Good morning everyone!

I wanted to take the time to blog a few things!  As the weeks start the count down to the Mrs International pageant, I'm shifting into high gear.  


This is my very first national pageant and I'm so excited to meet so many amazing people!

My pageant prep has gone a bit like this, lots of working out, and eating healthy.  That's really the hard part! LOL  Working on my platform and job have been very easy!  Those of you who know me, know how much I love to cook and feed people.  The last few months, have been open to just about anything.  Cooking on the beach in Florida,  to making veggie burgers on the highest mountain in PA! LOL   We can't forget, delivering a giant welcome Summer snack "table" to families who are in need! I sat in the children's classroom crown and sash waiting for them to come in after recess and when they walked in and saw me sitting there with all those snacks....they were SO happy!! Since I have been blessed with the title of Mrs Pennsylvania International, I jump on every opportunity I can to let the children know that I'm someone who cares about them and their family.  Our society is so face paced and we need to stop and take a minute to let people know, "I'm here,and care and want to help"! The joy on the faces of children and their families when you give them food, or teach them how make a certain food, is absolutely priceless!   Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.   I know, this is going to be on my grave stone when I die, because this is my motto in life, I say this 50 times a day! (but it's SO true,  my dream job, would be to travel the world feeding and teaching as many people as possible  how to fish (cook)!!!


In the next few weeks, I will be heading South  to host a supper club at Viking, Lakewood Ranch center, and can't wait to see so many of my friends, and family!  The menu, as follows:

• Black Bean Veggie Sliders with Southwest Salsa & Homemade Corn Chips
• Garden Cheese Steak
• Homemade Sweet Potato Fries
• Mini Chocolate Cheesecake

Hello Everyone!

I'm officially back to my blog page! I was having some issues with my web address, but now I'm back to blogging.   So much to blog!!! 

I am so blessed, to be able to travel and promote the Blessings in a Backpack organization. ( not only in PA, but all over the US)  These last few weeks, It was a joy to be able to visit so many organizations and be able to cook with the children and spend time with their families.  

The last few weeks have given me many opportunities to help within the community and nation!

Saturday, April 28th was the Celebrity Basketball Game and Slam Dunk Contest signature fundraising event for the Clifton R. Lewis Good Life Foundation. Held annually at GNA High School in Nanticoke PA, the event attracts professional athletes, celebrities, musicians and spectators from all over NEPA and across the country. 

They play to raise important funds that go directly toward helping families with Muscular Dystrophy live a better, more accessible life through special equipment, accessibility assistance, funding for research and the Dream Creator. Last year’s event paved the way to help 12 families and make 2 special children’s dreams come true! It was great to meet Steve McLendon, Kenny Dobbs, Todd Bodine, Darnell Stapleton, Chad Szeliga, Carlos Smothers, Josh Seibert, Roscoe Johnson Jr, and most of all Cliff Lewis and his family. The the founders of the Lewis Foundation.  Inspiring to see all the great things they do for so many families.  

This week we were in Savannah, GA visiting the restaurant of Mrs Paula Deen, the food was great and Toni was a gem! I made sure I purchased a few cook books before leaving.  These signed cookbooks will be raffled off at our Blessings in a Backpack fundraiser the end of June!  

Our trip to Florida was the best, my sister in law was married on a beautiful island in  Florida!  It was SO much fun.  We had to take a water taxi to the island and leave behind our cars, driving golf carts around most of the weekend! I will say, it was  nice to detach with our family for a few days!  Sunday was Mother's Day, and most of you know, my husband doesn't cook much! Well......He and my Father in law,  made a wonderful diner with spaghetti, salad and garlic bread!!  ( my Father in law doesn't cook either!) It was a great meal and we were all impressed.  Job well done!!!

We were also educated on down home Southern cooking! YUM, I love the smell of beef brisket. Did you know you can feed about 12-15 people on one brisket.  I'm going to check this out! This may be one for the recipe book!  

Tomorrow is a "Zumbathon", at the Northwest Intermediate School, Mrs Axtell is heading the Zumbathon! She is a teacher at the Intermediate school and Zumba instructor.   All proceeds will go to Blessings in a Backpack!

Another fun event is the Blessings in a Backpack chopped competition, between staff at Northwest Area! I can't wait to see what's "Created" with these foods in the backpack! This is a fun, yet educational experience for the children  to see what's really in those back packs, and what they can contribute to them as well.  

This weekend will be the Harrisburg  Senators game.  A few weeks ago, my sister queens and I did a walk for the Arthritis foundation, at Pennsylvania State University, Altoona. 

I met Suzanne Sheaffer,  her daughter passed away this year, after being diagnosed with dermatomyositis. Which  is a connective-tissue disease.  Suzanne's goal is raise as much community awareness and early recognition nationwide!  Through her research and discussions with the myosotis and arthritis foundation .  

You would never know,  how devastating arthritis can be to children as well as adults. Did you know that in 1984, Ricky Bell  A pro NFL player died from dermatomyositis,  Their are so many stories like Sarah and  Ricky's.  I want to help Suzanne with funding this awareness.  Suzanne is going to be speaking at the Senator's game, and the memorial picnic on Sunday, May 20th heading a balloon launch in Sarah's honor. .  I know as a Mom, it must be very hard for her to do this, but I will be there to support her as she takes a stand against arthritis.