MRS. MN AMERICA 2007 SEND-OFF PARTY - EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

Today was the Send-Off Party for my successor Bessie Giannakakis - Mrs. MN America 2007 held at Bessie and her husband Sam's home in Eden Prairie. It was hard to believe that one whole year had already passed--it seemed like yesterday that I was getting ready to leave for Mrs. America! I know it's a cliche, but sometimes I seriously cannot believe how quickly time flies!

My friend Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's) and I had spent the hot afternoon floating around in my pool...my hubby Matt was fishing (surprise surprise) and my mom & dad babysat Ava for the day, so I enjoyed a rare day "off!" Got a little sunburned but was no worse for the wear. However, the weather did not hold, and as we drove to Eden Prairie, the sky started to look VERY ominous. Luckily it was mostly just rain showers, but for awhile there it looked quite scary.

It was fun to see so many pageant people gather to send Bessie off with their best, and I enjoyed meeting the newly crowned Mrs. Georgia America 2007, Suzette Bryan. Bessie had a table full of gifts, and I gave her a personalized frame and a robe with her title "Mrs. Minnesota America 2007" and the Mrs. MN logo embroidered on the back. I had found that very useful when I competed at Mrs. America, especially when waiting around backstage in between outfit changes. I hope she liked it!

Good luck Bessie, you are doing a FABULOUS job as Mrs. MN America 2007, and I know you will make Minnesota VERY proud!






Catching up with Sarah Tichich (Mrs. MN United States 2007). Sarah recently competed in the Mrs. United States pageant in Las Vegas and I am hoping she tries again for Mrs. MN America some day!













Former Mrs. Minnesotas support Bessie and wish her the best! L to R: Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), me (2006), Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. MN 2007), Tami Krause (Mrs. MN 2003), and Charity McClung (Mrs. MN 2002)








Party goers include (L to R): Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie America 2007 & Mrs. Eden Prairie Int'l 2008), Bessie (Mrs. MN 2007), Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop), me, and Anne Marie Moore (Miss MN USA 2001)









Sarah Moses (L) and I meet Suzette Bryan - Mrs. Georgia America 2007 at the party.












Having fun with my former State Directors, Carl & Faith Schway.

MRS. INTERNATIONAL 2007 - CHICAGO, IL

I apologize for the tardiness of this post...after all, Mrs. International was over a month ago! I have just been CRAZY busy trying to get everything together for my new pageant coaching business, so I've been putting a lot of energy into that. My motto is "do it right or don't do it at all," so hopefully everything will come together SOON.

Enough about that. In July, I headed down to the Mrs. International Pageant in Skokie, IL to support my dear friend Donnell Rank, Mrs. MN Int'l 2007. It is always great to attend pageants because it is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends from across the country. I was able to see a number of my fellow contestants from 2003: Cindy Harwood (Mrs. AK), Rebecca Chandler (Mrs. AR), Lacey Mervine (Mrs. IN), Jodi Cessna (Mrs. PA), Mary Snipes-Phillips (Mrs. SC), and of course Michelle Fryatt (Mrs. NV/Mrs. International 2003). It was great to finally meet Lauri Rottmayer (OK State Director), who I've "known" via the internet but had never actually met in person. I really enjoyed seeing Suzy Bootz, the outgoing Mrs. International 2006. Suzy and I competed at Mrs. United States in 2002 and have stayed in touch ever since. Again, one of the many friendships I have made as a result of this hobby!






Some members of the "Class of 2003" reunite (L to R): Cindy Harwood (AK), me (MN), Jodi Cessna (PA), Rebecca Chandler (AR), and Mary Snipes-Phillips (SC)











L to R: With photographer "extraordinaire" Paula Preston and Mrs. MN Int'l State Director Allison Stavrakis before Prelims













Suzy Bootz (Mrs. Int'l 2006) and I catch up before Prelims start. Suzy and I competed together at Mrs. United States 2002 and have stayed in touch ever since. A great lady who did a great job this past year!









Friday night was Prelims, and the contestants looked great in turquoise cocktail dresses from Tony Bowls--these were the cutest opening number dresses I have seen in years in ANY Mrs. pageant system! Donnell did an awesome job and I was so proud of her. For those who don't know, Donnell and I met in 2003 when we were both contestants in the 2003 Mrs. MN Int'l pageant, and we've been close friends ever since.








In fact, my favorite photo from when that year is not my crowning shots, but rather Donnell running from the far side of the stage with her arms outstretched to congratulate me (see photo to left). And when I say she ran from the far side of the stage, I really mean it--she was the furthest contestant from me, yet sprinted over to me before the crown was even placed on my head. I distinctly remember her saying "You won! You really did it!" and I KNEW that she really was happy for me, which meant the world to me. It just shows what true friendships were born out of that pageant, and what a CLASS ACT Donnell truly is. Love ya sista! :)










Donnell is escorted during preliminary Evening Gown competition by her husband Glen. You look awesome girlfriend!








