Hey everyone! It's been awhile since I've updated my blog, and I'm just sitting here trying to push back having to finish my work for at least another few minutes ;) So I thought I'd do something productive! It has been such a busy few weeks! I've honestly never had this much to do in such little time. But I am loving every minute of it! A few weeks ago, I got to meet and have lunch with a few of the other girls from the pageant! It was so great meeting them, and I've already made some friends along the way. :)
But my first actual event being with the pageant was on Thursday, September 8th. If you are a fashion-lover, you might know what that date meant! For those of you who guessed Vogue's Fashion's Night Out, you are correct :) I was stationed at Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, along with a few of the other girls. We had such a great time walking up and down Melrose, visiting shops, and meeting people - the only downside of the night was the excruciating pain my feet were feeling thanks to my high heels and the not-so-soft-surface of the sidewalk. We were able to take part in some fun events, including picture flipbooks at Diane Von Furstenberg , photos with Smashbox Cosmetics at Fred Segal, and more photos at Betsey Johnson. Each store was having their own individual event, but one of my personal favorites was the live music being performed at a store called Original Penguin's. The girls and I were fortunate enough to meet the two artists that were playing that night: Chris Arena and a band called Native June. I have been leaning towards both of them as my music preferences at the moment. Can't tell you how much I enjoy listening to them! I highly recommend you check their stuff out, I will link their Facebook & Twitter right here: Chris Arena's Facebook Page , Chris Arena's Twitter, and Native June's Facebook Page , Native June's Twitter. Show them some love!
This last Saturday, I had two events on the side. If you are or have been a Burbank resident, I am SURE you know of Martino's Bakery and their famous tea cakes! They recently redecorated their bakery and redid their logo. The place looks awesome! To celebrate, they had a "Brand Re-Opening" to celebrate. It was so much fun. We had Burbank's Neighborhood Rock School and a few of their wonderful bands performing! I will link the photos here. Thank you to Martino's for having me, and love the new look!
This last Sunday was the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. In commemoration of this, the city of Burbank held a memorial service to honor those heroes who risked their lives for others, and also, for those who didn't make it. They had contacted me and invited me to speak. It was such an honor to be able to go up there and give a speech, and to be included with some very influential people. The Mayor of Burbank, Mayor Jess Talamantes spoke, along with Congressman Adam Schiff, and Father Vazken Movsesian. Each gave an amazing and heartfelt speech, even earning a standing ovation. This was probably one of the most nerve wracking experiences I've had, since it was my first time speaking in front of a group of people that large. But I am so very honored to have been included, and am very thankful for the opportunity.
On Monday was the Miss Universe Viewing Party held at the W Hotel in Hollywood. Congratulations to Miss Angola (and now Miss Universe!), Leila Lopes on winning. Each contestant was beautiful and if only they had 89 crowns to give to give each of them....They are each very strong and influential women, and congrats to them for making it as far as they did. Our own Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, looked amazing! She made it to the top 16 finalists, which is incredible! According to the Miss Universe Organization, this was the hardest group of girls they've ever had to decide on. I'm so happy for them all! It was amazing being able to attend the viewing party and to see so many previous Miss Universe's, including the very first Miss Universe ever, Armi Kuusela winning in 1952. These women are all inspirations to me, especially seeing them in person, as it reminds me that it is possible to achieve your dreams if you chase them.
I'm so very thankful to be a part of this experience, and am very excited to see what else is to come. Remember to check out Chris Arena, Native June, Neighborhood Rock School, and Martino's Bakery. For constant updates, don't forget to "like" and share my Facebook Fan Page and follow me on Twitter @ TaylorMRidge. Thank you so much for your continuous support, it means so much! Hope everyone is having a beautiful day!
xoxo T.
