Alicia Blanks

Sip and Paint

2017-08-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

My evening was spent with some beautiful ladies from my church, St. Patrick's Pro Cathedral. We had a lovely time sipping and "trying" to paint. We will all keep our day jobs. Trust. It was very soothing to simply have fun with an empty canvas, everyone's painting was different. We all have our own story to tell and it showed in the way everyone painted.

At times it was frustrating... I hate painting flowers... I am not really a flower person to begin with and having to paint a flower irked me. But I did what I could do. When the night was over and we looked at one another's paintings we had this look of accomplishment and laughter!

I mean we aren't Picasso!

Pageant girls

2017-08-18T19:29:00.001-07:00

The past weekend I went to the National American Miss New Jersey and New York pageants to support some of my queens. The excitement on their faces, the friends they made, and the accomplishments of being on that stage is totally worth being addicted to pageants. I remember starting out when I was 8 years old. It was ok! You wear a big dress, little heels, hair done.. no makeup (too young) big smiles all the time. I received one award. I didn't even win I was first runner up for an award and I was hooked! I couldn't help myself. My mother asked me if I wanted to do it again and I said Yes!!

I practiced for an entire year and I made it to the semi finalist cut. But no cigar. So I practiced for another year. And that year. I brought the crown home. I was so smitten and happy and I cried like a little baby. Pageants can be a life changing experience for girls and women. There are a million different pageant systems out now, all have something unique to offer.

I loved seeing my girls up their. They all competed well and I know they will be back for that title. :)

The yellow dress

2017-08-10T20:28:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to make an appearance at the Monmouth County Raceway track. I had a blast! Everyone was so inviting and warm! I placed a bet on a horse. Didn't win, place, or show but I thought the name was cute :)
I wore a bright yellow dress that I bought at a local boutique in Newark. All of the women with huge hats came up to me to ask where I got my dress!

That's what I like about Newark, there are so many stores that you can find a keepsake. A lot of my dresses and everyday outfits come from that one store! The prices are so reasonable you'll come out with three huge shopping bags!

I won't give the name away! You have to come shopping with me ;)

Atlantic City

2017-08-09T09:56:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful time last weekend in AC. The weather was beautiful and the stores had some really good sales! I didn't bring my swim suit! But I had to get my feet wet, the water was so warm and inviting. Until next time!

Miss United States

2017-07-18T14:41:00.003-07:00

I had a wonderful time in Florida! I swam, got a tan, went to Disney Springs, and competed for the title of Miss United States.

All of the delegates competing were a pleasure to be around. I had a great time meeting all of them. The pageant was fun! I love competing. I did not bring the title home, but I am working on my own title and brand for myself. It wasn't in God's plane that I win this one. So on to another prayer and a new day.

Here are some pictures of the pageant and my fun vacation ;)

Savor Beauty

2017-06-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

This past Friday my sister queens and I had fun dressed in pink helping raise awareness about Breast cancer... shop for goodies... and mingle with experts. This all too place at Savor Beauty on 81st Street in New York City. I had a great time meeting the clients of Savor Beauty and the Beauty Experts. They taught me a lot about how to apply certain serums, face washes, and toners to my face. They gave me an awesome guide with ingredients to avoid for all types of cosmetics. Over all the experience was unforgettable. My mother was crowned queen! And won the raffle for a free facial! She offered the facial to me because nationals is coming up in less than a week so now, thanks to April from Savor Beauty I am ready to go for nationals! After the spa we all went to Arte Cafe, a lovely Italian Restaurant, with great gluten free options. My salmon was amazing I had to tell myself to take a picture of my plate before it was gone in two seconds.

I can't believe nationals is this weekend! It's going to be a wonderful experience I'm excited to see all of the other delegates, and sister queens!

Youtube Video

2017-06-20T08:12:00.001-07:00

I started a youtube channel! I am really excited for this one! I put together a little slideshow of all the events I have done through out my reign as Miss New Jersey United States. It has been an amazing year... I've met some incredible people, and I cannot wait to meet all of the other delegates vying for the title of Miss United States in Florida!

Be sure to subscribe to my channel!

