We're Perfectly Imperfect.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧. 𝗔. 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥. Thank you Lord for the most life-changing, amazing, whirlwind, challenging, eye-opening, and incredible 2021. If there is anything I learned this year, it is to truly and genuinely trust in God’s timing and His boundless grace, as difficult as that may be at times. From meeting my angel on Earth, @youbankwitheubanks, to having the honor of representing the Garden State and the bullying prevention community on the international stage for the first time, take it from me that it is worth more than the world’s most precious jewel to have patience and diligence to be blessed with the desires of your heart. I have gone into 2022 deeply focused on these values, and am so pleased to announce my newest venture as a contestant for Miss Jetset 2022! The 8th Annual Miss Jetset is an international cover model search hosted by leading lifestyle magazine, Jetset Magazine. I entered this online competition to further my impact as a worldwide ambassador for bullying prevention and founder of “1 in 5: From Bullied to Healed”. With the $50,000 prize, I will be able to begin my journey to become a School Counselor and make helping victims of bullying into a career. The results of this competition depend on your daily free vote, and voting begins TODAY! You can vote by clicking the link in my bio, and then “Miss Jetset 2022”. Please note that only Facebook users can vote. Additional votes can be purchased by following the same link, and proceeds will benefit the B+ Foundation. The B+ Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps children with pediatric cancer and their families. Thank you everyone for your endless prayers, love, support, and encouragement. Voting for the Top 15 ends on January 13th 👑💙 (at New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYSl9BksP8-/?utm_medium=tumblr

Merry Christmas Eve Eve from your friendly neighborhood Christmas elf 🎅🏼🎄🎁 (at Point Lobster Company) https://www.instagram.com/jacquelineee_d/p/CX2dgdCMHv-/?utm_medium=tumblr

Happy 88th Birthday to my BFF, the biggest Frank Sinatra fan you will ever meet, the one who always snuck me a dollar and told me to “put it away,” the greatest dog whisperer in existence, and the patriarch of our family who ran his own business six days a week until he was 86 years old. When you hear the phrase “the man, the myth, the legend,” my Papa is the one person in the world who most genuinely embodies it every single day. I have been and always will be so proud to be his youngest granddaughter. I love you with all of my heart, Papa. Now let’s celebrate with some dark chocolate, old western films, and lottery tickets ♥️🥳🍫🤠🎟 https://www.instagram.com/p/CXAHOTAsvQ-/?utm_medium=tumblr

Another freezing cold but successful PPB Christmas Tree Lighting with @backstageentdjs! This has been one of my favorite Christmas traditions since I was a baby, and 28 years later it still overfills my heart with the purest of joy to bring some Christmas magic through karaoke 🎅🏼🎄♥️ (at Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWw5J52M395/?utm_medium=tumblr

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.” - Psalm 69:30 Every day is Thanksgiving when these people (and fur babies) complete your heart. I am endlessly grateful to the Lord for blessing me with every one of these incredible souls. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍽🍁💛 https://www.instagram.com/p/CWthterpGi8/?utm_medium=tumblr

Happy 37th Anniversary to my best friends in the world, my Mommy and Daddy ♥️💍 Thank you Jesus for choosing me to be the only daughter and oldest child of the two most incredible people in the world. Thank you Mom and Dad for teaching me about the unbelievable strength, undeniable beauty, and unbreakable friendship that embodies true love. I love you both with all of my heart, and hope I can be a fraction of the amazing spouse that you are to each other every single day, while keeping the Lord in the center of it all. God bless you on 37,000 more years of wedded bliss 👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻‍♂️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CV1ldqIsBY9/?utm_medium=tumblr

“Sister, you will tackle your unfigured-out dreams only when you give yourself permission to dream outside the box. Just try some stuff and show up as your full self, not an older version or more figured-out version. Don’t try to be the person you perceive others expect you to be. Be you, with your wild ideas and funny quirks and unfigured-out dreams and lack of expertise. When you do that, when you root yourself in faith and step beyond labels you may be wrapped up in, something divine happens. You may even fumble into a dream you didn’t know you had.” - @jordanleedooley (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSXkDgWrBg1/?utm_medium=tumblr

