Thank You Marcella Ellis Signature Salon!!!

Everyone asks me who was responsible for my fabulous hair at the Mrs. America Pageant. My Hair Sponsor is Marcella Ellis Signature Salon of Greenbelt, Maryland. Marcella is a leader in the Hair Weave Industry. She teaches classes across the country, has assembled an elite team of stylists, provides services for customers travelling from out of town....the list is endless! My favorite method is the Marcella Ellis Malaysian Weave. It is flat, natural, and gives you freedom that traditional weave methods don't allow. She also offers an array of other Weave/Extension Services, Weave Maintenance, Wigs, and total hair care. I am confident that they can provide a customized service to suit your individual needs. The staff is friendly and professional and the service is top notch! If you are in need of a style update, call Marcella ASAP. Use the Coupon Below for your next weave! She even provides some of the highest quality hair I have ever seen. And if you are a stylist looking to take your skills to the next level, contact Marcella. Her innovative techniques will surely impress!

Hair by Marcella was an asset during the 2 weeks at the Greenbrier. I had my hair done a week before I left for the pageant and was able to style it in a variety of ways with ease! In the above picture, my hair was styled in an Old Hollywood look for Interview created by The Makeup Studio of Sarah Giovinetti who provided hair maintenance/styling and make-up during competition!

Leave It To Me Photography

Last weekend I had a Super Fun Shoot with Kylene Cleaver of Leave It To Me Photography. Kylene has become by go-to photog for all of my family pictures. However, her repertoire has proven to be extremely vast. She really thinks outside of the both and I love that! Thank you Kylene for continuing to make me feel beautiful. Another Thank You to Kristen Lober for her awesome make-up job. I will post more pics at a later date.

Mrs. Delaware America 2011 Pageant

On November 20th, 2010, I was blessed to be crowned Mrs. Delaware America 2011. Most people who know me, know that this has been a lifelong dream and a long 15 year journey. As Mrs. Delaware, I will represent Delaware's beautiful married women in the Mrs. America Pageant in April of 2011. I will also have the opportunity to expand upon my volunteer efforts. As you know, Geoff and I are extremely passionate about Animal Rescue and Adoption and plan to champion that cause as a family throughout our year. I am also passionate about Women's Healthcare, Children, and Mentorship and will do all that I can to bring more attention to those causes as well. I cannot wait to partner with a variety of organizations and to use this title to truly make a difference in the live's of others. The picture above is of my crowing moment. I was elated! But now I must keep the momentum going. Please contact me or my director (through the Mrs. Delaware website) if you would like me to attend an event or present to a group. I will continue to update my blog as usual. So, please continue to check in and follow my journey. A few pictures are below from the pageant. Official photos will be available soon. But here is a sneak peek (thanks Hilary, Geoff, and Allison for the photos).

Working it out in Opening Number!

Swimsuit! Special thanks to CrossFit First State. I have been a member there for a year now. They are truly amazing! Also thanks to Crossfit Riverfront for help with the final push in the weeks leading up to the competition.

Evening Gown! Thank you to Chris Saltalamachio and Trish Dowling of The Red Carpet Prom and Pageant. They brought my vision into reality in record time! The Red Carpet also provided my swimsuit.

Team Hotness! I couldn't have done this without the support of all of these positive women. Meron, Quintina, Ellen, Michelle, Krista, Maureen, Nina, Allison (Team Hotness President), Dena, Hilary, Mari, Alandrea, Kim, Dawn, Tetra (not pictured), and Angie (not pictured). Looking out at your smiling faces was just what I needed. Love you guys!

Geoff and I after crowning! I cannot tell you the lengths that he will go for me. I am so blessed to have a husband that let's me fly. This has been a journey for the both of us. And I know with 100% certainty that our relationship is a gift and that we will work as a team during our year as Mr. and Mrs. Delaware!

Arriving at Dinner with my supporters!

