Connecting with Three Former Mrs. Internationals in Las Vegas!

I was recently able to connect with; not one, not two, but three former Mrs. Internationals in Las Vegas, Nevada! First, was dinner with the lovely Janet Bolin, Mrs. International 2011. It was an absolute treat to spend time Janet and learn a little more about her life. As many of you know, Janet works in marketing for NASCAR and her reign was dedicated to helping children through the NASCAR Foundation.

Dinner at P.F. Chang’s with Becky and Janet

The second connection was with Laura Hobbs, Mrs. International 1993! Twenty years may have passed, but as you can see from the photo, Laura still rocks a pageant pose. It was a sincere pleasure to meet this former queen, to hear about her experiences as a titleholder, and to learn about her successes both personal and professional.

With Laura Hobbs, Mrs. International 1993

The third connection was an unexpected and wonderful surprise! Just after Becky and I arrived at the American Heart Association (AHA) office for a meeting with the Las Vegas staff, in walked Wendy Thomas, Mrs. Nevada International 2013 and Suzy Bootz, Mrs. International 2006. The meeting itself went very well, as we continue to build the alliance between the International Pageant system and the AHA. It was nice to meet Wendy, and it is always fabulous to catch up with Suzy.

Suzy, Wendy, Kerry, and Esther

Thank you to Kerry Sallee and the AHA Las Vegas staff for the warm hospitality. And, my deepest appreciation to the International Queens who were willing to connect with me! Even though I didn’t try my luck in the casinos, I feel like I hit the JACKPOT!

Gotta love Vegas!

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Healthy Foods Under $1 Per Serving

Eating healthy on a budget can seem difficult; but it can be done! Being creative can help you stick to your budget and incorporate nutritious foods into your diet. Try to incorporate some of these healthy foods under $1 into your weekly menu planning.

Apples (raw with skin)
Great for: Snacks, green salads, main dish salads and fruit salads
What's a serving? 1 large apple
Nutrition Info per serving: About 116 calories, 5.4g fiber, 17% Daily Value for vitamin C, 7% Daily Value for potassium

Bananas
Great for: Snacks and fruit salads, yogurt parfaits and smoothies
What's a serving? 1 banana (large)
Nutrition Info per serving: 121 calories, 3.5g fiber, 14% Daily Value for potassium (487 mg), 20%
Daily Value for vitamin C

Baby Carrots (raw)
Great for: Snacks, casseroles, stews, veggie platters and side dishes
What's a serving? 8-10 baby carrots (3 oz)
Nutrition Info per serving: About 30 calories, 2.5g fiber, 234% Daily Value for vitamin A

Canned Beans (kidney, pinto or navy)
Great for: Green salads, casseroles, stews and chili. Types of beans range from 50% less sodium kidney beans and black beans to white beans and garbanzo beans.
What's a serving? Each can contains about 3.5 (1/2-cup) servings.
Nutrition Info per serving (for canned kidney beans): About 105 calories, 7g protein, 7g fiber, 8% Daily Value for iron, 9% Daily Value for potassium

Canned Tomatoes (packed in tomato juice)
Great for: Italian and Mexican recipes, chili, stew and casseroles. Flavor options range from no-salt-added sliced stewed tomatoes to diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil.
What's a serving? One can contains about 3.5 (1/2-cup) servings.
Nutrition Info per serving: About 20 calories, 1g fiber, 6% Daily Value for potassium, 19% Daily Value of vitamin C

Oranges (fruit 2-7/8” diameter)
Great for: Snacks, green salads and fruit salads
What's a serving? 1 large or extra large orange
Nutrition Info per serving: About 70 calories, 3g fiber, 138% Daily Value for vitamin C, 7% Daily Value for potassium

Pears (raw)
Great for: Snacks, as an appetizer with cheese, green salads and fruit salads
What's a serving? 1 large pear
Nutrition Info per serving: About 133 calories, 7g fiber, 16% Daily Value for vitamin C, 8% Daily Value for potassium

