Royal Image Boutique Open House

July 18 was a very busy day for me, as I was scheduled for three appearances. My first of the day was for an open house at the Royal Image Boutique, owned by former Mrs. Colorado, Raeanne Duca. She has great clothing, and I will be wearing a lot of her pieces during Mrs. America Pageant week in September. Raeanne also specializes in evening gowns and special occasion dresses, in addition to carrying jewelry and accessories. Check out her website at http://www.royalimageboutique.com/.

One of the Mrs. Colorado 2009 contestants, Pamela Gabarron, stopped by and bought some very cute clothes.

Bare Escentuals Cherry Creek Mall

My second appearance of the day was at the Bare Escentuals store in the Cherry Creek Mall. I had a fun afternoon greeting customers, signing autographs and taking pictures. The staff treated me like royalty, even giving me a makeover. Their products are amazing! Bare Escentuals was gracious enough to act as a sponsor to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year, offering complimentary make up application to the contestants during preliminaries and finals.

Here I am pictured with the AMAZING staff at Bare Escentuals in the Cherry Creek Mall.

What girl doesn’t love getting a makeover? My eyes looked amazing when she was done!

It’s always so fun when little girls see me in my crown and they ask me if I’m a “real princess.”

A few boys were even lured into the store to get an autograph card!

"Queen for the Night" party

My third and final appearance on July 18 was a very special event honoring a woman who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Julie is a good friend of one of the women who I competed with in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year, Laura Felix. Being the kind hearted woman that Laura is, she organized this wonderful evening full of Julie’s family and friends, as well as many of the 2009 Mrs. Colorado candidates. I only wish that everyone who is challenged with a health problem could have such an amazing support system as Julie does.

Here I am with the beautiful and brave Julie.

This is the woman who pulled this whole event together, Laura Felix. If only everybody had a friend as great as her.

Myself, Julie and the 2009 Mrs. Colorado candidates who came out to show their support.

Here I am with my mom and Laura. I have to give thanks to my mom for being my traveling companion and my own personal paparazzi while at appearances. Living in Canon City, most of my appearances are at least an hour to two hours away, and my mom is kind enough to keep me company on the long drives. Plus, it gives us some much needed “mother-daughter chatting time.”

Denver Children's Hospital

I was honored to spend another afternoon at the Denver Children’s Hospital; this time was devoted to visiting the kids in their rooms as a “special guest”. I don’t think that I’ll ever leave that place without feeling totally humbled and inspired by these amazing kids and their families. Every night in my prayers now, I’ve permanently added the Denver Children’s Hospital. It was a wonderful afternoon of visiting, as EVERY child that I spoke with was most likely going back home within the week, what great words to hear!

Here I am with a fellow “Megan.” We were so excited to not only have the same name, but also that we spell it the same way too.

This was the Children’s Hospital volunteer who took me around to visit the rooms during the afternoon. I admire these volunteers so much for what they do!

Style-a-Thon

On July 12, I attended the “Style-a-Thon”, which benefitted the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. It was held at the beautiful Solera Salon in Centennial, CO. Some of the stylists volunteered their time to offer their services, with the only cost for this great day of pampering being a donation made to the foundation. The event proved to be very successful as over $2,000 was raised.
The Mrs. Colorado Foundation was created by Mrs. Colorado 2006/Mrs. America 2007, Marney Duckworth, and has provided deserving women in the state of Colorado scholarships to further their education. The Mrs. Colorado Pageant works as a partner with the foundation to help raise funding. For more information on the Mrs. Colorado Foundation, or to make a donation, visit the website at http://mrscofoundation.org.

This is DJ McDermott, the hair stylist extraordinaire to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant. DJ has done my hair for the Mrs. Colorado Pageant for the past three years now, and is a true artist to hair styling. DJ was one of the stylists at the Style-a-Thon who volunteered his services for a good cause.

Here is DJ pictured with Jennifer Lamont, Mrs. Colorado 2005.

Pictured with Alichia Ryan, who is a gracious sponsor to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant. She offered her hydrafacials during the day, which everyone absolutely raved about!

