Our goal is 500 *kisses* for each E3 member by February 1st.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Kisses With a Cause Donation Button
This is the link for you to donate in order to get your kiss card! Once you sign in to PayPal, click "Add special instructions to Recipient" button and type in your first and last name and address to make sure I send this to your correct address (see sample below in red). Feel free to purchase as many as you'd like, each two-pack of cards is $5, shipping included! Repost and share! #KisseswithaCause #TeamInspire
Our goal is 500 *kisses* for each E3 member by February 1st.
Our goal is 500 *kisses* for each E3 member by February 1st.
If I could give the teenage girl 5 pieces of advice...
Let's face it, the female teenage years are no pretty piece of cake. There are so many changes taking place that we can't keep up, and our emotions are going up and down faster than a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. We beat ourselves up way too much over situations we can't control and are struggling to find out what our purpose is on this planet is. We all have something different to offer to the world. Some of us have been blessed with the gift of music, others writing, some of us have the ability to make people laugh...but the one gift that we've all equally been given is the ability to make someone smile.
In the past few weeks, I've been touched by so many young girls trying to find their place in this world. Their kindness is unbelievable. Each girl has nothing but kind words to speak and love to share, which is why I was so astonished to see how low levels of self-esteem were... I've had such an eye opening experience, I just want to be able to emulate that same feeling of love and appreciation that has been shared with me. I also want to make sure that girls know that I understand what they're going through. I'm a 17 year old girl, and trust me, I've had my share of feeling misunderstood. But I feel that it's so important for young girls to know that whatever they're going through, there is someone who knows exactly what they're feeling, and that they're going to make it out strong and wise.
My mom always told me, "The only person who can make you happy is yourself". I never really understood that until a few years ago. Like most young girls, I went through the phase of feeling unhappy with myself. I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. I wanted to be beautiful like the girls in Seventeen Magazine and have perfect skin like CoverGirl ads.I didn't understand how much my negative mindset altered my perception of myself. It wasn't until I started working out that I was able to find my inner peace.
My first piece of advice to someone who's growing up and going through that battle of appreciating themselves is the same advice I give to my 13 year old sister. Treat your body with the utmost respect. My interpretation of that would be eating clean, cutting out unhealthy habits, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, don't do anything to intentionally harm yourself, etc. All of those things put together will not only get your body into great shape, but it will improve your mind and outlook. You begin to feel good on the inside and that radiates through.Your body works harder than you realize...if you treat it well, it treats you well! We're not all built the way we dream of looking, but that's okay. Soon, you'll learn to accept that we're not all going to look like Victoria's Secret models, yet we can still be happy with ourselves.
Second, change your outlook on life. There will always be a list of things that go wrong, but we have to learn to appreciate those things that go right. Without a few bad days, we wouldn't know what it's like to have a good day.
My fourth piece of advice is very important. Know your self worth. Understand how special you are. We're all special and there are countless people in this world who care for us. Recently, I've witnessed many situations where girls are ready to end their lives because of words people have spoken to them. KNOW that those words are false. Anyone who puts anyone down, especially in efforts to end someone's life, should really re-evaluate how their actions are affecting others. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute. There is no reason, under any circumstances whatsoever, where that is acceptable. If you're a victim of this, I promise you that if there's at least one person that cares, it's me. Think twice about the outcome and who else it would affect if you were no longer here. We are all worth so much to so many and to each other. As a human, it's natural for us to wish our time away, "I wish it was the weekend already," but what we don't realize is that sometimes we would do anything to extend time by just a few minutes. When my grandmother was dying in the hospital, all we wanted was one more hour with her. "Just one more hour, please, God." She was a miracle, she only had a 15% chance of living, but she did it. This is why I hold God so close to my heart. I believe in angels. I believe in miracles.
My last piece of advice is something that I feel very strongly about...inspiring others and being inspired. Each of us have a purpose on this planet, and it's our duty to fulfill it in exchange for being granted the gift of life. Open your heart to being inspired. Allow the actions of others to better you as a person and drive you to create a positive world for yourself - and share that with the world.