The contestants all competed in Aerobicwear and Evening Gown, and the only preliminary award that was announced was the Photogenic Award, which went to a very deserving Mrs. New Mexico. In the past, the Prelim Award (Evening Gown & Aerobicwear) Winners were announced on Prelim Night, but this year they decided to announce them at the Coronation Party instead, which is a change I was VERY happy to see. I have just seen so many women get dejected after not winning a Preliminary Award and then they are not as "ON" for Finals Night. Plus, I feel like it is more suspenseful and encourages more people to go to the Afterparty, so it is a change I TOTALLY agree with. FYI, I'd like to point out that the eventual winner of the pageant (Mrs. CA) did not win ANY preliminary awards, which just goes to prove that you don't have to win any individual awards to win the pageant, but you DO have to score well in all categories!







MN Int'l State Director (my former director & dear friend) Allison Stavrakis and I congratulate Donnell on a job well done after Preliminary Competition.












Catching up with the lovely Robin Fleming (Mrs. Florida International 2007) after Prelims.







Friday & Saturday were full of shopping, and as usual I managed to get my fair share in. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE to shop! My friend & client Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie Int'l 2008) came down to watch the pageant, so I went to pick her up at the airport and we managed to squeeze in a few more hours of shopping before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the pageant. I was so excited to reunite with my fellow Mrs. America pageant "sister" Julie Rhinehart (Mrs. IL America 2006), and it was great to meet Janice McQueen-Ward (Mrs. United States 1999) and Amy Gregorio (Mrs. IL US 2007). I also was VERY excited Terrianne Small (Mrs. MD Int'l 2007) when she placed as 2nd runner-up! This was Terrianne's second time competing at Mrs. International...she and I were roommates when we competed together at Mrs. Int'l in 2003 (she was Mrs. Trinidad & Tobago, and I of course represented MN). We had a great time together and it was great to see her do so well. Unfortunately, Donnell did not make the Top 10 but she looked incredible and definitely should have been in there in MY opinion! Ah, pageants! Mrs. CA Rebekah Negrete was the eventual winner, and she truly shined on stage and I was not at all surprised to hear her name called as the new Mrs. International 2007. I COMPLETELY agreed with the choice and she will do a fabulous job this year. Donnell told me that Rebekah was well liked by the contestants so that is always nice to hear.







Reuniting with my "pageant sister" from Mrs. America 2006, Julie Rhinehart (Mrs. IL-America 2006). Julie and I spent two weeks in Tucson together last summer when we competed for Mrs. America. Julie is one of the nicest people I have ever met!










The Blonde Ambition Tour! L to R: Amy Gregorio (Mrs. IL US 2007...LOVE her dress!), Janice McQueen-Ward (Mrs. United States 1999 & 1st RU to Mrs. CA Int'l 2007 and 2008), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie Int'l 2008), and me. It was fun meeting Amy & Janice--they are both stunning AND funny!








The new Mrs. International 2007 is...Rebekah Negrete of California! CONGRATULATIONS!









Mrs. Minnesota's old and new support their pageant sisters! L to R: Jennifer Sanneman (Mrs. MN Int'l 2005), Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Cheri Kennedy, me (Mrs. MN Int'l 2003), and Angela Haseman (Mrs. MN Int'l 2006). FYI, Angela is expecting Baby #3 in November! She looks great!



After the pageant, we attended the Coronation Party and there was plenty of conversation, laughs, and dancing. It was a fun time but getting up that next morning at 4:45 AM was not NEARLY as fun. I can't wait to see everyone next year! Congrats to all!







The "Golden Girls" (L to R): Kellie Deese (Mrs. KY Int'l 2007), Terrianne Small (Mrs. MD Int'l 2007 & 2nd RU to Mrs. Int'l 2007), and me. Terrianne was my roommate when we competed at Mrs. Int'l in 2003! What a great reunion!








Reuniting with pageant friends (L to R): Bernee Thurow (Arkansas State Director), Michelle Fryatt (Mrs. International 2003), Rebecca Chandler (Mrs. AR Int'l 2003), and me.










L to R: With Leisha Gust (Mrs. Burnsville Int'l 2008) and Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie Int'l 2008) at the Coronation Party. Leisha and I also met in 2003 when we were contestants together, and she was 1st RU to Mrs. MN Int'l in 2006 & 2007!








Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie Int'l 2008) and I say hello to Mary Richardson (Exec. Director of the Mrs. International Pageant) at the Coronation Party.

MN INT'L PAGEANTS SEND-OFF PARTY - NORTH OAKS, MN

Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's and one of my very best friends) and I hosted a Send-Off Party for the Minnesota International titleholders at my house. Luckily the weather cooperated and it was a picture perfect day so some of the kids in attendance were able to enjoy the pool. I'm lucky I even made it to the party because I nearly locked myself out of my car when I went to pick up the balloons. That nearly sent me into panic mode because I had less than an hour to get home, get showered, and be ready for everyone to arrive. But by the grace of God, one door managed to be open (I still don't understand how that happened--luck was on my side).

