Signing Off- Mrs. Colorado 2012

As I approach my last hours of being Mrs. Colorado, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  Holding the title of Mrs. Colorado 2012 has been more than an honor, it has been a true blessing. I would like to thank my family, friends, sponsors, queen sisters and director Emily Stark for all of their support, words of encouragement and generosity. I am humbled and privileged to have represented the married women of Colorado.  I will be forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I was given this past year.   Below are some photos from a few of my favorite events. 

I look forward to my last day of rehearsals at the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera house and can’t wait for this evening when I have the privilege of crowning my successor.  To all the contestants, stand bright tonight for you are a diamond!  For the last time, I’m signing off- Courtney Graham, Mrs. Colorado 2012.   

Mrs. Colorado Pageant

2013 Mrs. Colorado Pageant

Preliminary Pageant May 16, 2013
Tickets onsale 6:00 pm
Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Show Starts at 7:00 pm
Tickets $15.00  General Seating
Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows

 

 

Mrs. Colorado Pageant at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex

May 18, 2013

Tickets on sale the night of the show

Box office opens at 5:30 PM

Show Starts at 7:00 PM

Tickets $25.00

  

Limited tickets available

 

 

A Bronze Bod- Rockstar Spray Tans

A Bronze Bod- Rockstar Spray Tans

Growing up in Hawaii, I spent years basking in the sun.  Although those were fun memories, oh how I regret it.  Intense sun exposure is so dangerous and not worth the long term damage that it creates. I am so proud to say “good-bye sun damage and hello fabulous spray tans!”   

One of the sponsors of the Mrs. Colorado Pageant is Rockstar Spray Tans.  Athena LeBon is the owner and is just such a wonderful person to work with.  I have been a client of Athena’s prior to winning the title of Mrs. Colorado and was thrilled to learn that part of my sponsorship package as the current Mrs. Colorado is free spray tans for a year!  Wow, talk about hitting the jack pot!



At the Mrs.America Pageant Rockin my Spray Tan

Athena and staff are not only some of the most kind and fun people you’ll ever encounter but they are amazing at what they do.  I know some of you may be skeptical about spray tans and I have experienced streaky, orange, spray tans in the past so I can relate to the feelings you may be having.  However, I guarantee you will not experience the orange tan if you visit Rockstar Spray Tans.

Prior to winning the title of Mrs. Colorado, I was a client of Rockstar Spray Tans.  During my reign as Mrs. Colorado, I have continued to tan with them and was a frequent vistor as I prepared for the Mrs. America Pageant.

What I love most about Rockstar tans is that you leave looking natural and glowing.  There is nothing fake looking about it.  As a fair skinned, blonde, I have to be so careful not to overdo it.  I always feel confident getting my tans at Rockstar because I trust them to make my skin look terrific.  Athena and staff are great at assessing your skin, helping you select the right shade of tan and offer a very reasonable price.

If you are preparing for the Mrs. Colorado Pageant or just want a nice tan, I highly recommend visiting Rockstar Spray Tans. You will not be disappointed!
Note: If you are a contestant competing on May 18^th, I recommend you call very soon to get on the books! Tell Athena that I sent you.

http://www.rockstarspraytans.com/

303-587-6173
Rockstar Spray Tans
5231 South Santa Fe Blvd. # 202, Littleton CO 80120

Letting Your Inner Sparkle and Core Values Shine

Letting Your Inner Sparkle and Core Values Shine Through in an Interview

I was so lucky to be invited to be a judge at the 2013 Canon City Blossom Pageant a few weeks ago. I was so excited to go to a town I had never been to before and experience my Queen Sister, Megan McCarter’s very own pageant.  Megan is the director of the Blossom Pageant and let me tell you, it was no simple high school pageant.  It was so much more than I would have ever expected.  It was simply fabulous!

