Envision Your Reign

Top 5 Jr. Pre Teen at NAM Iowa 2016 Question: Moms and contestants are wondering... why is my formal wear score so low ?  Or why didn't I make top 10 ? Possible answer : You choose a gown based only on what your preference is or how it looks on the model. Fact:  It’s simpler to change your walk and posture than to change your gown that you’ve already purchased. Your daughter can have an amazingly perfect walk in the gown, but if her gown doesn't fit the pageant system’s image and brand, she's less likely to score high in formal wear. She's less likely to end up as a semifinalist. She's less likely to be crowned. Note : Not only does the contestant have to LOVE the gown, the gown has to look good on the contestant AND match the pageant system's image. 2015 NAM National Queens Tips :  Purchase a gown 3-6 months in advance from your pageant, allows for alterations and getting used to walking in it, along with the shoes. If t...

It's a pageant mom's worst nightmare (one of many, I'm sure) to discover that her darling daughter is a mean girl. In fact-it could be quite embarrassing. Here are some things to look out for so you can proactively 'mother' your daughter out of some less-than-desired situations. She’s clique-ish . Pageant girls are known for building relationships over the years and it’s easy to get comfortable with one group. This is not good in pageantry, especially since judges and directors want a titleholder who is congenial. If your daughter would rather only hang around her 4 BFFs, she might be a mean girl. She’s easily annoyed. If your daughter gets frustrated at the slightest suggestion or favor asked, there's a good chance she shows the same amount of patience to others. Not good. She might be a mean girl. She’s rude . Have you ever caught your daughter making a snide remark about someone else, maybe even making fun of someone or mocking at some...

If your daughter's a state or national queen, you may be thinking of contestant gifts for her farewell pageant. If you're in a larger system like National American Miss where contestant numbers can reach over 100, you definitely don't want to break the bank. You also want to make sure you don't leave anyone out. So, what's a mom to do? One idea is to create a simple kit that the girls will appreciate using inexpensive yet practical items. Use sticky notes or pre-printed messages of encouragement and inspiration. Include the Queen's autographed comp card or business card for a personalized touch. Package in a plastic baggie items girls will need and appreciate: Mints, bobby pins. hair ties. swabs, and gum for older contestants. Dum Dums, stickers, and rubber or plastic fashion bracelets can be included for the younger girls. Snack packs are also an option. Include granola bars, a mini water bottle, and fruit snacks packaged and tied with a cute ribbon. D...

By now, you may have already heard about fundraising platforms such as Go Fund Me. This is a great idea which seems simple, but will only work to its potential if you remain consistent and effectively promote it.  Here are 5 tips that will help you become a successful fundraiser using Go Fund Me. 1. Create a dream team. The NBA did it, you can, too! A dream team is a group of close family and friends who will commit to help you and your daughter achieve her pageant or other goals. Recruit the help of people like small or large business owners, people who are good at communicating (you know that one aunt who posts something on Facebook every 15 seconds...get her!). Have them be your core of people that post and share just as much as you'll be doing. 2. Set Weekly Goals.  So, your overall goal may be to raise, let's say...$3000.00 in three months. That appears to be very attainable. However, you may want to take it a step further and break this up into weekly and mont...

Photo provided by NAM Iowa as the season opener started out with a bang! These top contestants gave everyone else some very good competition! Teen: When I first saw the Iowa Teen Queen's gown before crowning, I knew it was a winner. It's long sleeved which most girls won't have, the red is an amazing color on her, and it's simple and elegant. I was surprised to see a black gown make Queen's court, (black can age a contestant, plus not really the image of NAM) but it looks  gorgeous on her. Photo provided by NAM 2016 Iowa Teen Queen's Court Jr.Teen: The judges really liked blues and reds! Again, the gowns are amazing. Very stylish and stunning yet age appropriate and conservative, very big at NAM. Photo provided by NAM 2016 Iowa Jr. Teen Queen's Court PreTeen: My favorite gowns out of the PreTeen court are the two pinks (1st and 3rd RU) I love the stoning and cut out design at the top. Photo provided by NAM 2016 Iowa Pre Teen Qu...

Once you've received your invitation in the mail, questions will start flying off the top of your head. What's good to wear? What will be expected of her? How do I make sure she gets in? The first thing I can tell you is...relax! It's super simple and fun! Here are 5 tips to be sure you're not stressed and have fun at a National American Miss open call: 1. Arrive Early! It's stated in the confirmation e-mail you received, but I have seen so many times where people arrive what they think is 'on time' or even worse, late.  Give yourself 30 minutes prior to start time.  When you arrive, there will be a check in station and your daughter will get a sign with her name on it. Why does she get this sign?  See Tip #2. 2. Photo Shoot Tips. Depending on which state you reside, she'll do a photo shoot.  It will be really quick! The cameraman will snap about 8 or so photos and he'll help choreograph her. Wear bright colors! I personally prefer solids, b...