Raise the $$$ you need for your next pageant!

Well, since I have a moment to sit & write to you all, I'm going to take this opportunity to discuss my preparation for the Miss American Coed National Pageant! 

Since capturing the title of "Miss Great Lakes Coed 2013-2014" back in April, I have been vigorously rehearsing and fundraising to become the 2013 National Coed Queen! The pageant does not take place until November in sunny Florida, but I have been super busy these last few months! 

Most people think because I participate in pageants, they are really expensive (which they can be). HOWEVER, if you take the right steps to raise funds, little to no money will come from your pocket! So, if you are preparing for an upcoming pageant, here are some ideas to help you fundraise!

1.) Embrace the ad opportunity: 

Most pageant systems have an ad program where basically you ask family, friends, and local businesses to put an advertisement in your state or national program book for a fee. These fees may range from $25 for a business card size to $600 for a full page. It all depends on the pageant system. They may seem like a lot of work, but they are totally worth it! The incentive for the businesses that fund an ad space is that their donation is tax deductible! I always make a point to highlight this. I mean, who doesn't like saving money!? :) It is also a way for a business to advertise to a whole new crowd! In addition to all this good stuff, YOU, my pageant girl, may receive special recognition for all your hard work! Trophies, cash prizes, digital cameras, free hotel nights, optional contest fees paid... I mean the list goes on & on! 

2.) Got a hobby? 

Another great way to raise funds is by using your various gifts! It could be sewing, knitting, cooking, but for me, its baking!! I absolutely L O V E to bake you guys and I mean EVERYTHING: cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes, and so much more! I began my business in 2007 when I was preparing to go to the National American Miss National Pageant in California! I paid for my sponsor fee, optional contest fees, airfare, and hotel stay that year! Honestly when I look back, I have no idea how I did it as I was a member of the National Honor Society, took AP classes, did a load of volunteering, taught dance weekly at my church, a member of the choir, a member of the drama club, and STILL found time to bake! Haha :) Well, "Victoria's Delicious Bakes" is still in full swing and is STILL my #1 way to raise funds for my pageantry endeavors! I am even preparing to provide a dessert table for a wedding that will take place next year, so YES! Expand on your hobby and with the right attitude, watch it thrive!

3.) eBay it up giiiirl: 

Let's just say this...eBay is flipping addictive. Seriously. I may have 200 items on the watchlist as I am typing this blog, LOL. Anyway, it is not only a great place to score amazing deals on items but also to SELL! Go to your closet and pick out items that you don't wear anymore, and put them up for bid! This a great way to raise the funds you need. If you have an account, great, if not, GO SIGN UP NOW! Insertion fees are really low so you will not be cheated out of your $$$. Check out this page for more information on how their system works. Every so often, eBay will also have various weeks or days where you will be able to post items FOR FREE! I've started selling on eBay about a month ago and I love it!!

4.) Fill up a jar: 

Okay, I have yet to try this (I will be this month), but I have heard from many of my pageant sisters that it works! Basically, you purchase a bulk order of mason jars and create a nice little sign to stick to the front of it. On the sign, will be your name, your title (and/or the title you are competing for), the pageant system, your picture, and a short and sweet blurb about you and what you hope to accomplish! This will serve as a tip jar in which you would take to various "Mom & Pop" stores and ask if you could display in an attempt to raise funds for your pageant fees! What I mean by "Mom & Pop" stores, are small businesses that will most likely have no problem with it. Establishments like McDonalds or Walmart will have to talk to upper management to approve it all, and by time that happens, the pageant would have already been here! Go to Amazon or any other store you could think of that would sell mason jars and pick you up a few! Next step would be to hit up your downtown, dressed to the nines, and ready to fundraise! If it is a state-wide or national pageant, it would also be a good idea to spread out to other cities! Approximately 2-4 months would be a good amount of time to ask to keep the jar at their establishment. When you go to pick up your jars, make sure you have a thank you card or gift in hand to give the manager. Always a nice gesture!

