Hosting local Fashion Show...

Lets Get Fierce! Lets Get Fabulous! Lets Get Fashion  

Well if you didn't know by now I hosted a local fashion show here in Fort Wayne for a women's organization called the Cosmopolites. Before hosting the show I asked a few people about their views from past shows. I was told it was boring and ancient!!!

"Aww another FW bust!" I thought to myself and openly expressed to others hehe

As the show approached,  I learned more details about the ~quote on quote~ "fashions" (and I use that word so loosely because Dress Barn and your personal closet doesn't really count) but I was a bit concerned about what I got myself into. 

Just like the ladies predicted, it was a packed house with the attendance dressed to impress like only they can! keep in mind my location  I'll just say this, what's a dime here is a penny with a hole in it else where. Pop! I'm done

My friend Jonathan Krazer recorded some video, that I'm still waiting to get back in order to make a reel. hint hint 

I hope I added a little bit of flavor, spice, and youth to the show:

POTUS

Not the only reason why I vote...


GOOD READ: Just Because He's Black (author unknown): A white man asked his black friend " Are you going to vote for Barack Obama just because he's black?" The black man responded by saying, "Why not? Hell in this country men are pulled over everyday just because they are black; passed over for promotions just because they are black; considered to be criminals just because they are black. Thousands of white voters won't be voting for him just because he is black! However you don't seem to have a problem with any of that! This country was built with the sweat and tears of black slaves; and now a black man has a chance to lead the same country, where we weren't even considered people, where we weren't allowed to be educated, drink from the same fountains, eat in the same Restaurants, or even vote. So yes I am going to vote for him! But it's not just because he's black, but because through his leadership several of Americas most elusive enemies were brought to justice; our economy, health and environment improved; and our good reputation around the world has been restored. He is hope. He is change. He is wise. He is a man of integrity and intelligence. He is a man of faith and perseverance. A man of maturity and good judgement. He is a faithful husband and father. And he now allows me to understand when my grandchildren say they want to be President when they grow up, it is not a fairy tale but a short term goal. They now see, understand, and know that they can achieve, withstand, and do ANYTHING that they can dream for themselves.. So no, I am not voting for him because he is black... I'm voting for him because "I'M BLACK."

Youth Leadership

An amazing woman name Sheenah Johnson (Owner of a Sheekristyle Dance Academy, Employee of Girls Scout of Northern Indiana and Michigan, and Super Mommy) as me to speak to a group of young ladies at a leadership seminar she hosted here in Fort Wayne. 

Of course I said yes. One of the perks of being Mrs. Nebraska is speaking to young ladies!!!

I was extremely nervous because you know kids can be so cruel and honest, but they were the opposite. Some of the points I wanted to address were:
~higher education
~making good grades
~choosing the right friends that have ambitions and capable of achieving their goals
~join extra-curricular activities or start something at your school
~respecting your peers, teachers, and ones self 
~creating you own 'cool' and not following the bad influence of 'cool'

I enjoyed our informal conversation of sitting on the floor with our fun socks and learning about their school experiences. I had a speech prepared but that went out the window once I entered the room. Speeches can be so boring especially to a group of young people that really just want to be heard.

We touched on the above topics and I was presently surprised the girls already knew the message I wanted to deliver. When asked 'who are your role models?' I will not tell a lie; I was expecting answers like Nicki Minaj, some bball babymommas, or other crazy deranged superstars. However, the girls said members of their families and even Sheenah. 

Maybe our generation isn't lost, or at least not these 17!!!

Cosmopolites...

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile but here is a short one for your fancy.

As I start to adjust to my new life here in Fort Wayne, (because it doesn't look like I'm leaving anytime soon, whoomp) I have touch bases with a group of fun women called the Cosmopolites.

