STM Countdown

Spokane's Top Model is just days away. Like day after tomorrow days away. Last time I looked at my calendar, I had a month left.

Within that month, I went back to school, I increased my hours at work, I started an amazing new job, and I am currently still in the process of moving. I also switched from ice cream to frozen yogurt...

Among the very long days and extremely short nights, I did my best to prepare for STM. Guys, switching over from ice cream to frozen yogurt needs a 12 step program.

The last couple months I've actually done several runway shows and a handful of photoshoots, including the STM model photoshoot held on February 26th...I was able to model and shoot a sample from Ronnie Kimball Ryno's line, Glamarita, and participate in Spokane's Best Boutique's fashion show two weeks ago (Thank you PJ, Julie Farley,Tangerine, and Fringe). There is nothing more I appreciate than the opportunity to put miles on the catwalk, especially before this show.

The main reason why I wanted to write this blog tonight (after a 16 hour day, nonetheless) was because I wanted to comment on some of the press surrounding this event. I have been disappointed in the majority of publications featuring STM, not only as a model, but as a community member of Spokane.

I was almost outraged by the article I read in the "Gonzaga Bulletin" several weeks ago with insensitive descriptions like:

"Who is this off the shoulder wouldn't-pass-the-finger-test dress wearin' foxy Cleopatra workin' this parking lot right now?"

or...

"I enter into a bustling room of burnt hair and … good Christ, is this Northtown Mall's dreadful accessory store, Claire's?"


Obviously this mocking tone seemed to have set the standard for future publications (read the entire article here). Not that I'm not used to the criticism and bashing that comes with the territory of this industry. Thanks for pulling my head out of the clouds when I actually thought this event could be something positive, exciting, and innovative for a city that could use a little more color and style - especially in a way that allows many young women to push themselves, develop confidence, and maybe even experience a little bit of the fashion industry when NYC, LA, Paris, or Milan seems a bit too far fetched. Who knew making dreams come true was something to scoff at? Or maybe you can strut your stuff behind your harsh adjectives, but not when it comes to the catwalk.

Today, I was featured in an article from The Inlander but the article fell short of my expectations. I think that the majority of people have a prejudice against the fashion industry, especially when it comes to modeling, and "The Inlander" missed the mark when it comes to what this event is about (article here). The modeling industry is definitely flawed, but I had hoped Spokane would be able to overcome the stereotypes and prejudices and have an event that brings new opportunity to Spokane. Let's face it, Spokane is definitely not what immediately pops into my head when I think "trendy" and "fashion." Try "mullets" and "sweat pants." If a city could be featured on TLC's "What Not to Wear"...

The thing that makes Spokane great is that we do have an amazing plethora of fashionable boutiques and salons! Spokane's Top Model features 8 top boutiques and 8 top salons from all around the city. This event isn't about the models at all...but featuring what Spokane has to offer and what you are missing out on.

The article, like the majority of fashion publications, features the downsides of the industry. Why group Spokane into a stereotype when it hasn't even become applicable yet? STM features a number of different models - of different ethnicity, builds, and backgrounds - way more than what you would see at a cookie-cutter casting in one of the top fashion capitals of the world. In fact, many of us aren't even built like industry standard models, many of us aren't skinny, but that wasn't the point of this competition.

That leads me to really dissect The Model. I think many people have a false understanding of what makes a good model, what a model does, and how the industry works. First of all, models are not beautiful people. They simply have a bone structure and a body type that has developed as "ideal" in the fashion industry. Many of the world's most successful models and not attractive. But the fashion industry isn't about the model, it's about what the model is modeling - the clothing, the brand, the style, the fashion. A model is simply a canvas for an artist or a medium for an advertiser. While I definitely consider modeling to be an art-form itself, the model is never the focal point of the creation nor is she the focus of what's on the runway - what she's modeling is. The competition is about SO much more than just pretty faces....it was never about pretty faces to begin with, nor should it have been. How many new clients will walk into the doors of the 8 salons and 8 boutiques after the competition? How many people will call up a model and ask for their services? Exactly.

