November/December 2012
Pacificpageants.com
Samila BOUTIQUE
All American Girl “Our Royalty Rules” Contest Winners
Bringing Life To Art…
Bringing Bringing Life Life To To Art… Art… Bringing Life To Art…
otography
Photography Photography Photography HairHair Design Design Hair Hair Design Design
Make-up Artistry Make-up Artistry Make-up Artistry Make-up Artistry
Monaalisapro.blogspot.com Monaalisapro.blogspot.com Monaalisapro.blogspot.com Monaalisapro.blogspot.com Monaalisapro.blogspot.com
Contents
Magazine 5 The Mission behind the Magazine Editor’s Notes Latasha Raines
7 PACIFICSpotlight 15 “Our Royalty Rules” Contest Winners All American Girl Cover Story
19 PACIFIC Business Spotlight 22 Winning Wardrobe 36 PACIFIC Model Moment 41 BUILDING your body BETTER Health & Fitness Bekah Baker
PACIFICPageants Magazine | 3
Credits
Magazine Editor In Chief & Founder Latasha Raines www.latashamae.com
Interview 101 Editor
Jeremy Monlux www.facebook.com/jeremy.monlux
Health & Fitness Editor Bekah Baker www.bekahbaker.com
Magazine & Website Design B7 Designs, LLC www.b7designs.com
Winning Wardrobe Samila Boutique www.samilaboutique.com
Winning Wardrobe Photography, Hair & Makeup Alisa Clark of Monaalisa Productions www.monaalisapro.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/monaalisapro
Model Division model@pacificpageants.com Get Spotlighted spotlight@pacificpageants.com Career Opportunities editorinchief@pacificpageants.com Advertise ad_sales@pacificpageants.com Send us Pageant News & Tips tips@pacificpageants.com General Inquiries & Questions info@pacificpageants.com
4 | PACIFICPageants Magazine
Magazine
Editor’s Notes
Latasha Raines
November/December | The Holiday Issue I have been extremely excited for this issue because I love the holidays and what it means, but the theme of this issue is presenting yourself as a queen and titleholder. Our Winning Wardrobe section covers what is appropriate to wear during the most common appearances: Red Carpet Events or Galas, Visiting Royalty Events and Fashion Shows. We have a tendency in the NW to dress everything down, you are a queen so people are expecting you to look hotter than everyone else! Garments from Samila Boutique have helped us illustrate these scenarios beautifully! When you see this spread you will be blown away at how beautiful all four models look. It is always important to me to use a diverse set of models in PPM because I want you to retrain your thinking about what beautiful is. You will look at the models in this magazine and be able to say, “Wow they are all beautiful!” Our fitness editor, Bekah Baker will give us tips on how to be Healthy during the Holidays. I will be showing you how to take care of your sponsors and get them! Monaalisa Pro owner, Alisa Clark once again will wow you with her top notch hair, makeup and photography. Not forgetting our cover story on the All American Girl Pageant System who won the “Our Royalty Rocks” Facebook voting contest! It’s truly an awesome issue. I feel that each publication just keeps getting better and better! Make sure you subscribe and spread the word about PPM!
The mission of PACIFICPageants is to make pageantry BIG in the northwest and to put pageantry in our region on the map. Our magazine will exclusively highlight every aspect of the pageant industry within the states of Idaho, Oregon and Washington. We seek to create a resource for those interested and are already immersed in this industry as well as a hot spot for the latest fashion ideas, tips and news that only reflects pageant-benefitting businesses within OUR own states! Why should you have to win a national title before you are recognized or seen in a quality publication? Why should a young lady competing in Oregon have to look on the east coast for her perfect gown when we have designers and retailers right here?! Our hope is that we begin to make pageantry on the local and regional level a big deal and boost the pageant economy right at home. PACIFICPageants is YOU. PACIFICPageants is me. PACIFICPageants is US. This is not about blonde hair, blue eyes and world peace, we are about PEOPLE, who have a PASSION and live with PURPOSE! Join us in making pageantry BIG in the northwest!