Cosmopolites Business & Professional Women's Club started in 1957 to service the Fort Wayne Community. Their purpose: To afford an outlet for women with civic and social interests. Through the years these women have serviced the community with the following:

• Helping families affected with Hurricane Katrina
• Scholarship grants
• Scholarship Award to Charmaine School and Model Agency
• American Cancer Society
• Fort Wayne Fine Arts Foundation
• Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
• Job Works Impact Program

That is just naming a few, the list goes on and on. 

The Big news I want to share is: Every year this organization holds a Fashion Brunch in which the proceeds go to a scholarship fund for a selected college student. Yours truly is hosting the Fashion Show. Yes I know Mrs. Nebraska United States 2012 will be in the building hosting a fashion show in Fort Wayne, Indiana!!!!!

I'll keep you updated on the outcome, but I heard it was the talk of the town :)

my website

It's here, go check it out....


WWW.JUDEADEE.COM

Pageant Life..

My first pageant is now over and I must say it was sooooo much fun!!! I learned a lot about myself and from the wonderful women I met. Let me tell you those women were/are amazing!!! I have truly made some good friends.


Some people have asked me if it is really like what is shown on television. Well, the pageant I was in was probably 30% like that. I have heard stories about other pageant systems being nightmares with girls insulting one another, hiding clothes/shoes, watching you struggle while getting dress, etc. I am glad to say the delegates in this years Mrs. United States Pageant were sweet as pie and always offering a helping hand. The women in the class of 2012 Mrs. United States come from inspiring backgrounds and real life issues (some of them have rich happy issues, but who am I to downgrade issues) Since I don't like to fake the funk here goes:


Out of the 53 other delegates I met, I can honestly say 90% are awesome people, the other 10% I would slap under normal circumstances. However, I believe there is a book out there entitled: Pageant Mind Games: How to BS Your way to a Crown!! Trust me when I tell you there were some serious mind games being played, which are hilarious when you don't let that bother you and even funnier when you see it effecting others. 


It's quite amusing everyone is so nice, then finals are announced and people get real!!


in the mean time between time check out these awesome pics I took with my new friends: 

Make-up by: Harmony Artistry Hair and Make-Up services
http://harmonyartistry.weebly.com/

Mrs. United States 2012

I have plenty of more post and pictures to come!! However I want to share a few group shots 

Sponsor Love-updated

I would like to take this time to thank everyone for their support as I go for the crown of Mrs. United States 2012.

So much work, money, and fabulousness goes into pageants, it's like Toddlers and Tiaras x100, and these special businesses and people have helped a great deal with putting together Mrs. Nebraska!!


If you are ever in Indiana or Las Vegas visit these businesses:


Wright Relations
http://www.wright-relations.com/
~Public Relations firm. Danielle made my ad page for the pageant and media kit

Harmony with Harmony Artistry: Hair and Make-up
www.harmonyartistry.weebly.com
Harmony Facebook Page
~She is a blessing, fyi

JKK Photography
JKK Photography Fan Page
~Awesome environment and fun to work with

Kayla at Keepsake Portraits
Keepsake Portraits Fan Page
~The company is moving to LA to expand her business

Women Rock
~An organization started by Lanee Bridewell that empowers women with children that want to continue their education!!!

Special Thanks to my Husband Westley Steele Jr. and my family for supporting my dreams *tear*

Obese and the City

I wanted to share a few more facts about obesity in America in both adults and adolescents!!

No problem with being 'thick,' 'valumptios,' 'loving your curves,' or anything else people say to themselves to make them feel better: just be healthy while loving every bit of your yummy self. ummhumm!!!


~Black and Mexican-American men with higher income or more likely to be obese than those with lower income
          *I guess since they can afford steak and potatoes with a side of ribs: eat up*
~Higher income women are less likely to be obese than lower income women
           *I blame society and it's views on women and pressure to stay unhealthy thin*
~Blacks have the highest obesity rate, followed by Mexican Americans, than Hispanics, so forth
           *these stats are in a previous blog post of mine*
~2010 results from CDC had Mississippi with the highest rate of 34%
      *Colorado the lowest 21%
      *Nebraska 26.9%
~Childhood obesity (6-11 yrs old) has increased from 7% in 1980 to 20% in 2008
~Teenagers (12-19 yrs old) an increase of 5% to 18% over same years
~Obese children are more likely to be obese adults and develop cardiovascular diseases


What am I doing to help the cause????


