Its been a while hasn't it!

Hey Everyone!

I apologize for not updating my blog. These past few months have been extremely hectic! You guys wouldn't believe how much work goes into getting ready for a national competition. And on top of preparing for Miss USA, i'm still obligated to my appearances as Miss Florida! I really can't complain though, i am truly having the time of my life.

Lets see, since i last updated i've done a TON of appearances. I was a special guest at the Seminole Tribal Fair at the HardRock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, and the tribe also invited my mom and I to  their Brighton Reservation to judge the Miss Brighton Princess pageant! Always a good time with the Seminoles! One of my favorite appearances so far has been Miss Florida USA Polo Day at the International Polo Club of Palm Beach. There was a delicious brunch, a great polo match, and I got to hang out with a bunch of my pageant friends and family! It was such a wonderful event!

Kayla and I had a blast at the Able Trust Foundation Gala @ Mar a Lago in Palm Beach, and we even got to meet Mr. Donald Trump himself. I was also an special guest and model in the "Green" fashion show at the Arthur Marshall Luncheon. I had the chance to help out the city of Hollywood at the International Cruise Line convention in Miami Beach, and was also a model in the Fashionably Green runway show during Miami Fashion week. There were 29 other international beauty queens in show, including Miss Colombia, Taliana Vargas (1st RU to Miss Universe!).

Aside from the exciting appearances, i've been gearing up for Miss USA.. BIG TIME! With the help of my outstanding team of interview coaches, stage coaches, designers, and personal trainers, I am beyond ready to kick butt at nationals! I can't thank you all enough for coming out to my send off party! We had such an overwhelming turn out and I really appreciate all of your support.

I'll be updating my blog as often as I can while i'm in Vegas! Keep your fingers crossed and keep me in your prayers :-)

Love, 

Anastagia

I had a really great appearance with the Seminole Tribe today, and since i'm just sitting here anxiously waiting to see Sierra kick butt at Miss America, i figured i'd blog about it! 

  

(top: with Wanda Bowers -- bottom: with Alexis a contestant in Jr. Miss)

In July i had the pleasure of being a judge at the Miss Florida Seminole pageant. Not only was I incredibly impressed with the girls and the committee’s hospitality, but I was completely blown away at how much I learned about the Seminole culture! Miss Wanda Bowers the director of the pageants asked if i would take a trip out to Clewiston today to be a special guest at their seminar day. I spoke mostly about public speaking skills, but I was also able to give the girls some pointers on the competition from a judges point of view. I had a great time! The seminoles are good people :-)

Alright its almost time! Go Florida!

-Anastagia

Hey Everyone!

Well, its about three weeks into the new year and i'm loving every minute of 2009 so far! I've been keeping busy as always :-). I had a sleepover at Mary Lou's house with Kayla (check out her blog also!). We had a lot of fun, and it was great getting to know her better. We picked out some great shoes at Sergio Zelcer and ended the day at Marc Durso of ActTrue's acting class. I also attended the Miss Hollywood USA and Miss Ft Myers USA seminar days, which were both lots of fun. I had the chance to meet some of the new contestants, and also reunite with some old friends! 

(Kayla and I at Sergio Zelcer)

The city of Hollywood organizes an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gala and i was the emcee for the evening. It was so wonderful to have such an important job on such an inspirational evening. 

But i'd have to say that my most memorable moment of 2009 thus far, was my ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado!! I wasn't able to spend as many days as i would have liked to out there, but I still had an amazing time. There's just something about skiing down a huge mountain with the cold wind in my hair, that puts me in a great mood :-)

86 short days until Miss USA! I'm working hard to find the perfect gown, and Carry and David at Regalia have been so helpful! Don Baker and Judith Coffman are absolutely phenomenal. And a special thanks goes out to my friends and family for keeping me away from the cookies and brownies! lol.

(with Interview Coach - Don Baker)

Love,

Anastagia

Hey guys! Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season. I was able to spend some quality time with my family and friends over the holiday break, which was long over-due. I got a new macbook computer for Christmas!... which was also long over-due, lol and i'm so thankful to finally have it!

Well since i last posted, i've done tons of appearances. In November, I attended the Best Buddies Gala in Miami Beach! Best Buddies is the official charity for the Miss Universe Organization, and Miss USA, Crystle Stewart and Miss Universe, Dayanna Mendoza were both in attendance -- needless to say I had a great time!

I attended another red carpet event called "Hollywood Welcomes The Stars" at the Diplomat Country Club. Local celebrities and pro-athletes of South Florida came together to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club. Everyone from Marti and Wayne Huizenga, to the Miami Dolphins Mascot, T.D., were on the guest list!

And of course the famous Winterfest Boat Parade! Its truely amazing to sail down the Ft. Lauderdale intercoastal with over 100 illuminated boats, and to see thousands of spectators. I encourage you to take a trip out to watch it next year -- it really puts you in the holiday spirit!

Throughout the month of December I was able to lend a helping hand to the Black Doll Affair, The Junior Orange Bowl, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, and to the Miami Dade Chamber. A special thanks to all of you for letting me be apart of your organization and festivities!

Now that the holidays are over, its time to work! Miss USA is in 98 days and counting and I am getting so excited! I'll post next week to let you all know what i've been up to! Take care.

Love, Anastagia

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween! I was feeling a little under the weather, but I still had such a good time with my friends. Most of us just improvised on our costumes, and some came up with some pretty creative ideas (to say the least, lol) it was a fun time.

I've had some great appearances since I last posted. I had a cover shoot for Weston Lifestyle Magazine! I will say that it was pretty chilly that day, 50 degrees is freezing to us Floridians! But it was definitely a pleasure working with everyone: My make up artist- Rory, the photographer- Patty Daniels and her assistant Sy... You guys are wonderful, Thank You!!

I also had my first official appearance with my new little sister Kayla! It was a picnic at Amelia Earhart Park in Miami. Kayla was running on about 4 hours of sleep in 48 hours, and I had gotten my wisdom teeth extracted only a few days before. We were both beyond exhausted, but somehow we made it work :). She's a great girl and im excited to start our year as Team Florida 09!


Up next for me is the Junior Orange Bowl Pageant. I'll be the mistress of ceremonies and a key note speaker. The Junior Orange Bowl has always had a special place in my heart, so i am very excited for that one. Take care guys :)

Love,
Anastagia

Welcome!!

Hey everybody!

Im so excited to get this blog up and running. I know everyone is curious about what i've been up to so far as Miss Florida USA, so i think this blog will be a great way to keep everyone updated! My reign has been absolutely fantastic since i won in July. Classes and appearances have been keeping me very busy, but i can honestly say that i'm having the time of my life. I'll be sure so post at least once a week, and i look forward to your feedback as well, so leave comments :). Enjoy!

Love,
Anastagia