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AJ’s Adventures: Pageant 101

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 3.22.11

Hey PhillyIn Crowd!

I may have seemed suspiciously M.I.A. lately, but I’ve actually been very busy. And I’ve got some big news! In case you haven’t heard, let me be the first to tell you that on November 29, 2010, I won the title of Miss Pennsylvania USA 2011 and I will be representing our fabulous state in the Miss USA pageant!

I’m cheesing as I write this because it brings me such joy. =) ….. Ahhhhhh! Talk about a fantasy come true! I eat, breathe and sleep this stuff! But, since most of you probably don’t, let me be your substitute teacher for the day and give you a little Pageant 101.

First of all, this is NOT the Miss America pageant. Miss USA and Miss America are two totally different women, who represent two totally different organizations. So let’s clear up the confusion.

The Miss USA pageant is owned and operated by the Miss Universe Organization, a joint venture of the boss man himself, DONALD J. TRUMP, and NBC Universal. Miss USA is a beauty pageant in which 51 ladies from across the United States compete in interview, swimwear and evening gown. (No, you won’t see me singing, dancing, hula hopping or twirling a baton. There is no talent competition in the Miss USA pageant. That’s Miss America. Sorry folks.) The judge’s select their “Top 15″ based on the results of those competitions and the “Top 15” compete on national TV for the number one spot, Miss USA. Miss USA then goes on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant (That’s another difference. The Miss America system does not have a global competition.)

The “insider” description of the difference between the two pageants is that Miss America is the “Girl Next Door” and Miss USA is the “Girl You Wish Lived Next Door”. But, I didn’t make that joke up, so don’t shoot the messenger. ;)

Miss USA Miss America
Began: 1952 Began: 1921
Owner: Donald Trump (since 1996) Owner: Miss America Organization
Network: NBC Network: ABC
National Competition Month: June National Competition Month: January
Type: Beauty Pageant Type: Scholarship Pageant
Location: Las Vegas, NV Location: Originally, Atlantic City, NJ. Now, Las Vegas, NV
Current title holder: Rima Fakih (Michigan) Current Title Holder: Teresa Scanlan (Nebraska)
Teen Division: Miss Teen USA Miss America’s Outstanding Teen
No talent competition Includes talent competition
Fun Fact: Halle Berry was Miss Ohio USA 1986Famous Title Holders include: Shanna Moakler, Ali Landry, and Kenya Moore. Fun Fact: In, 1950 Miss America, Yolande Betbeze, refused to pose for publicity pictures while wearing a swimsuit. Pageant sponsor Catalina decided to pull their sponsorship off the pageant, and create their own competition, Miss USA.
Winner competes in Miss Universe: 7 Miss USA’s have won the Miss Universe Crown No global competition
“Girl You Wish Lived Next Door” “Girl Next Door”

The Miss USA pageant is going down on June 19th at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas and will be nationally televised on NBC, but the fun has actually already begun! You can log on to the Miss USA website now to “rate” the contestants. Just follow this LINK and give me 5 stars! The actual “Miss Photogenic” voting will be held right before the Pageant, so stay tuned for an update on that later.

So, what does a pageant girl do between winning her state crown and competing for the national title? A LOT!

First things first, there’s a ton of preparation for the Miss USA pageant; photo shoots, gown fittings, mock interviews, retreats, intense workouts, sponsorship meetings– the list goes on and on. There’s so much to do to make sure I represent PA to the fullest in Vegas this June, but I’m up to the challenge.

Next, I’m logging even more than my typical frequent flier miles. I make frequent trips to Pittsburgh (where the pageant headquarters are located) to see my state director Randy Sanders. I’ve also been to West Virginia multiple times, attended retreats in Virginia and Florida, and appeared at a pageant in Connecticut. I also took a detour to Texas and I have been handling business in New York. Wow! That’s a lot of miles, even for a jetsetter like myself.

Lastly, I’ve been making appearances on behalf of the Miss Pennsylvania Organization. I continue to work with PhillyIn’s favorite philanthropic organization, Students Run Philly Style and am now a member of the Roxborough High School Running Team. I made a visit to the “Arc of Philadelphia” to support the Philadelphia Developmentally Disabled Corporation, spoke at the Organization of Chinese Americans New Year Celebration, appeared in Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade and greeted teens at Enon Tabernacle Church Youth Dinner Dance – Just to name a few!

You can find more photos from these events and more on facebook at www.facebook.com/amberjoiw or follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/RealMissPAusa to keep up with me and stay posted on what’s next! Also, as we get closer to the Miss USA Pageant, there will be a “Miss USA Update” page at official state page www.misspennsylvaniausa.com.  Check there for details soon!

Oh, and one last thing, I had the opportunity to do an interview with Will Henderson, “the pageant guy”. Check it out thepageantguy.com.

Amber-Joi Watkins with Will Henderson \”The Pageant Guy\”

I can’t even begin to express how honored I feel to have this title. I’m living my dream every day!!! I’m so thankful for this gift and all of the support that I have received in this journey thus far. So – Thanks PA! And stay tuned for more updates on my Road to Miss USA!!!

 

PA Ballet sends Young Philly a friend request!

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 3.11.11

I have a confession to make. I quit ballet. I was young. I was bored.  I was impatient.  And, I wanted to dance like Paula Abdul or Janet Jackson.  But that was then.  This is now!

Looking back, I wish I had given myself a “good talking to”. “Listen little girl! Suck it up! If you do this now, life will be so much richer when you’re older!”

Alas, though I continued to study “jazz” and “tap”, and expanded my repertoire by taking “hip hop” and eventually even taking “modern” for a spin; regrettably, I never returned to ballet. It’s shameful, I know. 