It was great to see so many Minnesota pageant people getting together to send these three ladies off to Nationals in style. Friends and family of Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Danielle Epps (Miss MN Int'l 2007), and Giselle Ugarte (Miss Teen MN Int'l 2007) gathered to enjoy some great conversation and food while of course giving our good luck wishes to the queens. Donnell modeled her gown from The Pageant Shop for us (the other two girls had their gowns at the alterations shop) and of course looked FABULOUS (FYI, "fabulous" is one of our favorite words in the pageant circle!). Toward the end of the festivities, the ladies opened up the many trinkets and gifts given to them, which was fun to watch (lots of crowned-themed items!). It was a great party and a great way to send these ladies off! GO MINNESOTA!








Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN America 2005) and her adorable baby girl Kayla stop by the party to say hello!











L to R: Sarah Moses (co-host & owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's), Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. MN America 2007), Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), and me












Party goers enjoying a beautiful summer afternoon.
















Donnell models her national competition gown from The Pageant Shop with proud owner Sarah Moses looking on.









Current and former Mrs. MN International queens at the party (L to R): Donnell Rank (2007), Angela Haseman (2005), Nancy Paradeise (2004), and me (2003). FYI, Angela is pregnant and due in mid-November...congrats!












Giselle, Danni, and Donnell opening their many gifts during the party.










Donnell and I pose with photographer extraordinaire Paula Preston (far L) and Terri Handrahan (far R), who is a long time pageant volunteer and the Mrs. MN Charity Coordinator.

MISS MINNESOTA (MAO) 2007 - EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

This year's Miss Minnesota (MAO) pageant was held at the Eden Prairie High School and had a field of 15 contestants competing from all across the state of Minnesota. My mom and I attended and it was fun to see many familiar pageant faces in the audience. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Miss America program as I competed in college and placed as 3rd runner-up to Miss Wisconsin 1994 (here are some photos for laughs--check out my huge hair WOW!). I love the talent aspect of this system (when I competed, I sang and played guitar which I still love to do to this day). I wish there were a major pageant for married women with a talent competition--I'd be there with bells on!

Anyway, the winner was the absolutely DARLING Jennifer Hudspeth, who I've had the pleasure of getting to know through the International pageant system. She and her mom Mary Kim Hudspeth (who is a great lady and a riot!) both competed in their respective divisions in the 2005 Mrs/Miss/Teen Minnesota International pageants (Jen as a Miss and Mary Kim as a Mrs), and both placed as 1st runner-up! Jennifer is one of the sweetest young ladies and I was THRILLED to see her win. She has worked incredibly hard in life and in pageantry and this was a well deserved win. Her grace and style with shine through this year and I hope to cheer her on at Miss America in person. See you there!

Catching up w/ Giselle Ugarte (Miss Teen MN Int'l '07) and Danni Epps (Miss MN Int'l '07)












Saying hi to fellow "former" Mrs. MN America Melissa Hall (she was Mrs. MN America 2004 and is on the cover of the current Oxygen Magazine!)











Old friends reunite! Wishing Mary Kim (Jen Hudspeth's mom) GOOD LUCK at intermission. I can't imagine how tough it must be to be a mom in the audience watching your daughter compete...maybe I'll find out someday when Ava is older!











Moms and daughters (L to R): My mom Bonnie Henderson, Laurie Ehlert, me, and Megan Ehlert (Miss Teen MN Int'l 2006 and a hopeful Miss MN contestant for 2008).











The ladies in blue (L to R): Friend & pageant photographer Paula Preston, Brie Anderson (2nd RU to Miss MN USA 2007 and 1st RU to Miss MN Int'l 2007), and me.


OK, here are the old photos I promised...check out my huge hair!

MEETING THE INT'L RICE QUEEN - ATLANTIS, BAHAMAS

My husband Matt and I, along with his parents Paul & Kathryn Ernst, attended the Rice Miller's Association Meeting held at the Atlantis in the Bahamas. We left the day after I passed on my title of Mrs. Minnesota-America, so needless to say I was quite exhausted and in need of a vacation. One neat thing was meeting the 70th International Rice Queen at one of the tradeshow events, the lovely Marissa Leigh Champagne. Festival pageants are BIG in the south, and to get an idea of how many of them there are, check out the Louisiana Fairs and Festivals website. I want a crown that big!

GREETINGS FROM HOLLY...

Now that I have passed down my title to this year's Mrs. Minnesota-America 2007 (the lovely Bessie Giannakakis), I am moving on to the next chapter in my life. I am starting my own pageant coaching and consulting business, which has been in the works for a few years now but was difficult to do due to the fact that I was also competing. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time and now that time has finally arrived. I am in the process of creating a website (which will be www.hollyernst.com ) and my coaching materials, so keep checking back for updates on that. In the meantime, if you are interested in my coaching services, please contact me via email: mrsminnesota2006@mac.com

I will now be keeping a blog of various pageant events and activities here, and will be constantly updating it with photos, links, etc. I love pageantry and am very much looking forward to this next adventure helping OTHERS achieve THEIR dreams. Here's hope you enjoy the ride along with me!


Sincerely,
Holly Ernst