Latasha Raines PACIFICPageants Magazine | 5
Amie Rhyner, Mrs. Renton America
Magazine
PACIFICSpotlight
PPM: When was your first time competing in a pageant? Will compete for the first time this November for Mrs. Washington America 2013
Amie Rhyner,
Mrs. Renton America
PPM: How did you get into pageantry? I was inspired by a dear friend... Alisa Clark. She competed for Mrs. Washington Plus America in February of this year. I went to every event that weekend and watched a group of amazing, beautiful women connect in a way that made me want to do a pageant as well. A little push from my husband was all it took to make me dive in! PPM: What is your Platform? Why did you choose it? My platform is Anxiety disorder awareness True diseases, true solutions, promoting long term, sustainable solutions for those with anxiety disorders. As an adolescent and young adult, I struggled with a major form of anxiety, in the form of obsessive compulsive disorder. It took over my life. It was only through research and hard work that I found a solution that worked for me, as I did not tolerate medication well. I think it is important to keep the community, especially the youth, aware of the fact that there are many solutions of all types available to us and we need to stay informed in order to take control of our mental health. PPM: Tell us the most exciting part about your journey to competing in Pageant! That first time I made a connection with a couple about my platform. I was at an event and talking to them about how, as a teenager, it was sometimes scary to tell my parents that I felt like what we were doing wasn't working, or didn't feel right when it came to medication. Through their understanding and support, I found a solution. They felt their son was in the same boat and it got them thinking about how to make him feel like he could talk to them and it would all be okay. That was amazingly fulfilling.
Photo/Hair/Makeup by Monaalisa Pro
PPM: What would you tell someone who is considering competing in? Look to yourself to find out what you want out of competing. Pageantry can be fulfilling in SO many ways. If you think about all of the things you feel you can achieve, and roll with that plan from day one, you will grow as an individual, and woman.
PACIFICPageants Magazine | 7
Kaley Farling, Mrs. Idaho America 2013
Magazine
PACIFICSpotlight
Kaley Farling
Mrs. Idaho America 2013
PPM: What is your favorite part about competing in pageants? Pageant weekend hands down! It’s 3 days that you get to be surrounded by the most diverse, kind, uplifting and beautiful women that Idaho has to offer and it ends with getting to totally glam yourself out and presenting the best YOU to your family and friends! PPM: What are your thoughts on Toddlers & Tiaras and how do you feel that has helped or hurt pageantry? I honestly can say that I have watched 1 episode and I couldn’t watch anymore! I think it might feed the negative stigma that some people associate with pageantry, obviously that isn’t how every pageant is, but if that is what America is seeing, how are they to know any different? PPM: What would be your main words of advice to a married woman who is an aspiring pageant queen or contestants? PPM: How did you get into pageantry? “Just be YOU…because everyone else is already My next-door neighbor was Mrs. Idaho America 2009 taken.” We are told that over and over by our Jamie Hilton. We had never met until the day she wonderful staff and they couldn’t be more right. You came and knocked on my door to talk to me about have to be YOU in order to get the most out your running in the Mrs. Idaho America program. journey of running for a title. PPM: Tell us about your journey to competing in PPM: What will you be doing to prepare for Mrs. Mrs. Idaho America! America 2013? My journey to competing in Mrs. Idaho America was I will be shopping…a lot! More importantly, I will life changing for my family and me. When I first continue working hard with my platform and being out decided to take the plunge and compete I realized that in my community promoting the Mrs. Idaho America I was in a “rut” in my life. I had lost sight of who I organization. I am excited to represent the great state was, since I was so busy being a wife and a mom. I of Idaho in 2013! really had to dig deep to find myself and in doing so I gained a confidence and love for myself that I had PPM: What do you think about our publication forgotten was there! I feel that I truly have become a and its purpose? better mom and stronger wife throughout this I love that PPM is specific to the Northwest and experience. highlights great women of all different ages and different pageant systems. PPM: What is your platform and the inspiration behind it? How can we contact your salon? My platform is the prevention of childhood sexual -Alex Fretwell with Montage Salon abuse. It is something that is very personal for my http://www.montagestudiosalons.com/ sweet family and I am on a mission to protect even 208-424-0107 one innocent child by giving adults the tools they need Mrs. Idaho America Images by: to talk to their kids about abuse. Josh Wolfe jwolfeproductions.com 8 | PACIFICPageants Magazine
Who Gets the Credit? Who Gets the Credit? Magazine Latasha Raines A common theme I hear when I am working with different retailers, designers and service providers is that when they sponsor someone for a pageant they are not given the proper acknowledgement or credit! That shocked me, to say the least. Isn’t it common courtesy to say “thank you” when someone gives you something? Yes it is, but what those sponsors are seeking is the PUBLIC recognition by you in hopes that it will drive customers to their business! There are very few businesses that sponsor you out of the goodness of their heart. The most powerful form of advertising is word-of-mouth! Most businesses know that in all the money they spend on advertising they will be 100% successful if someone refers another or gives a good testimony. By investing in you, be it cash, gowns, jewelry, or services they are counting on YOU to be their walking billboard.