My hope is to extend my love to everyone and let them know that I'm here, and I understand. Life isn't easy, it doesn't always turn out the way we expect it to, and we feel that luck isn't always on our side...but keep your head up, lovelies. It always gets better and we just get stronger. #TeamInspire
xo Taylor
P.S.
I came across this draft almost 3 months later...I remember starting the first 2 paragraphs and never finishing it. Glad I found it :)
Second, change your outlook on life. There will always be a list of things that go wrong, but we have to learn to appreciate those things that go right. Without a few bad days, we wouldn't know what it's like to have a good day.
"There's always a rainbow that follows the storm".Third, take each and every morning that you wake up and be thankful that you're alive. Something I like to do in the morning, before my feet even hit the ground, is say thank you to God for giving me another opportunity to live. There are so many that have been denied this opportunity that we take for granted. Sometimes we don't think about that. Not everyone gets the chance to wake up in the morning. Lives have been wrongfully and unfairly taken, which is why we should appreciate ours while we have it. Life is what you make it, so make it beautiful.
My fourth piece of advice is very important. Know your self worth. Understand how special you are. We're all special and there are countless people in this world who care for us. Recently, I've witnessed many situations where girls are ready to end their lives because of words people have spoken to them. KNOW that those words are false. Anyone who puts anyone down, especially in efforts to end someone's life, should really re-evaluate how their actions are affecting others. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute. There is no reason, under any circumstances whatsoever, where that is acceptable. If you're a victim of this, I promise you that if there's at least one person that cares, it's me. Think twice about the outcome and who else it would affect if you were no longer here. We are all worth so much to so many and to each other. As a human, it's natural for us to wish our time away, "I wish it was the weekend already," but what we don't realize is that sometimes we would do anything to extend time by just a few minutes. When my grandmother was dying in the hospital, all we wanted was one more hour with her. "Just one more hour, please, God." She was a miracle, she only had a 15% chance of living, but she did it. This is why I hold God so close to my heart. I believe in angels. I believe in miracles.
My last piece of advice is something that I feel very strongly about...inspiring others and being inspired. Each of us have a purpose on this planet, and it's our duty to fulfill it in exchange for being granted the gift of life. Open your heart to being inspired. Allow the actions of others to better you as a person and drive you to create a positive world for yourself - and share that with the world.
I believe in #TeamInspire with all my heart. There is so much good in the world, we just have to search a little to find it, but it's there. I promise you that. There's beauty in everything, from the sand to the sky.
My hope is to extend my love to everyone and let them know that I'm here, and I understand. Life isn't easy, it doesn't always turn out the way we expect it to, and we feel that luck isn't always on our side...but keep your head up, lovelies. It always gets better and we just get stronger. #TeamInspire
xo Taylor
P.S.
I came across this draft almost 3 months later...I remember starting the first 2 paragraphs and never finishing it. Glad I found it :)
Kisses With a Cause
Valentines Day – #TeamInspire project.
The goal is to raise
as much money as possible for charity all while sending Emblem 3 your love and “kisses!”
Here is how it works… when you donate a $5 minimum, you will receive a kiss
card from me to you, and included there will be a blank Kiss card from YOU to
Emblem 3. Send it back with your lipstick *kiss* and your name and address /message
and we will deliver your *kisses*
directly to the boys on Valentine’s Day!
Our goal is to give 500 *kisses* to each boy and raise as
much money for the “LOVE 146 Foundation”
*taken from an earlier blogpost*
In just a few days, I will be posting a link where you will be able to make your donations and put in your Names/Addresses! The cost will cover expenses for materials as well as postage, the remainder is given straight to Love146.
#TeamInspire, you just never know what kind of love might come
your way :) xo T
 |
| At a Dream Again Campaign/Love146 Fundraising Event |
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Emblem3 Messages from Fans!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
This Is My Story.
