What's Next?!

While this chapter of my life has come to a close, the time has come to start a new one. One of the questions I've been asked a lot recently is, "What's next?!" Well, a few things...

I'm going to begin to blog regularly at Sweatsational, my fitness blog. Fitness has become a huge passion of mine throughout my journey through pageantry. I learned so much about creating a healthy lifestyle, and I'm excited to share some of that information on my blog while learning more about aspects of fitness I'm not familiar with.

I've put graduate school on hold. With a year of full-time work in the public health field under my belt, I'm finally able to truly articulate what my passions are and pinpoint just what it is I'd like to do with the rest of my life. For now, the plan to making my dreams a reality doesn't include grad school. I'm really excited to start taking baby steps forward towards (hopefully) becoming an entrepreneur in the future.

At the moment, I don't have any concrete plans to continue competing in pageants. That may change in the future! I will, however, be staying involved in the Miss America system by supporting my friends who are still competing and managing the Empire Pageants website.

I will continue my volunteer work, particularly with My Sisters' Place, Girl AGain, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

I should be receiving my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award later this spring, as part of the New York Metropolitan Area Duke of Edinburgh Fellows program.


And of course, I'll also be spending lots of time relaxing on the couch (sweatpants, hair tied, chilling with no makeup on style) with Duke, my adorable golden lab.

Look out world, here I come!

Love,

Sarah

Year in Review - Video Style

I hope you enjoy this video I put together to highlight some of my favorite memories from my year of service as Miss Empire Star 2014.

Miss Empire Star 2014

Love,
Sarah

National Pancake Day 2015

Last year, I kicked off my reign as Miss Empire Star 2014 with an appearance at my local IHOP for National Pancake Day 2014.

Raising money at the Yonkers IHOP last year

So, it was serendipitous that National Pancake Day 2015 happened to fall just four days before the Miss Empire Star 2015 pageant coming up on Saturday, when I pass on the crown to another lucky young lady! Unlike last year, where I served at my hometown IHOP, I was invited to spend this Pancake Day in the Capital Region supporting Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center.

 Brr...but ready to warm up with my coffee!

My boyfriend Tom (who was kind enough to spend the day with me) and I hit the road for Albany around 6:30 AM on Tuesday. Naturally, that meant we made a stop about halfway up 87 for snacks. Even though I can't have caffeine, I appreciate a good vanilla latte for a sugar kick first thing in the morning!

We arrived at our first stop, the Clifton Park IHOP, shortly after 9 AM. I was excited to be meeting my Miss New York sister, Lauren, there. She is the reigning Miss Upstate New York, and she was already hard at work collecting donation alongside Miracle Kid Joey when I arrived.

 Lauren & I

I spent my time at the Clifton Park location visiting guests, telling them about Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, and selling awesome supporter wrist bands. Once my time at Clifton Park came to an end, it was time to head over to the Albany IHOP, where I ran into Meghan, Miss Altamont Fair 2015!

Meghan & I

I spent my time at the Albany IHOP visiting tables with Keaton, one of the Miracle Kids in attendance. Keaton is an adorable two year old who has already been through three heart surgeries at Albany Med. He was such a cute kid, and so full of energy! It is really amazing how resilient children are. I am so glad that the Children's Miracle Network has made it their goal to help kids like Keaton receive the care they need in a place that allows them to still make the most of their childhood.

Chatting with Keaton

Originally, I had planned to visit three more IHOPs downstate when I returned home from Albany yesterday. Unfortunately, the snowy weather made that impossible! Tom and I made it home just as the snow was beginning to stick to the ground, and called it a day.

I had such a wonderful time making these final two appearances. I can't believe my year of service has come to a close! But, you can bet that you'll still see me at IHOP next year -- don't look for the girl with the crown...you'll find me sitting at a table, enjoying my pancakes and making a donation to support the organization that has firmly planted itself in my heart over the last year.

Love,
Sarah

I LOVE Girl AGain!

If you follow me on facebook or instagram, you've probably picked up on one of my new favorite stores...Girl AGain in White Plains!