Raeanne Duca of the Royal Image Boutique (and Mrs. Colorado 2000) set up shop for the day, with all the profits she made going towards the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. I always get into trouble when I go shopping at the Royal Image Boutique, because she carries the greatest clothing and accessories! Check out the website at http://www.royalimageboutique.com/.

Here I am pictured with a Denver celebrity, Denise Plante, of the Colorado and Company TV show on Channel 9 and co-host of the KOSI 101.1 morning show.

Photographer Ronnie B donated his time by shooting pictures of the event. He took this fun candid shot of me, amongst many other great photos of the day. Check out his work at http://www.digitalsbyronnie.com/

2009 Miss Colorado America Pageant

On June 28th, I attended the Miss Colorado America Pageant. It was a great show and all the contestants looked amazing! Beautiful and talented young women from all over the state of Colorado competed in the Miss Colorado, Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen, and the Miss Colorado Teen divisions.

This was the first pageant I attended as a spectator since I won Mrs. Colorado, and I must say that it was REALLY nice to just sit in the audience and relax for a change!

Here I am pictured with the newly crowned Miss Colorado America, Katie Layman. She was stunning on stage, and performed a beautiful dance routine for her talent. Best of luck to Katie at the Miss America Pageant!

For more information, visit their website at www.misscolorado.org.

"Mrs. Colorado Day" BBQ

Former Governor, Bill Owens, bestowed the Mrs. Colorado Pageant with an "Honorary Proclamation" proclaiming June 13, 2001 as "Mrs. Colorado Day." This was done to honor the commitment made by this organization to our communities and state.

Raeanne Duca, Mrs. Colorado 2000 and owner of the Royal Image Boutique, was kind enough to host a BBQ at her home in honor of "Mrs. Colorado Day". It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by good company and delicious food.

Winning the title of Mrs. Colorado not only gives one lucky woman a year the opportunity to represent our state at Mrs. America and make multiple appearances on behalf of this organization, but it allows the chance to become a "Queen Sister." Former pageant director, Tricia Dampier, created such a fantastic environment for her queens that they never want to leave. Over time, a "family" was created and is now being carried on by the new director Emily Stark. I have said it before, and I'll say it a million times more during my reign....I am honored to be a part of this group of women who I respect and admire so much. Pictured above are 9 of us in the Mrs. Colorado sisterhood.

Of course we couldn't have a "Mrs. Colorado Day" without this handsome group of men....our "Mr. Colorado's." The men weren't too excited about this picture at first, but I just couldn't resist making them all pose. It's nice to recognize these great guys in our lives, and tell them thanks for being such great "pageant hubbies"!

4th Annual "Bark at the Briargate"

I've always LOVED animals! My parents encouraged my appreciation for our furry friends at a very young age, and for that I am so thankful. I have never lived a day in my life without having a pet. My husband and I don't have children of our own yet, but we do have two incredible "fur babies." Our Norwegian elkhound dog, Neiko, and gray shorthair cat, Oscar, make our lives so much fun and complete.

It was only fitting when I was crowned Mrs. Colorado that I wanted take my title as an opportunity to work with various animal organizations. This was the first, of what I'm hoping will be many, animal focused events.

I spent a chilly Saturday afternoon supporting the 4th Annual "Bark at the Briargate," held in Colorado Springs at the Promenade Shops at Briargate. This event was originally launched so that shoppers would realize how pet-friendly the Promenade Shops at Briargate are. Many shops and restaurants actually welcome pets to both shop and dine with their owners. Following the "Bark at the Briargate" was the "Yip Yip Yappy Hour," which included a canine fashion show, live music, food and refreshments.

Many pet related vendors set up booths to showcase their goods and services, and dogs of all shapes and sizes roamed around (on leashes of course) with their owners. It was quite a sight to behold, and was a lot of fun!

Wow!!! This Great Pyrenees was truly a "gentle giant"! What a beautiful and sweet animal!

Pet owners were given the chance to submit their pet's photo to the Promenade Shops at Briargate’s facebook page. Various gift certificates were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Here I am standing next to the picture board displaying all the pet entries.

