Saryna Ritter is Miss Illinois International. She will compete for the Miss International competition held in Chicago, IL on July 27 & July 28, 2012.

Tell us about your recent win as Miss Illinois International? Winning Miss Illinois International 2012 was a true dream come true! I was absolutely taken back and overwhelmed with emotions and tears as they said my name. The night was made more special as the 25^th Mrs. Illinois International was chosen that evening and many previous titleholders were back for the celebration.

How many times did you compete for the title before you won? What inspired you to keep trying? This was my 10th time competing in an International pageant. I returned because I love pageantry and believe in what this system stands. I do not believe in giving up on my dreams and I am blessed to have a supportive family and friends.

What is your platform and why did you choose it? My platform is Alphabet Kids teaching Multi-Cultural Understanding and Tolerance through literature. I chose this platform because I can relate to their mission of tolerance, understanding and loving yourself for who you are. I believe this program instills good morals, builds character and teaches tolerance for others.

Do you think all titleholders should have a platform even if the pageant doesn’t require it? Actually, I think EVERYONE should have a platform that fits his or her passion and values. It’s important to contribute to society and give of ourselves to improve our community, our world, or the life of another. If you are going to ask people to accept you as a role model, you need to be one before you enter a pageant…or run for public office!

How are you feeling about the international competition? Great! Like most contestants, I am receiving training on the interview and stage portions of the competition. But the best training right now is to put my platform and the Illinois title to work through appearances. Being able to speak from the heart and from experience is vital to being genuine to the judges and myself

What have you done to prepare for Internationals? Again, I have made several appearances. I am on a rigorous workout schedule and a healthy, all-natural, home cooked diet. Up until now, I’ve been concentrating on these areas. However, we are now starting to work on the wardrobe and pageant prep. We don’t want to peak too early or have too much time to question our choices.

How have you grown as an individual now that you have won the Miss Illinois International title? Whether I’m wearing a crown or not, I recognize now more than ever that I have an opportunity to inspire people when I meet them and I try to do that every day.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years I see myself steadily moving up the corporate ladder at my job. I see myself as a wife and mother living in my hometown. I will always be involved in the International System as a supporter.

What has been the highlight of your year so far? There really isn’t one moment that I can point to as a highlight. Every time I have the opportunity to don the crown is special and reminds me of the moment I was crowned.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. I love going antiquing with my mother. It‘s like walking through time. Many of the dealers are knowledgeable about the history of the pieces they vend and I love to hear the stories of items we see.

Which designer is your favorite when it comes to your pageant wardrobe (shoes, dresses, earrings)? Choosing a favorite designer is tough as there is a lot of talent out there. I also like to be able to put my own touch on my wardrobe with slight alterations and accessories. As far as shoes, you will find me in Jonathan Kaynes because they fit my feet. I can wear them for hours without pain.

Saryna Ritter is Miss Illinois International 2012. Saryna is a true inspiration. It took her over 9 tries to compete in the Illinois International pageant as both a teen and miss before finally winning her state title. She is a role model and truly exemplifies perseverance, hope, and determination.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? I want every single reader to know that you should never ever give up on your dreams! I said I would never give up on becoming Miss Illinois International because I have such passion for the pageant system. Whatever your dream may be go after it!

There is one pageant system that everyone is raving about. Do you know what it is? I am sure you’ve guessed. Read why American Spirit Pageants is on the rise in the US. With it’s second year in existence, attorney and philanthropist Dennis Vanderginst has been keeping busy with expanding the American Spirit Pageants. Last year the emcee was Mario Lopez and this year we will have to wait and see. With celebrity panel of judges, giving back to the community, and an awesome prize package, we see why YOU should choose American Spirit Pageants. In fact we love it so much that we even interviewed the director. Check it out below. Oh and we forgot to mention, the pageant is being held in Florida this year!!! Keep reading each week as we reveal exclusive interviews with each of the National American Spirit Queens.

