Mrs. United States National Pageant 2011!!

     I am home from the National Mrs. United States Pageant!!  The 2011 pageant was held at the Las Vegas Hilton from July 31-August 5.  I must say...this was a once-in-a-lifetime event. 
     I left my home on July 31st at 5:00 am.  My husband, John, drove me to the airport in Manchester, NH.  I flew Southwest Airlines, on a direct 5 hour and 45 min. flight.  I landed in Las Vegas at 10:30 am (we arrived a bit early).  I brought 3 suitcases, 1 carry-on suitcase, my purse and a garment bag with my gown.  I had made plans to meet Heidi (Mrs. DC US) at baggage claim.  I was so happy to have someone to ride to the hotel with :)

     We gathered all of our bags (and a photo) and headed towards the taxi line...yes line.  We circled around in very hot weather for what seemed like a lifetime.  The taxi took us straight to the Hilton.  At this point I was about to meet my roomie for the week (Mrs. Idaho US, Blythe Johnston).  God was certainly looking over me when Blythe decided to ask me to room with her!!  Such a fantastic woman and queen.  We had some time to go to our room, unpack, shower and get ready for registration.  This is the first group of queens that I met (they were all kind, lovely woman).

     After registration we went back to our room and got ready for our orientation dinner.  This was the first time that all 54 deligates were together.  Dinner was delicious, I had salmon and salad :) After dinner, Blythe and I got ready for bed (it was only 9:00 pm, but seemed like midnight to me). 
     On Monday morning we went to breakfast for 7:00, then met in the Ballroom for orientation and to exchange our deligate gifts.

     We met our choreographer, Natalie and had practice until 1:00.  Lunch was from 1-2, which I was ready for...my belly thought it was 4!!  We had practice after lunch until 3:30.  Then we all went to change and get ready for our night on the town.  We went to Luxor to see the show, "Menopause", very funny.  Here is a picture with my sister queen, Mrs. MA US, Courtney :)

This photo is with the director of the National Pageant

     Here are a couple with various state queens, before getting on the bus...

                                                                             

                                                         Here is one of me at the Luxor

     Tuesday morning was the swimsuit photo shoot.  The group photo took place at the fountain at 8:30.  Then I changed, ate breakfast and went to the ballroom for practice from 9:30-12, lunch from 12-1 then practice from 1-3:30.  Here is a photo from rehearsals.

     After the second rehearsal, we all went to prepare for interview.  I was in the third group for interview and mine took place at 8:40 pm.  I went to the interview with Mrs. Missouri, Carrie (she was top 12 in the America system the year before and made top 12 here...amazing!!)  I had a fab interview...the judges were great, I was able to speak about my platform of Apraxia, and I did not say, "like or um"...success :)

   Wednesday, we had breakfast, rehearsal, lunch, rehearsal, then left to get ready for...prelims.  Prelims were so exciting.  This was my first national pageant and I felt ready to rock the stage :)  I did well.  Opening number went great, I used my sarong correctly during swimsuit and I did not trip on my dress during evening gown. 
     Thursday, was breakfast, rehearsal, lunch, rehearsal, then...Finals!!  I felt very content going into finals.  I knew that I had done better than at my state pageant and that I had grown as a woman, my confidence has definately felt a bit of a boost.  I did not make top 12 but I truely was not upset.  I let myself be disappointed for a second, then I helped my friend Mrs. New Jersey get ready, because she did make top 12 :)  Mrs. Florida won Mrs. United States 2012.  After Shannon was crowned, my director, Irene came on stage and took great pictures of me with my new friends.  We then went to the "after party".

     My mom, Irene, and I all decided to get dessert...just what the doctor ordered...