Step 1: Bring awareness through blog, and social platforms
Step 2: Volunteer to clean up parks and playgrounds for children to exercise
Step 3: Talk to young children about the importance of exercise or 'playing outside'
Future plans: Join local and national groups on the campaign: Develop and lead programs through organizations: Lead by example and live a healthier life!!!!  


Always site your sources:
Adults Obesity facts
Adolescent Obesity facts

My Black Hair Plight...

This is the story of my struggle to find someone to do my hair in "middle of nowhere," Indiana...

All my friends know I have been complaining about the area of which I now live due to my Husband's job (Praise the Lord of the blessing)

It took me away from the city that has everything...Atlanta...the Black Hollywood...

Since moving here I have resorted to shopping online, gave up finding good Sushi or Chinese food and a night life all together :(

Pre-hair plight...
       I have natural hair thus I need a good straightening, hydration machine, and blowout
       'Middle of nowhere' Indiana has already messed up my eyelashes, pedicure, body waxing, etc, so I'm justified in my fear of getting my hair 'did'
Start hair plight...
       Calling around to find a hairstylist I knew would be a struggle, however didn't expect to hear/use words or phrases such as:

• "We don't have anyone comfortable doing "Ethnic" hair"
• "We don't use a hot comb, fyi"
• "You don't have perm, are you mixed?"
• "Our 'Ethnic' stylist is no longer with us"
• "I have some black hair clients"
• "Hydration machine, what's that and why is it used?"

If I have to educated the stylist on proper hair drying techniques and/or put them up on new products they won't be getting this business

Plight continues...
 

3 things I'm obsessed with...

Disclaimer: This weeks obsessions may be a little strange because I'm a little delusional. Blame it on the diet, cause I'm hungry :(

1. Anxiety
  ~ I am having some serious pageant anxiety over my bikini body. The pageant is 30 days away and I can't be a fat embarrassment on stage. Where do I sign up to plus-size pageants?!?!
~Which completely goes against my obesity campaign!!

2. Eating healthy is way TOO expensive.
    ~When I become President I'm going to lower the cost of a Wendy's Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with extra pecans and homestyle chicken to .99 cents and raise the price of the cancer causing dollar menu to $6.00. That way people will want to eat healthy because it's cheaper.
  ~Also as President I will lower the cost of Almond Milk with 35 calories and add that to WIC

3. I love chicken wings!!!!

Cover up Everything

As my road to Mrs. United States continues, I am learning the art of perfection while on stage.

Lets be real for a brief moment, than we will go back to being plastic :)

     ~Real women have stretch marks, scars, birth marks, and some have tattoos~
I have a few of these, but I don't have any birth marks oddly enough, anywhoo I need to cover this up for pageantry. I can not go on stage with scarred up legs (I use to be a tomboy between the ages of 6-10) or stretch marks (either my thighs got bigger or smaller: no kids so no belly marks *sigh of relief*)

    ~Now lets be plastic~

I'm writing this so other people can learn how to cover up and appear to be flawless. 

These two products give roughly the same results but have major differences:

Airbrush Legs                                                     Dermablend

~ $10-14                                                             ~ $24-30

~ Is a liquid and runny                                       ~ Make-up based, easy to apply, not runny

~ Longer to dry                                                  ~ dries super duper fast

~ Major blending needed                                   ~ comes in many shades

I liked the Dermablend best in covering up stretch marks because it doesn't run and you apply it like make-up, it stays on longer because it's a little thicker, and it is used for tattoos and body cover-up.

When I used the Airbrush Legs for stretch marks it was grossly runny and a big mess. 