The sponsorships are free…but not really “free.” You pay them through your promotion and public gratitude!
With that being said, let’s cover some SponsorshipEtiquette: 1. Publicly thank and give “shout-outs” to your sponsors as often as possible using Social Media, face-to-face and written methods 2. Find them on Facebook and Twitter – If you post a photo in your free jewelry you were just sponsored, make sure you find their page, LIKE it and tag them in the post, THANKING them for their generosity 3. Write a testimonial for them to use on their website and marketing materials 4. Keep them in the loop! Whether you do not place, make top five, or win, your sponsor deserves to know how you did! 5. If you win, make sure you repeatedly follow 1-3 6. Mention your sponsors in all official materials: Program Book, Press Releases and any marketing or publications you may be a part of. 12 | PACIFICPageants Magazine
A very large concern or hardship for titleholders, especially ones who are not competing in of the “main two” systems, is: ”How do I get businesses to sponsor me?” The first step is recognizing that they are, in fact, a business and giving things away for free with no proof or return is NOT wise for any business, after all they exist to make money and provide employment for others to make money, right? So your job is to first
Who Gets Magazine
the Credit?
define what YOU can offer to them in exchange for their generosity. Is it advertisement, Logo Placement, mention in the program book? Do you have a following or large fan base? What can you bring to the table that is worth them giving you something for free? Every once in a while you will run into a business that you are familiar with and knows you so they will, support you, just because, but even in that situation make sure you implement what we learned above. NEVER take anything for granted.
Facebook and TAGGED the retailer in the photo thanking them for making such awesome earrings! Guess what, I get a private message from this retailer and they offer to sponsor a few of my appearance wardrobe pieces for my reign!! I showed them that I would represent their brand with class AND promote them. So without me even asking, I gained a very well-known clothing sponsor! Sometimes YOU must show a vested interest in the company FIRST before they will invest in you. I hope this helped, because sponsors are a huge part of pageantry just like you are My brother used to joke and say if you want to work as the contestants. As the old saying goes “Always somewhere, just show up and start working and they give credit (honor) to whom credit might just give you the job! <smile> Well I did this is due!” when I competed for the title of Miss Plus America in 2010. I purchased gorgeous rhinestone earrings from a retailer. They did NOT sponsor them…BUT when I ended up winning, I posted my official photo on
PACIFICPageants Magazine | 13
www.Solavei.com/NWPageantPro
NO
November/December 2012 Cover Story
All American Girl
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Royalty Rulesâ&#x20AC;? Contest Winners PPM: What led you to start your system?
PPM: Tell us what a girl can look forward to when they compete in your system!
To offer a choice in Youth Development Programs for girls to come together on a level playing field giving On the Preliminary Level a girl can get a taste of what everyone an equal opportunity to compete together. All American Girl is all about. Preliminary pageants are a lot like buying shoes: You get to go try it out and see if PPM: What are the details of your system: Interview, it is the right fit for you. Girls will compete in Interview, Onstage Personal Introduction, Casual wear, Party/For- Personal Introduction, Casual Wear and Party/Formal mal wear. We offer 8 divisions for girls ages 0-23. Baby wear. Judges will then select an Overall/Beauty/PersonMiss 0-2, Tiny Miss 3-4, Mini Miss 5-6, Little Miss ality & Princess winner from each Division. Every girl 7-9, Young Miss 10-11, Jr. Teen Miss 12-14, Teen Miss leaves the All American Girl Program a winner. Each 15-17, Miss 18-23. participant will win a Tiara, Sash & Trophy. We will PPM: What is the Mission or Vision of All American also award a Community Support Winner for the participant who raised the most money for Autism Speaks. Girl? The community Support Winner will be crowned with We are a Fun Family Friendly Natural Program. Dedi- a custom Autism Awareness Tiara. All Preliminary Parcated to Promoting Positive Pageantry & Community ticipant will be invited to represent their communities Support. A Program Where Everyone Leaves A Win- at the State Pageant in April. Overall State Winners will have the opportunity to go on special trips and outings ner! throughout the year. The 2012 Washington State RoyPPM: What is the pageant Platform or supported alty will be attending a Disney Youth Education Series charities? Class when they take their Royalty Trip to Disneyland. All American Girl Is A Proud Supporter of Autism Speaks. We chose Autism Speaks in 2011 to become our National Charity. We felt we could make a bigger difference by focusing on 1 charity as a whole. Our program raises money for Autism Speaks at every level of competition. We chose Autism Speaks because so many of the families in our pageant community are affected by someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 are boys. Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. There is no medical detection or cure for Autism.