Girl AGain's website does a great job of explaining their mission: Girl AGain sells gently used American Girl dolls, clothes, and furniture. It is operated by Yes She Can Inc., a nonprofit organization that teaches and develops job skills for young women with autism.

I discovered Girl AGain simply by driving past the store one day while I was in White Plains! A quick goggle search made it clear to me that Girl AGain was a store I wanted to support. Was anyone else obsessed with American Girl dolls as a child? I treasured my Samantha doll, and learned so much about American history by reading the stories that accompanied all of the dolls.

I reached out to the store, and gladly signed on as a volunteer! Volunteering at Girl AGain is something that I will be doing long after my reign is over, but I was delighted to attend the store's Valentine's Day T-Shirt event as Miss Empire Star. The store welcomed a group of American Girl doll-loving girls to come design and decorate t-shirts for their dolls with the help of the store's employees. Here are some pictures from the day!

 Designing...

 

Decorating...

 

 The finished product!

If you are in the market for an American Girl doll or accessories, check our Girl AGain! They have a huge selection of both classic products (ie. the ones from when I was little) and current products. Plus, you'll be supporting their incredible mission of providing valuable job training for young women with autism. It's a win-win all around!

Girl Again Boutique
4 Martine Ave. Store 2B
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 358 1460
GirlAGain@YesSheCanInc.org

Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Wednesday: 11am to 5pm
Thursday: 11am to 5:45pm
Friday: 11am to 5pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

FREE PARKING inside The Seasons garage!

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. This time last year, I was making the last minute choice to compete at Miss Flower City, and planning a trip to Rochester in the midst of a huge snowstorm. I didn't know what the future held for me in terms of pageantry, but my 2014 New Year's Resolution was committing to making the most of every opportunity that came my way. I had no way of foreseeing just how incredible the year ahead would be.

After months of hard work, many highs, a few lows, and countless memories made, I was crowned Miss Empire Star 2014. I never saw it coming. Throughout the pageant season, I had gone into almost every pageant feeling confident that I could walk away with a crown. The Empire pageant was the first competition where I felt certain I would not. There were too many girls competing, just one title up for grabs, and my confidence was faltering after placing runner up time and time again. I almost withdrew from the pageant, but the support and love that came from my family, pageant family, and friends gave me the strength to persevere. Winning the crown was not only an incredible honor, but also a humbling reminder that I don't always have everything figured out!

Being crowned Miss Empire Star 2014 was just the beginning of an incredible journey as a local titleholder. I have enjoyed each and every moment of making appearances in my community, supporting my favorite local charities, and visiting so many fun areas of the state.The journey hasn't always been easy. I have doubted myself, become frustrated, and even shed a few tears. Each bump along the way has been an opportunity to better myself, and I am so proud of the woman that I have become in 2014.

I have just a few short weeks left as Miss Empire Star, and I know that the days will fly by. My 2015 resolution? Just like in 2014, I intend to make the most of each of them.

Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you a year full of love, health, and happiness!

Bark for Life 2015

Seasons greetings, y'all!

It has been a fairly quiet December on the pageant front. I have been extremely busy with work, teaching Pure Barre, and working on obtaining my health coach certification. One of my planned holiday appearances was thwarted by a faulty GPS -- I drove all the way to Albany only to have my GPS and phone die as soon as I entered the capital region, with no way of figuring out how to get to my final destination! I also have been hard at work putting the finishing touches on an official website for the Miss Empire Rose and Miss Empire Star organization. I can't wait to share it with you!

As the end of the year approaches, so does the end of my reign as Miss Empire Star 2014. But, I intend on making the most of these final months of service! One of my favorite events from this year was attending Bark for Life last Spring.

 With one of the adorable pups from Adopt-A-Dog at Bark for Life 2014

Bark for Life brings together dog lovers and their furry friends to support the American Cancer Society. My dog, Duke, was a little bit TOO overexcited to be there last year, but I am hoping that this year I will be able to bring him back for some fun. I was delighted to hear from the Bark for Life team this week when they reached out via email to invite me back to the 2015 event and to their Kick Off Party on Monday, January 12, 2015. You're invited, too!