Wedding season

2017-06-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

I had an amazing time being my dear friend Naiara's maid of honor. It was such a cool wedding and I know the happy couple are going to live a long wonderful life together.

The wedding was all hands on deck. Everyone chipped in to help out. The wedding was in Maryland it was a gorgeous day out, the reception was wonderful! I had my own table full of gluten free goodies. I didn't even need to ask what kind of oil they used to make the food. :) Happy gluten free me!

They played a game where the newly weds sat back to back and had to raise up the other ones shoe to answer the question. It was really creepy how they both answered every single question the same.
One question was "Who has the better taste in music?" Naiara answered with both shoes... and a few second later so did her husband!! It was so cute. That's love haha.

All of the bridesmaids dresses had to be lavender. It was so hard to find a lavender dress! But I finally found one and shoes to match :)

Appearances

2017-04-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been amazing!

I attended an Aspira Luncheon that gave college scholarships to high school Juniors and Seniors, I helped girls pick out their prom dresses with an organization called We are our sisters keeper, and I surprised some of my students by coming to class as Miss New Jersey United States! They were all so surprised and ran up to hug me!

The Aspira Luncheon was amazing I was able to meet so many wonderful people from Newark who are all about helping the community. I work with Aspira as a Creative Expression Coordinator; all of my classes are fun and educational. I was honored to come as Miss New Jersey United States 2017 and as a Newark native.

We are our sisters Keeper is run by an amazing group of women who want the best for each other. Women donated gowns for young high school girls to have a prom dress. As a pageant contestant I know that gowns can be very costly. All of the gowns that were donated were free to the girls. They were all so happy! The look on all of their faces when they found the right gown was just beautiful.

My dance students were really excited! I always start class on time and this time.... I didn't. I walked in 10 minutes late and everyone jumped up ready to take pictures! I loved showing my students what I've accomplished. I am a huge role model to them.

Miss New Jersey United States 2017

2017-04-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

On April 8th I had the honor to compete for the title of Miss New Jersey United States 2017. Phases of competition include Interview, Swim Suit, Evening Wear, and On stage question. The day started off with interview and ended with a wonderful crowning ceremony.

I had the best time meeting the other contestants, getting to know them, and feeling the excitement for the pageant. My interview went really well, there were three judges. We talked about my platform and how I prepared for the pageant. I love interview! Getting to speak with the judges one on one about who you are and why you should be the next representative for your state may sound challenging, but if it's what you want, interview is a breeze.

Swim suit and Evening wear were fun competitions as well! Finding the right suit and gown are always a head ache. Every contestant wants that perfect suit or gown that will make them shine on stage. My evening gown was blue long sleeved with a low back, I felt like a queen in this gown and it showed! I won best gown at the pageant! When looking for the right suit and gown it's not about what the dress looks like in the mirror... it's about how you feel in the gown or swim suit.

On stage question has to be my absolute favorite, it gives the audience and the judges a chance to see how well you can speak in front of a large group of people, how well you answer the question, and how composed you are. My onstage question was "If there was one thing you could change about yourself what would it be?" My answer was my height! Heels are my passion but being 5'8 would be nice!

Overall I had an amazing time meeting new people and networking with different title holders. I cannot wait for the National Miss United States Pageant! It will be held in Orlando Florida from June 30-July 8th.

Stay tuned for more exciting news about my year as Miss New Jersey United States 2017!

Long Jacket

2017-03-09T07:53:00.001-08:00

I've never been a fan of long jackets but I am now hooked. I feel like they make me taller and can make any outfit look classy. There is a wonderful boutique about 10 blocks from my house, I find all of my goodies there. The shoes, and the jacket are from the boutique. The jeans are from the store The Limited, the shirt and necklace were a gift. :)

Loving my blues

2017-03-03T20:31:00.003-08:00

When your shoes can match your jacket why not wear both?!? Ive been in a very blue mood lately... and not in a bad way. A lot of my outfits have been showing a hint of blue some where. This time I just accentuated a little.