PPM: When and where is your next pageant? We have many preliminary pageants coming up in areas all over Washington State. Our 2013 State Pageant will be held at the Holiday Inn SeaTac April 5-7, 2013. You can find us on Facebook - All American Girl Youth Development Program, Washington All America Girl Pageant, All American Girl National Pageant or on our websites: www.AllAmericanGirlPageant.com, www. AllAmericanGirlWA.com, www.AllAmericanGirlOregon.com
All Amer
rican Girl
Magazine
PACIFIC Business Spotlight Samila Boutique
PPM: When did Samila's Boutique begin? PPM: What is the Samila Customer Experience like?
PPM: What is the family significance to your
Boutique?
PPM: Who is your ideal customer?
Magazine
PACIFIC Business Spotlight Samila Boutique
PPM: How do you choose your inventory?
PPM: What makes your Boutique different from
other gown shops?
PPM: What titleholders have purchased their
gowns from you?
PPM: How can we find you?
PPM: Do you offer accessories and shoes?
...imagine the
possibilities!
| Web | Print | Media | & | Marketing Services | www.b7designs.com
Visiting Royalty When attending another pageant system as visiting royalty remember three things- Look like you deserve the crown your wear, Don’t “outshine” the Royalty of the pageant you are visiting, check to see what is appropriate for you to wear- Sash and Crown or Sash NO Crown. Also keep in mind if you are attending a day time event or an evening finale.
Holiday Gala /Ball This is Red Carpet time! Chic, Sleek and glamorous…with a touch of holiday spirit! Let your dress be the accessory, so be mindful when adding anything to your look.
Fashion Show LOOK THE PART- Be fashion forward, but look like royalty. Stay fashionably age appropriate. Cocktail dress- Play UP the accessories, hair and make-up. Make a statement. “Beauty Queens” can be fashion ICONS too!
Raven Hopen
Morgan Hopen (
Magazine PPM: Why did you answer our model casting? I responded to PPM’s model casting because I wanted to have the opportunity if chosen, to be the example of a fullfigured, plus size model for women in the Pacific Northwest. I wanted to show people that full figures are gorgeous and worthy of the same exposure in the modeling world as a “mainstream” model is. I wanted people to see that there are designers and retailers who carry plus size clothing and that there are “plus-size” models to showcase their clothing lines. PPM: We have released four issues so far what do you think about them?
PACIFIC Model Moment
Camay McClure
Ms American Beauties Plus Ambassador
into the shoot in my sweats, no make-up on, no nothing, and sitting down and being “created”. I love having my make-up done for photography because I really feel like I am playing dress up… Brings back memories for me when I was young and would put my Mother’s make-up on, get dressed in her clothes and her platform heels and prance around!!! Aaaaahahahahahahahaha!!! I used to think my Mother was so gaudy!!! Look at me now!!! I loved being fitted for the shoot, having dresses already picked out for me to try on with a personal assistant… The royal treatment is the best way to explain it!!! It was so personable… I felt like they knew me already and they were prepared for me, during the fitting and at the photo shoot. Love that!!!
