Thursday, July 12, 2012

Miss Teen United States

I cannot believe that nationals has already come and gone...it flew by! I had an absolutely wonderful time in Washington, DC and could not be happier with how I competed.

After competing in swimsuit for the first time, completing my round robin interview with confidence and feeling so beautiful in evening gown, I know I competed at my best. Unfortunately, I did not make it into the Top 16. Of course, I was disappointed; I went to Nationals in hopes of being the next Miss Teen United States. I do not view any of my efforts though as a waste of time and money or as a failure; instead, I am looking to the bright side. I learned so much while I prepared and competed. I know my walks and interview have never been stronger. I can do all different types of my make up on my own. I can set my hair in curls and walk in heels for six days straight. :)

I need to stop and thank so many people who supported me on my journey to the national crown. Cheri, for helping me compete at my strongest and encouraging me every step of the way. Jason and Jill, for pushing me and making sure I had a rockin' swimsuit body! Maddy and Megan, for being my big sister queens and helping me in so many ways at nationals. Ashlea, for being a fabulous director and providing me with everything I need to be Miss Teen Minnesota. Kara, for my elegant evening gown, jewelry and rhinestoning my opening number cocktail; you are the best! Shantel, for my opening number cocktail. Minnetonka Moccasin, for donating moccasin keychains for all the contestants! All my friends, thank you for your good lucks wishes and support, I could not do anything without you. My parents, you guys are amazing and your unconditional love it what keeps me going.

If I forgot to thank anyone, I sincerely apologize!

Now, it is time to continue my journey as Miss Teen Minnesota United States. I have 7 months left to fulfill my duties and promote the Miss United States Organization. I look forward to making appearances and working with Smile Network International!

If anyone is interested in learning more about how to compete in February of 2013, please contact me at   tori3311@hotmail.com.

xoxo,

Victoria

Friday, July 6, 2012

Swim Prelims- Night #1

Today was an exhausting, but exciting day here at Miss Teen United States!

This morning we swapped contestant gifts, then headed off to rehearsal for a few hours. A HUGE thank you to Minnetonka Moccasin, who donated moccasin key chains for each of the contestants; they were a hit! After rehearsal, we had a sponsored lunch at King Street Blues in Crystal City; it was delicious. Then, we all rushed back to the hotel to make our final preparation for swimsuit prelims. My hair has never been so big!! After a fun and upbeat opening number, we competed in swimsuit. This was my first-ever swimsuit competition and I was surprised and delighted to learn that I love competing in swim! It was such an adrenaline rush and I though it went wonderfully. Shout out to Jason of Youngquest Fitness and Jill Schmitt, my personal trainers, who helped me achieve the ultimate swimsuit body; I could not have done it without you. But, I can't eat pizza just yet! The top 15 will re-compete in swimsuit Sunday, so I will keep dieting in hopes of competing again:)

Thank you to all who watched tonight and sent me good luck wishes; it means the world to me to have so much support and love from MN!


xoxo,

Victoria

Thursday, July 5, 2012

An Update


Today has been busy busy busy! I woke up bright and early to set my hair and get a quick spray tan to look competition-ready for swimsuit. After orientation, where they approved my swimwear and opening number cocktail, we headed over the Synetic Theater for rehearsals. We learned our walking patterns for swim, evening gown and opening number, so we're almost all set!

Now, we have a little down time before the Runway Competition tonight. We received a cute rhinestoned black top for the competition that we wear with our favorite heels and skinny blue jeans. I am super excited to work the runway (think Victoria's Secret fashion show!!). After the runway competition concludes, we have a director's reception. Then, it is off to bed to prepare for a full day of rehearsals and swimsuit prelims!

For those of you who would like to watch:

You can go to www.missunitedstates.com, on the homepage, you can click on the Heritage TV link, which should bring you to their website. Under "Internet TV" the pageant prelims and finals will be broadcasted live. Swimsuit Prelims are held on Friday, July 6, at 5pm (4pm for Minnesota). Evening Gown Prelims are held on Saturday, July 7, at 5pm (4pm for Minnesota). The Final Pageant is Sunday, July 8, at 4pm (3pm for Minnesota).

Hope you all can tune in!

xoxo,

Victoria

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Red, White and Sparkles

Happy 4th of July! First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has fought to protect our freedoms, those who continue to fight today and those that will fight in the future.

I have having a blast here in our nation's capital for the 4th of July; what a patriotic place to be! I woke up bright and early this morning to get a quick work out in then it was off to our parade on Capital Hill. It was quick warm; but we had a great time marching with our American flags and mingling with the public here in DC. After the parade we have free time, so my mom and I grabbed a quick lunch at a cute little restaurant nearby. Now, after a much-need nap, I am going to practice my walks and stage presentation with my good friend Ashley, Miss Teen North Dakota. Tonight at 9pm we have a fireworks show; I am positive it will be fabulous!

Hope to blog again soon!

xoxo,

Victoria

Monday, July 2, 2012

'Twas the night before...

Tomorrow is the big day; at about 10:30 am I will jet off for Washington, DC in hopes of becoming the next Miss Teen United States! Whoa.

The past two days have been hectic with final preparations and packing. I am a bit worried my one jumbo-sized suitcase will be over the 50lb weight limit...but hey, one suitcase is pretty darn good! Today I was humbled with all the good luck wishes everyone has sent my way, it truly means so much to me. Friends, family, my fellow PK finalists and complete strangers have all bit me good luck and are confident in me to represent Minnesota well. That is my exact intention! After over six weeks of dieting and exercising hard I feel confident that I will kick butt at Nationals. I cannot wait to meet the other 41(not every state is sending a representative) girls I will be spending my time with in DC.

You think the weather is hot here in MN? Try DC! The weatherman has predicted upper 90s all week that will feel well over 100. Here's hoping my spray tan doesn't melt off. A quick intinerary for those of you who are curious as to what we will be up to in DC:

Tuesday: Check-in
Wednesday: 4th of July Parade, Fireworks
Thursday: Orientation, Lunch/Shopping, Runway Competition, Director's Reception
Friday: Rehearsals, Swimsuit Photoshoot, Swimsuit Prelims
Saturday: Interview, Evening Gown Prelims
Sunday: Rehearsals, Miss United States Final Pageant

I have a busy and exciting week ahead of me. I will do my best to blog each night and hopefully get some pictures up as well. Stay tuned for info on where to view the pageant live! A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far and who has been involved in my pageant life in any way; your support keeps me motivated and determined to bring home the national crown!

xoxo,

Victoria