Here is a picture of my legs with Airbrush Legs:

The left leg has the treatment and the right is my natural leg. So it does work, I just had to doctor it too much for my taste. 

Ugh this beauty pageant work is going to be the end of me!!!!

...And they stay there, and they stay there

Photo Shoots with Keepsake Portraits by Kayla
Make-up done by ME!!!! I finally got it, whoop whoop juju

Come on any Hosting gigs, I am available for hire to any network!!!!

Road to the Mrs....MUA

As my road to Mrs. United States continues I start saving money buy applying my own make-up for the pageant. This is the journey of me learning the 'smokey eye'


I think I may have caught the make-up bug. 


Two eye's done all by yours truly...me if you were confused

Left eye is golden smokey
Right eye is traditional black smokey

Now the trick is to do it without the teacher standing over my shoulder....DON DON DONNNN

Deceptacons!!!!

Megatron, Shockwave, and Laserbeak aren't the only Decepticons in our universe. Women have formed our own form of deception, hence the the term Decept-a-cons

Men are in outrage of the trickery, but they don't understand the work we go through to look GOOOOD!! for them, so how dare they be upset.

I hear this list all the time of the Deception...

• False eyelashes
• Padded bra that adds 2 cub sizes
• Spanx
• Girdle 
• Make-up
• Weave
• Butt pads
• Leggins -sometimes
• Hip pads
• Fake nails
• Colored contacts

That's just 10, I'm sure the list is larger but I don't want to give to much away. My message to men...GET OVER IT!!!!

...and their hands go up!!!

Got some photos done today. Super fun going with my glam squad LaNee and Abby!!

Photos done by: Jonathan Kratzer of JKK Photography

Make-up done my LaNee B... of LB Make Up from my her personal collection

Fan Direction from Abby S....(can't spell last name, but she is a Spanish Teacher/Fan director)

Crazy scary obesity facts!!!

Here are just a few SCARY facts about obesity. Let's get scared straight into shape!!!


Let me start by defining obesity: too much body fat. Technically if your BMI is over the projected rate for your height and weight then you are obese, but not necessarily overweight. 


Me for example I am 24 yrs, 5'4, and 130 lbs, therefore my target BMI is between 17-22.


! It's no surprise that America has the highest obesity rate in the world!
! Non-hispanic blacks have the highest obesity rate of 36.8%, oh my goodness!
! Hispanics have an obesity rate of 30.7%, uh oh!
! Non-hispanic Whites have an obesity rate of 25.2%, it's getting lower!
! Asians have the lowest of 16.7%, still over ten percent!
! Medical bills average over $1400 more than non-obese people!
! In the USA about 300,000 of deaths are related to obesity issues!












Sources: Business Insider; www.medicinenet.com

Can a sista get a phone call?!

3 things today that ALMOST caused me to lose my righteousness...


1. What's really good??????
               I have come in contact with three different photographers. Two would be free and the 3rd on the discount. However, NONE and I mean none of them have contacted me back. 

• Photo man numero uno..aka the unknown middle of know where photo. He is someone I was referred to from a lady I meant. Her words, "my guy will do your photos for free and he is so good!' I call the unknown and receive a text back stating "lets do some photos for you to get better acquainted." A week and days later, nothing...
• The craiglist photo. 2 emails and lots of excitement later...nothing
• 'I'm paying you photo' 2 phone calls/VM/text/email.....nothing

What's really good photographers???

2. I'm not losing weight 

           I have been on Insanity for a month and ate their  no bueno food. Needless to say I am mean and hungry. Not a good combo, ask Wes. I'm convinced someone has switched my diet pills to weight gaining supplements because ellos son el diablo!! I"m not losing weight nor gaining weight and I want a refund lol. 

Come on workouts I'm 1.7 points away from being obese!! My target bmi is between 17-23 do the math

3. Indian givers

       ~ is an expression used to describe a person who gives a gift (literal or figurative) and later wants it back, or something equivalent in return.

