The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway

Elsa visited the 1st grade classes of Hall Elementary School today and was surrounded by hugs and holiday goodies! The children were full of questions about "my" movie and experiences as well as those of my friend Holly; "Santa's Daughter." Miss Fairfield County and me had a wonderful time sharing the holiday lessons we have learned and singing along with the students! Merry Wishes to All!


I can't thank the CT Fallen Heroes Organization enough for including us in this afternoon! The toys they purchased for the classrooms and the sweets they brought in for the children made all the difference in their holiday celebration! I can't wait to share their upcoming events with you!

XOXO Lauren
                                                              

Wreath's Across America

Join me in volunteering or donating for the Wreath's Across America initiative! It is that time of year and you can help honor so many of our fallen heroes! My princess, Maggie, has worked extremely hard for this organization so give me a shout out if you participate and I will pass it along!

XOXO Lauren

Holiday Social

Let me start off by apologizing to anyone who had to listen to me sing karaoke (hehe), but it was so worth it! Spending time with sister queens and the empowered women of the Miss Connecticut Organization never fails to remind me just how lucky I am to be a part of something so big! From food to singing and dancing we bonded and started the beginnings of friendships I can't wait to see grow! Watch out America because you have a large group of women and girls here in Connecticut that won't take no for an answer or hold prisoners!

PS~ Happy Birthday to Mama Reed and your Miss Connecticut Eliza Kanner!

XOXO Lauren

Connecticut PJ Day

This evening I got to do an appearance in a reindeer onesie, and it was a blast! Hanging out in the photobooth, watching frosty, singing carols, and pulling raffles in PJs was so much fun! The event was the start of Connecticut PJ Day and an honor to be a part of! Children's Miracle Network is close to my heart so I cherish every opportunity to spend time with the children and nurses who are a part of what makes it magical!

XOXO Lauren

PJ Bootcamp with Healthtrax

Sponsor shout out to Healthtrax for not just supporting the Miss Connecticut girls in our fitness journeys but also being an amazing supporter of Children's Miracle Network! We had a hard (but awesome) circuit workout today from a Healthtrax trainer! Moreover, we also participated in Connecticut PJ Day and raised money for Connecticut Children's! Couldn't have found a better fitness partner!

XOXO, Lauren

Dazzle Grand Opening

FANTASTIC! The opening was amazing with Pageant Planet in attendance and awesome give aways and discounts! I am super excited about my new Jovani lipstick and lipgloss, as well as some new earrings! Make sure to follow my instagram story to check them out! In addition, all week they have corn hole with different discounts available! Come play and check out the new store and dresses!

XOXO Your dazzle girl Lauren

Reaching for the Stars

Honored to have seen so many familiar faces in the audience for the dance shows this weekend! I love performing and sharing my passion for the arts with others! I would also like to take this moment to say how excited I am to learn about all the girls crowned these past few weekends! I am looking forward to meeting them and sharing more about their platforms and activities!

XOXO for now, Lauren

Happy Turkey Day

I may not eat turkey but I am still extremely thankful this year for many things, one of which is my time with both the Miss Connecticut Organization and the Miss New Haven County Organization. Moving to Connecticut to start working and achieving my Masters in Science was a leap away from family once again for me (I just left Alabama)! I am SO thankful that I chose to join the Miss Connecticut Organization and especially that I got to join Ashley's team! Not only have they made me feel incredibly supported throughout my title so far, they have also welcomed me with open arms into their family! Long lasting friendships can sometimes be hard to find, but I know I have found more than one in the Miss New Haven Organization!

XOXO, Lauren

PS~ Also thankful for family time and kitty bonding!

CT Fallen Heroes Bus Trip

Raffles Raffles Raffles! I had the pleasure of joining the CT Fallen Heroes Organization for a bus trip to Mohegan Sun today! I sold raffle tickets for some awesome prizes and we raised a total of 700 dollars, half of which went to the organization! I then had the chance to meet some of the incredible shop owners at the casino mall and make some contacts! ( I also had a weak moment at Lush and bought more bath bombs hehe ) The trip went off without a hitch and I can't wait to update you on my next events with them come the new year!

XOXO Lauren

Dazzle Girl

I cannot contain my excitement about being a Dazzle Girl this coming year! Dazzle Boutique is one of the Miss Connecticut Organization's fabulous sponsors and I am ecstatic that I get to work closely with them this coming year! They have a new store opening December 3rd that you will be able to catch me at and then keep an eye out for a photo shoot in January!

XOXO Lauren

Personal Training!

Michelle Traynor is the absolute best! Not only did she give me a killer workout for our first meeting but she has also started me on my nutritional journey for Miss CT! I am anxious to see my body change and to form healthier eating habits!

XOXO Lauren

Sundae Spa

When I was a child I always wished I could be a princess for a day! Sundae Spa is now making that dream possible for little girls! It offers a complete customizable spa experience accompanied by sweets, ice-cream, princesses, outfits, and accessories! They even hold parties!!! The staff are fantastic, great with kids, and really know the business!

I had a blast at the grand opening with all the princesses, TV characters, and the radio station! I even had a scoop of homemade ice-cream! Shhh don't tell Michelle!

