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Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota, August 21st, 2017

8/21/2017

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Good evening everyone, and welcome to this week’s edition of “Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota!” This past week has been filled with many fun appearances and I have met so many wonderful people throughout the state! Read below to see what I have been up to!


8/15 (Tuesday)

I had a quick photo shoot and meet and greet at Anytime Fitness in Ham Lake. I love having the flexibility to work out at any time of the day around my busy schedule, and the atmosphere is so welcoming! Thank you to Mark Daly from the corporate office and to Brenda and Annie, the managers, for being so accommodating! 


8/16 (Wednesday)

I met with my amazing prep team today! I started off with a hair appointment with the amazing James Peterson with “Hair by James.” For those of you that don’t know, my hair is naturally curly, as in Merida from Brave curly! It can be a challenge to maintain that sleek, smooth look, especially in humid environments, But James has been teaching me how to manage my hair quickly and easily! No matter what, you always make me feel like “Becky with the good hair (Beyonce reference for those of you that are confused!)” Thank you for your sponsorship and more importantly, your friendship! 

I then visited Penny Wells for a makeup and skincare appointment! When you have skin as pale and sensitive as mine, taking care of it is incredibly important! With her tips and tricks, Penny helps me to truly glow! Thank you for all that you do and for sponsoring my skin care and makeup lessons! You mean so much to me! (Insert that weird smiley thing I do with my hand under my chin) ;)

Finally, I had a meeting with my prep team as I prepared wardrobe for Miss America.  From on stage to photographed events, dinners, rehearsals, and more, wardrobe is a huge part of the preparations.  Luckily, I have a great team that keeps me on track! 


8/17 (Thursday)

I first visited Sarah Moses at The Pageant Shop, where she generously donated several cocktail dresses and earrings for Miss America! Thank you Sarah for your generosity and for the beautiful, classic pieces! I then went to Patrick’s Cafe at Arbor Lakes where I met up with my teen queen Emily before our appearance at the Woodhouse Spa! We splurged a little on dessert and coffee and it was so much fun to spend the afternoon with my amazing teen. Speaking of Woodhouse Spa, we then attended their first anniversary open house celebration, where we signed autographs, mingled, and took so many pictures! The spa is simply gorgeous and I cannot wait to have my own personal spa day this upcoming week before my flight to Atlantic City! Thank you to Woodhouse Spa for their sponsorship and for inviting us to your great event! 


8/18 (Friday)

My morning started off with a Facebook Live video about healthy eating and working out! Check it out on my Facebook page! I then made the great trek up north to Thief River Falls once more, this time, in preparations for my official send-off! I traveled with Kathy, my executive director, and her husband Don, her daughter and Northern Lights Princess Program Director, Cori McRae, and Cori’s daughter, Callie! Spending time in the car with Callie was so much fun; we colored, played, talked, told jokes, and I even learned how to play Panda Pop….is that what the kids call that game? Anyway, it was great fun to travel with the Shellum/McRae clan and we had a lot of fun! Once I got back to town, I met with my amazing seamstress, Jan, and I finally got to see my DSW “Show Your Shoes” state parade costume come to life with the shoe included! I usually don’t get emotional over clothing, but I couldn’t help but shed a few tears when I saw my ideas come to life.  My shoe and costume are incredibly meaningful and I can’t wait to reveal it at the parade! Thank you Jan, for everything you do.  You are such an integral part of this prep team! 




8/19 (Saturday)
Saturday was a big day, as it was my official send-off for Miss America! The event was absolutely incredible from start to finish, from the “red carpet” welcome, the live videos, the relief that all of my wardrobe was spot on, and of course, the support of the entire community.  It was such a fun night, from showing my personal style through wardrobe, recognizing those who have supported me thus far, to the “crowning” of my sisters as Miss Minnesota Princesses! Even Braxton got his own “Mr. Minnesota Prince” official sash, which he was very proud to wear! Spending time with my family and loved ones was just what I needed to prepare my heart as I head into the final week of preparation for Miss America. Knowing that my family, local committee, state board, and the Minnesotans I serve  are behind me 100% calmed any nerves that I had and reminded me of my purpose; to promote strong kids and healthy families, serve others with a loving heart, and to be a voice for those that don’t have one.


