Happy Pi(e) Day!

1. Martha Stewart | 2. Pinterest | 3. Martha | 4. Bakerella | 5. Our Best Bites | 6. Frolic |



XOXO

Jen & Saira

North Carolina International Pageant

I had the opportunity to spend the weekend at the North Carolina International Pageant which was held at the Garner Performing Arts Center in Garner, North Carolina.  The contestants were all treated to a delightful weekend hosted by the new Executive Director and Mrs. North Carolina International 2009, LaDaria Richardson.  I continue to be inspired by the extensive charitable efforts of women across the world, including our past queens.  This past weekend was nothing short of amazing.  Below are some great photos from my weekend.  I look forward to seeing these new queens at Nationals in Chicago!

Social party on Friday night.

LaDaria Richardson, an outstanding leader and Executive Director for the NC Intl Pageants.

This was right before we dove into the cupcakes on Friday night during rehearsals.

All the Mrs. NC Intl contestants after interview.

Bright-eyed and ready to cheer on the contestants for their interviews!

Backstage with the contestants before their final rehearsal.

Final rehearsals went really great!

One last photo with Brittney, backstage, before crowning the new Miss NC Intl.

One last photo with Morgan before she crowned the new Miss Teen NC Intl.

In preparation for the crowning, this is our “I can’t believe I won” face. 

The new NC Queens in their first “extended arm” photo with me!  (Be prepared for many more unless I find a photographer to follow me around everywhere.)

A much more professional glamour shot of all of us compliments of Morgan’s Mom. 

Janet Bolin

Miss Representation

 In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to share with you all a powerful documentary that I think every woman and girl should watch. While flipping through the channels last fall, I came across the most thought provoking piece that I’ve seen in a long time. Miss Representation is a documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The documentary explores the complex relationship between the images that are perpetuated by the media and the impact that such images have on the self-esteem and self-awareness of girls and women. Newsom was inspired to make the documentary after the birth of her own daughter. She became more and more critical of the messages that her daughter received.

Every day, women and girls are constantly bombarded with images and messages, some subliminal, some overt, of what they should be. Many of these messages normalize unhealthy body images and poor behavior. As a result, girls and women internalize a standard of beauty that is unhealthy and most of the time, false. We’ve all seen the photoshopped ads. The proliferation of such ads and images has led to an uptick in eating disorders, plastic surgery at younger and younger ages and even depression. As women, it is important that we leverage our power and say no to unhealthy images. Miss Representation takes an in depth look at the effect of these images and encourages women and girls to take a stand against them. 

Best,

Ciji Dodds
Miss International 2011

Character Inspiration: Katniss Everdeen

 We continue our Hunger Games excitement with a glimpse of our heroine from District 12!  Katniss Everdeen is a forager and hunter and her hunting style is very different from how we can expect to see her in the games.  Here's a look at some items to include to help you mimic Katniss' hunting style, complete with side dutch braid!

1. Adopt a 'Do | 2. Zappos | 3. QVC | 4. American Apparel |  5. lynseyno | 6. L.L. Bean |

XOXO

Jen & Saira