Somehow, I managed still to finesse my way into a career as a professional dancer.  Hard work, fitness, and passion can take you far, I suppose — Oh! — and really big, ginormous smiles. Did I mention them? (Dad always says, when I dance, I light up; like someone has plugged me in and flipped the switch.  “No fluorescent bulb, my girl.  Incandescence!” – I can’t speak to that.  I never see me.  In fact, I see very little when I dance. I mostly hear. The music. It’s all about the music.)

So, here I am, a little sad, but very grateful, finally acquiring a taste for the dance-path-not-taken — ballet. Mostly, thanks to a friendship with PA Ballet soloist, Barette Vance, that grew quite by chance out of an interview I conducted for PhillyIn. And, although I prefer modern pieces, filled with intensity and intrigue, that push creative boundaries, I determined to see the ultra-classical Swan Lake. It is the “Year of the Swan”, after all.

Even if you’ve recently experienced the disturbing pleasure of this year’s mega thriller, “The Black Swan” — what you may NOT have noticed, is that many of those fine young ladies and gents pirouetting and “arabesque-ing” around Academy Award winning actress, Natalie Portman, are members of our very own Pennsylvania Ballet! Way to go, home team!

I can almost taste the tension building in the PA Ballet’s practice studio, as rehearsals for Swan Lake begin. A demanding piece to be sure! The distracting adoration an Oscar winning smash can elicit! The heightened, if only superstitious, concern of friends and family for one of their own taking on a role that drove the fictional Nina mad! The inevitable crunch for time, and the risk of a major production with which every lover of ballet is familiar! The angst! It feels ripe for its own movie trailer. Should we pity, the sacrificial lamb (er, swan) thrown into this vortex of anxiety by being selected for greatness. 

There’s the uncanny fact, strange but true, that Roy Kaiser, Artistic Director of the PA Ballet, had selected “Swan Lake” for this season BEFORE he discovered that his troupe was needed for “Black Swan”. Eerie huh? Might make the hair on the back of my neck stand up a little, had I been a dancer who had just participated in the making of such a dark film, only to  witness my artistic director, shortly thereafter, striding into the room and announcing that we’d be dancing “The Swan” again (and without Natalie).  I mean, come on!

After attending a matinée performance at the Academy of Music, I was fortunate to catch THE “sacrificial swan”, Brooke Moore, who has starred as Odette/Odile this season.

KATE: I got dizzy watching you on Sunday! How many turns DO you actually do in that scene? (For those of you who haven’t seen Swan Lake or Black Swan, there’s a very challenging turn sequence, in the third act, that Portman’s character famously struggles with in the movie.  Brooke made it look like a piece of cake. Black forest cake!)

BROOKE: I think there are about 30.

KATE: Wow, and I’m still perfecting my double! (Double turn that is — not cake.  I’ve already perfected the double when it comes to cake. “Seconds please!”).  So, the PA ballet selected two swans to alternate performances. Did the director fear that one of his swans might crack under the pressure?

BROOKE: “I didn’t find out I was doing the part until four weeks ago! The reason we even GOT the opportunity was because two of our principals are pregnant. So they passed the torch to us.” (Brooke — a soloist, and her friend, Lauren Fadeley — a corps dancer, alternate as the Swan Queen). “This is probably the biggest part I will ever play.”

“At first, it was a little daunting, because, not only is it technical, but there’s the emotional and the character aspect of it – it’s not something you want to do in three weeks. You want more time to build. But I had an incredible partner. Once we started going, there was no turning back. It was really exciting and a lot of fun for me too, because I absolutely love the acting side.”

KATE: Girls dream about this role, but I’ll admit, I’m a big fat scaredy cat. The movie gave me chills. (My date will confirm that I had my eyes covered for much of it.) Were you at all nervous or superstitious?

BROOKE: “I saw the movie with fellow dancers at the premiere. And, I did know we were doing Swan Lake. But, I DIDN’T know I would be playing the Swan Queen. (Natalie Portman’s character). The day after I found out, my boyfriend joked, “Should we go see Black Swan for character research?”

KATE: The acting part is a certainly a challenge, and Portman has now received an Oscar for her performance. Do you see any parallels with Portman’s character?

BROOKE:  “In the movie, she’s kind of the opposite of me. White swan came really easy to her. But she had to really fight for black swan.”

KATE: O really, so would say you’re more of a Black Swan?

BROOKE: “Well, I’m actually more of a grey swan! But yeah, if I had to pick, I’m more Black Swan. I’m extroverted and outgoing. And, I’m definitely not naïve and innocent. Black Swan is more of my own personal character. A little feisty! I mean, I AM a red head.”

KATE: So, we have a multiple personality disorder going on here. No wonder she loses her cool (and her marbles) in the movie. What do you do to transform from the one character to the other, mid-show?

BROOKE: “Honestly, during performances – the wardrobe change from the white tutu to the black tutu – it sort of switches the character automatically. And the music really drives me.”

KATE: The tutus are stunning. I was downright tickled at how sparkly you were! (And somewhat jealous. – How “Black Swan” of me.) Sorry, I forgot, for a moment, that  we were talking drama! Black Swan is a Hollywood Thriller. But, what are some of the realities and pressures in the life of member of a professional ballet company?

BROOKE: “The general tone from the movie was mostly correct. I mean, it is a very competitive world. One of the principals explained it to me —  that this role in particular – well — it’s a role of a lifetime.”

“And it truly is. I’m sure there were others who wished to be cast in the role. After all, growing up, most dancers would kill to be Swan Queen. Nevertheless, everyone was so supportive, all of my friends, everyone else in the company. I couldn’t have done it without their support. That’s how demanding it is; and how much work has to be put into it; and how much emotion. If I hadn’t had the support from the other swans on stage, and from all of my friends really encouraging me, it wouldn’t have happened.”

KATE: Just watch out for Mila Kunis when you’re back stage! Any other parallels?

BROOKE: “A little bit of trying to get the directors eye and his attention, that’s basically true. Really, just the portrayal of how hard we work, and how much we put into it. The movie IS ballet, just exaggerated. It took all of the things that ARE actually there and took them way past.”

