Mrs. Connecticut America 2009 Melanie Varian

Mrs. America Finals!

2009-10-12T09:39:00.001-07:00

Such an exciting night! Thank you so much to my family for supporting me through all of the hard work and busy summer of preparing for this moment. I could not have gotten through it without them. To my sponsors: Thank you, thank you, thank you! The most important thing that I have learned from this experience is that when you give back to your community, are kind to others and work hard...good things will come your way and people will help you in return. I truly believe that...and this experience has proven it. When I needed support, I didn't have to look very far to find it. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

Congratulations to our new Mrs. America, Andrea Robertson!

Mrs. America Preliminaries

2009-10-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had a great time competing in preliminaries! Competed at my best and really proud of how I represented Connecticut. Enjoy the photos!

Mrs. America - Gift Giving Galore

2009-10-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

Each delegate was asked to bring 2 gifts to VIP people in the pageant. This year the gifts went to Mr.Brian Johnson, GM of the resort and Mr. Jonathan Walker, President & CEO, Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau. I gave Mr. Johnson an autographed banner from ESPN. It was really great, had a ton of professional athletes and news anchors signatures on it! I gave Mr. Walker a weekend ski package to Mohawk Mountain in CT. I have to admit..it was hard to give both of those gifts away!

Here are a few photos with David Marmel and Diane Tucker (former Mrs. World).

Mrs. America: DAY 5

2009-10-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the only night that we were allowed to have our family attend an event with us. I was so happy to have my sister Mary and husband Keith with me. We had a great time at the Tuscon Jazz Fest! Great wine, music and most importantly...time with family!!!!

Mrs. America : DAY 5

2009-10-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Interview Competition Begins and then a day to relax at the pool with family..finally!

Thrilled after the interview was over because I did great! I expected the interview questions to be a little more advanced...somewhat disappointed that the questions were so simple! But, at the end of the day, just happy to be there and have done my best! GO CT!

Mrs.America ; DAY 4

2009-10-12T04:28:00.000-07:00

We had the privledge of meeting Florence Henderson. She co-hosted the pageant with Alan Thick. She was kind enough to come to one of our rehearsals and meet us.

We also had a fun golf shoot that day at the resort. I am not an expert on golf, but my husband said that it was one of the best golf courses in the country. Oh..and yes, I wore heels. :)

Mrs. America: Day 3

2009-10-12T04:22:00.000-07:00

EARLY MORNING SWIMSUIT.

51 MRS. AMERICA Delegates up early for a sunrise swimsuit shoot at the LOEWS Ventana Canyon Resort. Swimwear by CAROL WIOR.
We had to get up VERY early to make it outside before the sun came up over the mountains...which was easy for me because I still was not adjusted to the time changes:)

Mrs. America - DAY 2

2009-10-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

The ST. JOHN boutique was nice enough to host the 51 MRS. AMERICA Delegates. We were treated to a "red carpet" reception replete with champagne, strawberries and nibbles. I can't say I did any shopping ( which made my husband happy), but I did enjoy the strawberries and champagne!

We also had the chance to snap a photo of the contestants who had the opportunity to compete in MISS USA before getting to MRS.AMERICA...Only 3 of us! Go CT, VT and MA! I am very proud of this accomplishment.

Mrs. America - DAY 1

2009-10-12T04:02:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about my trip was the food...seriously! The hotel fed us very well!!! I looked forward to every meal. So yummy...I kept thinking to myself.."Enjoy it now Melanie, because in a few days you will go right back to pork chops and green beans in CT"! Oh and I must admit...it was very nice to not have to do the dishes afterwards:)

Mrs.America 2009

2009-10-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

I had a great time representing Connecticut in the 2009 Mrs. America Pageant! Although I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world volunteering, I have never visited Tuscon Arizona. Although the delegates did not get to see too much of Tuscon, from what we were able to see..it is really beautiful! It was my first time seeing a cactus, road runner and rattlesnake. I can't say that I will miss the rattlesnakes! YIKES! We dont have those in CT and that is a good thing ;)We stayed at the Loews Ventana Resort and it was amazing! Everyone was so helpful and nice. The General Manager, Brian Johnson, is actually from Connecticut.

Here is a photo recap of my experience's while competing for the title of Mrs. America!

Bangle and Clutch - South Windsor

2009-08-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

My first experience with this amazing boutique was last fall when I was lucky enough to model their clothes and accessories in the Gifts of Love Fashion Show. This is actually where I met Debbie Wright! Nannette Bosh, the owner of Bangle and Clutch was so wonderful to sponsor me this year. I am so lucky to have the best accessories for Mrs. America, courtesy of Bangle and Clutch. If you love accessories and gorgeous hand bags...you will love Bangle and Clutch! Anytime I wear a piece from Bangle and Clutch people always compliment me and ask "Where did you get your jewelry from?"
BANGLE and CLUTCH....