I really do hope that after this competition someone from Spokane will realize they too have a passion for fashion...and we have the potential to have a GREAT city for it. I am more than excited to share my dream, my passion, and my "canvas" with a community that I think can do better. We have 8 salons, 8 boutiques, and 39 other models who are more than ready to do the same.

Oh, and to set the record straight...I did not know what Pabst Blue Ribbon was before I Googled it. PBR has always been Professional Bull Riding to me...


Spokane's Top Model
April 16th, 7PM
The Knitting Factory
Spokane

My Sandra Bullock

I wanted to SO blog about this yesterday, but I sat here in front of my computer for 20 minutes thinking of a creative way to break the news...I just couldn't do it. Not break the news, but creatively break the news. Neither happened.

And if I don't break the news anytime soon, this will definitely be passe (which, ohmygosh, is a total no no)...and soon you'll read the breaking news and be like "Yeah, Jenn? I knew that yesterday." Well just know I WANTED TO TELL YOU YESTERDAY.

My blogging style isn't always this way...I like to think of myself as a very versatile writer. Tomorrow I will post in diction inspired by Joseph Conrad (and I'll make sure to have the Cliffnotes version available to you).

Oh, right. News. To break.


GUYS, I MADE THE SPOKANE'S TOP MODEL TOP 40!

Now that I type that, I wonder why I couldn't do it yesterday...

First and foremost, I want to express what an honor it is to be selected for this incredible opportunity - not only as a model, but as a woman, as a person with an insatiable desire to challenge herself. This will definitely be a challenge! Bring it on!

I don't see this as just a competition among competitors. I am using this as an opportunity to compete against myself. I want to embrace a lifestyle full of health, well-being, and fitness. This is the perfect catalyst for that goal. That being said - thanks guys for planning this event for the Spring. I spy bikini body ready for the first day it hits 60!

Physique aside, this is also an opportunity for me to grow within the community - I aspire to be a better role model, a better woman, and a better friend. I am so excited to allow STM to help me become that beautiful woman I strive to be!

Tired of the pep talk? Part of why I blog about this is to help me achieve a P.M.A. (positive mental attitude). I am a very optimistic individual, but if I wrote that I wake up this way every single morning, I'd be lying. Sometimes it takes work. Sometimes it's easier to be the pessimist. Sometimes it's easier to have a negative attitude. That's life...but life is also about the ability to change that.

Life is all about change. Let's do this (okay, this is when you think about Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality).

Spokane's Top Model - Raising the Bar

It's really kind of sad how I link this blog to my website (http://www.jenniferleewatts.com) and my Facebook and yet I NEVER post (though I have many drafts saved - half credit?). Many of you have asked about my blog and to know that it's actually read, maybe even enjoyed, is very touching. Thank you for bearing with me.

2011 is looking to be a very exciting year for me. I have so many opportunities starting to formulate into actual possibilities and wow, what a scary, intense, overwhelming, exciting, amazing, and incredible thought. To see mere ideas actually start to become reality is an experience everyone needs to create for themselves because you really do start to believe in the person you have the potential to become. I look in the mirror and I see the woman I want to be. She's not quite there yet - she's a little far away, a little blurry, but she's there, looking back at me. She is not perfect, she makes mistakes, there are questions she cannot answer, but she embraces those imperfections, learns from those mistakes, and isn't afraid to ask questions. It's a start...

Saturday was the highly anticipated Spokane's Top Model's auditions. Before anything else, I need to press 'caps lock' and stress how INCREDIBLY AWESOME this event has been and will continue to be for the community. I am bearing witness to so many huge footsteps in Spokane's journey to become an even more trendy and cultured city - it's wonderful to be maturing into a confident, fashionable young woman in a city that seems to be doing the same.

At first I had no interest in auditioning or competing in another modeling competition. I don't have the drive to go out and prove something to myself or anything else for that matter. I then realized that part of my 2011 resolutions was to set the bar higher for myself and to never stop challenging myself and pushing myself to do better - so I signed up. For me, the better I am doing for ME, the better I am doing for others.