     Well...I know this was a long blog...but there it was, my week at Nationals!!  My mom and I explored Vegas on Friday, I will do another post for those!!                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                              
                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                
                                                                               
                                                                          

Appearances June 18th and 19th 2011

 Girls On The Run 5k Portsmouth, NH, Somersworth Children's Festival, Action for Aidan 5k

      Well...Mrs. NH United States 2011 certainly had an eventful weekend!!  On Saturday morning I volunteered at the Girls on the Run 5k event in Portsmouth, NH.  This was such an inspiring event, applauding girl power and a healthy lifestyle!!

On Saturday afternoon, I volunteered at the Somersworth Children's Festival.  I made crowns with the  kids and took pictures with them.  All of the families and kids had so much fun and were very appreciative.

On Sunday morning, John, Ben, Sam and I walked in the Action for Aidan 5k in Exeter, NH.  We walked with Team Gymboree of Rye, NH.  This was such an amazing and fun event.  The purpose was to raise money for a little boy who has Hunter's Syndrome.  So many people turned out to show their support.  I was happy to be able to do the event with my family and especially my husband (since it was Father's Day).  I am so fortunate to have support and unconditional love from my family :)

Front Page Article in Foster's Daily Democrat Newspaper!!

Today, I am excited to report that I have an article in the Foster's Daily Democrat Newspaper!!  This is a great article that reports on me winning the Mrs. New Hampshire United States 2011 pageant, as well as my road to the national pageant in Las Vegas.  There is a great picture of John, Ben and me...Sam is not in the photo because he did not attend the competition.  I was too afraid that he would see me on stage, want to be with me and not understand why he can't. 

I also want to take an opportunity to thanks those who have been supporting me on my journey to nationals...Thank you to Belknap Dental in Dover, NH, Janet and Sandy of Hourihane and Cormier Real Estate Agency in Rochester, NH, my mom Martha Robinson, my step-father William Robinson, Jr., and friends of the family The Lover Family.  I honestly would not be able to attend this pageant without their sponsorship.  If you are able to help me on this journey and would like to sponsor Mrs. NH US 2011, please contact me at nikolllauze@yahoo.com Thank you to everyone, many blessings to you all :)

You can view the article by clicking on the link below.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110608/GJNEWS_01/706089950

Fashion Show at the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility 2011

On Saturday May 21, 2011 I took part in a fashion show at the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility in Leominster, Ma.  This was such a special event.  I was invited to do the show by Christina Polanco (pictured to the right in the photo below), a remarkable high school student who devotes much of her time volunteering at this facility.  The residents were very excited to see all of the ladies in their fancy dresses.  After the fashion show, we took a walk through the Alzheimer's unit.  They were so happy to see us and clapped as we walked through.  This was such a humbling day and I am so very pleased to be partaking in events as special and worth-while as this one. 

Nikoll "Potter"

This is what I was doing the week leading up to the Mrs. New Hampshire United States pageant.  I went from wearing a cloak and wand to a sash and crown.  Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was like Christmas to me.  I waited in line (by myself...my family went to Seuss land) for an hour and a half to have my wand "choose" me.  Then I purchased my wizard cloak and wore both for the entire day!!  I enjoyed "butterbeer", a "chocolate frog" and "every flavor beans".  My son Benjamin (6) has a growing fondness of HP (I might be pushing him in that direction :) so he had a "magical time" as well.  I am so exited to be embarking on my year as Mrs. NH United States and to be able to share my experiences with all of you through this blog :)

Bio

Very excited to see my bio and blog added to the official Mrs. New Hampshire United States website www.newenglandunitedstatespageants.com Thank you to my amazing director, and friend, Irene for all of her hard work and dedication! Now I am anxiously awaiting my proofs to arrive from my photo shoot with Robert Dainiel Photography :) Hope everyone is having a wonderful week,

Sponsors

I am so thankful for my friends and family and the support I am receiving from them as I prepare for the Mrs. United States National Pageant.  I am starting to have people offer to sponsor me with their services or with money to go towards my ad page at the pageant.  I feel humbled that others are so willing to help.  Thank you to Kassie and Ellen of Timeless Salon and Spa in Dover, NH and to my mother :)