I hope that you'll consider attending this kick off event, and joining me to support the American Cancer Society this coming spring--Bark for Life 2015 will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown. For more information, and to RSVP to the kick off party, email Lucy.Miller@cancer.org

Beating the Cold During Winter Appearances

One of the occupational hazards of being a titleholder in New York is making appearances during our cold winters! Over time I have learned a few tips for staying warm and still managing to look very put together! Here are some of my favorite tips, clothing items, and accessories.

Staying warm during a parade during my year as Miss Westchester 2012

My basic setup for winter appearances is simple: I layer a "warm gear" sweatshirt over a thermal shirt. I tuck the thermal shirt into "warm gear leggings." I wear fur lined boots with a slight heel, and then put a dress coat over everything. The dress coat is fashionable and appearance-appropriate--you can't even tell that I'm wearing all exercise clothing underneath!

Lululemon Speed Tight *Tech Fleece - These aren't the exact pair that I wear. Mine are actually two years old! That is why I can highly recommend them, in spite of the high price. They're incredibly warm and mine still look brand new. The tech fleece lining really makes a difference and keeps the bitter cold wind from being too biting.

Thermal Sweatshirt - Make sure you choose a specially-designed thermal sweatshirt for sports. Fleece will keep you pretty warm, but I find the thermal sweatshirts to be a bit warmer. They're also more breathable. Even when it's cold, you can work up a sweat and don't want to feel clammy. The sweatshirt I wear is from Under Armour, and I picked it up on a great sale at Dick's Sporting Goods. It was less than $30!

The piece that ties it all together? A fun jacket like this! I love jackets with a defined waist. I've had great luck finding pieces like this at the end of the winter season for a bargain. My favorites include a winter white pea coat with ruffles (classic!), a sleek dark pink coat (fun!), and a black and white tweed jacket with a hood (great for the colder days!). 

Knit Infinity Scarves - A good collection of scarves will help to get you through a winter full of appearances! Classic red (Christmas, Valentine's Day) and green (Christmas, St. Patrick's Day) will serve you well while keeping you cozy.

180s Ear Warmers - These keep your ears warm, but still allow you to wear your crown during winter appearances. My pair even features tiny rhinestones for a bit of extra sparkle. I picked them up at Kohl's and have had the same pair for years. They're very durable!

Leg Warmers - Leg warmers are one of my favorite winter accessories because you can pair them with both dresses and pants. When you match them with high boots, they are barely visible, but you can feel the warmth! I've been rocking my Pure Barre pair lately because of my exercise addiction, but there are SO many different styles and colors out there to try.

The following pictures are old, but I'm looking forward to making more winter memories as Miss Empire Star without freezing in the process!

I hope these tips were helpful for you!

I Came, I Saw, I Plunged!

This past weekend, I finally participated in an event I've always wanted to attend, but have been to chicken to try...

the Polar Plunge!!! (Can you spot me?)

The Polar Plunge is an event that raises money to support the Special Olympics New York. The premise is simple: gather a team (or choose to go solo), raise funds, and then run into the Long Island Sound on a cold winter (or in our case, fall) day. Compared to some years, this weekend's Plunge was fairly warm at 40 degrees. Some Plunges take place when the weather is so cold, the water has begun to ice over. Brr!

 I was excited to plunge with my alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College, and their student athlete team! As a former student athlete (I played volleyball for the Gryphons) it was a blast to meet some of the current students and the new coaches and athletic director. It was also great to have a fun group to plunge with--I'm not sure I could have handled it alone!

 As promised, I pulled on my Miss New York swimsuit and plunged into the Sound. And to be perfectly honest...it wasn't THAT bad. Don't get me wrong--it was SUPER cold! But I think that because I was already cold just waiting to do the Plunge (we were outside from around 10 AM until noon when the Plunge happened) it wasn't such a huge shock to my body. My mom was waiting for me with a giant towel, and I layered up in my coziest sweats to celebrate a morning well spent.

So far, the Westchester Plunge has raised over $67,000 to support the Special Olympics! I'm already looking forward to (or, okay, at least just not dreading) next year's Plunge!