My mom was gracious enough to take the excursion with me and we had the time of our life.  From staying at an adorable bed and breakfast to eating at Canon City’s five star French restaurant, we were treated like royalty. Beyond the incredible production of the pageant and the royal treatment, I was most impressed with the caliber of young ladies who competed for the crown.  Being a judge for this pageant was one of the hardest things I have had to do because I wanted everyone to win.  Those ladies were that special.
As we made the drive back to Denver, I reflected on the interview portion of the pageant. This was the time when we (the judges) got to know the contestants.  These few minutes are so important because it’s an opportunity to let your inner sparkle and core values shine through. From a one young woman telling us about her pink sparkly car to another sharing the story of how she and her mom made her evening gown, I feel in love with so many of those contestants.

As you prepare for the Mrs. Colorado pageant, remember to be your authentic self. Don’t look to the right or left, look forward and be proud of all that you are.

Me and my Queen Sister Megan McCarter, Director of the Blossom Pageant

 With fellow judge, Jennifer Hart, Mrs. Nebraska 2009

Danika VanGorder, Ms. Blossom Queen 2013

Information about the Blossom Festival
The Canon City Music & Blossom Festival Pageant is celebrating it 67th year. Our Pageant is in existence solely to promote the Music & Blossom Festival. Our mission is to teach young women the values of pageantry, and to give our time honored festival royalty to reign over our festivities. We believe that pageantry teaches women of all ages many things that are not taught in most schools. The Blossom Pageant offers much more than a rhinestone tiara, sash, and a title. It allows them to practice hands on interview skills necessary for their future, gives them the opportunity to work on their public speaking abilities, teaches them to be comfortable in their own skin by boosting self-confidence, and makes memories to last a lifetime.

Eating Clean for a Healthy You

Eating Clean for a Healthy You

When I was preparing for Mrs. Colorado and Mrs. America, I always loved finding new recipes to spice up my “clean” diet. One tip that my favorite trainer Tiffany Yee from Body Statement gym gave me is to request a mini refrigerator in your hotel room when traveling.  By having a refrigerator in your room, you can prepare and bring your own snacks.  I always find that the times I struggle with food choice are the times I am not prepared.  

I know this picture is upside down and I just can't seem to turn it. I still had to share it because these muffins got me through Mrs. America with ease. They are Tiffany Yee's Magic Muffins and you can get them at the Total Bodystatement Gym.  I made a batch before I left and froze them for easy travel. They are not only super healthy but they taste great!

In addition to the muffins, you've gor to try another favorite meal.  I have found that kale is so hearty, it holds up well in the refrigerator.

Kale with Onions and Pine Nuts

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup pine nuts
• 1½ Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 yellow onions (about ¾ pound total), cut into thin wedges
• 2 bunches Tuscan kale (about 1½ pounds total), stems removed, leaves chopped
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• ¾ tsp. kosher salt

Directions
Total time: 30 minutes

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes; set aside.

In same skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and tender, 12 to 14 minutes. Add kale, lemon juice, and ¼ cup water and toss gently. Cover and cook until just wilted, 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove from heat, add reserved pine nuts, red pepper flakes, and salt. Toss well and serve.

Giving Back to Our Beautiful Community

Giving Back to Our Beautiful Community

One of the gifts of competing in the Mrs. Colorado pageant is that it promotes getting involved in our community and supporting organizations that you are passionate about. While competing for the title of Mrs. Colorado, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet and become friends with wonderful women in our state. These women contribute to our community in amazing ways and inspire me to be a better person. 

A few years ago, I competed with Valentina Anderson and instantly feel in love with her zest for life. As I have gotten to know her over the years, she continues to impress me with gratitude for life, particularly her drive for giving back to something she is passionate about, orphan children.

Recently, Valentina invited to attend an event to raise funds for orphan children. This fundraiser was sponsored by her non-profit organization, Give 2 Orphans. At this event, I was humbly lifted as Valentina shared her own experience as an orphan and her mission to help create a better life for children.