KATE: I just hope there’s a “no sharp objects in the dressing room” rule?

BROOKE: Laughs, “No, most of us are pretty sane!”

KATE: So, now we’ve come to the best part, the ballet has re-established their Young Friends program that includes special deals for the 21-39 crowd. The “PhillyIn” crowd if you will. And it kicks off this weekend. So why should young people come to the ballet? Give us the sell!

BROOKE: “It’s true. Most of our audience consists of children, on one end, and of an older generation that have attended the ballet forever, on the other. There’s a lack of 20s-40s in the middle. I think that there is something in the ballet for everyone; whether its storied ballets like Swan Lake (some people love them) or whether it’s the more contemporary pieces.

Personally, I want to share what I love so much, and what I’m most passionate about, with people who are going through the same things in life as me. Come see what I do, and what I’ve been working on since I was 8. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

You can be a Young Friend!

PA Ballet Young Friends on Facebook

Pennsylvania Ballet Young Friends is a newly-formed group of young professionals ages 21 to 39 who support Pennsylvania Ballet and serve as ambassadors to a younger generation.

Members of Pennsylvania Ballet Young Friends are offered distinctive opportunities to expand their understanding and enjoyment of Pennsylvania Ballet through special events with an exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective, like parties with Pennsylvania Ballet dancers and invitations to studio rehearsals. Membership begins with an annual donation of $100. For a full list of member benefits or to join Pennsylvania Ballet Young Friends, visit paballet.org/young-friends.  

So are YOU a White Swan or a Black Swan?

If you’re interested in being a Young Friend, but want to take it for a “spin” before making the commitment, (I know as a “young person” with “my mind on my money and my money on my mind” I like to give things a trial run) than join Pennsylvania Ballet Young Friends at Swan Lake.

Saturday, March 12, 2011. 8 p.m. Performance

Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets

Young Friends are ballet supporters ages 21-39.

The special deal on performance tickets for the Young Friends event are sold out! To attend, you can purchase a regular performance ticket from Ticket Philadelphia (215.893.1999) and separately purchase an after-party only ticket through the Ballet at cfreeman@paballet.org or 215.587.6913.

After-party: $40

The Orpheus Club: 254 S. Van Pelt Street (between Locust and Spruce & 21st and 22nd Streets)

Mingle with Young Friends and Pennsylvania Ballet dancers after the performance.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Drinks will be provided by Chambord Flavored Vodka, Black Swan Wines and Flying Fish Brewing Company.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their best black/white attire.

For more information on the Young Friends Membership, visit http://www.paballet.org/young-friends.html

For additional information about the Swan Lake event or Young Friends, contact Christina Freeman, Annual Fund Manager, at cfreeman@paballet.org or 215.587.6913.

Friend “Young Friends” on Facebook!

*Swan Lake Photos by Candice DeTore Alexander Iziliaev courtesy of the PA Ballet
Sixer Dancer photo by Jesse Garrabrant
Kate’s Nutcracker photo courtesy of my mom. Hi mom!

**Did you see Swan Lake? Have you been to the ballet? Would you become a Young Friend? Add your comments at the bottom!

 

Ask AJ: Valentine’s Day Edition

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 2.14.11

Last Minute Gift Ideas > For the FELLAS!

Hey fellas! Did you wait until the last minute to get your special lady a Valentine’s Day gift? You are not alone. But, you are IN TROUBLE! If you are still empty handed, my guess is that you can no longer get a reservation at a decent restaurant and that dress she wanted from BCBG is no longer available in her size.  So here are a few last minute Valentine Gift ideas. Because LATE is better than NEVER.

1)      Jewelry – They may sell out of dresses, but there is no shortage on fine jewelry. A nice bracelet or necklace never disappoints. And when I say nice, I mean nice!

Nestology at the King of Prussia is good spot to try. They carry jewelry from local Philly artists. And you can’t go wrong with Tiffany’s.

2)      Make Dinner – The mere thought of a man in the kitchen makes his woman smile. It is probably too late to get the reservations you wanted. But it’s not too late for you to throw down. Get in the kitchen and show her what you got. OR if you are completely helpless… order take out and throw it on the table with some candles. Dim the lights, throw on some slow jams and if she really likes you, you are set!!! I promise.

Dibruno Brothers in Center City is a great place to pick up dinner items!

3)      Electronics – Stick to what you know! We ladies like to have the latest toys too. Upgrade her to the iPhone 4, so you can have some face time. Or if you really love her, buy her the iPad!

Better call to get an appointment first. Especially if you are going to King of Prussia.

4)      Massage- Everyone likes to be pampered. And spas never run out of gift cards. Go to the spa closest to you…. NOW!  And if you want brownie points give her a massage tonight.

There are so many Toppers, Eviama, Pure Bliss, Heaven and so on…

5)      Floral Arrangement- You can get her flowers in addition to another gift.  But this can not be you’re only gift.  If you want to try something different you get her an edible arrangement. I think those are extra special. But whatever you do… do not go to grandma’s garden and pick flowers or to the local grocery store either. We can tell!!!

Try Overhill Flowers on Lancaster Avenue. 

Ok. Fellas. If this doesn’t work on her… You know how to win my heart! ;) Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

And ladies, I know you are reading too. Treat yourself to something special even if he doesn’t. BE GOOD TO YOU!

 

When You Know, You Know

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 1.7.11

Flashback, March 2010.  

I’m sitting at Darling’s Diner engaged in some serious girl talk with Barette Vance.