This is Reagan, he was the 2nd place winner of the pet picture contest. He was a very regal, patriotic dog.

This dog had the royal treatment; she rode around in her own little pink doggy stroller all day!

During the event I hung out under the Colorado Petacular Magazine booth. This magazine is a wonderful tool for Colorado pet lovers as their various publications include information on "responsible pet care education, entertainment, and inspiration focusing on the Colorado lifestyle."

Kicking off the "Yip Yip Yappy Hour" was a canine fashion show, which was hosted by the Colorado Petacular Magazine. This little dog was cute as a button all gussied up as a southern belle.

This playful pooch was dressed up for the fashion show as a hunter.....camouflage and all.

As a fellow animal lover, my loyal and supportive "Mr. Colorado" enjoyed the afternoon with me.

"Queen for a Day" at the Children's Hospital

I was so humbled after spending an afternoon at the Denver Children's Hospital, where I was invited to participate in the "Queen for a Day" program. It was great to see other Colorado state titleholders, local firefighters, and multiple volunteers take part in this heartwarming event.

The little girls played dress up for the afternoon by having their make-up and nails done, and afterwards they were given their very own princess tiara and a pink feather boa. This event wasn't just for girls though, as boys had the opportunity to hang out with heroic firefighters who handed out helmets and sticker badges.

This is sweet little Maddy, her smile melted my heart! She was so enthusiastic and curious about all the happenings during the afternoon. What an angel!

Pretty in pink, and all smiles in her tiara and feather boa.

This little guy was such a trooper. Even though he just had a very painful surgery on his back, he still eagerly got up from his bed to take a picture with us.

Pictured with two fellow "Queens" who volunteered at the "Queen for a Day" program. On my left is Ms. United Nation International 2008, Vanessa Anderson and on my right is Miss Teen Colorado USA, Taylor Schettler.

Mrs. Colorado photo shoot

On Monday, June 1st I had my first official photo shoot as "Mrs. Colorado 2009." It was so much fun getting to wear my crown and banner in the pics, they're probably my favorite accessories I've ever had!

The mastermind behind all of my awesome pictures was Megan Anderson of Graphique Fine Art Photography, who is absolutley AMAZING! She makes taking pictures so much fun and effortless. My incredible make artist, Kari Kisch of "Make-up by Kari" made my look complete for the photo shoot. Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008, recently started her own image consulting business called "Creating the Perfect You." I was so happy to have her at my photo shoot to provide her sevices. Also at there was the Mrs. Colorado Director, Emily Stark, to share her expertise. And my sweet mom was at the shoot too, she's such a trooper. She makes the long drive to Denver with me nearly every time I have an appearance or event.

Thanks for a GREAT day ladies!

American Heart Association's "Heart and Stroke Walk"

On June 6th, the American Heart Association hosted their annual “Heart and Stroke Walk” to help fight and bring awareness to heart disease. The Mrs. Colorado Organization showed our support by creating a group called “The Queen of Hearts”, which consisted of me, former Mrs. Colorado titleholders, 2009 contestants, and friends.

Here I am pictured with Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008. In 2007 Christina’s husband suffered a massive heart attack. So needless to say, during her reign as Mrs. Colorado she was very involved with the American Heart Association. It was an honor to participate in this event and carry on the support created by Christina.

Mrs. Colorado Director, Emily Stark and me.

Our beautiful banner was created by “3rd Dimension Signs,” which is located in Canon City, Colorado.

My friend Jamie is such a trooper and supportive friend! I was so happy that she traveled to Denver with me to join us during the walk.

It was so much fun hanging out with some of my “Queen Sisters” during this great event! Pictured left to right: Emily Stark (Pageant Director and Mrs. Colorado 2002), Christina Sacha (Mrs. Colorado 2008), Sheri Engstrom (Mrs. Colorado 2004), me (Mrs. Colorado 2009), and Jennifer Lamont (Mrs. Colorado 2005).

Lori Pace (Mrs. Denver) and Kimberly Reece (Mrs. Westminster) were kind enough to hold our “Queen of Hearts”banner as we walked together in the fight against heart disease.