Lentils (cooked)
Great for: Soups and stews, cold bean salads and casseroles
What's a serving? ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving: 115 calories, 9g protein, 8g fiber, 18% Daily Value for iron, 10% Daily Value for potassium

Pearled Barley (cooked)
Great for: Soups and stews, cold salads and casseroles
What's a serving? ½ cup (cooked)
Nutrition Info per serving: 97 calories, 3g fiber, 6% Daily Value for iron

Yogurt (plain, low fat or fat-free)
Great for: Smoothies, yogurt parfait, dips and dressings
What's a serving? A 6-ounce container is usually a serving.
Nutrition Info per serving: (for 6 ounces of fat-free plain yogurt): 95 calories, 10g protein, 34% Daily
Value for calcium, 12% Daily Value for potassium

Eggs
Great for: omelets, hardboiled, salads
What’s a serving? 1 medium egg
Nutrition Info per serving: 63 calories, 4g fat, 164mg cholesterol, 6g protein

Broccoli
Great for: steamed as a side dish, tossed in salads, mixed in brown rice or whole wheat pasta dishes
What’s a serving? 1 cup raw, ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving (1 cup chopped raw broccoli): 31 calories, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 11% Daily Value for vitamin A, 135% Daily Value for vitamin C

Sweet Potato (cooked, baked in skin)
Great for: baked, mashed, steamed
What’s a serving? 1 medium potato (2” diameter, 5” long, raw)
Nutrition Info per serving: 103 calories, 0g fat, 0mg cholesterol, 4g fiber, 438% Daily Value for vitamin A,  37% Daily Value for vitamin C

Brown Rice (cooked)
Great for: stir fry, steamed with veggies
What’s a serving? ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving: 108 calories, 0mg cholesterol, 2g fiber

Green Peas (frozen, cooked)
Great for: mixed into brown rice or whole wheat pasta dishes
What’s a serving? ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving (cooked): 62 calories, 0mg cholesterol, 4g fiber, 4g protein, 13% Daily Value for vitamin C, 34% Daily Value for vitamin A, 7% Daily Value for iron

Fat-Free Milk
Great for: cold beverage
What’s a serving? 1 cup
Nutrition Info per serving: 83 calories, 8g protein, 30% Daily Value for calcium, 11% Daily Value for potassium

Regular Oatmeal
Great for: hot oatmeal, breakfast, baking
What’s a serving? ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving: 83 calories, 0mg cholesterol, 2g fiber 

Spinach (raw)
Great for: tossed salads, steamed as a side dish
What’s a serving? 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving (1 cup raw): 7 calories, 0mg cholesterol, 1g fiber, 56% Daily Value of vitamin A, 14% Daily Value for vitamin C, 5% Daily Value of iron, 5% Daily Value for potassium

Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Great for: quick side dish, add to soups/stews
What’s a serving? ½ cup cooked
Nutrition Info per serving: 59 calories; 4g fiber, 78% Daily Value for vitamin A, 5% Daily Value for vitamin C, 4% Daily Value for potassium

Frozen Corn on the Cob
Great for: quick side dish, kid friendly
What’s a serving? 1 ear
Nutrition Info per serving (for a cooked cob that yields about 2 oz cooked corn): 59 calories, 2g fiber,
5% Daily Value for potassium

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2011. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 24.

Janet Bolin

Customized Guitar for Charity

Sam Bass, the first officially licensed artist of NASCAR, has kindly agreed to design a NASCAR Unites – An American Salute guitar. The NASCAR Unites – An American Salute campaign was launched to honor our U.S. military members and their families. This guitar is a part of the NASCAR Unites – An American Salute military summer.

American pop band, Train, is scheduled to perform a pre-race concert at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Coke Zero 400. Train will autograph this guitar prior to performing in the pre-race concert. In addition to Train, this guitar will be autographed by the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers and by the artist, Sam Bass.