“PI: So no ballet boyfriends in the mix. How about a non-ballet boyfriend?
BV: “Nope! I am single and ready to mingle!” She smiles slyly and giggles.
PI: So, what precisely are you looking for among the “Men of Philadelphia”?
BV: “Let’s see…I’m looking for someone who is ambitious. Also, I need to be with someone who doesn’t take himself too seriously. I think having good family values and morals is really important. I want someone who will love me for just me. Also, someone who makes me want to be a better person. A best friend. Someone I can share my life struggles with and know that we’ll make it through and at the same time, have that extreme passion that you feel when you’re the only two people in the middle of a room and there’s a hundred people around you. I want to feel that deep connection with someone…So, that’s what I’m looking for.”
PI: That’s all? Mr. Everything?
BV: She laughs. “Yep, that’s what I’m trying to find. I’m definitely out there dating…but haven’t found the right one yet.”
PI: (Mr. Everything, if you’re out there, feel free to email the editor at talktokate@phillyin.com. I might pass your info along to Barette…unless you prefer brunettes )”

Flash forward, January 2011

By now, most of you are familiar with our favorite “Hip Hop” Ballerina, Barette Vance. (Or, perhaps you’ve been shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific for the last year, and just been rescued. If so, welcome back! And you can check out her In-Focus interview here!)

Sadly, Mr. Everything never sent that email. Alas, he didn’t have to. He had met Barette already and was waiting patiently “in the wings”.  But this ballerina was too busy practicing to know the show had begun.

 

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

I know.  By now, you’re wondering if Mr. Everything has a name, and if I’m going to make you wait to the “series finale” to find it out. 

Well, he does.  And, it’s not “Lucky Guy”, though that would be an accurate description.

His name is Chris Widell, a South Jersey native and Drexel grad, who works as a Players Services Host at a local casino. 

PI: So, Chris, what were your first thoughts when you met Barette?  (Note that I refrained from asking if she was dancing on a couch at the time, like she was when I first met her.)

CW: I wanted to get to know who she was right away. I am a sucker for blondes. What can I say?  I was not aware until much later that she danced in the ballet.

PI: So, Barette, what were your first thoughts when you met Chris?

BV: I couldn’t help but notice how cute he looked in his suit.  (He was a host at Parc, a popular French restaurant on Rittenhouse Square, at the time. Hence, the “cute” and “suit”.) 

PI: You met Chris in February, but didn’t go on your first date till April? What gives?

BV: I was really enjoying my single life after a hard breakup earlier in the year. I thought Chris was gorgeous, but knew this wasn’t a good time to give someone my all, and I could tell Chris was the kinda guy who deserved that.

PI: A wise man recently told me “the only way to truly tell if a guy really likes you is to make him wait”. Barette mentioned that it was quite awhile between your first meeting and your first date. So, you waited? Why?

CW: Well, the romantic reason was that I was truly intrigued and fascinated with her from the first. She is very driven and motivated with what she believes and cares for in life. I knew if it did work out, she would be 100% committed to me and what we were going to be able to build together.  The more practical reason — I was working nights, from 8pm to 6am, and sleeping on my day off.

Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend

PI: Once you started dating, you’re engagement happened very quickly.  How did you know this was the girl you wanted to be with for the rest of your life?

CW: When you know, you know.

PI: Word on the street is that you were engaged long before you formally proposed?

CW: We had that “I want to marry you” conversation and I was not at all nervous to talk about that with her. I was more nervous about the actual public proposal that came much later. Even though, she promised to say “yes”.

PI: What’s the deal, Barette? He MUST be special if he got a “yes” out of you with no ring.

BV: Chris and I didn’t exactly follow the traditional engagement path, in that we agreed to get married before he got down on one knee to place a ring on my finger. In June, after returning from a friend’s wedding together in Bermuda, Chris told me that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. We subsequently began planning for our future together, opening a joint savings account, setting a date for the wedding, and choosing a venue. 

PI: What did your friends and families think of this whirlwind romance and engagement? Did they disapprove?

BV: Others might have thought we were moving too fast. (We had only been dating for two months.) But, it felt so right that is was easy to take this next step. Our families, and good friends, instantly saw how compatible we are, and were very supportive of our decision.

PI: Ok, so you knew you wanted to get married, but what about the real deal proposal?

BV: Chris officially proposed on December 4th, 2010. He did it on the stage at the Academy of Music after the opening night performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. That night was already extremely important to me, as I was performing one of my favorite roles–Dew Drop — Chris’s proposal made it that much more special. He had arranged it so that my family, including my dad (who lives in California and is not on the east coast very often) could be in Philadelphia for the big event.

PI: Chris, were you nervous when you formally proposed, even though she promised to say yes? Ya know, we girls have been known to change our minds on occasion, if for no better reason than to keep you boys on your toes.

CW: Well, I asked her father if I could marry her, which I admit made me a little nervous. But, you gotta do it. As for the proposal, I was more excited than nervous. I basically got on my knee and said, “Here’s your ring”. Then she cried, took it, and ran away to show her friends, leaving me on the stage before I could say anything more! She did come back (we’re glad to note) and I just laughed and said “Barette, will you marry me?”

PI: Barette, was that moment still a rush, even though it wasn’t quite a surprise?

BV: I am the kind of person who always figures things out. And I hate surprises! So this was perfect for me. I was beyond excited, when it all happened. I was happy! I know that I have never cried like that in my whole life. It was the best day of my life so far!

PI: Tell us about the ring?

BV: It’s perfect! The center diamond is a radiant cut that is surrounded on either side by a trillion and set in a thin platinum band. The ring was designed, picked, and set by renowned jewelry designer and close friend, Jamie Wolf. 

Going to the Chapel

PI: What’s your “bride style”? Are you worried you’ll become a “Bridezilla”?

BV: Chris calls me “Bridezilla” (Just to get under my skin!), but I think of myself as more of a “blushing bride”. (PhillyIn has yet to confirm this with Chris.) I am so beyond happy to marry Chris, that there is no “Bridezilla” about me. Planning this wedding is proving to be easy, since we have very similar taste, and, since Chris agrees with everything I want.