XOXO Lauren
                                                        

CT Fallen Heroes Veteran Celebration

I had my first appearance with the CT Fallen Heroes Foundation for their Veteran's Celebration! The live jazz music kept smiles on everyone's face (especially mine) and the food was delicious! I had the opportunity to introduce myself and my platform to those in attendance, as well as pull the raffles! The families of a few of CT's lost heroes were in attendance along with families of active military and veterans. The support shown was encouraging and I am even more excited now for my appearance coming up this weekend!

XOXO Lauren

CMN Chargerthon

The very first Chargerthon at the University of New Haven was a complete success! The dance marathon raised a large sum for Connecticut Children's through a 12 hour shift of dancing and games! A few of my sister queens and me had a blast during dance offs and being involved in the relay races! I particularly had fun with the egg race! Check out instagram to see a video of it!

In addition, the team at UNH did a fantastic job highlighting some of the children we were dancing for. #forthekids

XOXO Lauren

Veteran's Day Tea and Luncheon

The Hamden's Woman Club welcomed me with open arms this morning to their Tea and Luncheon honoring female heroes! I had the chance to speak on my platform and the importance of not only supporting our active military but also our veterans. I also took the time to thank the many women in the room for breaking that glass ceiling and paving the way for the women of my generation to accomplish such amazing feats. That it was Veteran's Day made it even more special to both myself and the women veterans in the audience listening.




The Hamden community was incredibly supportive of the event and donated a total of 91 raffle baskets. All the money raised went to Homes for the Brave female home for the homeless. I had the pleasure of pulling the raffles and seeing just how generous the donations truly were! I even participated and won an awesome smart scale for baking!




My favorite part of the event, however, was listening to a female veteran speak about her experiences. It is easy to forgot for young women like me that there was a time when women had to fight tooth and nail for the basic privileges that men received. Her journey was not only awe inspiring but it also demonstrated how far we have come and just how far we as women have left to go.

With that said, remember that everyday should be Veteran's Day and continue to honor and support our warriors!

XOXO Lauren

Yankee Candle Fundraiser

LAST  DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click and follow the link in the side bar -> to join me in raising money for CMN! Thank you to those of you that have already participated and I know you will love all the goodies being mailed to you!

XOXO Lauren

Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness

Just signed up to start my fitness journey at our sponsor Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness! They are generous enough to sponsor all of us Miss Connecticut titleholders! I am super excited, so stay tuned to learn more about their awesome facilities!


   XOXO Lauren

Last Week for the Yankee Candle Fundraiser

It is almost over! This is the last week to order your holiday gifts! Remember that all the profits go to Children's Miracle Network and the wonderful kids who need our support and help! Hope to see your name pop up :)

PS- the fundraiser link is to the right ->

XOXO Lauren

Jamie's Run for Connecticut Children's

This morning Jamie Lynn Knott had over a thousand runners who came out to honor her memory and other cancer victims and survivors. The event raised money for Connecticut Children's which is a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. It was such a rewarding morning spent with CMN patients and other individuals who know the importance of the organization and all that it does! There was food, music, inflatables, and sponsors who made the event full of smiles!


XOXO Lauren

                                                                

Miss Wolcott

Everyone give some warm shout outs to the newest member of the class of 2018, Alex Gia! She was crowned as the new Miss Wolcott! It is always amazing attending local pageants and seeing the incredible community support and last night was no exception. Wolcott came out in masses to find out who their new representative would be and I can tell that Alex will do so much over her year!

XOXO Lauren

Vets Rock

Mohegan Sun hosted the Vets Rock Expo today and it was a smashing success! I spent some wonderful time at the University of New Haven table to help veterans find education opportunities. I then travelled around the expo and made some fantastic connections with some of the charities in CT that do much needed work for our veterans and active military! Keep an eye out for a host of appearances soon :)

XOXO Lauren

Homes for the Brave

The 15th Anniversary of the organization Homes for the Brave was an awe inspiring event! The volunteers and staff donate so much of their time to helping the residents and individuals who have sacrificed so much for our nation! They house the homeless, with an emphasis on veterans, who need some extra assistance getting back on their feet via vocational programs, health care, and case workers! It really is an example of an organization all about providing what is needed!

Reach out if you would like to get involved!

XOXO Lauren

    

Join for the Kids

It's that time of year again! Fall fundraising through Yankee Candle as arrived! They have tons of candles, melts, crafts, gifts, garden accessories, house wares, etc., so check it out and remember that everything ships to either you or your loved one so it couldn't make holiday shopping any easier! Plus 40% of all that you spend will go straight to Children's Miracle Network! Hope to see you join me!

Link in the column to the right --> and also posted on other media sites!

XOXO Lauren

Crowning a Princess

So ecstatic to announce my 2018 princess Maggie Wernicki! I had the chance to watch her grace and beauty on the floor today, as well as hear her talk about how passionate she is about volunteering and her platform! Maggie and I share a platform so big things are expected for the year!

