Miss New York Intl Tells All!

Last Friday I posted on my Instagram & Twitter accounts that I was answering all of your questions! I had a great time receiving messages from people all over the world. Here are my answers to 10 of the questions I received:

1) Why did I start doing pageants?

I competed in my first pageant because I saw it as a great way to focus on myself. After my mother passed away, I was in a very dark place. I figured I needed to start a new hobby that would encourage me to live a healthy lifestyle and allow me to volunteer more. I wanted to volunteer more because I loved the sense of accomplishment I received from donating my time. The first pageant I did was the most fun! I was surrounded by accomplished, well-spoken and poised women who encouraged me to be the best version of myself.

2) Who is your favorite sport team?

The Buffalo Bills, of course! My favorite past times consist of tailgating in my zumba leggings and cheering loudly in the stands with mitten on my hands!

3) Where is your favorite place for Frozen Yogurt?

Any fro-yo is amazing fro-yo! But I do enjoy a late night stroll in the Elmwood Village with my boyfriend, so I'd say Yotality. My frozen yogurt order is always the same, vanilla and chocolate with hot fudge and Reese cups so sometimes he will actually surprise me with a delivery!

4) What are some of your favorite stores?

This is a difficult question because I am not a huge shopper. I go into different stores for various reasons. I l like to shop at Saks off 5th if I'm in Niagara Falls and Lord & Taylor if I'm in the Walden Galleria. I usually bargain hunt at TJ MAXX and Marshall's. If I'm looking for a cheap, quick outfit I'll wear once I head into Forever21.

5) Where are you from?

Born & Raised Buffalonian!

6) How do I stay motivated to go to the gym every day?

There are definitely days when I'm not in the gym mood. I stay motivated by playing my Workout Playlist to get me pumped up. I also have a 5 minute rule - put on my gym clothes and out the door in 5 minutes! Once I'm outside I'm fine. If I'm really not feeling the vibes, I'll scroll through motivational posts on instagram - this always helps!

7) What do I like to do for fun?

I am an enormous brunch lover. Every weekend my plans revolve around Sunday Brunch. I usually go with loved ones or sometimes a group of people. I enjoy brunch because it is more relaxed than dinner, which reminds me of mealtime in France. It's also a great way to eat outside in the sun, on a nice patio.

8) How do you stay fit?

Staying fit is a decision to live a healthy lifestyle. I workout every day and cook my own dinner so I know what I'm putting into my body. I also surround myself with encouraging and supportive people, who are either working toward the same goals, or wish the best for me! ....It is not always easy though - trust me!

9) How do you cope with negativity?

Unfortunately there is a lot of negativity that accompanies the spotlight. Although I keep my private life on the down low, it is easy to feel attacked by strangers. The only thing I can do is ignore and move-on. Bigger issues arise when you add fuel to the fire.

10) What is your talent for competition?

In the International Pageant System there is no talent portion. Instead, I have 30 seconds on stage to explain what Hospice is and why I support it! & If you don't already know, Hospice provides mental, emotional, and physical support to patients and families experiencing a life-threatening illness. Both my mother and grandfather went through Hospice Care during their final days.