Thank you again Nannette for being such a wonderful sponsor!
http://www.bangleclutch.com/

Mack Fire Protection

2009-08-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Bill at MACK Fire Protection for also sponsoring my advertisement for Mrs. America!

www.mackfire.com

Mary Wells - L2W Designs and Promotions

2009-08-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Mary and I met at Dress for Success' Tiara Tuesday. She was so sweet and ready to help me in anyway she could! I had such a difficult time finding a sponsor for my advertisement and Mary took charge and found sponsors within a matter of days! Mary's business, L2W Designs is one of the ad sponsors! She is a a truly an exceptional person and I am lucky to have her support! (She also loves to do Karaoke...and in my sisters book...you're a friend for life if you live karaoke as much as we do!)

Thank you is not enough for everything Mary has done for me this summer! She is the best!

Minyan Zhu Photography

2009-08-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our friendship began when we chose Minyan to photograph our wedding. He is truly an artist and his photos surpass other photos we have seen. He has a wonderful way of capturing life in the moment. This is something we love most about his work. We are so happy that he could be apart of this experience and thrilled to call him our family friend.

Thank you Minyan for everything!

www.minyanzhu.com

Mariella Creations - Rocky Hill

2009-08-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Mariella was kind enough to have me come in and pick out several cocktail dresses and gowns for Mrs. America. Any woman thinking about getting married, has been married or has been in a wedding is familiar with this fabulous boutique. If you are looking for stunning wedding gowns, a gown or cocktail dress for a formal event, you have to check out Mariella's in Rocky Hill. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!

Thank you to Debbie Wright my wardrobe consultant for arranging this. Thank you Mariella for your generousity. We are honored to call you a sponsor and I am thrilled to wear some of your GORGEOUS pieces!

http://www.mariellacreations.com/index-1.html

Melissa & Doug

2009-08-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you again to Melissa & Doug in Wilton, CT. If you have children or work as an educator you are familiar with their toys and puzzles. They donated all of the state gifts to me for Mrs. America. As well as giving our children SO many gifts! I have always supported Melissa & Doug toys because they are fun, educational and high quality. After meeting Doug in person, I will always purchase their products because of how kind he was to me and my son that day.

www.melissaanddoug.com

Bodytalk - Avon

2009-08-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Debbie Wright, BODYTALK in Avon was willing to have me come into their shop and pick out some of the nicest outfits with accessories for Mrs. America! Terrie, was so wonderful to work with and she had some really great ideas about what outfits would work best for me and the event. I am so grateful to Bodytalk for becoming a sponsor. They have a great selection of designer clothing from Trendy to more conservative. Of course, I opted for the trendy outfits! Can't wait to wear them in Tuscon. Thanks again Terrie for the great clothes!

http://bodytalkwestport.com/

JAFRA - Pamela Martin

2009-08-27T11:43:00.001-07:00

Pam has been so kind to me! We met at an event for Dress for Success in Hartford and she immediately offered to help me in anyway she could! Such a lovely woman. She was nice enough to raffle off an amazing gift basket at my fundraiser and attend it as well. She then asked if she could become one of my sponsors for the year!!! This was so amazing because I get to have the BEST skincare products and make up for the entire year! Whats even better, is that I think I found a friend for life!

I look forward to working with Pamela for the GO RED campaign as soon as I return from Mrs. America. Check out her website, JAFRA has amazing products that will keep your skin looking young, healthy and flawless for years to come. I know Im sold on the products already. Thank you again Pam for everything!!

www.myjafra.com/pmartin

Debbie Wright - PROJECT CLOSET

2009-08-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

I met Debbie last year at the Gifts of Love Charity Event at the Riverview in Simsbury, CT. She was one of the models in the fashion show and she also picked out the outfits for me to wear in the show. She is not only a genious when it comes to fashion, she is an angel when it comes to helping others. She was kind enough to become the official wardrobe consultant for me this year as Mrs. CT America. Its not everyday that special people come into our lives and I truly feel very fortunate and lucky to have met Deb last year and for her to be kind enough to help me this year.

www.projectcloset.com

David Salon

2009-08-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

The first business that was willing to sponsor me was the DAVID SALON in Unionville, CT. I have gone to the salon in the past and really enjoyed my experience there. We were so honored when they were willing to sponsor my hair for the entire year! David and Madeline, the owners of the salon are two of the nicest people I have ever met. They have been so amazing to work with and I would recommend the salon to anyone. To me, its not just about getting a great hair cut or color (which you will definitly get!)...its also about being treated kindly and feeling welcome. I really look forward to not just getting a great haircut, but seeing everyone that works there! The stylists Mariana and Flora are fantastic too! If you are looking for an upscale salon that really goes out of their way for all of their clients...go to the DAVID SALON in Unionville.

http://www.davidsalon.net/David_Salon_860.673.6690/Welcome.html

Thank you to my sponsors!