An Interview with the American Spirit Pageants director, Dennis Vanderginst

 What gave you the idea to start American Spirit Pageants?  In August of 2011 I was planning an annual holiday benefit party that my law firm sponsors to raise money for a local charity.  At that time I noticed that I had a lot of Facebook friends who were involved in pageantry.  I thought it would be interesting to incorporate their passion into the fundraiser. So, I hit upon the idea of creating a pageant where charitable fundraising was actually a part of the competition, not just an afterthought or ancillary by product.

Where did the name of your pageant system originate from?  The name was a bit of a collaborative effort.  The staff and volunteers for the pageant all thought it should represent our mission of celebrating diversity and charity.  What could be more American?  And there was a true passion or “Spirit” in what we were creating.  Thus, “American Spirit Pageants” were borne.

Why do you choose to have celebrity judges on your panel?  I think it is important to have as much diversity in the judging panel as there is on the stage.  While it is important to have experienced judges who can keep everything flowing smoothly, I think it is also important to have novices who come into the pageant with no preconceived notions of what the winners should be like.  We also like to have a large panel of judges so that no one or two judges can unduly influence the outcome.  Having celebrities on the panel brings diversity and it brings a level of excitement to the pageant.  The women enjoy being seen by these celebrities and knowing that some of these celebrities have already accomplished some of the things that many of them hope to also accomplish.

 How is American Spirit Pageants different from any other pageant system in the USA?  American Spirit Pageants is unique in that it is the only national pageant system to integrate charitable fundraising into the judged competition.  It is also different from a lot of systems in that it truly emphasizes internal beauty as much, or even more than external beauty.  While physical beauty and poise are evaluated in evening gown and swim wear/fitness wear competitions, so too are the contestant’s personality and ambitions outside of the pageant.

What does it mean to represent a title in the American Spirit Pageant system?  Whether a state titlist or a national titlist it is a true honor to represent the American Spirit Pageant system.  It is a way of showing that you care about others, that you care about this world.  It means that you have a desire to grow and gain greater social awareness and give back to your community.  It means that you are focused on the Five “C’s”:  Courage, Conviction, Compassion, Character and Charity.

 Tell us about HavLife Charity. Why does the American Spirit Pageant support this charity?  American Spirit Charities is the charitable arm of the pageant system.  Money raised in the competition goes to ASC.  The Board then determines where those funds should be sent.  The Board’s focus is to look for lesser known and underfunded, yet worthwhile causes that have as their mission assisting one or more of the following: the elderly, the infirm, the injured, veterans, children, the arts, the environment and/or those unable to protect and care for themselves.  This year the competition proceeds are going to the HAVlife Foundation, a wonderful charity that creates opportunities for “at risk” children to participate in arts and athletic programs.

Why should a girl compete in your pageant system versus any other pageant system?  I believe we truly teach our contestants that their only competition is themselves.  Whether they win a crown or not they will have a great time, learn, grow, and truly become part of a family.

 What makes you a unique director? Being a relative newcomer to the pageant industry I think I come with a very unique and fresh perspective.  It may not always make people comfortable to try something new and unique.  But, new is good.  From that, we all grow.  Also, as an attorney I think I am really in tune with issues of fairness when it comes to selecting our judging panel.

Tell us a little bit about your staff. Do they have experience in pageantry, television, etc?We have a wonderful mix of full time and volunteer staff, some with a lot of experience and some with less than my own!  One thing I can say is there is never a dull moment!

Is there anything else you would like to include for our readership?  I would encourage everyone to look into our pageant.  Visit www.AmericanSpiritPageants.com .  We have a handful of states with preliminary state pageants to qualify for nationals.  The rest of our delegates are selected through an “at large” online selection process.  We expect to have a remarkable national pageant at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fl April 4-7, in conjunction with the “spirit of Pageantry” Convention and Trade Show, which will have wonderful speakers and exhibitors from the pageant, modeling, fashion and entertainment industries.