XOXO Lauren

# Babes in Bradshaw

My first sponsor visit of the year could be described with no other word but fabulous. Little Miss Bradshaw is an adorable boutique that houses clothes in all sizes (they have the cutest baby stuff!). Smiles were all around this morning as we picked out some new wardrobe additions for the fall! From sweaters to gowns make sure you stop by and join their fashion forward family!     XOXO Lauren

Bonding and Sisterhood

Started off this evening with a bonding session! Miss Fairfield County, Sylvana Gonzalez, and I spent an awesome afternoon getting to know each other and playing some card games! She is also a MEAN cook, so if you are ever in need make sure to give her a shout out! We then had a carpool jam session to find out who would join the class of 2018!

Pre-crowning moment I had the chance to give out raffles and spend some time with my amazing teen Kaleigh! Then Miss Bristol and Miss Forestville were both crowned and we couldn't have been more excited! Welcome to the class of 2018 Victoria Lemme and Jillian Duffy! I cannot wait to spend some time with you this upcoming year and CONGRATULATIONS!

   

As always stay tuned cause the wicked never rest :) PS- I love halloween!

XOXO Lauren

The Beginning

My fitness journey for Miss Connecticut has just begun! Michelle Traynor, a personal fitness coach,  has already given me a plan for the week and I can't wait to keep you all updated on my healthy journey!

Hoping to make her proud, XOXO Lauren

The Sweetest Girl in Town

I had the chance to sit down with our current Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner! Whoever takes the crown this year has huge heels to fill because she is killing it! I feel so welcomed to the state and to the organization! Hope you are all following her year because it has been incredible and she has so much more in store for you!

XOXO Lauren

Busy Saturday

Bright and early on saturday, I had the chance to join the Hamden PTA Color Me Run 5k! Miss Fairfield County's Outstanding Teen, Emerson Forbes, and I had the pleasure of leading off the run and getting drenched head to toe in color! I love fundraising events like this because not only do they bring the community together, they also get people moving and staying active! It is so important to keep moving and this was a fantastic opportunity for families, especially with such a fun atmosphere including a festival too!




The festival by P.L.A.C.E multicultural center was the perfect fall themed fair and we were joined by Miss Fairfield County, Sylvana Gonzalez! It included so many different vendors and activities for both children and adults. They had food, pumpkins, clothes, art, performers, and more! Smiles were all around from beginning to end!




I had the chance to talk with the fabulous mayor of Hamden, Curt Leng and learn a little more about the town and its community! Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet those that protect it! The police of Hamden talked to us about their procedures and let us sit in the breast cancer awareness vehicle!


I also gained a new obsession! Have you ever heard of Slice of New Haven? Well they serve fire grilled pizzas from their food truck and I really hope you run into them because it is SO worth it! I also had the chance to receive some art from Adila Khan Henna Art! Her henna is chemical free and her art is beautiful! If you have a moment check her out!

    

All in all a fun day bonding with sisters and getting to know the wonderful community of Hamden!

XOXO Lauren

The Crown Meets the World

So just a few hours after my crowning the organization held its sister pageant, Miss Fairfield County and Miss Maritime! Crowned were Sylvana Gonzalez: Miss Fairfield County, Emerson Forbes: Miss Fairfield County's Outstanding Teen, and Sarah Rioux: Miss Maritime! With that our  organization family for the year became complete! I am looking forward to partnering with Sylvana and Emerson and getting to know them better!


Sarah and I had the chance to bond throughout the day and I found out she has a personality for days! I can't wait to see what she does with her title and you should be just as pumped!

In addition to all the latter excitement, I also had my first appearance! I had the opportunity to speak about how it feels being newly crowned, my plans, and the Miss America organization! All in all, I am just as ecstatic for the year writing this as I was in the moment!


SO, as always keep your eyes peeled because fundraisers and appearances are already in the works!

XOXO Lauren

Overwhelmed

WOW! What a whirlwind. I just got crowned with a crown that is attached to an organization I can already tell is super supportive, welcoming, and a large family! From the moment I arrived at the University of New Haven (sponsor shoutout!), all the way to now the incredible board of Miss New Haven County and the volunteers have been there to answer every question and help in whatever way they could. I am looking forward to working alongside them!



I am also incredibly excited to share this coming year with your amazing Miss New Haven County's Outstanding Teen, Kaliegh Garris! I had the joy of sharing a dressing room with Kaliegh and let me tell you, she is fantastic! Another fantastic queen in your new Miss Shoreline 2018, Trenee McGee! We have already clicked and are ready for some fun collaborations in the future!




I am so honored and excited to be your Miss New Haven 2018! I plan to take off running to serve the community and promote both Children's Miracle Network and my personal platform Voices of Honor! Follow all my social media accounts to stay updated on my whereabouts, campaigns, appearances, and events!  




PS- Keep your eyes peeled on social media to see the wonderful gifts I have already received from some of our sponsors; Tonya Johnstone (Stella & Dot), Body Construct, Laura Carrano (Younique), and In the Buff by Dory! Also the gifts the beautiful Miss Connecticut, Eliza Kanner, gave me! Except the chocolate bar, because I already ate it. Opps.


XOXO Lauren