I was so excited when the first print issue came out!!! Looking at the magazine on line was one thing but actually holding it in my hand and flipping through the pages was a completely different experience!!! I was very blessed to be featured in that first print issue of PPM after winning a National Title in Atlanta at the American Beauties Plus Pageant!!! Seeing myself in PPM’s magazine made my dream a reality… It was a clear vision to me that the opportunities ahead of me are greater than I ever imagined… Every time I am at the grocery store or walk past a magazine stand, I see me on the cover of a magazine because PPM created that for me. PPM being a paid publication is even more of a reality… Like, people are subscribing to and paying to read this magazine!!! WINNING!!!
PPM: How is modeling different from competing in a pageant?
PPM: How did you feel when you were modeling?
The one piece of advise I would give an aspiring model is, “Don’t take no for an answer”. Don’t allow someone telling you “no” stop you from pursuing your modeling dreams. I responded to a model call once… My first one last year… I asked if there were plus size designers for the particular fashion show that was doing the casting and I was told just to show up and not worry. When I arrived, I was the only plus size model there. I walked into a room full of beautiful, tall very thin women and I had to walk the runway in front of them… And yes, they were all going to watch me!!! I did experience some anxiety and I felt like the pink elephant in the room however; I pulled my shoulders back and rocked that runway!!! I knew I was not going to be selected for that particular fashion show but I didn’t allow that expe-
Modeling is very natural for me… I love being on that side of the camera maintaining my vision from behind the camera. I took photography all through high school so I can see through the lens. I envision what the photograph is going to look like in print while I am modeling. I try to look directly into the photographer’s eye through the camera working with the chemistry in the shoot and use my body language to show the audience what my mind is trying to say. PPM: What was the shoot like for you? To be honest, I loved the entire experience. I loved walking 36 | PACIFICPageants Magazine
Modeling is different from competing in a Pageant in several ways. When modeling, you are showcasing what the designer wants you to showcase… Whether it’s a dress or a piece of jewelry, you are used to display an image or be an “image”. Competing in a Pageant is all about you showcasing YOU. Judges look for your showcase and your presentation of yourself and the example you could be for that Pageant system on a local, state or national level… Judges don’t want to SEE your dress… They want to see you WEARING your dress!!! PPM: What would be your one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring model?
rience to stop me from moving forward. That experience made me want to go to more model calls because I wanted to be that “plus-size” model featured. Since that casting, I have had the opportunity to model in fashion shows as the “plus-size” model because I had the confidence needed to make the cut!!! PPM: Why do you believe it’s important to make appearances as a titleholder? When I competed for a National Title, it wasn’t for the notoriety. It wasn’t so I could tell people that I was a beauty queen if I won. Please believe me when I tell you that competing for a Title is not what it’s all about… at least not for me. The Pageant part of it is easy, in my opinion. Yes, it takes time and commitment to prepare for the competition, but the true responsibility comes after that is all over. The Pageant only lasts a few days… Your Reign lasts an entire year, maybe even a lifetime. It is vital as a Titleholder to make appearances in the community being the best example of a loving, caring and compassionate individual. It is important to represent your Pageant system because they selected you for the job to get out into the world and advocate good deeds and self-less volunteerism. Every appearance offers a Titleholder an opportunity to touch someone’s life and bless them. It also creates an opportunity to bridge a gap that may exist with people or organizations that may not be supporting each other equally. Titleholders can bring people together for a common cause to make a difference in the community they live in. Don’t get me wrong… I love my crown and sash and I was overjoyed when my name was called, however; I was chomping at the bit to get back home and get out into my community and get involved. When you wear a crown and sash, people listen to you. They want to hear your story… People of all ages, races and genders have open hearts to speak to you.