(Side note: Another feature of Mr. Everything — that PhillyIn had yet to identify — He agrees with everything his True Love does, thinks, wants.) 

PI: Tell us about dress shopping. Who’d you bring? How many dresses did you try? How did you know you’d found “the one”?

BV: My eye kept catching this one dress by Monique Lhuillier. So, I called to find out which store close to Philly had it for me to try on. The closest was Kleinfeld (“Yes!” that Kleinfeld, from TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress”). My mom, my fellow dancer Lily DiPiazza, and good childhood friends Laura Breckenridge and Gabby Yudenich went with me for support, and advice. They say not to buy the first dress you try on, but I’ve always had a very good sense of my own style. I knew the moment I put on the Monique that this was THE one. I did, however, try on 5 more dresses just to make 100% sure. And, to make it official, Dianne (the stylist) took us out to where the show is filmed to shout out “YES” to the dress!!

PI: I know you’re a huge fan of the BCBG line by Max Azria. Did you know you wanted the bridesmaid dresses from BCBG?

BV: I did know that I wanted them from BCBG. I like their fit, and they represent how I feel about fashion. I had been looking for some months, and at one point considered looking elsewhere. Then one day, they suddenly appeared. Just like when I saw my dress, I knew that these would be perfect. I didn’t need to see more. All the girls, Chris, and our parents fell in love with them.

PI: So give us the details, Barette. Where and when?

BV: We are getting married on November 5, 2011, at Cabo Azul–a romantic resort that opens onto the beach. The color scheme for the wedding is pink and silver, and the menu is traditional Mexican. 

PI: Chris, since you’re planning a destination wedding, what made you guys choose Cabo?

CW: To be honest, that’s what she wanted. She loves the area, and I wanted to get our marriage off on the right foot, so I just agreed!

Sounds like a successful beginning to me! (Inquiring minds might want to know, do you have any single brothers?)

Congratulations to Chris and Barette from all of their friends at PhillyIn!!

Follow Barette on Twitter: @BaretteVance3

Like Barette’s Facebook fan page: Barette Vance Fan Page

And for more information on the Pennsylvania Ballet, visit their Official Website: http://www.paballet.org/

Photos by Fine Art Photographer: Greg Gardner

You can see more of his work here: Flickr -Greg Gardner’s Photostream

 

Glamour Bitch

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 10.18.10

The Release of the PhillyIn Girl’s Glamour Bitch Photos

“When I have a brand new hairdo and my eyelashes all in curl…I enjoy being a — GIRL!”

As I follow Dawn to the loft of her studio, I begin to hear this song drifting through my head. I think I may have just stepped into Barbie’s dream house –for big girls.

Sparkles and feathers and frills –Oh my! Rows of lingerie and heels and jewelry temp me at every glance. And pink! Oooo – Pink, pink, and more pink! The little girl in me is squealing, “Let’s play dress up!”

If you’ve ever imagined yourself within the pages of Maxim, daydreamed of being a pretty pinup girl or lusted over your own copy of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition (don’t lie, we know it was for you and not your husband), then you NEED to talk to Glamour Bitch.

Dawn, the photographer and creator of Glamour Bitch Photo, may be somewhat glamorous herself, but she certainly isn’t a bitch. “It’s about the attitude. The name came about as a joke, but for the type of woman I work with – sassy, hip, fun – I thought it fit.”

It’s not about the models here (although Dawn’s so good, many models beg her for photos). “Glamour Bitch is about making everyday women feel beautiful! We are all bombarded with these perfect images, but the fact is, I think that is in ALL of us. Sometimes it just needs a little bit of help to bring it out.”

Whether you want to look sexy for yourself, or for your man, Dawn and her makeup artist Shannon are at your service. “My average client is anywhere from 18 to 60! I’ve photographed housewives, models, soccer moms…a little bit of everybody!”

Dawn says many girls are insecure or nervous leading up to their session. “I think one of the greatest advantages I have being in this niche is that I AM female, my makeup artist is female, and we are average, everyday girls. We have the same insecurities as anybody else.” Dawn and Shannon both know what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera and how intimidating that can be. They aren’t expecting you to know how to pose or “work the camera” like a model. That’s why you hired them!

While Amber-Joi and myself are certainly no stranger to the camera, even we had some uncertainties about our first sexy shoot.  “I’ve danced professionally for the NBA since college graduation and they’ve always called the shots. They’re very specific about the image they want to portray to their family-friendly fans. Sexy pictures were only acceptable when taken by the team, so they could control the final product. A photo shoot like this might have gotten me in some hot water just one year ago. So yes, even for me, there was a second of apprehension, as I took my first dive off the end of the “NBA Rule Book”. But as soon as Dawn started clicking away, and I got a sneak peak at the images we were creating, all those small fears went out the window; I was having way too much fun!”

Amber-Joi felt similarly. “I’ve worked with tons of makeup artists and photographers but the Glamour Bitch team is definitely among my favorite. Shannon’s work is simply impeccable, and Dawn’s eye for what works for you is unparalleled. Not only will you leave your shoot with awesome photos but you will also have an enjoyable experience. The ladies make you feel so comfortable and you are a star for the day!”

And the all female crew can ease the anxieties of your loved one too. “One of the first questions a guy will ask once he’s received the photos is ‘who took these?’” So boys, rest easy! No men were involved in the making of this photograph!

Glamour Bitch is perfect for anyone looking for a little confidence boost, a sexy gift for their husband or boyfriend, or just for fun!

 So check out www.glamourbitchphoto.com today, because “you’re hotter than you think.”

 Follow Glamour Bitch :

www.twitter.com/GlamourBitch

 

Sexy Singles and OUR City

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 7.28.10

I dance to Abba in my bedroom, spend entire days in sweatpants, climb trees barefoot and can eat an entire box of cereal in a sitting; so, when I got the call, “You’ve been chosen as one of Philadelphia’s Sexiest Singles,” I thought to myself, “Better hop on this train quick, before they figure me out!”

