Bill and Kim Doniel. Then the girls, Dawn (Madison's mom), and I spent the afternoon at the park, which overlooks the Bay. It couldn't have been more perfect! That evening I had dinner with my host family and I opened gifts during halftime of the Florida/Alabama game (which was quite a privilege!). My host mom had silly birthday hats and had even shown up at the parade with a huge sign and noise-makers! They made the whole day really special.
Well, that's all I have time for right now and I'm sure your eyes need a break! More to come soon!!
Merry Christmas!!
Sierra