Magazine
PPM: Why did you answer our modeling cast? The reason I wanted to be a part of this magazine is because what it stands for. I have been competing in pageants in Washington since the age of five and have enjoyed every moment. Pageants have taught me so many lifelong skills such as communicating, poise and confidence. Many people are not aware of the benefits pageants have on a young girl’s life. I believe that this magazine is able to raise awareness on the true meaning of pageants. It shows all of the hard work we put into this lifestyle. I was eager to be a part of something that modeled pageants in such a great way. PPM: What do you think about the four issues that have already been released? Each issue has something special, which is what I think is unique. They each seem to have a theme. The magazine gives great pageant tips and keeps you updated on pageant news. PPM is the perfect magazine for all local pageant girls to enjoy. PPM: How did you feel when you were modeling? What was the shoot like for you? Modeling has been something I have always wanted to try, which is another reason why I decided to give this a go. While modeling for PPM I felt right at home. The staff was so welcoming and the other models were so professional. With the wind blowing in my hair, the make-up artist at our side and all of our beautiful gowns, I felt like a star. PPM gave me the opportunity to follow my dream in being in a magazine and modeling. PPM: How is modeling different from competing in a pageant? Pageants are programs that allow girls to show the real them, they are programs that shows girls true personality and qualities. Modeling is more direct, meaning you are told what to do more. As a model you are like a canvas, and 38 | PACIFICPageants Magazine
PACIFIC Model Moment Imani Blackmon
Miss Washington Teen USA 2013
photographers, make-up artist and producers can paint you how they would like to. Pageants, you have control of all that you do, because pageants are based off of the performance and qualities you put out there for the judges to see, PPM: What would be your one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring model? I would say “just do it”. Life is very short and you should not spend your time doubting yourself. If you have a dream, go out a achieve it. It was my first time modeling for a magazine and I had a blast, it is easily accomplished. I would say make connections, believe in yourself and make a move. PPM: Why it is important to make appearances as a title holder? At Disneyland you see Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, and Snow White, all of the princesses that we loved in our childhood. These characters are people that we as little girls looked up to and respected, I see pageant girls as the same way. When you are blessed with a title it is your responsibility to go out there and do something with it, it is your responsibility to be a role model just like the Disney princesses do. Although our crown and banner is pretty, it is more than just that, it makes a strong statement. It shows that we are hard workers, we are poised, and we have confidence and so much more. When making appearances, it gives other people the opportunity to see our meaning. When we make appearances people look up to us, we become leaders in the community’s eyes. Appearances are something that comes with the territory of being a title holder. It is our job to make a difference during our reign, to do community service and become role models to everyone. After being crowned Miss Washington Teen USA 2013 I am thrilled to start making a stronger difference in my community and making appearances, I believe that appearances are the highlights of a titleholders year.
Magazine
Health & Fitness
Building your Body Better with Bekah! “It’s the most wonderful time, of the year….!” Yes! The holiday season is upon us – The time of year when families all gather together and Aunties and Grandmas pull out their FAMOUSLY delicious, mouthwatering, and belly expanding recipes! Well, your first instincts might be this: “Look, the holidays are only once a year. I’m NOT going to spend it thinking about calories and fat grams. I’m just going to enjoy myself, my family, and then start the NEW YEAR off right and eating healthy.” Okay… SOUNDS great! But how’s that been working for you so far? How’d that work out last year? Not so much, huh? If you want to have great year-round health and a fit, lean, stronger body that is better than you’ve had in the past, you must make different choices. Bottom line! One of the best ideas I’ve heard when thinking about eating and drinking during the holidays is to think of your appetite as a bank account. You can only deposit so much (calories/fat/carbs) before you start getting charged fines (low energy/bigger belly/wider hips.) So this does NOT mean you keep your bank account empty. It means you want to make each deposit WORTH IT! Here’s a great example. Did you know that one cup of traditional alcoholic eggnog as 439 calories & 19 grams of fat? So one of my choices is to not drink my calories! I’d rather have ONE 1/8 slice of sweet potato pie which has 295 calories & 14 grams of fat. Or one cup of apple crisp which has 402 calories & 10 grams of fat. But if you’re a HUGE fan of eggnog – Have it! Then do NOT have the desserts. Make the choice!