Thank you to the Miss North Star committee, my local title, for preparing and pulling off the best send-off in the history of send-offs, to the Miss Minnesota board for traveling so far up north to emcee the evening, to Carl Peterson Photography and JD Photography for capturing that night’s events, to Brittany Johnson for spending the afternoon with me getting ready (and shamelessly eating Chinese food from my favorite restaurant ever) and also to Julie David for helping out backstage, the Thief River Falls Norskies Hockey Team and Rachel Prudhomme for the official Norskies jersey that I will proudly wear at Miss America, to those who donated to Children’s Miracle Network and my travel funds, to those who traveled a long way to be there, and to those who supported me in their thoughts.  I am so appreciative of you all. 


I ended the night spending some one on one time with my grandparents.  It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!


8/20 (Sunday)
Again, we were back on the road to Minneapolis once more.  Callie and I had a blast in the car, even though Sleeping Beauty decided to take a nap about halfway through our trip! ;) She had a great weekend hanging out with my sisters and a few other Northern Lights Princesses! That is what this program is about; building friendships for life! We stopped at one of my favorite stores; Morey’s Fish Mart in Motley, MN! They have a great selection of seafood and other gourmet delicacies! Every time I drive by, I always either pick up their jams and crackers, or if I have the cooler with, I stock up on their weekly deals! Yum! 


8/21 (Monday)
Today was a heavy interview-prep day, as this was my final mock interview before Miss America! Thank you to Polly Meyer from Image on Camera for hosting this last hurrah! I had three interviews, all of which were taped for analysis and critiquing.  Having that service available is really insightful, as you get the chance to hit the rewind button and make adjustments as you go.  Polly is simply amazing and having her sponsorship and coaching has really helped to enhance my public speaking and interview skills! I cannot thank you enough! Another thank you to the panel of judges that took time out of their evening to challenge me during interview and encourage me to have fun! Thank you Brad, Dorothy, Bruce, Nancy, and Mark! You are all amazing people and so helpful!

As you can see, Miss America prep is a 24 hour, 7 day a week endeavor! There are times when it may feel slightly overwhelming, but at the end of the day, it is so exciting! I leave for Atlantic City in exactly 8 days! The countdown is on and I can't wait!



As always, remember to follow me on social media for daily updates on:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Snapchat --> @missamericamn :)

Also, remember to vote me for People's Choice at Miss America! Voting is open until September 9th and is free! Go to MissAmerica.org/Vote and scroll down for Minnesota!

Thanks for tuning in to this week's "Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota!" 

Until next week, keep shining!

Brianna


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Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota, August 14th, 2017

8/14/2017

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Good evening everyone, and welcome to this week’s edition of “Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota!” This past week has been filled with many fun appearances and I have met so many wonderful people throughout the state! Read below to see what I have been up to!

8/8 (Tuesday)
Rome wasn’t built in a day…and neither is the road to Miss America! More prep work today!

8/9 (Wednesday)
As preparations continue for Miss America, I am reminded of a quote by Sam Goldwyn, “The harder I work, the luckier I get!” Who knows…maybe this hard work will pay off in the end? :)


8/10 (Thursday)
I traveled to southern Minnesota to the Renville County Fair in Bird Island, MN. I had a great afternoon with tractor pulls, story time, 4-H agriculture shows, performing piano, and of course, seeing many smiling facies! Thank you to Linda Hagen Kvanbeck (Miss Minnesota 1972) and her husband, Jim, for chaperoning me and to the Renville County Fair Board for inviting me! 


8/11 (Friday)
I traveled six hours back up north to Thief River Falls, MN, to meet with Drs. Stephanie Weyrauch and Kim Rosendahl of Rehab Authority. At the beginning of the month, the annual RiverFest activities take place in Thief River Falls, including the Rehab Authority 5/10K Run with proceeds benefiting various local charities.  This year, they have so graciously donated $550 in proceeds to Brenna’s Brigade and the Arthritis Foundation! We are so thankful for community support for Brenna and other kids like her who battle arthritis and often use physical therapy and other resources that places like Rehab Authority provide.  Thank you! 


