Blog #2

Here is a long overdue update!

I immensely enjoyed a major shopping spree in Mary McCaman's closet when she came down to LA last month. Wow! Never have I been able to try on so many beautiful dresses in one sitting! I was able to borrow my whole wardrobe for my photo shoot, MAOT, and the next couple of appearances. She is so generous to be able to offer her closet to me! If you ever need to rent a dress go to her first! Thank you SO much to Nikki Lehman. She has amazing taste and was able to help me decide on what dresses to choose. She is the best wardrobe consultant I could ask for!!!Here is one of the dresses I'll be wearing in Orlando

I attended the national tour of “In the Heights.” One of my dear friends from American Idol, Chris Chatman, was a star in the show. He definitely stole the show! It was so wonderful to support my friend and watch him shine! Great job Chris!! (He also sneaked us backstage so we could meet all the stars.)

Backstage with some of the cast from the national tour of "In The Heights"

Russell Peters is THE most hilarious comedian ever to live. And I got to see him! What a treat!! I have honestly never laughed as hard as I did that night. If you get an opportunity to see him, be sure to check him out!

On August 5th I had the honor to help promote the Children's Miracle Network at a local Dairy Queen. It was such a treat to share this experience with Miss San Diego Cities, Miss Northern California Regional and Miss San Diego County's Outstanding Teen as we increased awareness of Children's Miracle Network. As every customer entered, we would all chant "Buy one Blizzard and a dollar of the profit goes to the Children's Miracle Network." It was wonderful to talk to customers who said that they came into Dairy Queen specifically for this charity event. Overall it was an incredible experience, and CMN is such a great national platform for Miss America and all her state and local representatives.

The girls and I in front of the local Dairy Queen promoting CMN

I was able to go wakeboarding twice in one week!! The first time I tried, I epically failed, but the second time I went out I was able to stand up! Only for 10 seconds but that’s beside the point. J Wakeboarding is so much harder than it seems. I have a whole new respect for that sport.

I had my first meeting with Miss California’s trainer, Mike Douglass. It was such an honor to be in his gym. His walls were covered with photos of national champion body builders and many Miss California’s! Hopefully my picture will be on the wall one day! Bob and I had lunch at his restaurant upstairs. It had unbelievably delicious and healthy meal. Ideal place for me! I am absolutely in love with his muffins. They are made without egg and butter but instead contain oats and other secret ingredients. If you ever happen to pass Alpine, be sure to pick up his famous muffins.

Mike and I before our workout session.

I was on Fox 5 for their “Got Milk” campaign with Miss Northern California Regional, Marina Inserra, Miss San Diego 2009, Robin Senne, Runner-up to Miss San Diego 2010, Shelby MacDonald, and one of my dear friends, Vickie Bauer. We all showed the viewers how to stay in shape and work out even past summer. I have appeared on that station several times, so it was great to be able to reconnect with all the anchors. They had us do challenging workouts, and I definitely felt them after the segment was over!

The workout gang and the anchors of Fox 5!

This past Saturday was my photo shoot for my Miss America headshots! Chelle Hyde and Nikki met me at a beautiful home in northern San Diego where the amazing Sharon Noson shot my photos. She is a magnificent photographer and made me look great in all the shots. Choosing just a few of them will be a huge challenge.

Here is a photo Nikki took in between photo changes.

Till next time…

XOXO,

Arianna Afsar

Miss California 2010