Miss Illinois 2010 Trendy Magazine Chicago

Can you share some of your beauty tips?

I always use moisturizers and eye creams on
my face to keep it looking young, and drink
about a gallon of water each day to keep the
acne and blemishes away. I try to find outfits
that make me feel comfortable with myself,
because I believe that if one feels proud of
the way she looks, she will radiate a room
with her confidence.

What is your work-out routine

I work out with an amazing trainer who has
me varying up my workout routine so my
body doesn't get used to anything we do. We
cross train as much as possible, including
weight lifting, running on the treadmill,
running hills outdoors, swimming, jumping
rope, and lots and lots of ab workouts.
Training for this pageant has been more
intense than any athletic training I've ever
done, but I know in the end it will pay off.

What are your aspirations?

I truly hope to be successful at the Miss USA Pageant in Las
Vegas, but I know if for whatever reason I don't succeed I still
have a career waiting for me when I come back. I currently work
as an art director at a top marketing agency in Chicago, and run
my own freelance web design business out of my home. After a
few more years of working in my field, I hope to have established
myself as a designer well enough to open my own studio.

What are some of your motivation secrets for the 'big day?'

Getting in a swimsuit in front of millions of people is motivation
enough for me to be in the best shape I can be, but besides that
I'm just so excited and honored to be participating in the Miss
USA Pageant -- that excitement motivates me more than
anything else. Throughout this whole experience my family and
friends have been encouraging me to be the best I can be, stick
with it even when it gets tough, and believe in myself. They also
motivate me to do my best because they believe in me so much.
I don't think I could have done all of this without my family and
friends behind me.

How are you preparing for the
competition?

There has been a lot to do in preparation for
this year's Miss USA Pageant. I have been
working hard to get my body in shape for the
swimsuit competition working out at least six
days a week, sometimes twice a day. I have
also been practicing my on-stage walk as
much as possible to make sure I get it right.
I've taken hair and make-up lessons to make
sure I've got the look down pat, and in
addition to that, I have been working diligently
on my wardrobe for the two weeks I'll be in
Vegas rehearsing before the pageant airs.
Finally, I have been keeping a close watch on
the news to be up-to-date with current events,
and have been doing mock interviews to
prepare myself for that area of competition.

What items are you packing
along for the competition?

I'm bringing just about
everything you can think of for
the competition, including lots
and lots of band-aids for the
blisters I'm anticipating in those
high heels! In addition, my
wardrobe and competition wear
will be in Vegas with me as well
as any grooming products I
should need throughout my
stay. I also plan to bring some
things from home to keep me
energized during the two weeks
of intense rehearsing and
taping, including favorite foods,
music, etc.