8/12 (Saturday)
Saturday was a fun-filled day as I traveled up to Karlstad, MN, for Moosefest! Known as the “Moose Capitol of the North,” Moosefest celebrations are always a blast! I first started off at the parade, escorted in a beautiful convertible provided by North Star Motors, and from there I partook in many fun events, from prize drawing, musical entertainment, caricature drawings, and the meet and greet autographs and photo sessions! It was a great day, not only because I got to see folks who have known me since I was young, but more importantly, I got to meet the one and only Michael Ruud, who was a 2014 Children’s Miracle Network Champion who had the opportunity to meet both President and First Lady Obama and Miss America 2014 Kira Kasantzev! Michael is an amazing hero and it was an honor to meet him and his family, who is from northwest Minnesota! Thank you to Bonnie Loveness and Marlene Peterson for coordinating and chaperoning the day’s events!


8/13 (Sunday)
Travel, travel, travel…it’s all in a day’s work!


8/14 (Monday)
My morning started off bright and early with Polly Meyer from Image on Camera! Polly has been a phenomenal coach when it comes to displaying yourself in the most authentic and best way possible in interview! I am so thankful to her for all she has done to prepare me for the biggest interview of my life! Thank you Polly! 

I then met with Grant Wood, who is an advisor to companies who invent and forge ahead new products in the fields of technology and computer privacy.  We had a great discussion about all things technology based, as well as continued with more interview based training as well! Thank you Grant for taking time out of your schedule to meet with me! 
And for the rest of the day? Well….again with the prep.  I have nothing witty to say about prep anymore….check back with me next week! ;)


As always, remember to follow me on social media for daily updates on:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Snapchat --> @missamericamn :)

Thanks for tuning in to this week's "Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota!" 

Until next week, keep shining!

Brianna




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Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota, August 7th, 2017

8/7/2017

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Good evening everyone, and welcome to this week’s edition of “Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota!” This past week has been filled with many fun appearances and I have met so many wonderful people throughout the state! Read below to see what I have been up to!

8/1 (Tuesday)

Tuesday was a busy day, as I spent my morning at the Mall of America, where it was crowns and gowns galore at Toddler Tuesdays! This initiative is a free, weekly event for families to partake in at the mall to encourage a family-friendly shopping experience. I was able to read storybooks, make crowns, have tea time, and sign autographs for so many kids! Both Emily and I truly did feel like princesses. :) Thank you to Mall of America for inviting us to spend the morning with them and prepare for their upcoming 25th birthday celebration on August 11th! 

I then traveled to Maple Lake, MN, for Visitors Day at Camp Cambria! This camp is very special to myself and my family, as they host an annual week-long camp for kids in Minnesota with Juvenile Arthritis. Cambria, a Minnesota-based company that specializes in stone-cutting and countertops, has made arthritis awareness their corporate mission and we are so thankful to them for their support! This camp provides over 130 kids with varying degrees of auto-immune diseases the opportunity to enjoy a fun week of camp activities, from a wheelchair accessible high-ropes course, pontoon fishing, photography, campfires, and more.  I even got to meet Colorado Rockies (and former Minnesota Twins) star, Justin Morneau, who volunteers extensively with the Arthritis Foundation and was preparing a giant whiffle-ball tournament that evening with the kids!  Spending the afternoon with Brenna and her friends in Cabin 3 as they scaled the high ropes and the zip-lines was a blast! They had so much fun and the friendships they were forming as they battle this disease together was amazing to witness.  These sweet kids and their families are the heart of why I serve, and I look up to them more than they may ever know. Thank you to Derek Griffen for coordinating the day’s events!

I finally came back to Eden Prairie and had a great evening at the Sister-to-Sister sendoff with my forever Miss Minnesota sisters! To be among these incredible women is a true honor, and I am so thankful to them for the beautiful robe and gifts and more importantly, for keeping me under their care as I move closer to the Miss America competition! Sisterhood is a beautiful, beautiful thing. Thank you to all of the sisters who attended and a special thank you to both Shelia Bernhagen, Vicki Kueppers, and Dorothy Benham for planning this wonderful get-together. 