To my Miss New Jersey International successor, roomie, and sister queen, @missnjintl: I am so incredibly proud of you for placing as 2nd Runner-Up in the entire world at the Miss International 2021 Pageant. You truly shined all week, almost as much as your evening gown 😅✨ Taking the @intlpageants stage together was nothing short of amazing. Being there for each other backstage, whether it was to help put each other’s outfits on or for emotional support, was the absolute best. Thank you for all the late night heart-to-hearts, putting up with the sound machine I sleep with, and allowing me to borrow your heels without hesitation when the 10+ options I had did not work with my Tuesday night outfit 😂 Simply put, thank you for being such an awesome @njinternationalpageant sister queen. I am so proud to know you and call you a dear friend. 💇🏻‍♀️💄: @constantine_james ☀️: @glowinhoneytans18 👗: @marshalls @crowningaround_ @ashleylauren @rachelallan @mswomannjinternational2021 @clarissedesigns 💎: @lovisajewellery @happylittlebeast 👠: @boohoo @chineselaundry @benjaminwalkshoes . . . #njintlpageants #intlpageants #newjerseyinternationalpageants #internationalpageants #roadtomissinternational #2021intlcountdown #missinternational #missintl2021 #missgardenstateinternational #pageant #jerseystrong #jerseygirl #oceancounty #pointmetothebeach #pointpleasantbeach #1in5frombulliedtohealed #antibullying #cyberbullying #bullyingprevention #stopbullying #bullyingawareness #humanbeingmankind #stand4kind #countdowntothecrown #pageant #sisterhood #thankful #grateful #blessed (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSVO54PLUCt/?utm_medium=tumblr

To the Deepika to my Gina, @missintl2021/@missilintl, I love you so much and am so happy @intlpageants brought us together to become sisters for life. I would not have wanted to experience 3:30 AM hair and makeup sessions almost every day alongside anyone else! I am so proud of you for winning the Miss International 2021 crown with a quiet strength of class, character, regality, and integrity. I still am laughing over how much we were “twinning” during pageant week between being placed next to each other for our interview and stage lineups, sitting together on the bus, and wearing very similar outfits nearly all the time. I cannot wait to see how you will lead our sisterhood this year with your platform, “World for Water.” Please give this amazing and inspiring queen a follow on your social media platforms! 💇🏻‍♀️💄: @constantine_james ☀️: @glowinhoneytans18 👗: @parkavenuesouth @sherrihill @marshalls @jillianpaigespano @squandrygoods @julimeiboutique 💎: @happylittlebeast @constantine_james @lovisajewellery 👠: @benjaminwalkshoes @boohoo @shoedazzle . . . #njintlpageants #intlpageants #newjerseyinternationalpageants #internationalpageants #roadtomissinternational #2021intlcountdown #missinternational #missintl2021 #missgardenstateinternational #pageant #jerseystrong #jerseygirl #oceancounty #pointmetothebeach #pointpleasantbeach #1in5frombulliedtohealed #antibullying #cyberbullying #bullyingprevention #stopbullying #bullyingawareness #humanbeingmankind #stand4kind #countdowntothecrown #pageant #sisterhood #thankful #grateful #blessed (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPPsPzr5NI/?utm_medium=tumblr

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 What an exhilarating and unforgettable week it has been. Although I walked away not accomplishing the goals I set for the protection and justice of my “1-in-5ers,” I left knowing that God is directing my steps towards growing my platform, 1 in 5: From Bullied to Healed, in His way. The Lord has a distinct plan for each and every one of us, and I am forever grateful that He led me to the Miss International 2021 Pageant as a significant step with towards my purpose of bullying prevention. Thank you to my family and friends for pushing me to become a better version of myself every day, attending my events either in-person or virtually, sponsoring me, and giving me the most humbling recognitions. Thank you to my directors, @happylittlebeast and @kimmeeandu, for seeing a light in me since day one, holding me accountable as I grew as a queen, and loving me as your own. I am so blessed to call you my family. Thank you to my extended @njinternationalpageant family for your guidance, encouragement, and love. Your kind words of constructive criticism were critical in my preparation for the @intlpageants stage. I love you all so much. Thank you to my coach, @next_paige_productions, for reaching out to me on social media after we met a few years ago to tell me the words I will always carry in my heart: “You deserve to have a crown on your head.” You taught me that my worth is not based off whether I have a physical crown on my head, but as a crowned daughter of God. Thank you to my newfound family in the @ilintlpageants team for quickly welcoming me with open arms. @constantine_james (and Paige), you truly styled me to the nine’s every day. As I told you, you are “a magical unicorn” with an eye for creatively expressing my personality. Randi, you are a force to be reckoned with. I absolutely loved meeting you this week and the amazing words we shared. Stay tuned for more recognitions of my beautiful sister queens and special moments shared with them during the Miss International 2021 Pageant Week 👑🤍 (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSGRCktMi2l/?utm_medium=tumblr