Mira Shan Necklace featured at www.mirashan.com Photo by JSK photography Model: Zahraa MUA: Victoria Spitzer

Editor’s pick this week for jewelry is a beautiful Mira Shan necklace and earring set. Mira Shan has a wide range of American and South Asian jewelry beautifully featured at www.tiaramag.net More editor’s picks will be featured in the weeks to come. Right now you can save 15% off if you sign up for their newsletter. With items ranging from $5- $100 you can’t beat that! Check it out. www.mirashan.com

Skincare Regimen

I must tell you about my new skincare regimen. I started using Evan Healy Skincare. You can learn more about it at http://www.evanhealy.com/  This is a wonderful company that is fairly traded and uses the best ingredients possible to restore balance in our skin. Here is a little on blurb taken from the Evan Healy website, “We source our pure Facial Tonic Hydrosols from a few select small, organic farms. Each batch is delightfully unique, much like a vintage wine. Each reflects the magic of the crop, the year, and the land from which it is harvested. This is the charm of using fresh pure plant waters. For instance, our lavender hydrosol smells like the authentic lavender plant itself, and not a synthetic fragrance approximation. It is warm and herbaceous with a slightly sweet honey-like note.” This is very true. When I use the Rose Geranium Facial Tonic Hydrosol it smelled like real rose not the synthetic aroma you find in other products. I was first introduced to a Tea Tree Cleanser by Evan Healy a few weeks prior to using their Balancing Rose Kit (which I will tell you all about below). I was LOVING the Tea Tree facial cleanser. I used to look at washing my face as a chore everyday because I wasn’t that excited about my cleansers. But the Tea Tree cleanser left my face so awake, refreshed, and clean that I actually couldn’t wait to wash my face when I woke up and before I went to bed. In fact I couldn’t wait to get home everyday just to wipe off my makeup, and wash my face to feel the refreshing feeling again. I noticed it reduced the size of my pores right away and it lasted. I started to receive compliments on my skin again! If you know anything about Tea Tree you know it can smell harsh and actually be rather harsh for the skin. However, Evan Healy has created my favorite facial cleanser and that is the Tea Tree cleanser. Because I loved this product so much I was willing to try one of their kits. There are 3 main kits. They are outlined below:

Rose Treatment line helps re-establish a healthy hydro/lipid balance to combination skin. It is also appropriate for mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles. Our Rose Line features gentle and balancing essential oils of rose geranium and carrot seed.

Blue Treatment line helps reduce inflammation and restore normal function to sensitive skin conditions, especially the sensitivity that accompanies rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. Featuring tranquil and calming essential oils of blue chamomile, lavender and immortelle.

Blemish Treatment line was created to deep cleanse, detoxify and refine pores. It helps restore normal function to blemished, oily and/or teen skin.

I was originally using the Tea Tree Cleanser which usually comes in the Blemish kit or you can purchase it separately (like most of the items). I really don’t have blemishes on my face, only once in a while. So I was willing to try something else. Sometimes I have sensitive skin but I decided to go with the Rose Kit.  What I noticed about the Rose Kit is I don’t like the facial cleanser at all. I tried it for three days and it left my skin with an uncomfortable and slight tingle. Now, like I said I have sensitive skin sometimes. I am not a fan in general of the  Milk Cleansers because they tend to feel filmy on my skin. What I can say is it was the best Milk Cleanser I have ever used in the sense that it left the LEAST AMOUNT of film on my face. I realize some people swear by these type of cleansers, if that is there preference then they should give it a try. So what I did is went back to my tea tree for the rest of week 1. I still used the other items in the Rose Kit. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Rosehip Treatment serum (which you mix with the hydrosol) and then follow up with the lotion. Their lotion is probably my all time favorite. It is called the Rose Vetiver Day Moisturizer. It makes my skin feel completely hydrated and supple. One thing I was warned about with the Tea Tree cleanser was that it might be a little too harsh in the winter since our skin tends to become dry during the winter months. I think I agree. I think I should try and use their cleanser from the sensitive kit. I plan to pick that up next week sometime and blog about it. I have yet to try the Clay Mask which I heard can revitalize your entire skin in as little as 3 weeks. My favorite part about this product line is that you can mix and match and find what works best for your skin. I love their pholosophy, how they help women, their mission, and the high quality of their ingredients. I know when I am using an Evan Healy product on my face that I am using the most organic, healthiest, and sustainable product on the market. You can’t beat that!  I will finish blogging about Evan Healy in the weeks to come at TiaraMag.net Our writer at Tiara Magazine, Amruta Gadgil, has started Even Healy with me as well. Her blog will also be posted at tiaramag.net  P.S. I bought my kit at WholeFoods Market! Just a little FYI =) —Sherrie Gearheart, Editor of Tiara Magazine