'Beauty' competitions are in a class all their own - they are more demanding emotionally and physically and in a different way than any other form of competition. Models are not only being judged on a performance (and personality to an extent) - which has many variables - but they are being judged on appearance and opening themselves up to ridicule and rejection that often can't be reversed. When your appearance is implied as not good enough - sure you can workout, change your hair, change your clothes, but ultimately, you're being judged on a you that cannot be changed. While it is a completely subjective process, it's still a very sensitive one. I admire each and every one of those who auditioned this weekend - for taking a risk, for having the confidence to raise the bar for themselves. There is beauty in that alone.

I was extremely impressed with Spokane's Top Model's audition process. Having auditioned for America's Next Top Model, I can honestly say Spokane proved to be more professional, more beneficial, and a better experience as a whole. While they obviously did not audition the same volume of talent ANTM does, over 200 auditions is definitely something to be commended for. Great judges, crew, location (thanks to Gary Peterson), and photographers - Shane Savage and Jamie Velandra. I know that Red Eye Promotions has invested so much time, effort, and money into this event and I hope they know the opportunity they are creating for young, aspiring women of Spokane is truly appreciated and invaluable.

My audition was comfortable and exciting - that is way better than I expected auditioning with a fever, double ear infection (oh, equilibrium and the catwalk), and strep throat. I also was finishing up a very intense week - stressful deadlines, executing events, and hosting clients which left me with little preparation and little sleep. I consider it a feat that I showed up on the right day! I'm sitting here after midnight Sunday (now Monday) absolutely exhausted, still feeling like I got hit by a truck, but I'm smiling because I did it! I raised the bar for myself and it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be.

The Healthier Way

So it's been awhile. You look great! Did you do something with your hair?

Right, I know I haven't posted in a month and half (okay, okay, nearly two months), but it's been a very, very busy month and a half and even though I might have found time to blog here and there, I didn't.

Saturday I took the opportunity to treat myself to a spray tan (I've posted quite a few statuses on my Facebook about this, and yes, I'm bringing it up again). I tan very well naturally, but I will never use a tanning bed. Not only am I probably a little too claustrophobic for a bed, but I also don't want to look like I'm forty at thirty. However, who doesn't love the look of a nice, healthy tan? So I took advantage of a local promotion and opted for a Mystic spray for 60% off the regular price. It was a cool, sci-fi experience. And you get to live out those sci-fi experiences naked. The tan took a few hours to develop and the next morning I could have lied and said I spent a couple of days lying on a beach and everyone would have believed me. No streaks, no unnatural color, and I am so glad I decided to do this. I recommend that if you're wanting a little color, opt for a spray tan option instead baking.

Here's a couple of hints I've discovered to get the most out of your tan. Before you go, shower because you won't be able to for several hours after you apply your tan. I actually skipped a day of showering completely after I got mine just to make sure the color set. When I did shower before my session, I exfoliated my skin completely with a body buffer and sea salt to remove all the dead skin. When you do shower the first time after your tan, use a mild soap and don't scrub your skin because it will cause you to lose your tan quicker. Then moisturize, moisturize, moisturize to keep your skin from drying out and flaking - which you should be doing daily anyway. I use cocoa butter and virgin coconut oil strictly for the first couple days, then will alternate with Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. I LOVE Jergens and will also alternate between light and medium skin tones depending on whether or not I want a little more color or need to tone it down a bit.

I'll probably be going back for another spray tan in another month or two, depending on how fast this one fades...I'm hoping to make it last as long as possible with the help of the Jergens lotion. I'm loving it, loving it, loving it!

Miracle in a Bottle

Having splashed my feet around in the pool that is the modeling and acting industry, I'm fully aware how important taking care of myself is. But this industry isn't easy on your hair or skin either. My hair is constantly being subjected to heat, and sprays, and more heat. Did I say heat? Blow dryers, hot curlers, flat irons, and curling irons of all kinds. My face is made up, and scrubbed, and then made up some more. When I find something is healthy, affordable, works, and makes me look even better, I am all for it. If I wanted a tattoo, I would tattoo my favorite brands of shampoo across my ass...