I'm sitting at my desk on a beautiful Thursday morning, I've got my second cup of coffee in hand, my candle burning, and I'm thinking about how thankful I am to be alive.
It's crazy to imagine that 2011 is coming to a close, and in just 3 short days, we'll be welcoming the New Year in celebration. While celebrating Christmas by the beach this past weekend, I got to reflect on everything that's happened to me this year. There's nothing more peaceful than walks down the pier and sitting by the water...and just thinking. There's something so serene about the ocean in the morning, the calmness and beauty of the gentle waves...you just can't help but think about it all.
This year has truly been one of the best years I've ever had. I've experienced so many amazing things that 2 years ago, I never imagined could have been possible. There is a night and day difference between my life now and then. It's something that I've never really talked about on here, but I was suddenly inspired to give my story.
Ever since I was 11, I had a chronic medical illness that kept me from experiencing life as a normal kid. It was diagnosed and re-diagnosed multiple times, and in the end, the doctors were still not sure what it was. Basically, I was involuntarily unable to hold down any type of food. This would go on for months on end, and got to the point where I had no strength and could barely get out of bed. I wasn't able to go to traditional school so I had to start homeschooling, which was a really challenging adjustment. Throughout a 4 year period of time, I missed out on a lot of things that I used to enjoy, like show choir and competitions, football games, dances, and my friends. I didn't get to experience a lot that I wished I had, and there was definitely a bit of depression because of it. I sat there wishing I could be like everyone one else, and wondered WHY this was happening. Like the Jack Johnson song goes, I was there "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" to be normal. At that point in my life, I never would have imagined that I'd be competing to be Miss California Teen USA two years later, happy and healthy.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. I feel that what I went through gave me more strength and confidence than I had before. It's amazing for me to look back and see the difference between then and now. I used to ask why this was happening to me, and now I ask myself, what if it HADN'T happened to me? I try to imagine how different my current life would be if I hadn't gone through that. Chances are it wouldn't be the same. I'm in a much better place than I was before, with a better mindset and a happier outlook. Even though it was one of the most difficult things I've had to deal with, I'm somewhat glad that I went through it and overcame it, because it makes me appreciate my life so much more. That's why this pageant has meant more to me than just a crown and a sash. It has given me the opportunity to experience life differently than I would have otherwise. It has allowed me to have fun and to learn about life and my individuality. I've discovered things about myself, such as what I want to do with my life in the near future and an idea of where I want it all to lead. My confidence level has risen drastically. I've encountered countless people that have inspired me to strive for the best. I've gained so many great friends and had experiences with them that have impacted my life. But most of all, I'm making memories that I won't ever forget. It makes me excited to imagine the future and think that I'll be able to look back at the memories and say, "Wow, 16 was a good year."
Every one of us has a story. We've all been handed situations that we didn't know how to handle, but with faith and courage, we managed to make it through. Life isn't easy, but everyday I'm learning that it's meant to be enjoyed. The uncertainty is what makes it thrilling, the struggles make us strong, the hard times teach us to appreciate the good times, and our experiences are what make us who we become. Our story started the day we were born, and up until the last page, we'll be writing it as we go. I can't wait to see what the future holds and what God has in store for me. Thank you 2011 for treating me so well. On January 1st, we'll be turning the page in our book, getting set for our new chapter in life: 2012, I'm ready for you. :)
xoxo T.
P.S.
My new chapter is going to have a great start - the pageant is only 8 days away :)
It's crazy to imagine that 2011 is coming to a close, and in just 3 short days, we'll be welcoming the New Year in celebration. While celebrating Christmas by the beach this past weekend, I got to reflect on everything that's happened to me this year. There's nothing more peaceful than walks down the pier and sitting by the water...and just thinking. There's something so serene about the ocean in the morning, the calmness and beauty of the gentle waves...you just can't help but think about it all.