5.) Have some fun and raise some funds: 

Businesses such as bowling alley's, laser tag/paint ball fields, and skating rinks often have fundraising opportunities where for a small fee, you are able to hold an event where you will not only raise $$$, but have some fun while doing it! I recently did a bowling fundraiser where for $50, I held 6 lanes for my party. I charged each guest $20, where I kept half of the proceeds at the end. The $20 fee included 2 hours of bowling, shoes, 2 slices of pizza and pop! What a deal, right!? This was, by far, the EASIEST fundraiser I ever did. I literally showed up and management took care of every detail! They even allowed me to hold a raffle and bake sale where other customers would be able to take part in! Although I don't bowl very well, it was so much fun and receiving my check at the end of the event wasn't bad either! ;)

Of course they're probably other awesome fundraising ideas available, but these are just a few that have proved to be tried and true! So, as you can see, pageant fees don't always have to come from YOUR pocket, allow the community to help you! 

Have an amazing day,

Victoria :)

BE the CHANGE.

All over media sites & comment windows below articles...you see it everywhere. People saying they wish _____ would change. There is no issue with wanting to see improvement in an area, however, it becomes a problem when those same people don't step up to the plate to see that change follow through.

According to ABC News, approximately 160,000 students A DAY stay home from school to avoid being bullied. Suicide is also a factor, being the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year!

"On October 17th, 2009, 17-year-old Tyler Long had had enough. After years of alleged bullying at the hands of classmates in his Murray County, Ga., school system, Tyler had gone from a fun-loving child to what his parents say was just a shell of the boy they once knew. One morning, two months into his junior year of high school, Tyler Long changed out of his pajamas and into his favorite T-shirt and jeans. He strapped a belt around his neck and hanged himself from the top shelf in his bedroom closet (ABC News)."

Tyler is one of many who could not stand the constant torment any longer and feel that taking their lives was their only option. 

Why must something that makes someone unique make them suffer? Such as being tall, or too short, having darker skin, speaking another language, being a different gender...all things that make us who we are...should NOT be a free ticket to oppress others. 

This is why I began "The Obsession with Domination: Anti-Bully Campaign" in 2011. I was tired of seeing children taking their lives because they just could not deal with the pressure any longer. I decided that I was going to be their voice and spread the word about this epidemic that is spreading as the days go by. How are we suppose to STOP bullying you ask? 

 BY EXPOSING WHAT BULLYING ACTUALLY IS.

I have traveled throughout my county & spoke to MANY classrooms of various grades at different schools to share my personal experience and be the voice for those who took their lives. Over these past 2 years, I have had the privilege of having students thank me for speaking up for them. Those students are the ones that are very dear to my heart. Being someone who has been bullied before, more than once, I feel as if I am able to show them that suicide is NOT the answer. The answer is standing up for themselves and getting help when they need it. At the conclusion of each presentation, I have my students who promise to stand up, make a change, and help those who need the help to sign a vow that promises to do just that. 

There are HUNDREDS, maybe even THOUSANDS of Anti-Bullying videos on Youtube, and through my search to find the perfect film to show during my presentations, I found a video, entitled, "LOSER: a short film," by Aldrine Leonardo. I feel as if it speaks volumes & asks the question: Will you be a bystander or stand up to make a change?!

If you are like me & want to help STOMP OUT bullying or just want to learn more, you can visit www.stompoutbullying.org for more information and statistics.

To watch "LOSER: a short film," visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60iTu-en3J8.

God bless all,

Tori(:

LBD: Little Black Dress

Karl Lagerfield, widely recognized as one of the most influential fashion designers of the late 20th century, puts it plain: "One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress." As a woman, I believe that EVERY female should have AT LEAST one LBD in her closet. Its such a simple design, but yet, is so very classy and elegant. There are so many ways that you can dress up or dress down a LBD and I am going to show you a few!

The LOVELY Audrey Hepburn - Takes her LBD to a whole new level
by adding an elegant 5 strand pearl necklace and sophisticated opera gloves.
She finishes this look with a simple up-do. Love, love.