Bekah Baker
1. Get a sparkling water with a twist as soon as you arrive. It will keep everyone for asking if you want a drink and it will keep you hydrated. 2. NEVER skip meals “so you’ll have room” for a big holiday meal. When you are super hungry you will overeat and not make good choices. Have a small meal before you leave so you don’t arrive hungry. 3. Skip the appetizers. Again eat what you really want. Don’t nibble on lots of calories just because they’re there. 4. Choose your favorite. Cornbread? Stuffing? Mashed potatoes? Rolls? Sweet potatoes? Choose ONE. Or choose ½ serving of two. You are in control. And if you cheat you are only hurting yourself. 5. Chew sugar-free gum after you’ve eaten the appropriate amount of food. Keep your mouth busy so you don’t keep grazing. 6. Wear clothes that fit. No elastic waistbands! Your clothing will remind you that you’ve had enough to eat if your mind decides to ignore the cues. Remember – The holidays are about relationships, celebrating the past year, and quality family time… NOT FOOD! Always remember: FOOD IS FUEL not a reward and not a source of comfort. Dear Bekah:
Here are some tips to help your health and waistline In our family love means cooking, baking, and eating stay on track while you enjoy this magical time of the food! When the holidays come around? It’s a nonstop plethora of delicious but very fattening foods. How do year with your family and friends! I deal with not eating things that will get me off track Key: Enjoy your FAVORITE foods being sure to keep while wanting to be sensitive to my family and not beyour portions small. ing seen as rude or ungrateful? Goal: First, to enjoy your family and friends. Secondly, to be SATISFIED not stuffed.
Sincerely, Wanting my lifestyle changes to be year-round PACIFICPageants Magazine | 41
Magazine Dear Year-round Lifestyle Changer!! This is a very common issue. Here’s the bottom line. You have to make the best choices for YOUR life. People won’t like it – especially when it reminds them that they also have a choice, but they’re choosing what’s not best. “Oh child, you are looking too skinny! Sit down and let me fatten you up…!” Please understand, this isn’t about being skinny or fat. This is about you taking control of your health and your life. You are choosing that you will live your life in your best body – full of energy and feeling strong. Be careful to not push your choice on others. However, don’t let them push their choice on you either. You can all respectfully co-exist and enjoy the holidays while respecting each other. This idea that we all have to agree is ridiculous. We don’t and we probably won’t. And guess what? That is okay! Go in with a plan. Know what couple of dishes you really want to eat. Have them in small portions. Rave about how delicious they are and stay on plan! You can do this. You are worth it. It is YOUR choice! In Strength and Love, Bekah QUOTABLE QUOTE: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
42 | PACIFICPageants Magazine
Healthy Maple-Pecan Sweet Potatoes from CookingLight.com
Photo: Ellen Silverman; Styling: Toni Brogan Nutritional Information Amount per ½ cup serving – Serves 8 •
Calories: 185
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Fat: 7.3g
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Saturated fat: 3.6g
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Monounsaturated fat: 2.1g
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Polyunsaturated fat: 0.7g
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Protein: 3.2g
•
Carbohydrate: 28g
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Fiber: 3.4g
•
Cholesterol: 41mg
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Iron: 1mg
•
Sodium: 315mg
•
Calcium: 57mg
Magazine Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Preparation
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2 3/4 pounds sweet potatoes
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1/4 cup half-and-half
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°.
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3 tablespoons butter, melted
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3 tablespoons maple syrup
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
2. 2. Pierce potatoes several times with a fork; place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool slightly; peel and mash in a large bowl.
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
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Cooking spray
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1/2 cup mini-marshmallows
3. 3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. 4. 4. Stir half-and-half and the next 8 ingredients (through egg) into sweet potatoes. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Sprinkle the top with mini-marshmallows and chopped pecans; bake 12 minutes or until the mini-marshmallows are slightly melted. Serve immediately. Bill and Cheryl Jamison, Cooking Light
in place for 60 seconds allowing your body to recover from your intense burpee session. Repeat 10 times for 15 minutes Bekah resides in Bellevue WA with or Keith her husband ofcan 13 total. You can also split 15sec/30sec 60sec/120sec. You years 4 kids. In 2010 Bekah found herself create & thetheir perfect workout between 15-20 minutes eachunhappy day & with how she looked and sick and tired of being sick and tired. So she set out on a quest to get her body back! Along the way she discovered she not only found a body way better than the one she lost but also found her authentic self. She has stopped apologizing and started embracing and walking boldly in the destiny God is showing her. Bekah started a blog called “A Mama Bringing Sexy Back” to share with others a no-holdsbarred perspective of her journey. She is now co-owner of Pro Body Supplements, a National NPC Bikini Competitor, & Fitness & Commercial Model among other things! For more info about Bekah go to: www.BekahBaker.com www.ProBodySupplements.com Email Bekah at: Bekah@ProBodySupplements.com
EXCERSIZE SMARTER! I’ll be honest – At first this was titled “Exercise smarter not
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see incredible results! It is possible to get the SAME results
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