Ever since I was 11, I had a chronic medical illness that kept me from experiencing life as a normal kid. It was diagnosed and re-diagnosed multiple times, and in the end, the doctors were still not sure what it was. Basically, I was involuntarily unable to hold down any type of food. This would go on for months on end, and got to the point where I had no strength and could barely get out of bed. I wasn't able to go to traditional school so I had to start homeschooling, which was a really challenging adjustment. Throughout a 4 year period of time, I missed out on a lot of things that I used to enjoy, like show choir and competitions, football games, dances, and my friends. I didn't get to experience a lot that I wished I had, and there was definitely a bit of depression because of it. I sat there wishing I could be like everyone one else, and wondered WHY this was happening. Like the Jack Johnson song goes, I was there "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" to be normal. At that point in my life, I never would have imagined that I'd be competing to be Miss California Teen USA two years later, happy and healthy.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. I feel that what I went through gave me more strength and confidence than I had before. It's amazing for me to look back and see the difference between then and now. I used to ask why this was happening to me, and now I ask myself, what if it HADN'T happened to me? I try to imagine how different my current life would be if I hadn't gone through that. Chances are it wouldn't be the same. I'm in a much better place than I was before, with a better mindset and a happier outlook. Even though it was one of the most difficult things I've had to deal with, I'm somewhat glad that I went through it and overcame it, because it makes me appreciate my life so much more. That's why this pageant has meant more to me than just a crown and a sash. It has given me the opportunity to experience life differently than I would have otherwise. It has allowed me to have fun and to learn about life and my individuality. I've discovered things about myself, such as what I want to do with my life in the near future and an idea of where I want it all to lead. My confidence level has risen drastically. I've encountered countless people that have inspired me to strive for the best. I've gained so many great friends and had experiences with them that have impacted my life. But most of all, I'm making memories that I won't ever forget. It makes me excited to imagine the future and think that I'll be able to look back at the memories and say, "Wow, 16 was a good year."
Every one of us has a story. We've all been handed situations that we didn't know how to handle, but with faith and courage, we managed to make it through. Life isn't easy, but everyday I'm learning that it's meant to be enjoyed. The uncertainty is what makes it thrilling, the struggles make us strong, the hard times teach us to appreciate the good times, and our experiences are what make us who we become. Our story started the day we were born, and up until the last page, we'll be writing it as we go. I can't wait to see what the future holds and what God has in store for me. Thank you 2011 for treating me so well. On January 1st, we'll be turning the page in our book, getting set for our new chapter in life: 2012, I'm ready for you. :)
xoxo T.
P.S.
My new chapter is going to have a great start - the pageant is only 8 days away :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
From Music, to Tea Cakes, to Celebrations...
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Elle and Blair Meetup! :)
Wow, today was such an exciting day! I went to Elle and Blair's Meetup at the Beverly Center for the launch of Cellairis by Elle and Blair. There was such a huge turn out, so happy to see so many people come out to support them.
After looking at the huge line, (and being in a bit of a time crunch) I decided to just run up really quickly and drop off their little 'thank you' gifts and say a quick, "Thank you for the post!". So I went up to where they were sitting before they had started greeting people, and just then, Blair turned around and saw me. She got up and walked over, and I started to introduce myself and she exclaimed, "I know EXACTLY who you are!!" and gave me a big hug, then walked around the rope to where I was. Elle followed after, and we all got to talking. It turns out that they had not yet begun to start greeting people, and we're just getting ready to start! It was so sweet of them to take a few minutes to talk to me before they had started - I really appreciated it! I then gave them each their little gift boxes and thank you cards. After a few more minutes of talking, they were sweet enough to let me get a picture in! I didn't want to take up too much of their time, but thanked Blair and Elle again for the post on their website.
 |
| and who knows? You may even see something else on ElleandBlair.com soon ;) |
Hope everyone is having a fabulous day!
xo T.
P.S.
don't forget to "Like" my Facebook! TaylorMarieRidge
& follow me on Twitter! TaylorMRidge
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