Spring Start-up!

Over my winter break I used a lot of my time to reflect on things. I was able to spend time with my family in Indiana, finish up my early collge classes for that semester, and continue to live my healthy lifestyle by working out with friends every morning and eating clean! Now it is time to get back to work and I am planning big things to do while continuing to finish my year as Miss Teen Captivating. Some of the things I have been working on recently include leading a middle school girls group called "More Girls". I get to teach these girls about what to expect through their teen years, and how to stay motivated and live a healty lifestyle. The last meeting was held on Dec. 20th right before the holiday break. I am planning to start up a whole new chapter for my Spring More Girls. I would love to grow the More Girls groups to other states with Captivating titleholders. My inspiration for More Girls came from Kristen Dalton's (former Miss USA 2009) blog called, She Is More. She speaks so positively about helping other women to do and be anything they want. Here is a picture taken from a our last More Girl Meeting.

I also got the amazing opportunity to intern with Josie Willis, a high fashion Columbus designer. She designed my gown to compete for Miss Ohio Teen USA. I am really looking into being a Fashion Design Major. I was accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design, which has been a dream college for me since elementary school. Here is a photo of one of my times as an intern.

I hope to captivate many more through my next 6 months as Miss Teen Captivating 2013.

Blooming where you are planted

My mom has always said to me that small opportunites lead to bigger ones. Where ever you are in life, you are there for a reason. When I was a little girl I dreamed of becoming a Victoria's Secret Model. I obviously realize now that this was unrealistic. So... I set my sights on similar, yet completely achieveable dreams...like modeling around Ohio, and competing for Miss Ohio Teen USA. I feel that whatever goal you have in your head is there because God put it there based on what you are capable of doing with the talents, or qualities he gave you. Where you live, and who you have around you are all part of the plan... use the people and places to help you learn something each day. Go with your gut feelings on what you want to do, and bloom where you are planted...even if it is in Delaware, Ohio. Today was the first job opportunity I have been faced with since signing with a modeling agency in Ohio. It was something new, exciting, and I had no idea what I was expected to do, except show up on time, wear closed toe shoes, and come with a photo I.D. I walked into the casting site ( a large warehouse that makes swimwear) to see a model standing at about 5'11 going for the same job. I thought, "Great". I wasn't fully discouraged until I walked into the shooting room to see 5 other models aboout the same height. I then thought, "Wow, why would they pick me out of all these girls who look so professional". My name was called after about 10 minutes in the waiting room. I followed the photographers out to the dressing room and they told me to put on my first look. It was a pink athletic bikini that definitley did not give my already small chest any justice! I came out to be shot and as soon as I stepped in front of the backdrop something changed in my head. I knew I had a lot of experience in front of the camera, and around people. I joked and made the photographers laugh as we shot. Each outfit I came out in I felt more and more comfortable. The final look was a fitness outfit. I definitely felt great in it because I spend about 80 percent of my time in similar clothes. When I was finished I thanked the photographers for their time and left a little worried and anxious, not knowing if I was going to get the job or not. We had driven 2 hours down there , so I didn't want to waste my dad's gas money or time, and fail my agency. I started to pray because I know to never underestimate God's hands in all your plans. I prayed how thankful I was for the new opportunity, and that I was trusting in whatever happens, does so according to the timing of God's plan for my life. Today is just one example of how I am trying to live with a different mindset. A mindset of stronger faith and surrender.