2009-08-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Before Leaving for Mrs. America in 4 days, I wanted to take the time to acknowledge and thank all of my wonderful sponsors. I would have not gotten through the process of preparing for Mrs. America as easy as I did without their support. Stay tuned....

DIVA night out - JAFRA PARTY to benefit Mrs. CT America Pageant

2009-08-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out last night to support JAFRA, Mary Wells and ME! We had a great time at Bonterra restaurant with amazing food, friends and cocktails. We pampered ourselves with great products (thanks Pamela!). It was a great way to celebrate all of the hard work, preparation and planning we have put into the pageant. Thank you again to my sponsors Mary Wells and Pamela Martin. JAFRA is the official sponsor of skincare and makeup for the Mrs. Connecticut America pageant.

Tiara Tuesday to benefit Dress for Success

2009-08-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

My sister Mary and I had a great time yesterday at this months Tiara Tuesday at Dish in Hartford. We ran into new friends and some old friends at the event. We were happy to see JAFRA's Pamela Martin there. She is amazing! She was so nice to offer to sponsor my skincare and make up for the entire year. Next week she will be having a JAFRA party and I can't wait to learn more about the products.

The wonderful, generous and kind Mary Wells of L2W Designs and Promotions was also at the event. She is the best! She helped me obtain all of the sponsors for the Mrs. America advertisement....and after having a challenging time doing this for a LONG time...she came in and took over and got it done within a few days. We are so thankful to have met her and call her a friend.

To learn more about Tiara Tuesday's and the Dress for Success Organization, please visit their website: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?pageid=1&sisid=28

Strike Out Autism Night

2009-08-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time last night at the New Britain Rock Cats Game! It was Maxwell's first time on a baseball field and he had a blast running around! Keith got an unexpected workout chasing after our little man who wanted to run the bases! We were so happy that Maxwell was able to experience that. He may not remember it...but we have a TON of photos to show him when he gets older. :)

The Rock Cats hosted Autism Awareness Night to benefit Autism Speaks.
All of the Rock Cats players wore wearing specialized Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece jerseys in honor of the event. I had the privledge of talking with many families who were touched by this disorder. I think that many of the parents were shocked when I told them that I have been working with children with Autism and other related disorders for 7 years now.

The Team was kind enough to let me wear the Autism Speaks jersey while throwing the first pitch! This was pretty cool!!

The Rock Cats played the Akron Aero's last night...Keith was so excited to see them play in person because he is from Akron Ohio!

Thanks again to Diana Yeisley of Autism Speaks, Evan Levy and Damon Scott for making this happen for me and my family! We had a wonderful time continuing to support Autism Speaks, throwing out the first pitch and watching the New Britain Rock Cats play great baseball!

Thank you Melissa & Doug

2009-08-14T08:53:00.001-07:00

Today Maxwell and I had the pleasure of going to the "Melissa & Doug" toy company headquarters in Wilton, Connecticut. Doug was generous enough to donate my state gifts for the Mrs. America pageant. Each girl is required to bring the other delegates a gift that is representative of their state...and I was thrilled when Melissa & Doug agreed to help me with these gifts. We toured the building and it was amazing...think Willy Wonkas chocalate factory..but swap the candy for fabulous toys! Max was in awe...total awe of his surroundings! EVERYONE that worked there was so kind to us. We walked into the board room to pick up the state gifts that Doug had picked out for me. I expected to see a small box of goodies..but instead there was an entire board room table filled with all new toys!!! He not only selected a brand new toy thats not even released yet for the state gifts...but, but, but...Doug had a table full of amazing toys for our children! I left in tears. We are so lucky to have the support of such wonderul people...it truly is an amazing feeling!

As a mother, educator and consumer...I know how important Melissa & Doug toys are to children of all ages. They are fun, innovative and educational. So happy to have their support!!! www.melissaanddoug.com

Mrs. Connecticut America and Autism Speaks Fundraiser

2009-08-09T13:40:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to our fundraiser last night at the Wood n Tap in Hartford! We had a great turn out of 75 people and the room was packed!!!!
It was amazing to see so many people who support us and more importantly, support Autism Speaks!
All of the hard work paid off to have all of the people that we care about most in the same room. We had a wonderful time with family and friends, ate great food and laughed the night away!
Thank you to 96.5's Damon Scott for coming out and supporting me and helping with the raffle! We had amazing prizes and Damon did a great job of selling tickets to our guests! We are so proud to say that we raised SOOOOO MUCH $$$$ for Autism Speaks! I think that this was the best part of the evening for me. It was amazing to see how many people support the Mrs. CT pageant...but even better to see that they also support a cause that is so close to my heart...its my career, and something that has touched the lives of my family and friends. Today, we are feeling so blessed and grateful to have so many people in our lives that love and support us.
Gratitude...it is truly a wonderful feeling.