Okay, so I know I have a lot of male readers and so my "product" posts or "crazy beauty secret" posts probably mean very little to you. But hey, feel free to indulge a little bit and keep reading! You'll soon realize the hell women go through to keep ourselves...looking not like you.

Think men are God's gift to women? Uh, wrong. We have to push eight pound babies through our vagina and he gives us this in return. It's a steal. ..here is featured product number one.

It's a 10 - miracle leave-in product

I've become super picky about what I put in my hair, especially leave in products. My hair naturally is board straight, fine, and lacks body of any kind. I'm just lucky I have a lot of it. Anyway, because of these "qualities," I'm wary of anything that has the potential to weigh down my hair and cause the style to fall flat or fall out. About two months ago, a preshoot hair stylist recommended this product to me. It was love at first spray. My hair never felt lighter, softer, and holy hell, you had to wear shades to even look at me, my hair was THAT shiny. My hair continued to style better and product build-up was nonexistent. I decided to try the product daily and my hair has never been healthier.

Want to go buy a bottle yet? If not, here's the complete, 10 point list, of everything is spray does.

1. Repairs dry, damaged, hair
2. Adds shine
3. Detangles
4. Controls frizz
5. Seals and protects hair color
6. prevents split ends
7. stops hair breakage
8. creates silkness
9. enhances natural body
10. flat iron spray and thermal protector

I can attest to every one of these points, except for five because my hair has no artificial coloring or chemicals. However, I can double attest to ten because I feel that protecting your hair from being over exposed to heat is one of the most important things you can do - and with this product, you can noticeably see the difference immediately.

My stylist gave me a 2 oz, travel size bottle and it lasted me about a month. So when I went to look for a replacement, I almost had a panic attack when I couldn't find it. Guys, I was ready to sell my kidney to New Jersey politicians to purchase this product on the black market. After looking everywhere, I finally found it at Supercuts, available in two different sizes - the 2 oz and 8 oz bottles. I purchased the 8 oz for $16.95 and the travel size is available for $8.50. Now, I realize some of you might think this is way too expensive, but I promise, it's worth every penny. If you're going to splurge on something for your hair, you will not go wrong with this product. It's fairly concentrated, so when you run low, just add a bit of water to the bottle, shake and you're good to go for awhile longer. You can also purchase the 10 oz bottle on the website here for $24.87.

I do not travel to a shoot or overnight without my magic in a bottle. Amazing, ladies. Who doesn't want every hair day to be a great hair day?

I Should Have Scheduled a Wax Two Weeks Ago

Did you know that you can buy Honey Bunches of Oats JUST THE BUNCHES??? This probably has made my complete month of January. I have wanted this for years and now, here I sit, a box of honey granola bunches right here in front of me. They're good to snack on...but eating it just like a cereal is Divine. Whoever finally made this possible at Post, I owe you my first born.

AND CHECK IT OUT, you can totally buy this stuff on Amazon. There is a God.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B002LV6LAY/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=16310101&s=grocery

As much as I could continue rambling on about cereal, I actually did have blog topic in mind for today's post. It's something that has baffled me for the past couple years and I've thought about it quite recently so I decided to put it up here...

And forgive me the use of overgeneralization, but I don't know how else to describe this...phenomenon.

After women get married or commit to a relationship, why do they stop trying?

If you are a woman reading this, you are probably ready to point your finger into my chest and chant "How dare you! Explain yourself, you poor excuse of a woman!" If you're a man reading this, you might just be nodding your head because you know exactly what I'm talking about.

What I'm trying to ask is why do women, when the reach this point in their lives, allow themselves to let themselves go? They are so focused on looking incredible for their wedding day, but six months later, they've packed on twenty pounds, chopped off the long locks, and haven't shaved in two months (but use the excuse of making an appointment for a wax...two weeks ago). And here's hubby going "What the hell happened to the woman I married?"

Mission accomplished, ladies? No more need to impress? He's seen you at your worst, so why bother?

We all have moments in our life where physically we've let ourselves slip to a low that we shouldn't. And you might say that appearance isn't everything, but let me just explain something - this is where is starts. Once you let yourself go physically, next thing to go is your attitude and life outlook, and then you're waiting in line at the courthouse to legally change your name to Debbie Downer.