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 What an exhilarating and unforgettable week it has been. Although I walked away not accomplishing the goals I set for the protection and justice of my “1-in-5ers,” I left knowing that God is directing my steps towards growing my platform, 1 in 5: From Bullied to Healed, in His way. The Lord has a distinct plan for each and every one of us, and I am forever grateful that He led me to the Miss International 2021 Pageant as a significant step with towards my purpose of bullying prevention. Thank you to my family and friends for pushing me to become a better version of myself every day, attending my events either in-person or virtually, sponsoring me, and giving me the most humbling recognitions. Thank you to my directors, @happylittlebeast and @kimmeeandu, for seeing a light in me since day one, holding me accountable as I grew as a queen, and loving me as your own. I am so blessed to call you my family. Thank you to my extended @njinternationalpageant family for your guidance, encouragement, and love. Your kind words of constructive criticism were critical in my preparation for the @intlpageants stage. I love you all so much. Thank you to my coach, @next_paige_productions, for reaching out to me on social media after we met a few years ago to tell me the words I will always carry in my heart: “You deserve to have a crown on your head.” You taught me that my worth is not based off whether I have a physical crown on my head, but as a crowned daughter of God. Thank you to my newfound family in the @ilintlpageants team for quickly welcoming me with open arms. @constantine_james (and Paige), you truly styled me to the nine’s every day. As I told you, you are “a magical unicorn” with an eye for creatively expressing my personality. Randi, you are a force to be reckoned with. I absolutely loved meeting you this week and the amazing words we shared. Stay tuned for more recognitions of my beautiful sister queens and special moments shared with them during the Miss International 2021 Pageant Week 👑🤍 (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSGO9-uL0Ag/?utm_medium=tumblr

Ask me how I am feeling about today being the Miss International Pageant Finals (and having a little piece of home, Jersey Mike’s, to celebrate)!!! 👑🤍 I cannot believe how fast this week has flown, and how much of an absolute dream it has been. Between meeting and creating such a special bond with my beautiful sister queens and meeting Mary and Mel along with the incredible International Pageants family, it has been the most amazing honor and privilege representing the Garden State on the international stage. The amount of growth I have had this week alone alongside my Miss International Class of 2021 sister queens is a once in a lifetime experience, and we are not taking any moment for granted. Thank you God for bringing me to this point. All the glory goes to You. Thank you to the best family and friends for supporting me day in and day out on this nearly 2-year journey. Thank you to my outstanding directors, coach, and mentors for believing in me, capitalizing upon my strengths, and focusing on improving my weaknesses. I would not be who I am today without you all. An extra special thank you goes out to my sweet little town of Point Pleasant Beach for all of the heart-warming well wishes. My eyes were filled with tears seeing my name on the big electronic billboard that welcomes everyone into town as well as the electronic billboard at the gorgeous White Sands Hotel & Spa. Finally, to my “1-in-5ers”: I hope I have made you proud this entire week and beyond because every step I make, every breath I take, and every word I say is FOR you - for all of us. I pray that you see yourselves in me through this experience, knowing that no matter all the ways your bullies have tried to define you, the authentic and unique way you shine will NEVER be taken away. Here is to the last 12 hours of the week I will always cherish so deeply in my heart 💕 Be sure to tune in LIVE by going to internationalpageants.tv a few minutes before 7:30 PM EST, which is showtime! 💇🏻‍♀️💄: @constantine_james ☀️: @glowinhoneytans18 (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSATCa1HqlI/?utm_medium=tumblr