With Mom and Dad! Thank you both so much for making the trip from Virginia. It was such a pleasant surprise. I am glad that you both finally got this moment!

I also want to send a special thank you to the Judges, Susanne Truitt (Mrs. Delaware America director), Mrs. Delaware America Sponsors, Amanda Shepard (outgoing Mrs. Delaware), Otise Shuck (Mrs. NJ America 2010), Monette Bryant (Mrs. Tennessee America 2010), Cacia Batts (Mrs. Delaware 2009), Sheri Jenkins (former Mrs. Delaware America and owner of Pageant Life Coach--thank you for helping me look at things so clearly), Sarah Giovinetti (makeup artist), all of the beautiful contestants, Fran Edwards (Miss Congeniality 2010/2011 and my personal friend), Warner Chilcott (my employer), and all of my family and friends that were with me in spirit! I promise to make you proud!

Atlanta Housewives!

I am a Real Housewives Fanatic! And my favorite group of them all would have to be the ATL. I was recently asked which Housewife I would be out of all of the ATL housewives. However, the extreme personalities of these women make it impossible to just choose one. I consider myself to be more of a combination of them all.

First, Phaedra....she calls herself a Southern Belle and is also an attorney. I can definitely relate to the ladylike and demure qualities that Phaedra attempts to show. I can also relate to her drive and determination to succeed. However, I cannot relate that that baby shower...a mess!

Second, Nene....Nene is the type of friend everyone needs to have because she will always be honest with you. I pride myself on that very quality. If your friends ask your opinion, it is your duty to tell the truth and to be direct. But like Nene, I can be a little too honest at times. I have learned quite a bit of tact over the years. She still needs to work on that. Nene is also an organizer. In a group setting, her personality is unifying and I find myself taking on a similar role in groups.

Next, Sheree....She has over the top confidence and is her own biggest fan. While I am more humble than Sheree, I do truly believe in myself. If I don't believe in myself, others will not either. And who can forget "Who Gon' Check Me Boo"? I know I can't. Sheree never allows people to walk over her and neither do I. Especially in business. No matter the circumstance, I always remain assertive.

Up next is Kim! Wow....what can I say about Kim? She really tries her best to stand out in a crowd. For me, I've always been taller than most people so standing out wasn't an option. Instead of running from it, I embraced my uniqueness and attempt to stand out even more. I may be the girl in a leopard pencil skirt while everyone else is wearing a black suit. I honestly enjoy the attention that being different attracts. Once I have your attention, you have the opportunity to see the person I am on the inside and that is important me!

And Lastly, Kandi! I play her song "Fly Above" on my IPOD whenever I need motivation. Kandi never seems to allow the female drama to affect her and always flies above it. Like Kandi, I loathe drama and pettiness and never allow it to take my energy. I simply remove myself from negative situations and don't associate with any drama. She is also very helpful. She elevated "Tardy for the Party" for Kim and was not compensated for that work. More importantly, she is willing to help her on future projects. And that's me! When I friend is in need I will do anything I can to help them. However, neither myself or Kandi will allow ourselves to be used.

I don't know much about Cynthia yet, so I can't relate to her at the moment. I'm hoping to see more from her this season. So far she seems like a beautiful, classy lady and a wonderful addition to the cast.

So which Real Housewife are you?

HELP!

Their are 1000 things I need to be doing right now. However, I am scouring the internet for this 1981 Tank that Beyonce is wearing on her St. Tropez vacation. I love Beyonce! And we were both born in 1981! And lastly, this tank would look so amazing on my Puerto Rico girls trip next month! If you know the designer, let me know!

SYTYCD--Lauren!

One of the reasons I love watching Reality TV is because I love watching dreams come true. While I did not enjoy the format of this season's So You Think You Can Dance, I love the winner. I also picked her from her very first audition. She is a trained contemporary dancer, but rose to the challenge in all areas (hip hop, jazz, latin, etc). Lauren is by far the most diverse dancer I have ever seen in my entire life. I wish her the best and trust that she will use the opportunity to inspire others to dance.