As Mrs. Colorado, it is an honor and privilege to attend events like Give 2 Orphans and challenges me to strive to be a strong contributor in our community. I believe that when we give, we receive tenfold. In many cases what I have received from giving back to my community is gratitude and happiness that fills my soul. Being exposed to new experiences and the feeling from helping others is a gift that stays with you for a lifetime.  A gift that is truly priceless. Below is some information about Give 2 Orphans. To learn more, please visit Valentina’s website: http://www.give2orphankids.org/

About Give 2 Orphan Kids
Give 2 Orphan Kids was recently established to become a non-profit organization that will help supplement the day to day needs of orphan kids, wherever the need arises in this world.

Valentina Anderson, the founder of Give 2 Orphan Kids, is passionate about helping kids who are orphans. As an orphan herself, Valentina knows firsthand what it means to be left alone, without parents, often fending for herself. And, while Valentina has many memories of her childhood, one memory sticks out among all the rest, her 5th grade teacher who made a real difference in her life, and inspired her to always think positive, be happy and have faith that her life would be worthwhile.

Today, Valentina is blessed to have the support of a loving husband and four wonderful children. Over the past 14 years, Valentina has been helping to provide for the needs of orphan kids in the orphanage where she was raised in the Ukraine. Now, with G2OK, she is lengthening her stride, doubling her efforts and reaching out to orphan kids everywhere.

PHILOSOPHY

Give 2 Orphan Kids does not believe orphan kids should be taken way from their community and it is not our intent to help facilitate the adoption process. Our mission is to help supplement the daily needs of each orphan child, work with those in charge of their day to day care and give each orphan a hope for a brighter future.

THE FUTURE

Valentina’s commitment to her own children and family is the guiding force behind her goal to improve the lives of orphan kids wherever they may be, and Give 2 Orphan Kids has already begun the work to fulfill this objective. In Valentina’s mind, the future is bright and everything is possible, and she welcomes your generous support.

 

Beautiful Skin

Beautiful Skin

One of the many fortunate gifts that come along with being Mrs. Colorado is the amazing sponsorships.  Since I was crowned in February of 2012, I have been making monthly trips to visit Dr. TerKonda’s office.  Traveling for over an hour each way is well worth it as my skin has never looked this good.  Growing up, I was the kid who constantly battled acne and as an adult never really had great skin.  At the age of 36, I can honestly say, my skin has never looked this good.

My latest discovery is Clear and Brilliant.  Clear and Brilliant is a gentle laser that refreshes your skin from the inside out.  The laser energy creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in your skin, replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger looking tissue.  I have had three treatments so far (I’ll need a total of 4 to 6) and the improvement is subtle, natural and overall impressive.

Dr. TerKonda performs many of the services himself and has an assistant Heather who is fabulous.  Heather and has been performing the Clear and Brilliant treatments on my face for a few months now and the experience has been fabulous.   Heather is the kind of person who is your instant friend.  She makes me feel so comfortable talking about my areas of concern and is so educated on all the products and services that they provide.  I am always excited to see the team that works with Dr. TerKonda because they really treat you like family.

As you prepare for Mrs. Colorado, I encourage you to visit Dr. TerKonda and team because they are amazing.  They will work with your budget and help you create a plan to enhance your beautiful skin.

To learn more about Dr. TerKonda and his team, visit the link below.

http://www.cosmeticsurgery.com/find/cosmetic-surgeons/Colorado/r~135/dr~mission

At the Morning Show with Dr. TerKonda and Team

Making Time for Relaxation

Making Time for Relaxation

This week my family and I vacationed at the beautiful Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa and it was amazing!!! After a year of appearances, volunteer work, and a new full time job this R&R was well needed.  In fact, my husband jokingly stated that this was a prize for him and the boys, a reward for putting up with me these past four years when I was competing! (Smile) He was very happy to have his wife’s undivided attention for an extended amount of time and I have to say, it was fun giving it.