“In a bathing suit . . .? – In less than a week . . .?” My brain said “Eek!” but my mouth said “Sure! Why not?”

Anyway, that’s how it happened that I was up bright and early (and those who know me, know just how much I hate “Bright and Early”) to make it to my Sexy Single photo shoot on time. I rolled up to the enchanting, Fairmount Water Works restaurant with my over-sized sun-glasses and extra-large latte, wondering if sexy was even “plausible” at this hour of the day.

So you can imagine how my “morning eyes” danced when they spotted Bernard’s glam squad on the scene, ready to wave their magic wands, and whip me into a “Sexy Single” Cinderella.

As I donned the dangling Traci Lynn earrings, I felt myself melting into the role. Then, as I slipped into the golden, sequenced stilettos and smokin,’ red-hot bikini from South Moon Under, I confess, I began to feel more like Jessica Rabbit than a princess.

When the stylist chose my final accessory from my own jewelry bag, I knew I’d be just where I needed. The secret ingredient was my late Nanna B.’s bracelet, a cheap and stylish homage to my cheeky grandmother, who would have loved every minute of this! She would have adored the thought of having an assortment of potential suitors to choose from among. (Of course, she would have liked to do all the choosing for me!)

My Nanna B. had “quite a shape” in her day, and men would trip over themselves to throw their phone numbers and business cards her way … Or, so she told me. From all accounts of those who “knew her when”, I’ll need to step up my game to offer ample competition. Here’s hoping I’ve inherited some of those Aphrodite genes.

Then, lifting my spirits even more, I hear a familiar giggle in the background. Call it karma for me (and all the lucky guys that get to gawk at her picture), but Barette Vance is also sexy AND single! (PhillyIn readers may remember the ballerina from her In-Focus interview). How thoughtful of The Daily News to pick us both, so we could catch up on girlie chit chat during the shoot! You can be sure we took full advantage of the opportunity. We even helped each other fill out our questionnaires – what fun.

Not every question from the interview made the final cut. Here are some things you didn’t see in the paper.

Where are you likely to find her:
“Dancing the night away at G lounge or Recess”

If your love life were a reality show it would be called:
“Kiss Me Kate”

Men that need not apply:
Smokers – “Ick! That’s all I have to say about that.”
Serial Texters –“I don’t mind texting in general, but if you never learned how to use the call button on your telephone, I’m not interested.”
Actors – “You’d think I’d be interested in another actor, but honestly, my schedule is so crazy. I may barely work for 2 weeks, then for the next 3 weeks I’m busy every day all day. It’s hard enough for me to keep up with ME. Two of me in one relationship might prove disastrous. “

Where would you like to travel:
“Where would I NOT like to travel! I’d like to go back to Italy, England, Ireland, Costa Rica, or China. I loved them all. But, there’s so much I haven’t seen. Greece, Spain, Brazil, and Japan, are high on my list. But, Paris – Paris is on the tippy top. (Of course, I wouldn’t say no to a coconut tree, either.)”

Why no ring?
 “I feel too young to be married. Yet, all my friends seem to be racing down the aisle. I’ve spent most of my adult life in back-to-back, long-term relationships. So, after the last one, I decided to star in my own movie for awhile. And I’m so glad I did!”

What you’re looking for in a potential relationship:
“Honesty and loyalty are key! But, I’m a goofball; so, I want someone who enjoys a good laugh. I love to be outdoors and try new things; so, he better be able to keep up and keep an open-mind. Oh, and my dad says I’m not such “a walk in the park, either”; so, patience and understanding are a must.”

Are you strong enough to be ’her’ man:
“Mainly, it’s about someone to share adventures with. After all, a couple is like a team. When that “googly-eyed, lovey-dovey” stuff wears off, you want someone you can be in a car with for 17 hours without the urge to kill.”

Other moments not caught on camera:

My hair blowing into my face between every shot. (Thanks to the lovely ladies from Bernard’s Salon for staying on top of it!)

Me, scarfing down the hot-fudge, brownie-sundae from Scoop Deville, the moment I escaped that smokin’-hot bikini!

Me, again, buying up copies of the Daily News at my local WAWA. “Is there some reason you want three of these?” asks the attendant. “You bet. I’m on page 30.” Young guy behind me in line jumping into the conversation: “So that means you’re single? . . .”

Twitter:
You can follow me @katybeaver

If you didn’t get a chance to pick up the Daily News on Monday, you can still check out the article, pictures and see ALL of this year’s class of Sexy Singles on philly.com.

Be sure to keep a look out for several other Sexy Singles that have graced the PhillyIn.com site:

1. PhillyIn Cast, yours truly

2. In Focus Feature Barette Vance

3. In Focus Feature Jackiem Wright (Reggie Berry was a member of The 2009 Sexy Single Class)

4. Launch party Celebrity model, Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse player, Bobby Snider

5. Can you guess which other Sexy Single was already selected as a future PhillyIn Focus feature???

 YOU’RE INVITED TO THE SEXIEST PARTY OF THE SUMMER!

To celebrate this year’s Sexy Single edition, there will be a party at The Water Works in Philadelphia this Thursday the 29th!

The party opens to the general public at 9pm and has NO COVER.

So grab your Sexiest Single Friends and head down to the Water Works Thursday night to meet Philadelphia’s most eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes.

WaterWorks is located behind the Philadelphia Art Museum. There is Valet Parking and meters nearby as well.

I would like to send a huge thank you to Jenice Armstrong, the Daily News and philly.com for including me in the 2010 Philly Sexy Singles issue. Also a huge thank you to photographer, David Maialetti!

 

Ask AJ: “My Boyfriend Watches Sports TOO MUCH!!!”

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 5.23.10

Dear AJ, My boyfriend watches sports all of the time, he’s obsessed! It’s so boring for me. I can’t stand it. I feel he loves sports more than he loves me. What should I do???