The first half of Day 2 was, simply put, amazing 👑♥️ We first visited with some of our rising generation of beautiful and strong women at @girlsinckpt. It meant everything in the world to me to interact with these sweet little girls and remind them to never allow anyone to make them feel any less than the incredible people they are. (Please note we are permitted to post pictures of the girls.) We then headed to @highvoltagekpt, where we competed in an axe-throwing competition, made terrariums, had lunch, and played board games. I was SO excited to hit one bullseye out of my numerous attempts of axe-throwing, named the succulent in my terrarium “Stephen,” and learned how to play the card game, Exploding Kittens! A big THANK YOU goes out to @constantine_james for doing such an incredible job with this look. 💇🏻‍♀️💄: @constantine_james ☀️: @glowinhoneytans18 💎: @constantine_james 👗: @marshalls 👠: @boohoo (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR3iOGUrzD9/?utm_medium=tumblr

Wow, wow, WOW! Day 1 of the Miss International Pageant Week, Orientation, was an absolute dream. Swipe to see my excitement like a young child on Christmas morning 👑🤍 Stay tuned for Day 2, which will be full of amazing outings at Girls Inc., High Voltage, and Bellafina Chocolates…plus more fun activities! 💇🏻‍♀️💄: @constantine_james ☀️: @glowinhoneytans1866 💎: @lovisajewellery 👗: @jillianpaigespano 👠: @shoedazzle (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR08aQxLo2L/?utm_medium=tumblr

Wow, wow, WOW! Day 1 of the Miss International Pageant Week, Orientation, was an absolute dream. Swipe to see my excitement like a young child on Christmas morning 👑🤍 Stay tuned for Day 2, which will be full of amazing outings at Girls Inc., High Voltage, and Bellafina Chocolates…plus more fun activities! 💇🏻‍♀️💄: @constantine_james ☀️: @glowinhoneytans1866 💎: @lovisajewellery 👗: @jillianpaigespano 🥰 👠: @shoedazzle (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR04MltLD8D/?utm_medium=tumblr

Hi Tennessee, it is nice to finally meet you 🤩 It feels so incredibly surreal to be here today. What an absolute honor and privilege it is to share about the heart of my platform, 1 in 5: From Bullied to Healed, with a panel of the most outstanding and prestigious judges in just a few days. It has been such a treat arriving in Tennessee early to support my gorgeous sister queens, @mrsnjintl and @mrseastcoastintl2021 this weekend in the Mrs. International 2021 Pageant. I am over the moon to have already met several of my Miss International Class of 2021 sister queens, some of which I would have originally met last year. I cannot wait to spend the best week ever with these beautiful, resilient, kind, accomplished, faith-driven, and community-minded women. After making the very difficult decision in 2020 to defer competing in the Miss International Pageant to this year, I feel truly content that I made the right choice for the safety of my elderly grandparents during the peak of COVID-19. My family has and always will come first in my life right after God. Of course, with this spectacular glam by my magnificent hair and makeup artist for the week, @constantine_james, it is worth skipping ahead once again in the #2021IntlCountdown 👑🧡 (at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRwpWWuLM9-/?utm_medium=tumblr

#FitnessFriday is every day to me (even if I do not make it to the gym) because our health truly does start in the kitchen! As I mentioned in a recent post about the importance of making healthful nutrition decisions that are careered to us individually, the same can be said about our fitness choices. Personally, low-intensity interval training (known as LIIT) is the kind of exercise that works best for my body as I grew up primarily as a dancer, cheerleader, and softball player. LIIT is more gentle compared to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It does, however, require a longer workout (usually about 60 minutes versus about 30 minutes for HIIT) in order to receive all of its benefits. Today, I absolutely love to take pilates classes at my local gym, @vivefitness, because it targets many of the same muscles in our bodies as it does for forever ballerinas like myself. It also improves our flexibility, which is highly beneficial for preventing injuries. Most importantly, pilates truly makes me feel empowered, confident, and both mentally and physically healthy. PSA: I apologize in advance with the distraction of chewing gum in these videos. I will always be found with it during workouts as it helps me to stay focused! (at Toms River Fitness & Aquatic Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRtlZ7PLVTP/?utm_medium=tumblr