If you have a Passion for Fashion, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Please join us in this flawless runway show, filled with some of Chicago’s own top local designers, boutiques, stylists, MUA’s, Miss United America, networking, vendors and more.  Tickets include general admission, dinner, the viewing of the show and access to shopping with local vendors. Date: 4/12/11

Come join us while some of the Top Boutiques and Designers grace the runway!

Miss United America, Sherrie Gearheart, Editor of Tiara Magazine

Host and Special Guest: Miss United America: Sherrie Gearheart (editor of Tiara Magazine), Blaq Ice, and Imani Truth

Dj: 92.3 Own Chi-Blizz

See you there!

Visit us at www.pizazzbymonet.vpweb.com

Do you find yourself wondering what pageant you should enter next? Are you curious to find out which National Pageants, state pageants, and local pageants are located in YOUR area! Then you should subscribe to Tiara Magazine because our Spring Issue with Miss Intercontinental Jessica Hartman has a COMPLETE list of incredible pageants all year round! Subscribe Today!

Two Pageants we are highlighting just for you include:

American Dream Pageants
WWW.Americandreampageants.com
July 15-18, 2012
You can be the next American Dream.
Teens,Teenager,miss,ms.,Mrs.,lady and senior.
985-264-6386

World’s National Miss, Ms, Mrs and Teen online pageant.
National titles announced July 15, 2012.

http://www.worldsnationalmiss.com

Receive a complete list of up to date pageants by subscribing today!

Heider Scheer and her son were recently featured on the cover of The Autism Spectrum Quarterly magazine. She also recently returned home from speaking at the Autism Partnership School in Hong Kong.

Eating Clean on a Budget

By Megan Melone

In this time of economic hardship for many people, it’s important to consider ways to keep the costs of eating clean down in an effort to keep ourselves healthy. Not too long ago, I was grocery shopping with my sister. A little bit about her: she used to weigh over 200 lbs and is now a figure athlete—quite a turn around. While we were checking out, the overweight checker scanned all of her veggies, chicken, fruits and commented, “I can’t afford to eat this healthy”. My sister, without hesitation, responded “I can’t afford NOT to”.

Sadly, it is much less expensive to eat fat laden fast food, or pre-packaged food, rich in preservatives and sodium, than healthy nutritious food. Eating clean can be costly, but there are a few tips that will help your wallet.

1. When possible, shop local! Local farmers, farmer’s markets, and local farm stands, are far less expensive than large grocery stores. The produce is fresh and helping local farmers is a great way to help your community.

2. Cook from scratch. Yes, cooking from scratch takes time and planning, but it’s cheaper and healthier than buying prepackaged meals. When you buy prepackaged foods, you’re only paying for convenience; however, if you want to save money, your time will be well spent planning and making your own meals. Also, If you are making your own meals, you are able to control sodium, sugar, fat and other factors that can help assist your health and weight loss.

3. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce holds the same nutritional value as fresh and is usually FAR cheaper than buying fresh.

4. Buy in Bulk. Many stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco have made bulk shopping much more economical. For example, I get about 5 times as much Oatmeal for the same price when I buy in bulk.

5. Plan your meals and use a list. This will prevent you from impulse buying. Stick to the list and you will not spend a fortune at the store.