These people told me I had the job renting apartments and to come back later in the week to fill out paper work. Later in the week came and went, so I called. "oh I've been so busy, next week"

Next week comes I call:

 IG: Hey nice hearing from you

 Me: When can I come to fill out the paper work?

IG: oh so, I made a decision about that....

~insert long pause~

Me: ok, and...

IG: oh i just made a decision

Me: and...what you hired someone else?!?!

IG: uh sorry!!

~hangs ups~

How are you the boss but can't give it to me straight. Pours wine!!

Update: Needless to say I have heard back from everyone, and it's all good in the hood of Judeaville the movie!! Thanks guys having a moment

xoxoxo God Bless

             

Apologies...

I wasn't trying to come off mean in the previous blog about obesity, however I am passionate about the cause.

Many of you have probably seen those billboards in Georgia and other states that shame childhood obesity, and that is the stance I am taking. Not to shame the children because they don't feed themselves but the parents!

GO PLAY!!

   Do you want your child to end up like this guy?!!?!? 



"Go Play, and come home when the street lights come on!!" is a phrase parents use to say to their children to get them out the house and wear them out. Nowadays it's "Go play!!" and kids go to their room in front of the Xbox or PS3

America is one, if not the most obese nations in the world. I'm not going to lie I love me some Big Mac n Fries or a Wendy's Chicken Sandwich yum!!! However, we have to change what we are feeding our children, especially if they are not as physically active.

I think we as a nation became fatter when video games got better, sports got harder, and the Internet became HighSpeed.

If your child is Over Weight (don't sugarcoat obese, because this is serious) ((don't say that to your child's face because I don't want any crying kids, either)), You need to know the effects!!

• High cholesterol and high blood pressure
• Heart Disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Social discrimination
• Low-self-esteem
• Sleep apnea
• Being an obese adult 
• Feeling isolated or lonely 
• Teasing from peers

Sources: about our kids

Another day..another try

Whoop whoop to Jennifer and Heather that suggested I go learn a lil somethin', somethin'

Went to MAC counter and this is what I learned today...

I don't think it enough to illuminate on stage but I'll add more shine for the pageant

HOTT make-up MESS!!

My road to Mrs. United States continues...

As I try to learn to do pageant make-up this is my progress today..A HOT MESS!!!

disregard my workout hair

I'm sure it can't be to much different than television HD make-up so I gave it a whirl. Totally different!! I will be watching Toddlers and Tiaras to see how their mom's do their make-up. Learning from a 4 year old Glitz pageant, this is my life.

Two different looks: smokey black and smokey green both with bottom lashes!!

The Biggest Mess is the bottom lashes. I just LMAO at my self and my effort. WOE IS ME

Forget this, going to work on my 6 pack then I'll come back to make-up and hair

Losing Mr. Nebraska

I was almost a widow 3 days into our marriage TWICE...


I'll start by saying Mr. Nebraska thinks doggie paddling is equivalent to treading water!! 

The Story:

In Jamaica there is an ocean water park with a huge slide and other ocean water activities. Our friends Joe and Tiffany are with us celebrating their honeymoon and we decided to travel across the pond (ocean) to get a floatation device. Wes decides to follow me with his doggie paddle technique, then mid paddle Mr. NE says to self, "self I quit, goodbye world!" HE STARTS TO DROWN!!

It took three Jamaicans and Joe to save him and save our marriage!! Total 4 People

   Thank you Joe and Tiffany!!! shown above

I'm not finished....

We went snorkeling in the wavy ocean and Mr. NE decided to go in the wrong direction. The natives didn't jump in this time but instead threw him a raft and pulled him in!!

Lesson of the day: Doggie Paddling is NOT treading water and won't work in the OCEAN!!

Check your local paper

The Mrs. United States Pageant, Headquarters in Fairport, New York, is pleased to announce that Mrs. Judea Dee-Steele has been selected to represent Nebraska in the National competition for the title "Mrs. United States".