Hi! Thank you so much for your question. This is a great one…

First of all, you should probably be grateful that it’s sports that your boyfriend is obsessed with, as opposed to less tolerable things, like other women, porn and other unbearable habits. We all have our vices, and in my opinion you should really be thankful that you’re dealing with something  so trivial. If this is your biggest problem with your boyfriend… you don’t have much of a problem at all.

There are a few things that I suggest…

First, I suggest you give sports a chance! They really aren’t so bad. My college boyfriend was obsessed with football. In the beginning, I too thought it was pretty obnoxious. I mean, I would sit through an entire game with him, and he would have the nerve to watch highlights after the fact!!! Then, he would want to watch the same highlights on Sports Center throughout the week. He even had the audacity to play MADDEN during halftime!!! I didn’t get it. Why did we have to watch the same stuff over and over again!?! Pretty obnoxious. To top it off, it wasn’t just NFL; he had to watch college football too… And the draft. And when March Madness came (yes I know March Madness is Basketball)…just forget it. We were glued to the TV set. This lead to approximately 365 of sport spectating.

I quickly came to the conclusion that he just loved sports and if I was going to make this thing work I was going to have to start loving sports too.  Before I knew it, “Voila” I started to like the stuff to. When you consume so much one thing, you start to learn and appreciate what’s going on. When you become familiar with the teams and players, you start to like the good ones and eventually, you may start loving the stuff too! (I can’t wait for Football season to start!) If you care about your boyfriend, you should at least attempt to care about the things that mean the most to him…because you would expect him to do the same for you.

Now, let’s jump back for a minute to the “365 of sports”, because it brings me to my next point. My dear, you shouldn’t be spending 365 days with ANYONE!! If you hate what he’s doing so much, maybe you should pick up your own hobby and give him some space to do him. TRUST ME, I know it’s hard, but I promise you this is for the best. Why?

1. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

2. You can find something enjoyable to do with your time!

3. He doesn’t have to sit there and listen to moan while he enjoys his sports.

Lastly, if you’re in a serious relationship and your man truly loves you he should be willing to compromise.  There’s nothing wrong with his love for sports, but if it really bothers you he should have some understanding. For instance, if you sit through an entire game, it’s not unreasonable to ask him to turn off the highlights and devote 100% of his attention to you for a while. You deserve it!!! And don’t you let him forget it.

 

Ask AJ – He Has Kids!!!

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 4.23.10

Hey AJ, I recently met a really cool guy that wants to take me out on a date… the catch is he has 2 kids! Do you have any advice? Should I go?

Hey! Thanks for your question! Let me start by asking, are you allergic to kids!?!  Just kidding!!!  

But seriously, if you think this guy is “really cool”, I say go for it! You’re going out on a date with him, not his kids. More importantly, I think what we tend to forget these days, is that dating is supposed to be fun! Dating (in its most early stages) is simply a way to get out, experience a new perspective, try something different, and get to know a new person. You’re not jumping into a relationship, or marriage with this guy. This is just a date! So relax, you’re not signing up to be step-mommy, yet. Go! See if you have any chemistry… but proceed with caution.

Now, if already know you’re grossly opposed to ever having a serious relationship with someone who has kids, then you shouldn’t go. You may end up making things complicated for yourself and for him. Even if he doesn’t have full custody, those kids aren’t going anywhere until they’re at least 18. You need to be realistic. If he has a baby and you can’t stand diapers, chances are there’s going to be a problem. At the end of the day, you’re replaceable, the kids are not.

On the other hand, the odds of you running into a single parent in Philadelphia are pretty high. According to a recent study, there are almost 155,000 single-parent households in this city. That’s about 22,000 men and 133,000 women. So, you’re bound to meet someone in this situation! If you think you may be able to deal with this in the future, go on your date with an open mind. If you find that you start liking this guy, you definitely want to be very conscious of his “situation”. You may want to keep the following things in mind.

How old are the kids?

What’s his relationship with the children’s mother?

How long have they been apart?

Are they really even apart? (This should really be your first question)

Is he trying to introduce you to his kids right away? (Children are sensitive and shouldn’t be meeting every date daddy has. Out of respect for his children, he shouldn’t be trying to build a relationship between yourself and his kids until there is a relationship between you and him.)

Can you handle being number 2 in his life? (A man with kid’s SHOULD make them number 1 in his life. You can’t be jealous when he needs to spend time with them.)

And here’s a big one!

Who has the kids for the majority of the time? (This is important to take into account. If he has full custody, you run the risk of turning into mommy a week later. Lol! )

The answer to the “should you go” question really comes down to what you are looking for, and what you can handle. If you’re the type of person who can go on a date with little expectation just to have fun… Go! Or, if you can see yourself eventually getting along with the kids and accepting them if the relationship gets serious … Go! However, if the “kids” situation is something you will never be able to adjust to, don’t waste your time, or his!  DON’T GO! There are MANY fish in the sea. (They are just EXTREMELY difficult to fish for sometimes).

 

She’s Got It All! … Miss Philadelphia 2010!!!

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 4.20.10

Think pageants are just about gorgeous gowns and stunning smiles? You’re wrong! Meet Miss Philadelphia 2010, Andrea Helfrich. This gown is lovely and her smile is gorgeous, but there’s much more to this titleholder.  She’s got it all! Beauty, brains, and a big heart! Philadelphia, this is what winning the crown is about. On March 27th, Andrea Helfrich,  age 21, a Marketing Coordinator and student at West Chester University was crowned Miss Philadelphia 2010 in her 4th attempt at the title.