The video below is a clip of my favorite performance by Lauren. I also love the song "My Chick Bad" by Ludacris. I listen to it before a big sales call to pump me up.

Sale

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale is tomorrow! Shop early for great deals on the newest styles. I am ordering Nike Free Sneakers for both me and Geoff and winter boots. Prices go up at the beginning of August! Get on it! You know I will!

Private Sales!

I am away at a meeting for work until the middle of next week. Therefore, I don't have a lot of time to blog. I am sure that I will have ALOT to say when I get back. I'll just say this...60 sales people in a room will ensure my readers plenty of entertainment.

I do want to take this time to let you in on my most recent guilty pleasure....private sale internet shopping. Private Sales are awesome. You get a daily email detailing up and coming sales. You log on and purchase products for 60% or less than retail prices. For desirable products, you have to be quick. There is no time for lollygagging!!! The entire Gucci and Fendi Handbag collection went in 15 minutes on one website. Don't think designer clothing is all these private sale websites have. I have purchased Urban Decay Makeup, Spa Giftcards, Cuisinart Cooking Tools, etc. There is something for everyone. My Go To Private Sale Sites are Ruelala, Ideeli, Beyond The Rack, Gilt (also has a travel division called Jetsetter where you can purchase trips to both local and exotic destinations), and Hautelook. There are several more than this. But these are my favs. You have to be invited to become a member. If you are interested in joining shoot me a comment and I will send you an invite.

My Massage Obsession!

Like most women, I love going to the spa! However, the spa does not love my wallet. It's insanely expensive. And who wants to go to a beautiful, tranquil spa and only get one service? Not me! I like to soak up all of their free relaxation and tranquility. Therefore, I pile on additional pricey services that I do not need. Heaven forbid the spa has a hot tub! I am there all day!!!

Anyway, wouldn't it be great to have a massage on a regular basis without the expense and spending an entire day in the spa? Wouldn't it be even better if the environment was equally tranquil (minus a few frills), the massage equally relaxing, and the massage price less expensive? Now you're talking! I have found the answer. The Holy Grail of cheap and regular massage....Massage Envy.

With a Massage Envy Membership, you can enjoy the endless therapeutic and stress relieving benefits of massage therapy as often as you'd like. Monthly dues include one 1-hour massage session, and as a member you'll receive unlimited additional 1-hour massage sessions at the low membership rate, anytime you'd like. Making ongoing massage therapy part of your personal wellness plan allows you to be better for everything else you give yourself to. And if everyone around you deserves you at your best, surely you do too. (This was copied from the Massage Envy Site. LOL)

But seriously, it's worth it! Depending on where you live, your first massage will be between $39 and $49. In Wilmington, it costs $39. If you enjoy it and choose to sign up, you are charged a monthly fee of about $50. This gives you 1 massage per month. If you miss a month, it carries over. Also, if you desire to upgrade to 90 minutes, you pay $18. I always upgrade!!! I am actually going this evening with my friend Courtney. She turned me on to Massage Envy back in January. Since Courtney lives in NC, we don't see each other very often. But when we do meet up, a trip to Massage Envy has become our new ritual. One more important point to note....Massage Envy offers all different types of Massage (Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Hot Stone, Etc) and some even offer Facials. So try it out and let me know what you think!

Beautiful Nails

I am totally obsessed with OPI's Axxium Gel Manicure! The posted pic showcases my REAL nails and this manicure will last for 2 weeks or more. I started getting this technique done prior to my lengthy trip through the Mediterranean. Needless to say, I was the only girl on the boat with beautiful nails upon departure. Another big plus of the Axxium Gel Manicure is leaving the salon with 100% dry nails. The gel is sealed with UV Light it comes in a variety of colors. I stepped out of my comfort zone with this Midnight Blue Color. So check with your manicurist and see if it is available at your salon!

Enjoy!

Queen of Pop! Viva Madonna!