Shoes Shoedazzle Pants/Jacket Boutique

Blue Shoes

2017-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

I love my Steve Madden Blue Swede shoes! The moment I saw them in the window at the store I had to buy them! Talk about impulsive purchase! The weather is looking a lot like spring... I am a little glad... winter was pretty cold. But we are still in the winter season so the warm weather is a tad bit scary.

Going to a mascarade party tonight! That should be tons of fun! For now here are the links to my outfit!

Shoes: stevemadden.com Shirt forever21.com Pants: Boutique

Jersey City

2017-02-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

It was such a lovely evening in Jersey City, people were out an about, jogging, drinking coffee, casual dates...

I had to stop and enjoy the view. I have been working on promoting a lot of my events, and brainstorming on how to spread the word to others in the surrounding areas. It's a work in progress. But I know it'll all be worth it in the end.

Shoes/Pants: forever21.com Coat: h&m.com

Better late than never.

2017-02-20T07:06:00.001-08:00

My birthday weekend was a couple of weeks ago.... But I had a blast! I had the best company and we partied till we couldn't anymore. I am 26! Ah that feels... funny. I'll get used to saying I'm 26 by April. haha

My Outfit is from Windsor! windsorstore.com They always have really cool jumpers, dresses, shoes, purses... need I go on?

Today is a gorgeous day! Go out and own it!

African American Museum

2017-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

I had the most amazing time at the African American museum, the museum is in Washington D.C. and everyone needs to visit this magical place.
The floors are full of educational thrillers, and memories. Every where I turned there was someone remembering a time in the civil rights movement or a specific song. It was a great atmosphere to be a part of.

This museum is worth the trip. I highly recommend for all ages.

Change

2016-12-30T18:51:00.000-08:00

Time for new beginnings... Literally. It's almost as if I can taste the change. I've dreamt about a change happening... It feels like something will. I am very hopeful. I am setting up a schedule for each month and I am going to stick with the regimen. It's going to be different, at times difficult.. hence the change. But it is needed. I have that feeling of being stuck; I don't like to be stuck. (no body puts baby in a corner)

I am going to make this a different year, with more friends, more travels, more places I feel I can call home.
I like change, change can be a good and bad thing but, in this case change is good.

Hot Chocolate

2016-12-05T09:45:00.002-08:00

I went out to Bryant Park in NYC and went ice skating! I was terrified going out on the ice but once I got the hang of it I was flying! ... Well skating! So many people were there Saturday, family, friends, boyfriends with their girlfriends, it was a magical time! I wish I could have stayed longer. The hot chocolate was really good! I haven't had really awesome hot chocolate in a long time. It was way over due.

These boots are made for walkin

2016-11-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely day walking in oddly warm winter weather. I had an itch to wear my oversized grey and black sweater... I couldn't decide which boots to pair with the outfit.. and then I found them! My awesome over the knee red boots. They are so comfortable and easy. I can wear them with almost anything.
It was a perfect day for my boots. I bought the boots at windsor its an awesome store with so many cool finds. Every time I go to the mall I have to stop their first.

Well today is all about working from home and research. Have a great day! :*

My friendsgiving.

2016-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an amazing day spent with two women I hold dear to my heart. I love both of them so much. We rarely have time to see one another because we all have busy lives trying to take over the world in some way shape or form. But when we are with each other we laugh, cry, laugh some more, joke around, and always get lost in a good time. I met these two beauties in 2010 at Georgian Court University, getting to know them and their secrets made me fall in love with my circle of friends. We know how we feel as soon as one of us walks in to a room, texts anyone, raises an eyebrow, or rolls their eyes. That level of friendship does not come easy. We've had our fair share of fights and crazy nights, coffee days, and tequila nights, and of course pulling an all nighter. We have share stories, makeup, clothes, shoes, just to name a few. Our mothers are crazy about us and I couldn't be happier with an awesome sauce group of friends. I am really thankful for my girls, I love you!

