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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