A recent purchase of mine!(: When it arrived, the dress was actually FLAT,
so I had to purchase a petticoat to go underneath to make
it poof out like the picture above! The belt was too plain for me,
so I added a rhinestone belt, and to compliment, satin pumps with rhinestones
 on the actual heels. I can also dress this down by adding a cardigan and flats.

"Night on the Town," type dresses & accessories. 

This Calvin Klein dress looks simple, but is super easy to play up!
Adding a color shoe would definitely add some character.

L O V E this dress with a passion. Add some HAWT pumps
and killer accessories = I can't fathom. 

This here shows how a simple blazer and wedge bootie can change
the look of the dress from play to work.

Another simple design, but adding the belt accents the waist.

Various styles, with paired accessories. I love adding a POP
of color to a simple dress, such as a LBD.

A more fashionably forward LBD, but can be equally
played up and down. 

Now, a look at these dresses may have you wondering, "These are cute, but HOW MUCH am I going to have to spend!?" WELL...the answer is NOT MUCH. Some ladies may feel obligated to spend $$$ because they want a quality product. While that may be true, there are PLENTY of choices out there that cost you no more than $20-$30 bucks. The thing that you must take into consideration is this: You will be able to wear this same dress so many different ways, that it won't ever look the same way twice. What's more?! They NEVER go out of style. All in all, you get your money's worth. I have a total count of 6 LBD's and each time I wear any of them, they ALWAYS look different. 

Try adding one...

or three...to your closet this season. You won't regret it.



God Bless,
Tori(:

Add a POP to your wardrobe(:

Well, as summer is over, it is time to unpack the cardigans, sweaters, and scarves! Fall & Winter are my favorite seasons because the fashion is SO versatile(: Although the seasons are changing, adding a POP of color to your fashion choices never gets old; It gives you character and a twist on an old outfit. 

Your POP can be a color, a print, eye shadow, or even nail polish! This is something I had to teach my mother because she claimed she didn't understand it. A year later, she's a professional at it! Below are a few examples to get your fashion gears rolling! 

A few different looks...all giving that POP.

Love, Love.

Katy Perry gave her black hair a POP with three different colors!

Dress & Shoes from Target. Belt taken from another dress :)

I love the combination of colors!

Take a chance this season and make your wardrobe POP with some COLOR! 

Happy Experimenting!

God Bless,
Tori(:

It's Time To Declare Your Victory!

Oh, how I have missed blogging! Well, I'm back on it :)

E A C H of us have gone through a storm. E A C H of us have come to point in our lives when we felt as if we weren't going to make it. E A C H of us has had a dream, but didn't know how to act on it. How did I make it? I declared my Victory through Jesus.

I am a strong believer that God has the ability to get us through the toughest of situations. Why? Well, He already knows what is to come and how to fix it. John 14:14 says that if we ask in HIS name, it SHALL be done. In conclusion? Speak it, believe it...its done! That's the amazing thing about God. He's faithful, even when we aren't. He loves us, even when we don't deserve it. He cares, even if we happen to "forget" about Him. 

As most of you know, I have been a pageant participant for the past 10 years. By the grace of God, I have been able to acquire titles locally, state-wide, and nationally. I am currently Miss Michigan 2012 under the National American Miss pageant system and National Sparkle Success 2012 under the Sparkle Success pageant system. I am P R O U D to say that through all of my years in the pageant world, I have NEVER had a pageant coach or a professional make-up/hair artist. Between myself, my mom, and dad, we make the dream team. Even with my wardrobe, my parents and I agree on. 

After an appearance as 2012 National Sparkle Success(:

After our big weekend: My little Sister Queen, Selia & I!

Why did I tell you all of this? Well, when I decide to participate in a pageant, I DECLARE victory in HIS name. When I decide on a dress to wear, or what type of hairstyle to rock, I DECLARE success. I ask in HIS name that I come out with a victory. Now to make it clear, I am NOT conceited in any way, shape, or form. It's just I know for a fact what I want, and I know in return of declaring, I MUST work. 

James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." You could have ALL of the faith in the World, but if you do nothing towards your goal, nothing will happen!