There are tons of pageant systems; Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and many more. Each pageant organization operates under their own unique rules and guidelines and there is really a lot of variation in what these systems look for when searching for the next face.  Andrea’s Miss Philadelphia title falls under the Miss America system which is a scholarship organization that encourages women of all shapes and sizes who take pride in their education and volunteer work to participate.  Each contestant is judged in 5 phases of competition.  There is a 10 minute interview as well as on stage competitions in swimwear, talent, on-stage question, and evening wear. In this system, you have to be well rounded, well put together, well spoken, well dressed, well…pretty much have it all!

Andrea doesn’t describe herself as a “pageant girl,” but she is certainly no stranger to the system. She has held the titles of Miss Lehigh Area 2006, Miss West Chester University 2007, Miss Northeastern Pennsylvania 2008, Miss Keystone 2009 and now Miss Philadelphia 2010.  The next stop for Andrea is the Miss Pennsylvania competition which will be held in Pittsburgh, PA.  The preliminary nights of competition are June 16th and 17th, and Miss Pennsylvania 2010 will be crowned on June 19th.

So what do Andrea’s duties as Miss Philadelphia entail? I’ll let her tell it!

“There is not exactly a job description for the role of Miss Philadelphia.  The position equips the winner with a microphone and opportunities to share a message with people that she would never normally be able to reach.  With that being said, I will utilize these opportunities to share my story about drunk driving and motivate teens to resist peer pressure and get involved in safe activities that they enjoy.”

What is her story? Well at 15 years old, she became the victim of a drunk driving accident. Today, she shares that story with thousands of elementary and junior high students in Bucks County, PA. After becoming a volunteer and spokesperson for Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, she entered the Miss America system hoping to have the opportunity to use the platform to educate and inform about the fight against drunk driving.

Andrea has a long list of community activities. Check them out! With that gorgeous face and her community involvement it’s no wonder why this girl won the crown.

  • Organized “Casual for a Cause” and raised 1,000 dollars for MADD
  • Helped to clothe hundreds of Bahamian and Jamaican children
  • Implemented MADD’s “Tie One on for Safety” in West Chester, PA
  • Co-founder of Alcohol Alternative Events, promotion campaign director
  • Represented WCU at University Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, Dallas, TX
  • Motivational Speaker, Rotary Clubs, High schools and Junior High schools
  • Wrote, directed and starred in Public Service Announcement
  • MADD Activist and Volunteer (4 years)
  • Co-founder of the first newscast at West Chester University
  • Spokesperson for “Cruis’n not Boozin”
  • Featured on MyPHL 17’s “In Focus” to discuss drunk driving on college campuses
  • Currently working to establish a non-profit

I hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about Andrea Helfrich, Miss Philadelphia 2010. Check her out here!

Ps. I also wanted to tell this story because I have a little pageant girl in me! I have competed in the Miss Pennsylvania USA competition twice. I was the First Runner Up in 2007 and Miss Photogenic and Third Runner Up in 2010. Just thought you should know, one pageant girl to another ;-)

 

Ask AJ – Where are all the men?

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 3.28.10

Dear AJ, Where can I meet a man? Where are all the nice guys?

Hey!!!  Thank you for your question. First of all, nice guys don’t exist!! Lol, just kidding.  But in reality it is REALLY tough to meet guys in Philly.  Here are a few things that I do when I want to meet some fresh man meat in the City of Brother Love. They usually work.

1)      Travel!! (haha)

2)      Reading Terminal Market (Monday –Friday between the hours of 12pm to 2pm). This is a great way to meet a professional man while he’s on his lunch break.  You’re guaranteed to find some fresh meat here, even if it’s not in the form of a male.  (This strategy also works for in the Food Court in the lower level of the Comcast Center).

3)      The Gym – The gym is full of men. And these guys tend to take great care of the bodies!! Although you’re not going to meet anyone while you’re on the treadmill with your earphones on. You have to get on the machines and free weights. Pump some iron! And don’t be afraid to ask a cutie for some “help”. I like LA Fitness but I hear that the men who work out at the Philadelphia Sporting Club at the Bellevue have it going on!!!

4)      Nightclubs I know this sounds lame but it actually works for me. You definitely don’t want the guy who comes to party EVERY weekend, but you can meet a guy in a nightclub. I’ve had great luck at G Lounge, Recess, Denim and Mur Mur in Atlantic City.

5)      The Car Show – Actually I went to the car show last year with the intention of meeting someone new and I had no luck.  But even though I didn’t meet anyone I still believe this a good  place because let’s face it, guys  love cars!!

5)     Sixers, Eagles, Phillies and Flyers games are packed with eligible bachelors!!! But they are also packed with married men so be sure to keep an eye on that ring finger.

7)      Kelly Drive – It’s not so easy to meet someone while you’re in the middle of a run but you can easily strike up a conversation with a guy while you’re stretching or warming up. This leads me to my next point…

8)      Join A Group or Organization- I just joined Students Run Philly Style a mentoring program in which adult running leaders partner with Philly youths to train for a marathon. There are a handful of handsome men in this organization and I know they have a heart because they are helping the kids. Maybe you should join me in this group, or do something similar.

9)      Ask a Friend! – Let your friends know that you are on the market and looking for someone. Just go ahead and put it out there. They can offer informed advice and they  will hold some accountability for any insanity that may ensue. They may be able to recommend some local places for you or even be able to suggest someone!!!

10)      Del Frisco’s. – Believe me girl!!! Get one or two of your girls together and make a reservation. Just don’t go in a large group, you don’t to look intimidating.  Thursday nights are particularly special at Del Frisco’s… Steakhouses are good in general. You may also want to check out Capital Grille, Butcher and Singer and Morton’s. You can almost always find an attractive established man at a steakhouse.

But let me warn you that you should take all of these suggestions with a grain of salt because honestly you could meet your dream guy at a gas station. What’s more important than the places you are going is the energy you’re putting out. If you seem too desperate you probably won’t have much luck, but on the same token if you’re too standoffish you still won’t have much luck. Just keep your eyes peeled, stay opened-minded and be yourself!!!