OK… Seriously… didn’t I just write a blog for February? Time is flying! This month was jam-packed with a lot of meetings and preparations for Miss USA. I have such a great team of people behind me that I’ve been working with I feel so lucky!
Kristen and I made another trip to Nashville this time visiting with Kent Parham and Josh Rogers (Energy Fitness by Josh). I love spending time with Kristen because she is so funny and smart, we always have great conversations on our trips. Our first stop was our workout with Josh. He worked our little booties off! Who knew things called “Sissy Squats” and “Curtseys and Curls” could be so painful?!? Keeley was able to join us at our second stop, with Kent. It may sound funny to someone who isn’t accustomed to the preparations that come along with competing that we have a walking class, but Kent is really great at helping us present ourselves in the best way possible. It is so important to be mentally prepared and confident onstage when you’re competing live in front of millions!
Kristen and I made another trip to Nashville this time visiting with Kent Parham and Josh Rogers (Energy Fitness by Josh). I love spending time with Kristen because she is so funny and smart, we always have great conversations on our trips. Our first stop was our workout with Josh. He worked our little booties off! Who knew things called “Sissy Squats” and “Curtseys and Curls” could be so painful?!? Keeley was able to join us at our second stop, with Kent. It may sound funny to someone who isn’t accustomed to the preparations that come along with competing that we have a walking class, but Kent is really great at helping us present ourselves in the best way possible. It is so important to be mentally prepared and confident onstage when you’re competing live in front of millions!
In Atlanta, I’ve been working out with Stephen Paul Smith. He is no joke! Every time we meet I get my butt kicked, and I can’t wait to see the final product of all this time I am investing in the gym (and myself!).
-Clearly excited for quality treadmill time-
I’ve also been keeping up with my dental sponsor, Dr. Patel. I finally got my cavity filled! No more sugar for Miss Kaylin! He has my teeth looking so great, I am so happy with his work. If you are looking for a comfortable way to make your smile brighter and more beautiful, I highly recommend him!
Interview is obviously a huge part of the competition and an even bigger part of being Miss USA, and I have been doing my part to make sure I am prepared. I make it a point to keep myself informed and participating in mock interviews with family, coaches, friends and even by myself in the car! Earlier in the month, I met with Don Baker and we discussed interview, but also the overall mental process and mind-set I must have for over two weeks in Las Vegas.
Towards the end of the month I made a TV appearance on WXIA Atlanta interviewing with Sam Crenshaw on his show “Sports Extra.” I was picked with a teammate of mine to speak about our experiences as Hawks Cheerleaders, our featured episode of NBC’s “Minute To Win It”, and our individual successes. I spoke about my time as Miss Georgia USA and my preparation for Miss USA. I gave Mr. Crenshaw a little bit of a hard time, telling him the real reason I had come was to take his job! Well, at least for a little while ;). I was styled by the fabulous Olori Swank. She found the perfect garments for me, edgy and sassy but kept it super sophisticated. She was able to pull 2 great pieces from winner of Project Runway, Mychael Knight. I felt like such a celebrity! Lastly, at the station, I ran into one of my favorite people involved with the Miss Georgia USA production, Paul Ossman! He kept us cracking up in the greenroom while we waited to tape our segment.
-Sam Crenshaw and I -
-On set shooting the teaser-
This past week, I received a last minute appearance I just could not turn down at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Egelston Campus. They were hosting a princess party for the patients and families of patients. Upon entering, attendees received their choice of Barbies, tutus, tiaras, and lip gloss kits, among other things. We spent our time chatting, coloring in magic kingdoms and making banners that ranged from “Miss Sassy” to “Miss Cheer” and “Miss Dance.” I had such a great time meeting with all of the girls, I am so happy I could be a part of something that allowed them to get away from their hospital rooms for a little bit and just be girly girls for a while. 
-"Miss Cheer" Miss Georgia USA and "Miss Dance"-
Wardrobe preparations are coming right along and I am so ecstatic! Mrs. Greenwood, Randall Smith, Galen Kovash and I had a great meeting recently and I can not wait to see the final product. Also, I will be spending some time at the apparel mart with my wonderful director as well as one of my sponsors, Steven Fields (J.S. Fields) scoping out some good finds. Lets just say I’m gearing up to visit a very generous sponsor of mine, Sassy South and get my hands on some bling!
-At Mart, shopping 'til I dropped!-
This busy month has really been a blessing, because it is teaching me how to be a better Miss Georgia USA and ultimately a fantastic Miss USA. I have also come to realize that to whom much is given, much is expected. I am not always a perfect Miss Georgia USA but I am working so hard to be the very best that I can. Miss USA is not a destination, it is a journey! Every move made builds your character, your brand, and ultimately the legacy you leave behind!