A very special thank you to Sam Bass for donating this guitar. Sam Bass supports The NASCAR Foundation through his original art and graphic design. Bass has also hosted the NASCAR Day Telethon at his gallery three times. For more information on NASCAR Unites – An American Salute please visit NASCAR.COM/Unites

Janet Bolin

Summer Cooking

Cookbooks are available through the American Heart Association. There are a variety of recipe suggestions to feed your need including soul food, diabetes health, yummy desserts and there are even recipes kids will crave!

One of my favorite cookbooks is the Go Red For Women Cookbook. I received a copy at the Go Red For Women launch party at Macy’s in Herald Square. My husband and I love seafood and there are a couple of great recipes we enjoy making at home. To view the entire selection of heart-healthy cookbooks, visit http://shop.heart.org/cart.php?m=product_list&c=109. 

Janet Bolin

The 4th Annual Dale E. Knack Memorial Golf Tournament

“No, he didn't fight in a war, or save 15 kids from a burning building, or even arrest the bad guy. He came home from work every day and kissed his wife, switched his work shifts around to attend all of his kids sporting events, and worked tirelessly on the house and yard.  See, the real heroes aren't the ones you see on TV and in the movies, they are the guys who live life to the fullest.  Guys, who live every day of their lives like it is their last - even when that term isn't even a blip on the radar. They are the ones who give back to the community, cherish the moments spent with family and friends, and can laugh or a good story or joke and a cold beer.”

These are the words of my friend, Barry Knack.  Barry, younger brother to Tyler, honors his father’s memory by hosting a golf tournament at St. Albans Golf Club, in Alexandria, Ohio, in memory of his father.  Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  This event is a wonderful opportunity to bring together all who knew Dale Knack.  For me, this was a great way to help our friends.

My memories of the Knack family are precious.  We were always close with the Knack family, especially when we lost my father.  Barry’s mother, Luanne, was a school teacher with my mother at Licking Valley High School.  Growing up, after school hours and weekends were filled with helping the theatre department by painting sets, hanging curtains and helping choreograph musicals – we did all of this as a family. 

Tyler, now married with four beautiful children, serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.  Barry is engaged and looking forward to his wedding this October.  Being able to reconnect at the golf tournament was like picking up where we left off before all of us graduated from high school.  Each of us has taken a different path, but we will always remember the positive impact Dale Knack made in our lives.

The Knack and Risner families.

The three teaching amigos and me - Luanne (Barry and Tyler's mom), Cheryl (my mom), Me and Kathy.

Me, with Danielle (future Mrs. Barry Knack) and the event organizer, Barry Knack.

Me and my mom - the extended-arm photo.

Me and my mom - a better photo taken by Danielle.

My artistically beautiful mother doing what she does best!

Janet Bolin

Habitat for Humanity

In June, I had the opportunity to help Habitat for Humanity Charlotte.  The homeowners, Samy and Jeanne, are from the Dominican Republic of Congo and they have 3 children all under the age of 12.  With great teamwork, we made significant progress to stay on schedule so these future homeowners will be able to move-in at the end of July.

Habitat Charlotte is one of the top U.S. affiliates in total number of homes built. Each year, Habitat Charlotte builds homes in 30 neighborhoods throughout Charlotte, and they were the first affiliate to build a house with an all women crew.

For every home built in Charlotte, there is a home built in the sister affiliate of El Salvador.  Thank you to our build partner, SPEED Channel.  With determination, dedication and love for mankind, we didn't let the record high temperatures bother us.

Janet Bolin

Final Four

We have embarked on the final four weeks until the new Mrs. International is crowned!  Be sure to enjoy this next month because for one of you, your life will never be the same.  Remember to stay focused!

Thank you to all of the contestants who continue to invest countless hours to support a cause close to you.  I know you don't expect a 'thank you' for your efforts.  We all know, taking time to help others, in turn, does more for our own well-being.