Judea Dee-Steele is the wife of Westley Steele Jr. and daughter of Glenn Dee and Judy Days-Dee. Dee-Steele was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where she attended high school at Omaha North High School. During her attendance at Omaha North, she served as Senior Class Secretary, Student Council member, Head Varsity Cheerleader, and Honor Roll Student.  Judea Dee-Steele went on to continue her education at the University of Missouri to obtain a Bachelor’s of Journalism followed by a Master’s of Science in sports administration.

“I want to use the title of Mrs. Nebraska United States to raise awareness to childhood obesity and encourage young girls to grow up into self confident women.”   

Since 1986, the pageant annually pays tribute to married women throughout the United States and territories for their strength, beauty, intelligence, and resilience. The Mrs. United States Pageant acknowledges the fact that married women are an inspiration to families, friends, colleagues and communities.

  

In July 2012, Mrs. Judea Dee-Steele will join other contestants from across the United States in the city of Las Vegas, where the pageant has been held for the past twenty-five years. The five-day event culminates in two days of competition in which a panel of Judges will score the contestants on beauty, charm, personality, poise, and the ability to articulate. Contestants participate in personal interviews, as well as evening gown and swimsuit competitions. Each state Titleholder is introduced in a State Costume representing a state theme.

The winner of the Mrs. United States Pageant will reign for a full year as a role model and spokesperson for married women.

The Mrs. United States Pageant has been rated the number one pageant for married women. The most accomplished married women are attracted to the Mrs. United States Pageant and Judea Dee-Steele is elated to represent her home state of Nebraska in such a prestige national pageant.

Pageant Bodies...

You can't wear spanx in a swimsuit competition!!

Achieving my pageant body is much harder than anticipated, especially while doing Insanity. I'm beginning to think it is more about eating their diet instead of eating good food. Needless to say, I'm hungry as HELL!!


Here is a pic of my bod before Insanity...don't laugh

So I'm not fat but the women I'm competing against have 4-8 packs after having 5-10 kids; calf muscles, butt muscles, the works!! And that picture was taken during the honeymoon, since then I gained 10lbs. Shoot I was hungry after the wedding. lol

Swimsuit competition from Mrs. United States 2011, check out these hott bods

Besides I have to be a role model since I want to fight childhood obesity

Road to the Mrs...

March 17,  2012,

Was the month I began my road to the Mrs. US pageant because that was the day Westley Steele made me his wife!!! All the planning and headache paid off because our wedding was so FAB!!

We got a lot of good marriage advice and are trying our best to apply it daily. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, but in marriage we have to learn to forgive and remember the good days. My husband is the most unselfish person, outside of my parents, that I know. LOVES IT!!

I entered this pageant for numerous reasons but one being it honors the institution of marriage that I believe is deteriorating due to society and reality tv!! Marriage needs more positive press for working moms, stay at home moms/dads, blended families, same-sex families, interracial families, ERRTHING

Childhood Obesity Post coming soon...

Raising...

My dog, Mufasa thinks he is a boy, like Pinocchio...

We got Mufasa to prepare us for children, however after potty training, teaching commands, and playing ALL day with a dog. I'm terrified to have kids. He does what he wants, sleeps where he wants, and cries when he doesn't get all the attention. Mufasa did more harm than good, but I love him so much!! It's weird how much I love this little over hyper dog, but I do!! He's my dog baby.

What is weirder, is my Mom calls him her "grand-dog"... strange!!

Starting a Blog at midnight

I am trying to create this blog for the Mrs. United States Pageant but I'm having quite a bit of trouble. hehe ! I'm thinking it's because my braid seems to shut down at midnight and doesn't regroup until after 10am.

I want this to be a positive blog about my family and worldly issues (positive in my opinion).

Hope you enjoy reading my random thoughts as much as I enjoy writing those thoughts.