Friday, March 30, 2012

Vanbros 25 yr. Reunion

 
Back in November 2 former, current Miss Nebraska USA and I set sail, and by sail I mean drove, 8 hours to St. Louis! We were headed to the Vanbros 25 year reunion. This was a special weekend, because our directors were celebrating 25 years of success in the Miss USA system! Can you imagine all the work, dedication and lives they’ve changed in 25 years? It’s amazing.

During the weekend, we had a luncheon, attended the Miss Missouri USA pageant and did some sight seeing at the St. Louis Arch. I have to say; being a Vanbros girl definitely has its perks of great friends. Not only did Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas former and current titleholders come together, but it was also a great bonding trip for my Miss Nebraska sisters. Check out the photos below!

The current Miss Nebraska USA, Amy Spilker, and I
Nebraska USA girls who made the trip.
Nebraska girls at the luncheon
Vanbros' National titleholders
Shandi Finnessey, former Miss Missouri USA & Miss USA
Our amazing director- John!
Acting silly at the arch

All the best,
Belinda

Monday, March 26, 2012

Quiliting...An Age Old Craft

Quilting. It’s an old craft, enriched with history and a storybook that can be passed down throughout generations. Something a lot of people may not know about me, is my love for quilting. My grandma and mom taught me how to sew when I was very young, maybe around 5 years old. Since then, I’ve always had a passion for not only sewing and quilting, but also crafts and hand made goods at large.

These quilts are ones I produced in the spring of 2011. Since I haven’t had a lot of free time on my hands these last couple of years, the fact that my sister in law, best friend and boyfriend’s sister were all having babies around the same time gave me a good excuse to pull out my sewing machine and hit the fabric stores.

These are pretty basic quilts, but I chose to use lush fabrics and fun colors since they were going to be for little ones. Two blankets had to be universe because the parents chose not to find out the sex of the baby, but I got to make a very “boyish” one, that I just love.


Not only do these serve as great gifts, but they will become embedded with memories. I remember as a little girl, I loved my blanket my grandma made for me. I hadn’t seen a lot of people making quilts anymore, but I’d love to see them make a come back. With DIY being a trend right now, who knows!

Graduating with a clothing and textile design degree, I look at quilting as an art form. The colors, to the types of fabrics you use, create a wonderful work of art that can either hang on a wall or keep you nice and warm. After I graduate this summer, I plan to delve back in the fabric isles and continue to expand my quilting endeavors. I look forward to more time on my hands, and more complex quilts to come in the future.

Ta ta,

B

Friday, March 16, 2012

Harley and Me


Spring is finally here and I couldn't be happier! Anyone that's familiar with the Midwest, knows the the bi-polar weather is usually a tease. For example, one day I was bundled up with my hot coffee and puffer coat, and the next day I was wearing shorts and sandles! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining! The nice weather has decided to stick around and that means more spring time fun is underway! 

 
My favorite part about spring is getting to spend more time outside with my little man. And by little man, I mean my puppy Haley. When it's nice out, we can't fit enough walks in. Dog parks are always a riot (See photo below). I'm excited to take him with me to Chicago this summer. I hear Chicago is dog frirendly, so we will be out exploring and running the paths by the lake.

 This was last May at the dog park. There was literally one mud hole in the entire place, and what do you know, Harley found it and decided to take a bath :-) 2 hours later, he was finally clean. Never a dull moment with this dog! 

 These two photos are from the days we got Harley. He was just 8 weeks and cute as can be! This was almost 3 years ago. I can't believe it! 


xo, 
Belinda 

Monday, March 12, 2012

Teen Choice Awards

My last day in California was spent at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards. I went with my close friends who are also 2 former Miss Arizona USAs and a former Miss Wyoming. We had a blast! It took place at Universal Studios, and I can't say I hated being in a room full of some of my favorite celebs. Below are some photos highlighting my experience.



Friday, March 9, 2012

Miss USA 2011


Miss USA 2011 took place once again in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas. I was so excited to be able to attend and cheer on Haley Herold, Miss Nebraska USA 2011.

I was even more excited to meet up with some of my closest friends I made at Miss USA my year. I made the drive from sunny Cali to the strip in Las Vegas to meet up with Miss Alabama USA 2010, Miss Arkansas USA 2010, Miss Kansas USA 2010, among others from my year at Miss USA. It was a reunion like none other. It was so different watching Miss USA in the audience, because I know how each of those girls were feeling. The nerves filled the room.

In the end California took the crown. It was such a great weekend and I have to say, it was fun watching from the crowd (although I secretly wanted to be up on that stage again)!


Cheers,
Belinda 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Goodbye Cali...for now


My last days in Cali were very bitter....with very little sweet. Although I was anxious to get home and see my loved ones and my pup, I had really found my place in California. Not only was my job everything I had dreamed of (working in a highly creative ad agency, working with great people, working in entertainment and being challenged everyday) but I had a great group of girlfriends.

And let's be honest, the beach, constant 75 degree weather mixed in with sunshine wasn't anything to complain about. As Nebraskans, we love to talk about the weather; and well, the time I was in California, the weather was just about perfect. Did I mention that there was no humidity?!

Some photos below are from San Diego, when two of my best friends (Haley Herold and Geneice Wilcher, both former Miss Nebraskas) came for the weekend. 

Haley, Geneice and I in San Diego

I continued to work on my bucket list, which included: the Fashion District (with another Nebraska Native and friend),  Rodeo Drive, Laguna Beach (with my other best friend who came to Cali with her family for a summer vaca), lots of sushi and Sprinkles cupcakes,

Laguna
Farewell dinner with Miss USA and Cali friends

And perhaps one of the hardest goodbyes was at my summer job. I left Los Angeles Center Studies with good friends and loads of new experiences. 

 

Best,
BW