Kids & Crowns

You know those events that are so awesome and you're so busy that you don't have time to take as many pictures as you like? I've had two of those in the past week: the Miss Syracuse Triple Crown Pageant and the Westchester Children's Association Centennial Benefit. Here's a quick recap of both events!

Miss Syracuse

 

Anastasia Harisis was crowned Miss Salt City 2015, Willa Hahn was crowned Miss Erie Canal 2015, and Anneliese Trust was crowned Miss Syracuse 2015! I was particularly excited for Anastasia, as we competed locally together last year and I would have loved to have the chance to compete alongside her at Miss NY. She is insanely talented and I can't wait to see her rock the stage this year. I was ecstatic to see Anneliese take the Miss Syracuse crown, as I know that she is going to represent her city with style and grace this year. She is one of my favorite pageant sisters ever, has an awesome sense of humor, AND she introduced me to Pure Barre. Enough said.

Emma Silen was officially crowned as Miss New York State Fair 2015 and Kristina King was officially cornwed as Miss Central Square Apple Festival 2015. I had the chance to get to know both of these lovely ladies at Miss Syracuse last year, and I couldn't be happier to see them have the chance to compete at Miss New York 2015! Before they were even told they would have the chance to take their festival titles to the state level, they hit the ground running making appearances in their community and promoting their platforms. Keep rocking it, ladies!

It was bittersweet to see my friends Nina, Adrienne, and Caitlin pass on their tiles. They were three of my absolute favorite people to spend time with at Miss New York. I honestly don't think I would have made it through the week without them! Special congratulations go out to Caitlin, whose boyfriend proposed as soon as the pageant was over! Wishing all of these ladies all of the best in the future.

WCA Centennial Benefit

For the past three years, I have volunteered at the Westchester Children's Association annual benefit dinner. This year's dinner was particularly special, as it marked their 100th year of working to ensure that every Westchester child is "healthy, safe and prepared for life's challenges." Their work is truly remarkable and encompasses so many areas, from supporting shelter for teens in crisis to creating a playroom for children attending court with their parents and so, SO much more. The dinner celebrated their success and also worked to raise awareness and support for the future.


I love that as the holidays approach, my calendar is filling up with fun appearances statewide. I'll be sure to keep you all updated!

 

Zumba and Zuppa

This past Saturday, I had the chance to take part in an event that was very special to me. First, it took place at my church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, in Yonkers. Second, it involved two of my favorite things: exercise and eating. Third, it was organized by my wonderful mother! She has spent the past few months working a project that she is passionate about: engaging the children from the community our church is located through fun events. This was her first planned activity: Zumba and Zuppa, an event to promote a healthy diet and exercise.

First, the children helped to cook two delicious pots of Zuppa -- soup! There was one vegetarian version, and a hearty chicken version. We were joined by a group of culinary and fashion students from Saunders High School, who volunteered their time to help in the kitchen. The kids had a great time peeling, slicing, chopping, and pouring the ingredients. We had two basic recipes on hand, but ended up just adding our ingredients to the children's specifications. They loved having control over their recipes!

While the soup cooked, I led the children in a short Zumba class to show them just how fun exercising can be. I had so much fun adapting some of my favorite Zumba routines to be child-friendly. That included substituting some booty shaking with jumping, group circles, and freestyling. They all had a blast, and were surprised at how tired they felt after just a few songs.

After Zumba, Pastor Rigobert stopped in to talk to the children. Our new Pastor is great at connecting with the children and engaging them with his stories. He also impressed the young men in the group by telling him about his experience playing basketball for the Gambia's national team. When he finished speaking with the group, I let all of the girls try on my crown and sash and spoke to them about the importance about being a beautiful queen on the inside. They loved it!

Finally, it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor!

I am so glad that my mom's Zumba and Zuppa event was a success, and I can't wait to support her community projects in the future. Next up, we're planning on baking Christmas cookies. Yum!

For more pictures, check out the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook Page!

Sweating for a Cause!

I can hardly believe that it is already November! I have just 4 months left in my reign as Miss Empire Star 2014. It feels like I was just crowned yesterday. Keeping busy, both at work and making appearances, has certainly made the time fly by.