8/2 (Wednesday)
Again, another day of preparations! Never a dull moment with me! :) 


8/3 (Thursday)

My morning started off with a corporate meeting at Schmitt Music at Brooklyn Center with the marketing team. Schmitt Music has so graciously sponsored a beautiful, brand-new Steinway baby grand piano for me to practice on at my host home for my talent practice leading up to the Miss America competition!  When the piano first arrived, I was in tears, as music is so incredibly important and personal for me and who I am. I am so in love with this piano, it even has a name (Helene, after my favorite female concert pianist, Helene Grimaud), and I practice as often as I get the chance to on those “off” days.  Thank you so very much to Alice Tillman and the staff at Schmitt Music for this amazing sponsorship. 

I then traveled several hours down south to Pipestone, MN, for the Pipestone County Fair! This fair was filled with many amazing events, from the meet and greets with autographs, polka dancing with my new friend Jeremy, handing out awards to hard-working 4-H kids, hosting the Cattleman’s Association Beef-Feed with locally sourced food for all, riding the midway, participating in a hypnotist show (no, I was not able to be hypnotized!), and even milking an award-winning cow, I had a blast at the fair! Thank you so much to Traci Soyer and the Pipestone County Fair Board for an incredible day jam-packed with fun! 


8/4 (Friday)

Friday morning was one of my earliest mornings to date….wake up time was at 3:30AM to be exact, as I had a 5:00 AM call time for a TV interview with ABC-affiliate KSFY, based out of Sioux Falls, SD! They did a news segment at the Pipestone County Fair and interviewed me about the upcoming weeks leading up to Miss America! It was a chilly, but fun morning on camera! 

A unique fact about me is that my family of 13 has been to over 250 National Parks all across the United States! From the coasts of California to the Big Apple in New York City, we have seen and done nearly all! Before leaving that morning, my mom and I had to stop at one of our favorite national parks, Pipestone National Monument, located just outside of city limits. The park features pipestone quarries, used to make Native American peace pipes, and has magnificent walking trails filled with stone structures and wildlife. It was a great way to have fun and get a little workout in too! 

That afternoon, I traveled to Hastings, MN, for the Miss Hastings recruiting event! This brand-new local will be inducted into our 2019 Miss Minnesota class, and I am looking forward to seeing the crown return to this community after a 33 year hiatus! Thank you to executive directors Wendy Latuff and Janelle Behny for inviting me to speak to future contestants! 


8/5 (Saturday)
I have run out of witty things to say about preparation at the moment…check back with me next week. ;)


8/6 (Sunday)

On Sunday, I attended the Arthritis Foundation, Mini Grand Prix, which is an event that allows various teams of people to race each other in go-karts! It was a fun day of racing at the Stockholm Karting Center in Cokato, MN, with so many highlights. I was able to reconnect with Louis and the Grensteiner family (Lou’s Crew), who is a fellow JA family, and spend time with them. I also got to speak to everyone on behalf of our family, sign autographs, wave the green and checkered flags, meet Milwaukee Brewers player and Hall of Famer Robin Yount, and even race a go-kart myself! Thank you to Brekka Nessler and Lindsey Kumelin for coordinating the day’s events and to my local director, Kara Super-Peterson (aka the Super to my Salmon) for chaperoning me! 


8/7 (Monday)

I traveled to Moorhead, MN, to spend a day with some amazing young people. I first visited the brand new Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, ND, and spent the morning with several patients and tour the new world-class facility. Thanks to the services of the Children’s Miracle Network, this hospital had the latest and greatest technology when it comes to pediatric healthcare.  Visits like these are incredibly humbling, as I am reminded of why I do what I do. 

I then attended Addie’s Pretty Princess Lemonade Stand; an awesome event for area kids in the summer time! Thanks to the Sunshine Foundation (an organization that grants wishes to kids with illnesses and disabilities), Addie’s wish to meet Disney princesses at DisneyWorld was granted several years ago, and she now gives back to the community by having a free lemonade and cupcake stand and a meet and greet with Disney princesses and area royalty.  It was a joy to be a part of this sweet event! Thank you to Marisa Bengston for organizing this event! 

If you want to learn even more about me, I also did a live Facebook Q&A video on Monday and I encourage you to check it out!


As always, remember to follow me on social media for daily updates on:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Snapchat --> @missamericamn :)

Thanks for tuning in to this week's "Monday Minutes with Miss Minnesota!" 

Until next week, keep shining!

Brianna

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