For example, after I declare victory, I TRAIN with my mom DAY AND NIGHT for HOURS. I memorize speeches, practice my runway walk, workout, do run throughs, perform mock interviews...anything and everything I would perform at the pageant, I practice in advance. Thing is, I believe that I CAN, so I DO.

My 2012 Sister Queens!

The same way I have done (and will continue to do), is the same way YOU CAN. Whether it be for a new job or internship, or to pass a big exam, or to launch a new business...I want you to know that you WILL accomplish ALL, if you are willing to WORK. 

It's Time To DECLARE Your Victory!

Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are worth it, that you will succeed, that you will accomplish all, that you ARE a winner, that you are amazing, & that you will make it!! Encourage yourself and stand strong on God's Promises :) Believe me when I say, not only does He want you to succeed, but He KNOWS you can make it! Even if it doesn't work out the first time, step out on faith, never back down, & re-focus. 

I know you are a winner. Believe in YOU, as God believes in YOU.

God Bless,
Tori(:


[P.S.] If you are interested in the pageant systems I have participated in/mentioned and have any questions, I would be more than happy to answer them! :)

Bullying is more than an 8 letter word...

Her name was Phoebe Prince. She lived an amazing life in Ireland with her parents and four siblings until they decided to move to the United States, South Hadley, Massachusetts, to be exact. Her first few weeks at her new high school were great until the other students started to pick on her. Talk about her. Torment her. Bash her mentally. Break her down. Call her names -- Just because she was different. At the age of 15, Phoebe couldn't take it anymore and hung herself. She died at the tender age of 15 on January 14, 2010.


According to the American Justice Department, 1 out of 4 children are bullied on a daily basis, let it be mentally, physically, verbally, or emotionally. These acts can lead to depression, anxiety, health complaints, decreased academic achievement, and death. Although most take this issue lightly, I feel we must be bold and expose the dangers associated with it as our children are in danger.


October is National Bullying Prevention Month so last year, I went to the local high school and middle school and provided a presentation that changed the perspective of bullying for the students. At the conclusion, each student signed a vow that stated that they would not engage in bullying, nor would they ignore the act, but they will take a stand.


I plan on continuing to unveil this top issue because so many lives are at stake. Over the last couple of months, I have come across articles, videos, and blogs that speak on bullying, but focusing on elementary schools. I did not think, until then, about the "babies," as elementary school is where the bullying begins: at a young age. This is my next destination. 


Let us work together and STOP the act of BULLYING. If you see it happening ANYWHERE, step up and make a difference and/or report it to the proper authorities. For more statistics, information, and to find out how you can help, visit http://www.stopbullying.gov/. 


God Bless,
Tori(:

Have a job interview next week? No problem!

Greetings to all!

Do you happen to have an interview coming up? Or, are you in the process of looking for a job? Great! I have some tips that will help you put you on top! 

 First, there's the resume. Your resume will tell employers who you are, what you are looking for employment wise, your past/current education, your skills, qualifications, affiliations, as well as basic information, such as your address. Believe it or not, but resumes are very powerful because it is given one chance to impress or...be "filed" (aka: trash can). So due to this, make sure it is very neat, clear, and straight to the point! If you don't have any past jobs to list, put some volunteering events you've done, along with the organization and amount of time served. Your resume should be no longer than one page, BIG RULE. Think about it, would YOU want to read a resume that is 4 pages long...No, I didn't think so. Keep it concise and to the point. If you are still confused on how to begin, go to Google and type in "Resume Examples," or "How to write a resume." Trust me, it will help you! However, please don't fall into the trap of "purchasing" a resume online, you can do it! I believe in you! Even if the employer does not ask for your resume when you go in store to apply, STILL give it to them in addition to the application. If you are applying online, most places will let you upload your resume right from your computer...always do!