Live each day according to what you are chasing for in life

Alot of changes have been made the past few years of my life. I went from attending one high school then another, switched from an athlete to a pageant girl, and changed my attitude from lost to driven. I've made mistakes, had ups and downs, and have made some choices I regret, but I have not given up. When you want something in life, no matter how big or small of a dream it is, you cannot give up. To realize who you are and what you live each day for is not easy. Being a teen, obviously things are going to change. I wanted to be a master chef... I read books on different culinary experiences and everything I read sounded so artistic and interesting. When I started my hosting job I soon figured out the reality of the Chef life (sweaty, cursing men working long hours all night in one small kitchen). I quickly changed my mind on that one, although my passion for cooking was still there. It took many months of having no idea what to get into next, to soon find out what I want to pursue. Being in modeling and pageants, you are expected to look "fit". This being so I started to pass up the fast food for real, healthy, and whole foods. Luckily my love for cooking triggered a new passion for turning boring diet meals(like grilled chicken, salad, and fruit) into dishes that taste and look unhealthy for you, but actually are clean and healthy. Now I know that I want to be a nutritionist and help people learn how to take care of themselves with the right foods....but it took alot of mind changing to figure out a plan for myself. I think it is so important in life when you feel lost to just think about what you truely love to do...and do those things!!! To reach your goals you may have to give things up, including people who hold you back. I have heard the negative and positive remarks about what I choose to do. In the end the only people who will accept you for who you are, are your family members, and few friends. "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." - Oprah Winfrey Something else I have realized out while figuring out how to pursue my dreams is that there is ALWAYS competition. People may share the same dreams as you, and you must except that. But what has kept me from not giving up is that fact that I am who I am, and I am not competing with others, but myself. This is a great thing to think when it comes to school, sports, pageants, and your job because you can feel so low when someone else gets the A+, the starting position, the crown, or the promotion, even though you may be just as qualified for whatever you are competing for. Everything in life happens for a reason, and only god knows what is meant for every individual. I know I have a special purpose, along with every other person. I choose to live based on what I love and what my dreams are, but I keep in the back of my head that some opportunites are meant for others, and even if I am not given the chance I wanted, to never stop pursuing what I love to do. I hope the people who read this post will agree with some of my thoughts and not give up on their dreams! -Ivy

My Ebook is published!

Here is the link to purchase my Ebook! Second edition coming soon...it will be desserts only;)

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/soul-food-clean-eating-recipes/13995719

I haven't been able to update my blog in awhile because I have been so busy with getting signed up for college classes, running a 5k, modeling, creating my clean eating Ebook, and crowning a new Miss Heart of Ohio Teen USA (I won this pageant last year). I wanted to use this post to share a few photos from the past few weeks. This summer has been the best! I've used the extra free time to make connections, prepare for some upcoming events, and of course TRY NEW CLEAN RECIPES. I am so excited to publish my Ebook. I hope those who support me, and want to change the way they eat will purchase it.

 Here is a sneak peak shot from my first shoot as Miss Teen Captivating

 Rick, Lindsey, and I before the Color Run!

 My sister queens and I during out first shoot with the wonderful director/ photographer, Rick Martinez. This day was such a blast. I love the relationships you can build because of pageants. All summer long I have been texting, visiting, and working with my pageant sisters. These girls are all goal oriented, and have big things ahead. My next few appearances are super exciting! I will be sure to take lots of photos so I can update my blog for those of you who follow my journey as Miss Teen Captivating!

<3 Ivy

Raw no bake cocoa cookies!!

Ingredients:
In a food processor or blender put

-2 handfuls of walnuts, almonds, or cashews

-2 spoonfuls of cocoa powder..or more

-2 spoonfuls of pure maple syrup, no sugar maple syrup, or agave nectar. I chose sugar free maple syrup..I know it isn't exactly clean but its all I had:(

-1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut

-2 tablespoons of coconut oil

How to make:
grind everything up, form into little cookies, freeze for 30 minutes, and then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Sweet patato bun sliders,grilled peaches, and turkey patty!

I've been experimenting alot with making clean buns because I've been craving a good burger, but even the gluten free buns can have added sugars, and other ingredients that aren't "clean". So here is a good recipe that I made up for those who are sweet potato lovers, like myself :)

Ingredients for the bun:
-1 egg
-2 heaping tablespoons of almond flour
-1 whole cooked sweet potato

How to make:
Put everything into  a food processor or blender, then spoon out small bun shaped balls on a frying pan, flatten them down a bit, and cook on medium temp. Make sure you spray down a non-stick substance.

Other:
I put a lean turkey patty, and grilled peach in between.


ENJOY