My family and I were greeted upon check-in with our photo framed in the lobby saying “Welcome Mrs. Colorado to the Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa.”  I was so overwhelmed with gratitude. That welcome frame was just a taste of the hospitality that we received throughout our stay.  The grounds were beautiful, the 23 mineral pools were amazing, and the service was phenomenal. 

We were lucky enough to have stayed in the “O Suite” named after Oprah Winfrey when she visited the resort and claimed it as one of her favorite places to stay in Colorado. My kids squealed with delight as we entered the 600 square foot room that contained a master bedroom, fireplace, living room, kitchen, and sauna.  My oldest son said, “Mom, I bet we are never going to stay in a place this nice ever again!” 

Thank you Pagosa Springs for a fabulous time.  Your sponsorship is something that I will remember and cherish for a life time!!! 

To learn more about the Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa, please visit:

http://www.pagosahotsprings.com/

Note:  As soon as I download the photos from our vacation, I will be sure to update this post!  

Creating Time for the People You Love

Creating Time for the People You Love

 We all need a reminder to take care of your mind, body and soul.   During my year as Mrs. Colorado, I realized the importance of taking time out to spend with the people you love.  These “people” for me are my family.  This past week I turned off the electronics, stepped away from work, and spent much needed time with my husband of 13 years and two fantastic little boys.  With that said, I hope you understand and appreciate the lateness of my blog entries. 

This past week, over a road trip, I rediscovered the little joys in life.  From silly car games to talent shows performed by my family, I was reminded of the importance of carving out time to spend with the people I love.

This past week, I forgot about the daily chaos of things like baseball practice, homework and rush hour traffic.  I forgot about managing schedules and preparing for business meetings.  This past week felt amazing and invigorating because I removed all the stressful things in life and surrounded myself with the people who need me most.  These are the same people that I need most too!  I know vacations can’t always be frequent but they are so important.  Even if it’s a “stay-cation” for a single day, I urge you create time for the people and things you love.  It really will fill your spirit with joy.

Feeling Beautiful

Mrs. Colorado’s 90 Day Challenge- Day 17

Topic: Feeling Beautiful

Beauty starts from within, shines through your heart, and pours out for the world to see.  No matter what beautiful garment I wear, new purse I carry, or perfume I spray on me, I only feel as beautiful as my mind allows me to.  During this process, please take care of your mind, body, and soul first and everything else will follow.  With that said, I am absolutely the first one to admit that I LOVE beautiful things especially fancy evening gowns.  There is just something amazing about beads, jewels, and lace.

I have been thinking a lot about evening gowns lately because that is one of the components of the competition where you get to share your creativity, fashion, and personal style.  Many of the contestants at shopping day asked for advice on what dress to wear for evening gown.    I firmly believe that “the dress” is not what is going to make you win or lose but I do think that it can make the difference in how you feel on stage. 

When you select your evening gown, pick something that makes you feel like a million dollars!  I wore the same dress twice and won in it the second time.  I would have never thought that I would wear the same dress twice but as I tried on many other gowns, my heart kept going back to “my” dress.  Pick something that when you put it on, you feel unquestionably beautiful.  This will be your moment, be fabulous, and be you.

This photo was taken after the 2011 Mrs. Colorado Pageant.  In 2012, I wore the same dress, just took off the sleeve and added more crystals.  Wear what makes you feel beautiful.

 

Stop looking for the magic. You are it.

Mrs. Colorado’s 90 Day Challenge- Day 16

Topic: Stop looking for the magic.  You are it.

It was so wonderful to meet so many of the contestants today at ticket sales.  It brought back so many great memories of my years competing but also reminded me that the magic, the sparkle, the beauty that shows on that stage absolutely comes from within.  So many of the contestants asked for advice today and my only real advice is, “from the moment you arrive at pageant week, let your heart shine.  When you get up on that stage, smile from the deepest part of your core and let your inner beauty shine so bright that it radiates on the outside.”

I am so honored and humbled to be Mrs. Colorado and am so excited to cheer for each and every one of you.  You all are so amazing!