So! You received a phone call from one of the employers, great! When you answer the call, sound professional, yet slightly excited. You don't want to sound boring, or like you are about to die...okay, bad example. BUT, you catch my drift. Sound interested in what the manager is saying to you! Once they communicate to you that they would like you to come in for an interview and they tell you the date and time, MAKE SURE you write it down! In your excitement, you would hate to hang up, and then forget what they said. Yes, major bummer. So to avoid that, just write the info down somewhere. In addition, ask for their name, if they haven't told you already. Its always nice for when you come to the interview, when you ask for that particular person, or you mention their name in registration. For example, let's say the manager I speak to name is Jane. I would go to the interview ON TIME, and say "Good afternoon, my name is Victoria Mangham and I was called for an interview today with Jane?" Trust me, it works! It shows you care. 

The next step is to RESEARCH. Yes, I said it. Research. You must have knowledge on the company you have an interview for. This applies even if you have been to that place a thousand times, you can always learn something new! What I mean by research is to look up what the company sells, the area they serve, what is the age range of their customers, maybe even learn who the parent companies are. You never know what they will ask you at the interview, so its better to be safe than sorry...so be prepared!

ATTIRE. Attire is very important! What you wear to your interview is a part of your first impression on the employer. This applies even if you are being interviewed at Dollar Tree, Walmart, even CVS, DRESS PROFESSIONAL. Yes, professional. When you are dressed for success, it says something about you as an individual; that you care enough about this potential job that you woke up 2 hours ahead of time to dress in a suit & tie (for my gentlemen) or a suit & heels (for my ladies). Now, for my women: hosiery is important as well. If you wear a skirt or pants, hosiery gives you a smooth line underneath and keeps you un-bulky...if that's a word. I don't think it is, but you catch my drift (: What I usually wear to interviews are either a skirt suit with a blouse or a pant and blouse get-up. You want to make sure you do not show cleavage, or thighs during your interview: IMPROPER. They will probably not take you seriously. Heels always give ladies amazing posture, but if you're not into that type of thing, flats are just fine! No gym shoes, flip flops, or sandals. Just no. For my gentlemen, same rules apply. A suit is always nice, but just a shirt, tie, and pants will work. You are applying for a job, employment, an occupation, a position...treat it as such.

Your ARRIVAL. On time means to be early. Being on time means you are late. Please arrive to your interview at least ten minutes ahead of start time. It may help to do a "practice run," that is to time how long it will take you to drive, park, and walk to the building. Leave your phone in the car, and ladies, be careful of how big your handbag is. You don't want that to distract. Once you arrive, SMILE. Geesh guys, smile! Look interested. Once you meet the employer, manager, or boss, if they offer to shake your hand, do so. Nice and firm. Yes ladies, you too. Now, I do not mean squeeze the living daylight of out them. I mean give a FIRM handshake, show slight authority. Don't run away with it. So yes, smile, handshake. Once you sit down, make sure you are sitting upright and not slouched! You are still being evaluated. Eye contact, small gestures are key. Conversation is key. Try to avoid saying "Ummm..." & "Well..." Answer each question with confidence, staying focused. Usually, at the conclusion of the interview, they will ask you if you have any questions...always have AT LEAST one question to ask them, even if you already know the answer. Sample questions are: "How long does training take in this position?" "What do you like best working for this company?" "What does it take to become successful in this position?" ...the question is up to you. At the conclusion, one more handshake and a confident smile will get you out of there. 

It will take approximately 2 days to a week for the employer to contact you about the position if they chose you. Most times, they will not communicate with you if you did not get the job *sad music* BUT if you do receive that phone call of success, you will feel like the baby to the right...like "YES. I did it. Watch out now." OR you will be like me, running through the house, screaming, singing, dancing, jumping, and doing push ups. Either victory reaction is acceptable. If you do not get the job, PLEASE do not become discouraged. TRY AGAIN. Look for more job opportunities and apply, apply, apply! In summer 2011, I applied to 20+ places, only to receive 3 phone calls for separate interviews, in which only ONE asked me to work for them. NEVER GIVE UP! Keep going and keep the faith!

Some amazing places for job searches: 

www.monster.com 

www.simplyhired.com

www.careerbuilder.com 

www.snagajob.com

www.indeed.com 

This has to be my longest post ever. Wow. But, I hope that I helped you all that are on the search or are preparing for an interview soon. Stay confident, be you, and have fun! If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them! 

God Bless,

Tori :)