Janet Bolin

Busy Weekend at MIS

I had a great time in Michigan last weekend.  We filmed a bundle of segments for Sprint Vision to showcase Officially Licensed NASCAR products for teams and drivers. 

My husband and I also had a chance to enjoy a couple of our favorite restaurants – Frickers and The Real Seafood Company.

Thank you to the volunteers I met working The NASCAR Foundation display at Michigan International Speedway.  It’s always fun to work with you all.  And, a super big thank you to our charity auction recipients, Bill and Kate from Delaware, who had the winning bid for the VIP Experience at MIS. 

Janet Bolin

Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. Since that time, Habitat affiliates have built, or rehabbed, over 400,000 houses, serving over two million people worldwide.  The NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Network and NASCAR community are uniting in June to help build a home for a family in the Charlotte-area.  The vast majority of volunteers, like myself, are unskilled.  For each build, there is a site supervisor who will give us instructions and help us get started. 

The NASCAR community gathers to help Habitat for Humanity every year.  Our mission is to help children lead happier, healthier lives by providing families with a roof over their head.  Habitat for Humanity welcomes people from all walks of life to join them as they build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with God and families in need.  They even have a Youth Program geared towards age groups 5-15, and 16+, so everyone in the family can take part in helping.   To learn more about helping a build in your neighborhood, please visit www.habitat.org. 

Janet Bolin

The NASCAR Foundation Online Auctions

We are thrilled to be offering you the chance to bid for a VIP Experience at upcoming race event at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA, Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, KY and Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL.  These ALL-ACCESS passes grant race fans access to pit road and garage area.  Experience the thrill of standing feet away from a fully charged 800 horsepower stock-car, watch the "over-the-wall" crew perform a 15 second pit stop, and who knows even get an autograph from your favorite NASCAR driver!

Some of our fan-favorite online auction items have been a pace car ride with Vanilla Ice, An American Salute- Mark Martin Autographed Special Edition Mechanix Wear Gloves and other great items.  Your donation helps The NASCAR Foundation and our mission to help children live happier, healthier lives.    To learn more about The NASCAR Foundation and NASCAR Unites, visit www.nascar.com/foundation.

Janet Bolin

The Traveling Housewife

This would be me.  I am a traveling housewife.  I am still waiting for the day when I can magically make the dishes, garbage and laundry take care of themselves.  We can all dream, right?

A friend recently explained to me the difference between 5-Hour Energy and NOS energy drink.  Apparently NOS is for the serious athlete and the other is for housewives who want to do laundry faster.  

So magic potion or not, it still means I have to wash, dust and fold…and to be honest, I’d probably rather steer clear of putting chemicals in my body.  On the bright side, wearing my heart rate monitor while doing housework is extremely motivating.  And, throwing in a few lunges on the way to the laundry room, or taking the steps 2-at-a-time works wonders for my backside.

As I embark on the final 5 weeks of my reign, I have so many people to thank for this opportunity.  The friendships and sisterhood I’ll cherish for life.  But, the reality is that I still need that magic wand to take care of all my housewife duties, especially since I don’t forsee a change in career anytime soon. 

Wish you all a magical day!

Janet Bolin
Mrs. International 2011

Volunteering with the Special Olympics

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Special Olympics of North Carolina.  Over 1,700 competitors from all over the state competed for the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals.  Competitors gathered to compete in the ‘Summer Games’ which included volleyball, softball, power lifting, gymnastics, athletics and aquatics.    

In 1968, the woman responsible for starting the Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, gave a memorable speech stating, "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."  She delivered those memorable words at the first Special Olympic Games held at Soldier Field in Chicago. 

Today, the Special Olympics involves almost 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world plus families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and celebrities supporting them every day.  Every photo I snapped captured the excitement and energy of each competitor.  For me, being surrounded by hope and joy made it impossible not to smile.  It truly was a happy place for everyone – competitors, staff and especially the families.

The Special Olympics is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  To learn how you can get involved, visit www.specialolympics.org.  Below are some snapshots I hope make you smile.