6. Read the circular. Finding out which grocery stores are having sales on things you buy most often is a great way to save money. Know where you are going to save the most and shop there.

7. Cut the coupons. Enough said…use those things! Eating clean does not have to be rough on your pocket book. With just a few tips and some simple planning, eating clean can be very economical.

Megan is a Nutrition Consultant with TheDiet Doc Chicago (TheDietDocChicago.com).

Tiara Magazine is the leader in beauty, fashion, and pageantry news. Tiara Magazine has a readership in 126 countries. Nationally based in the US we offer fashion shows, competitions, and exposure for those around the world. Tiara Magazine is a quarterly print publication that also gives to it’s readers, free of charge, articles right here at www.tiaramg.net That’s right, while you are waiting for your print publication in the mail you can spend your time reading additional articles for free right here at tiaramag.net We update our website daily with news, tips, and ticks so you can be fabulous. Check out our recent cover design by Jenny Lezan. Our cover model is Miss Intercontinental 2011, Jessica Hartman. Subscribe today to read her full story, to see our brand ambassadors revealed, and more! This issue premiers April 2012! Get a jump start and subscribe. Don’t miss out. Be part of our international readership. Welcome to the Tiara Family!

Hello I am Kimberly Grooms, Ms American Elegance Woman US 2012

My Platform is Postpartum Depression Awareness, helping men and women identify it’s signs and symptoms. Also, I am campaigning to have the month of May established as national Postpartum Depression Awareness Month.
Every year, more than 400,000 infants are born to mothers who are depressed, which makes perinatal depression the most under diagnosed obstetric complications in the United States.
I am currently writing a letter which recognizes the importance of Postpartum Depression (PPD) awareness. I am submitting this letter to my local Senator and Congressman to encourage them to make changes to existing laws regarding PPD. I want to establish a national policy similar to England’s laws, which has established standard guidelines when dealing with mothers and fathers affected by PPD. In addition, I am proposing training, education and PPD awareness measures to be put in place to raise the nation’s awareness, when it comes to this devastating illness. Hopefully my recommendations will begin breaking centuries of mental health stigma allowing individuals to feel informed and empowered when seeking help. Also, I am proposing set mandatory and voluntary procedures in the treatment of mothers and fathers with PPD. One of the highlights in my letter will focus on hospitals, mandating them to provide educational programs to help women, men and supportive family members identify signs of PPD before leaving the hospital. I am hoping these changes will empower individuals to seek additional help when, symptoms of PPD are recognized from the educational sessions taught in hospitals. In addition, referrals, resources and follow-up guidelines connecting individuals to services will be required and the process understood by all healthcare providers.

I would organize different activities and events in order to bring attention to Postpartum Depression in women and men, such as….

• Walk, Bike and Skate-a-Thon
• Host a web site with interactive stories and resources
• PPD continuing education for healthcare providers and support staff at hospital and at well child clinics.
• Host fund raising, government/private
• Host dinners, cocktail parties and concerts
• Announce colors for PPD, blue fade to white
• Educational material, pamphlets, videos and bill boards
• Attend Washington and local government events
• Media Campaigns: Television, radio, talk shows, news papers and magazines
• Facebook and Twitter accounts
• Host a live 24-7 help chat line for hot and warm questions
• T-Shirts, logos, support ribbons and picture of depression
• Create a slogan
• Confirm May as National Postpartum Awareness month
• Host national Postpartum Depression conferences
• Candle light vigils
• Broadcast a Blue alert similar to an Amber alert nationally every time a child is killed by a mother or father due to Postpartum Depression.

Although mentally ill parents pose grave risks to children and are sometimes severely punished despite their afflictions, the majority of those who kill infants and small children are sane by the standards of the most liberal jurisdictions in the United States. However, had my proposed laws and policies been in place at the time when recent highly publicized cases involving PPD occurred, the mother or father involved might have been mandated to receive extensive psychological help before the incident occurred.