Mrs. America....here I come!!!!!!!

Thank you Damon Scott and 96.5 TIC!!

2009-08-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy planning a wonderful event for Saturday's fundraiser!
It looks like we are going to have a great turn out! What could be more fun than great food, good friends and supporting a wonderful cause, Autism Awareness!?

Looking forward to this weekend!

Special Thanks to Damon for giving me/fundraiser a warm "shout out" today on the radio! He is really a terrific guy! We are so LUCKY to have his support. For all of his fans....he will be making an appearance this Saturday in hopes of helping to raise ALOT of money from the raffle to benefit Autism Speaks!

Tiara Tuesday- Dress for Success Hartford

2009-07-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

(Damon Scott 96.5 TIC fm and Debbie Wright, owner of Project Closet in photo below)

Wow! This evening I was lucky enough to attend an amazing event at Trumbull Kitchen in Hartford .

Tiara Tuesday's is Dress for Success' newest event to benefit this terrific organization. 100% of the ticket proceeds were donated to Dress for Success. I met so many wonderful people that seemed very eager to help me in my journey as Mrs. CT America. It was inspiring to meet so many successful woman who are able to balance careers, family, friends and still have to time to make a difference in people's lives.

(Board Members for Dress for Success Hartford)

The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. I look forward to working with the Dress for Success Organization throughout the year as Mrs. CT and hopefully long after my reign is over.

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx

Family Photo Shoot with Minyan Zhu

2009-07-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time at St Marys By the Sea this weekend. Our friend Minyan, who is also a brilliant photographer was nice enough to come with us to take photos. Check out his website: http://www.minyanzhu.com/

There are numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy at Saint Mary’s by the Sea, located in the distinctive Black Rock neighborhood. Bring binoculars to watch the birds and wildlife at this site. There is a developed walkway (approximately 1/2 mile in length) for power walkers or those looking for a leisurely stroll, which provide visitors with spectacular views of Long Island Sound and Black Rock Harbor. The site holds historic and cultural interest for visitors to explore

St.Marys Sea Walk is a very special place to my family. We take walks there almost daily, have picnics, search for crabs and sea shells and watch the sailboats. We were so thrilled that we were able to document our fond memories of this special place in beautiful photographs.

Traveler's Championship 6/25/09

2009-06-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a great day I had today at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. http://www.travelerschampionship.com/index.htm

I was thrilled when I was asked to model in the fashion show at the tournament in celebration of "Woman's Day". The weather was gorgeous, the people were amazing and the clothes were stunning! Debbie Wright, owner of Project Closet and Damon Scott, dj for 96.5 TIC co hosted the fashion show. Debbie styled all of the models beautifully..she truly has a gift of fashion! I look forward to working with her again and her helping me prepare for MRS.AMERICA! Check out her webiste- http://www.projectcloset.com/

We were all so lucky to get to hold the FED EX CUP too! Pretty cool. Special Thanks to my sister Mary for coming with me today, we had a great day together! Mary was even interviewed for NBC 30 News!

Annual Black Rock Day Parade

2009-06-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hailed as the "Best Small Parade in America," the Black Rock Day Parade winds from the Burroughs Community Center to Ellsworth Field. Bands, floats, local groups and celebs were apart of this great event. My family and I had a great time riding in the parade. Mallory and Emily had a great time sitting on top of the car with me and waving to all of the people. Maxwell LOVED saying "hi" to everyone he saw. Keith had the difficult job of trying to keep Max in the car!

Many thanks to Phil Blagys, the President of the BRCC.

Our camera broke right before the parade started, so be sure to check back for more photos!

Mrs. Connecticut America 2009

2009-06-15T07:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.mrsctamerica.com/index.htm

Mrs. Connecticut America 2009 Pageant; June 7th 2009

2009-06-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day I had at the pageant! It was my first time competing in this system and I had the time of my life. Everyone I met was so kind, genuine and helpful. I really felt that I made lasting friendships. The day was so relaxing that it was hard to believe that we were apart of a competition! Elaine Paolo, the state director, really put on a fantastic event. I am so fortunate to be able to work with such a wonderful woman! It was also great to get to know her husband Ray and daughter Melissa. I look forward to a wonderful year as Mrs. Connecticut America. I am so honored and thrilled to be apart of an organization that celebrates married woman in such a wonderful way.

Mrs. America....Here I come!!!