Janet Bolin

Red Hot Purs-e-nality

I had the opportunity to help raise nearly $10,000 for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Campaign in Charlotte with their “Red Hot Purs-e-nality” auction.  Thousands from the region gathered for the annual Go Red For Women luncheon in early May.  Some of the purses were part of a silent auction, while others were offered in a live auction.

My contribution was an Officially Licensed NASCAR diaper bag, filled with bedazzled NASCAR ladies tees, tanks, onsie’s, jewelry and a few items for men.   There were 24 purses in total that were part of the celebrity auction.  With the success this year, I’m confident we’ll be able to make this an annual part of this luncheon.   Thank you to Fox Charlotte for your support and to all who attended and made generous donations. 

Janet Bolin

Memorial Day Weekend

My Memorial Day Weekend included spending the day at Charlotte Motor Speedway with four Army Rangers from Fort Benning.  We had a full day planned for them, but like most adventures there can always be some surprises.

The first question I asked our Rangers was, "Who is your favorite driver?"  SGT Roberts liked Dale Jr., Specialist Baxter liked Carl Edwards and then Specialist Potter and PFC Toll both shared they didn't know much about the sport.  I love when there are newbies!  Our Rangers are highly skilled men who adapt and relate to all environments, so taking them behind the scenes at their first NASCAR race would be very exciting for them.

After taking a pace car ride, touring pit road, the infield Goodyear Tire Center, the Winner’s Circle, being introduced to the NASCAR Officials and each tech inspection station, I then introduced them to a very special man, my husband, Chip Bolin.  Chip gave them the behind the scenes tour of the #17 race hauler, opening their eyes to the side of the sport very few get a chance to experience.  Our Rangers kept looking at me with big smiles and a thumbs up, stating they had no idea all that went into being a competitor in NASCAR. 

So, my newbies, Specialist Potter and PFC Toll, were pretty geeked at this point.  Our next adventure was the mandatory NASCAR Driver and Crew Chief meeting.  For those who know, this is the one location, during each race weekend, where all of the competitors are in the same room, at the same time.  If you are a fan, it’s a lot to wrap your head around.  If you are new the sport, it really doesn’t hit you until later. 

We had a few Driver meet-n-greets lined up for the Rangers, but being in the same room with ALL of the Driver’s allowed them to also meet their favorites and get tons of autographs and photographs.  While this was all going on, SGT Roberts turned to me and asked if I’d take a photo of the group with the dignitaries seated at the front of the room.  So, I turned to see who they were talking about and I’m instantly greeted by three of the most decorated military hero’s we’ve ever had attend a race!  What an honor – for me!

What happened next was truly the most memorable event of the whole weekend.  I walked over to our military hero’s to thank them for their service and invite them to meet our Rangers.  These heroic gentlemen were so excited!  They couldn’t wait to talk with the Rangers!  To be witness to all of this was so heartwarming.  Each of them idolized the other.  What a delightful surprise.  (It was also fun to see the reactions of the Drivers and Crew Chief’s who were around us.)

After the Driver’s meeting we ventured to the start/finish line to see Darius Rucker, aka “Hootie” for those of you from my era.  Then, we took part in one of the most patriotic pre-race ceremonies of the entire race schedule complete with a military band, B-52 flyover, 21-gun salute and over 5,000 guests from each branch of our United States Armed Forces.

As the drivers headed to their cars, we headed to the top of the race haulers where our Rangers were able to get a bird’s eye view of the excitement.  SGT Roberts cheering for Dale Jr., Specialist Baxter cheering for Carl Edwards.  So who did Specialist Potter and PFC Toll root for?  They’re now fans of two-time Daytona 500 Winner, Matt Kenseth. 

Thank you to the Army Rangers for spending the day with us and enjoying the sport of NASCAR.  My husband and I thoroughly have enjoyed getting to know you all.  For all the Army Rangers, and all of our service men and women, thank you for fighting for our freedom.  God bless you all. 

Janet Bolin