October was a wonderful month filled with raising awareness for the prevention of domestic violence. Two of my favorite events of the month included sweating to support My Sisters' Place!

First up was a Spinathon hosted at Kinetic Sports Club in Pelham!

With Tyson from Team MSP!

From 8 AM to 12 PM, Team MSP took over the cycling studio. I made my way over to spin at 9 AM with my good friend and pageant sister Megan. We had a blast during the hour class conquering a hill, racing each other, and taking part in team relays. 

Megan and I after the class -- filtered to hide the sweat marks on our clothing, haha!

Last weekend, I sweat in support of My Sisters' Place once again with at Pure Barre Bronxville! Remember the Pure Give Challenge back in September? As part of the silent auction, an 80s-themed private party was up for grabs. My mother was the high bidder, and was so excited to invite her friends to join her at the studio.

 

Hollis and Jill, two fabulous Pure Barre Bronxville instructors, kept the 80s energy going as we lifted, toned, and burned to some throwback tunes. I was really happy to recognize all of the songs, and loved dressing up in my crop top and leg warmers!

As part of the Pure Give Challenge, Pure Barre Bronxville raised over $5,000 for My Sisters' Place! I am so thankful for their generosity in supporting an organization that is doing so much to prevent domestic violence and advocate for survivors here in Westchester County. I also have to give a huge thank you to my family and friends who made donations throughout the challenge. Together, we raised over $1,000. 

Exercising isn't always easy, but it is always more fun when it supports a good cause! I'm looking forward to future events with Team MSP! 

DV Video Spotlight #4

DV Video Spotlight #3

This popular PSA made the rounds earlier this year. I find it especially powerful for two reasons. First, it shows the reality that this is what some women experience every day. Abusive relationships can be very difficult to leave for good, and women often go through days, months, and even years of abuse until they (hopefully!) are able to walk away from their abuser. Second, it shows the reality that domestic violence can happen to anyone--even someone you view as having a completely "normal" life. Many victims of abuse go about their daily routines without ever letting anyone know what they are experiencing at home.

I hope this video inspires you to be more aware of the problems your friends, coworkers, or neighbors may be experiencing. While none of us could ever force someone facing abuse to leave their abuser, we can certainly be there to provide support and access to the resources they need to come to that decision on their own.

Miss Queens 2015

After a short break in September, the Miss New York 2015 local pageant season resumed on Sunday, October 12 with the crowning of a new Miss Queens! This was a particularly exciting pageant to attend, as it was the first year for a new Queens Board of Director and the start of a great legacy for the borough. 

6 young women from Queens and Long Island competed in interview, lifestyle and fitness in swimsuit, talent, evening gown, and on-stage question. The show was fast-paced and entertaining. For the second time at a local pageant I've attended this season, all of the talents were different! I love when this happens, especially when it introduces me to new types of talent presentations that I haven't seen before. The Queens pageant featured a hula hoop performance, lyrical dance, spoken word performance, Haitian dance, tap dance, and dramatic monologue. 

I even had the chance to entertain the crowd with a rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade!" One thing the Miss America Organization has helped me overcome is my stage fright when performing a song in front of a crowd. In spite agreeing to sing at the last minute, I enjoyed myself and didn't stress out over having a flawless performance.

After a brief intermission, it was time for crowning!

2RU: Tiffany Farrell

1RU: Catherine Manett

and your Miss Queens 2015...

Dieusita Jean!

Dieusita had a natural grace on stage, got the crowd going during her talent, and was extremely well spoken! I know she will do an incredible job representing Queens this year.

One fun part of the evening was reconnecting with some of my Miss NY 2014 sisters! It was so nice to catch up with Claudette and Jillian. Claudette continues to succeed in law school and make many appearances to support her community and platform, and Jillian has hit the ground running as our new Miss New York! Can you believe that just a few hours before the Miss Queens pageant, she was giving a TV interview in Syracuse? They are both such pageant rock stars. 

I'm so glad to have attended the Miss Queens pageant, and can't wait to follow Dieusita's year of service. Congratulations to the entire Miss Queens Organization on a wonderful first pageant!