I am writing this blog post at 2:30am on a Monday morning. Itty Bitty is sound asleep, and the usual culprit of my late nights– new parent induced insomnia — isn’t to blame. 
I’m up because of a wonderful natural high. That, and incessant charlie horses and cramps that keep bending my toes and feet into contortionist like positions. Ouch.
That’s what I get for wearing 5 inch heels for almost 10 hours straight, right?

Why the heck would I subject myself to this torture? Because I competed in the Ms. Tri-State Pageant, and slippers are generally frowned upon on the pageant stage.
I’ve mentioned in a few posts (here and here) how I wanted to start taking better care of myself this year. I had been feeling down, frumpy, and all together crummy. Getting eyelash extensions and fabulous hair treatments definitely helped, but I was missing a reason to get dressed up. 
Gone are my days of spring proms or sorority formals. Tall Dad and I don’t really have the money to go on a cruise anytime soon, and I highly doubt I’ll be invited to a formal gala in the near future.
New parents, and young adults in general, have very few opportunities to get REALLY dressed up. I mean pretty shoes, accessories, hair styling, and a floor length gown. 
Honestly, think about it – when was the last time you got super gussied up and felt fabulous? If you’re anything like me, it might take you a preeeeeetty long time to recall your last memory of that sort.
I learned about the Tri-State Pageant from Denise at Calma Salon. She mentioned that her salon does the hair and beauty treatments for the local pageant winners, and they also do the on site makeup for many of the local competitions. Denise recommended I check out Tri-State, and told me that it was just a couple of weeks away.
I went home, mentioned the idea with Tall Dad, and together we decided that it would be a fun opportunity. After having competed in pageants for scholarship money when I was in college, I felt like I had a little idea of what to expect. 
I’ll tell you a bit more about my pageant journey in some upcoming posts, hopefully after I’ve gotten a bit more sleep, but I just wanted to fill you in on this wonderful adventure I went on. 
I didn’t win a crown or sash, but I did place 2nd Runner Up, and had a fabulous day being pampered, hearing some of my closest friends cheer for me while I was on stage, and feeling like a princess for a day.
Honestly, when was the last time you got SUPER dressed up? 
I’m talking a long dress, nails painted, and getting your hair done.