Last night, Geoff and I watched the 2009 Madonna: Sticky and Sweet Concert on EPIX. It was raunchy, sometimes disturbing, but incredibly entertaining. The music took me back, made me dance, and affirmed my belief that Madonna is one of the best performers out there. She definitely proved deserving of the title "Queen of Pop". Luckily for us, she nixed her new found British Accent and gave the performance of her life. True to form, their was tons of gyrating, grabbing of body parts, and kissing girls. But her stamina, vocal, ability, and flawless physique are awe inspiring. At times it seemed as though the 51 year old beauty was leading a high energy aerobics class. I was tired for her!

Part of me wonders what her tween daughter, Lourdes, thinks of her mother as she body rolls across the stage in scantily clad outfits. But considering she gets an $11,000 dollar a week allowance, she probably doesn't really care. The crowd was insane and looked like a highly emotional Gay Pride Rally. Pardon my candor, but all fabulous divas have the gay demographic on lock (i.e. Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, and of course Kathi Griffin). I love it!

I posted one of the more tame performances below. But if you want to see the rest, tivo it on EPIX or watch it on YouTube. It's worth the 2 hours!

My New Must Have CD

OK! My friends think that I am only into pop, super girly recording artists like the Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Fergie, etc. This is so not the case! Granted, I do listen to Pop. It is music makes me want to dance and helps me not take life so seriously. Life is already hectic enough. Sue me for sometimes finding pleasure in mindless music. In actuality, my favorite type of music can't really be put into one single category. It is anything that has a message and makes me think. It can be Jazz, Neo-Soul, R and B, Soft Rock, or even Country. Basically, I enjoy music that elevates me mentally and tells stories that I can feel with my heart.

Years ago I discovered an artist named Vivian Green. In 2002, she released her Debut CD "Love Story". I played that CD so much it was crazy. It detailed the pain of an unstable relationship, leaving that relationship, and finding new love. I could connect to so many

of the things she wrote about. It was as if she wrote that album for me and about me!

Her new album, "Beautiful", does not disappoint. The title track "Beautiful" begins the album and your attention is held throughout. My favorite songs on the album are "Better Man", "Caught Up", "Somewhere", and "Jordan's Song". Again, it is like she stepped inside of me and wrote about situations that I have been through in my life, will go through, and am not talented enough to write about!

So, go grab ALL of Vivian Green's Albums. We have to support true artists who don't rely on leotards and booty popping to sell records.

CrossFit-My Fitness Obsession!

People often ask me "Shana, how do you stay so thin?". In the past, I may have been flattered that someone considered me "thin". But being "thin" is no longer a goal for me. Instead, I aspire to be "fit". About 6 years ago I tipped the scales at close to 200lbs. I eventually lost the weight by going on every fad diet, starting every fitness program, and never continuing either. As a result, I began a pattern of gaining weight and losing weight. Perhaps I had a vacation coming up or was a bridesmaid in a friends wedding. Nonetheless, I never maintained the results.

Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women and I have a family history of obesity and diabetes. Something needed to change and it needed to happen fast! A friend of mine introduced me to CrossFit in Dec 2009 and I have been hooked ever since.

CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide. Don't think you will find a treadmill or exercise bike in a CrossFit Gym. Instead, you will find ropes, tires, jack hammers, pull-up bars, etc. Definitely not a glamorous environment, but well worth it! Since starting CrossFit, I have maintained my weight easily and feel stronger every day. I have even recruited a couple of friends to the CrossFit Revolution. My good friend, Marcel, lost all of her baby weight and sported a buff bikini body (including a six pack) on her most recent vacation. And my husband Geoff has lost 14 lbs in the past 2 months and is continuing to get more fit on a daily basis. I am very proud of them both! To find a CrossFit near you, visit the Affiliates Section of the CrossFit website.

Below you will find pics of me taking local reporter, Justin Williams, through a strenuous CrossFit workout with Coach Jud.