Yesterday we went to see the inflation of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Balloons. I don't even like balloons but this was pretty cool to watch. It all happened right outside of the Museum of Natural History on 81st street in New York. It was wonderful; a lot of picture taking.. singing with strangers.. and trying to take a kids balloon without them noticing ;) (I kid I kid)

After a long walk and ooh's and ahh's we went to a lovely Mexican restaurant, laughed some more, with guacamole and tacos. We went to visit the Columbia University campus.. It was amazing! Melissa will be graduating this May with her as a graduate student! I could not be more proud! I'm going to attend her ceremony and probably scream even louder than her mom! ;)

The night soon came to an end after a cool sample of some fruity spicy beers. Now we are all home with family getting ready to have dinner :) Yesterday was a happy day. Would not want it any other way.

Pageant Experience

2016-10-23T08:36:00.001-07:00

I competed in the Miss New Jersey USA Pageant last weekend. I was on a mission this year, and it didn't turn out the way I expected. This particular year there were a lot of new Miss contestants, and the pageant was very green and clean. It almost felt like a party! My interview suit was a killer pant suit, I had my evening gown made, and my swim suit was clean white. I wore my hair in a bun this year because my hair never wants to cooperate with me. I felt at ease knowing that all I had to do was pin up my hair. ;)

I didn't make the top 18... I was really bummed about it but each year I grow and learn something new about myself. I am thinking about competing next year.. not too sure, we will see what the year has to offer..

I had a large support group this year, it was awesome to see a lot f family and friends cheering for me. :)

Never give up! Girls that do pageants.. or anything that you set your mind to. It's a journey. We can't get discouraged because one set of judges had a different mind set. Keep going for the crown, job, house, pair of shoes, anything!

Totally Awesome

2016-09-17T07:39:00.002-07:00

Last night I had the most wonderful time, I went to a tequila bar, took two cabs, danced till I had to go home, and met some cool people. I work for a really cool company called Total Entertainment. They are amazingly awesome at controlling chaos, and doing it well. I auditioned with a cool group of people and we are slowly starting to become friends. On Bowery there was an after party for a fashion show, a guy, named Chris Porter, was debuting his new hit Catwalk killa it was dope. Yes I said it D.O.P.E. Could not have asked for a better time.

Tonight I am doing it all again! But this time for work! Back in NYC for another party. Life is great right now, I am happy with my jobs and how my career is moving along.
My outfit for the night was from Windsor, literally everything!

Feelin good

2016-09-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! I went to White Plains New York and had a pageantry reunion with some wonderful crown heads. I love going to pageants I've competed in when I was younger, and looking at how the pageant has grown or changed their logo... I feel old now haha.

My queen for my pageant system, Miss Diamond Shine, was competing at a pageant called MAC Pageants. Also known as American Coed Pageants. I won this pageant when I was 9 years old. And watching the pageant now makes me feel so proud to say that.

My little queen did well. She won a lot of optionals, and looked amazing in her evening gown. I can't wait to find out if she won in her age division.

I wore some nude heels today because I never ever wear these specific pair of shoes... I don't know why... but I decided to wear them today and they are comfy! Totally wearing them again maybe tomorrow!

Florida was great... But too hot

2016-08-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of the month I went down to florida to compete in the World's perfect pageant. It was a wonderful experience. I've competed in this pageant before and I've always made the top 15 but never seem to make the top 5.. Well that didn't change I didn't make the top 5 but I felt amazing on the stage and performed my best. I won the broadcast journalism award for my on stage question, and everyone loved my gown!

I tried to have a little fun while I was there but in the midst of having fun I wanted to get my eye lashes put on professionally and I went to the MAC at the Florida Mall, met a lovely man named Nelson and he was my makeup fairy god artist. He was amazing I looked so good, I fell in love with his work. And I got free mascara with every purchase ;)

The pageant was fun but it's back to work and I've been doing pretty well; haven't stressed out over little things. I am going to the Poconos for my next vacation and I cannot wait!

Beach Day

2016-07-24T17:52:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful time today with my mom, and everyone else, at the beach. The water was cold at first but I just took a really deep breath and ran for it. It was a nice relaxing day before another crazy week. There is so much to do and so little time. I started planning out my career and writing down my next chapter with my mom, I really listen to her because she knows what is right for me, and what path I should take. Of course the end result is up to me, but its always nice to have a helping hand. ;)

My outfit received a lot of compliments today! The outfit is a two piece from Aerie! I saw it and had to have it! I love when pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, have pockets!!