You married him, you vowed to spend the rest of your life with him, so why not show him how important he is to you by showing him how much you care about yourself? That being in your life IS worth it.

Shaving your legs and keeping up on the rest of your body is not time consuming if you keep up on it. Putting on a little make-up, styling your hair, keeping in shape, wearing clothes that flatter your body - YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TOO. If you feel confident and sexy, trust me, he will see you that way too.

He's already in love with you, but surprise him by making him fall in love with you all over again.

Take on Dating Series - Part Two - The Date

I had originally planned to post this Tuesday, but the post would have been as follows:

Dating...

Sucks.

Ass.

The end.

Obviously, I couldn't leave you all with just that. Though I don't know what B.S. I'm actually going to pull out of my own ass to make it sound any more glamorous than that. Just imagine me writing this is a feather boa and I think we might have something...

So, why is it important to date? Well....

Yeah, I got nothing, but I can provide you with a few random thoughts...

• If I REALLY think about it, I think dating has the potential to be wonderful. I'm not talking about first dates or anything, just having the opportunity to dress up, go out, and try to make your man fall in love with you all over again...Look at me, there's actually a smile on my face and I'm being sappy.

But as far as first dates go, here's some recommendations...Not all, mind you, but I'm going to attempt to make a good start.

• If we're traveling together, don't put Barry White on in the car. Because the effort's weird. And if it's not an effort, then I'll just assume you listen to it alone and that's even weirder. So it's a lose/lose.
• If a conversation involves "I don't know, what do you want to do?" and we're planning date numero uno, there won't be a date numero deuce-o. Have some gusto! When you ask me out, have a few places in mind that you love, and plan on taking me there...it shows enthusiasm, confidence, and that you're making an effort.
• Who pays? This is such a touchy subject. I'm a pretty traditional chick myself. If you ask me out on a date, then I assume I you'll pay. I don't know why this is, if it's even fair...all I know is that by asking me out on a date, there is a possibly that one day I'll be pushing your child's head through my...and at that moment? Damn right, it's fair. Say what you want about that argument; it's bad ass, total BS, and we'll continue to use it. If we're doing a casual lunch, Dutch is acceptable and I guess it's acceptable otherwise, just let me know before hand. You'll lose points, but gain them for persevering through an awkward moment.
• Awkward moment that has no opportunity to gain points? Having your credit card decline.
• Opening my car door, opening doors, taking off my coat, letting me sit first...those are all things your mother should have taught you. It's cute and makes me smile. Incentive enough.
• I'm a total flirt, but that doesn't mean I'll accept your invitation home.
• First date subjects that shouldn't be talked about - salary, love life, etc. On a first date, you're always too worried about how you look eating, so keep your focus on getting that fork to your mouth instead of questions that will make me excuse myself to the ladies' room and climb out the window. Even if the restaurant is on the fourth floor.
• Do not mention the phrase "if we ever get married". Not even on the second date. Dude, I carry running shoes in my car.
• Be yourself! Having actual interests, goals, hobbies, and a personality is actually what you're suppose have after high school! I love football and I'll watch Star Trek and the Lion King back to back at 2 in the morning.
• I'm going to make sure I look "presentable" (which means I'm going to try to knock your socks off). If you like what you see, don't be afraid to say so - every woman loves to hear it. And, no we don't have a bladder problem, we'll excuse ourselves to the ladies' room just to check our hair and makeup. We're trying to impress you too.
• Be honest with me. That's the golden ticket right there. But don't sing to me...yet.
• Just because we've dated once or twice doesn't mean we're destined for his and her bath towels. Being exclusive shouldn't just be assumed, it should involve a conversation.
• Confidence!
• Don't ask me out on Sunday or Monday if it's football season (or Saturdays during the playoffs). And definitely not on nights the Zags play unless our date includes Robert Sacre live. Just remember this is a risky option because then I'll focus on going home with Robert Sacre and not you.
• Dinner and a movie can be a great option or a horrible option. Horrible if you see the movie before dinner because you'll be so uncomfortable sitting next to me you won't be able to concentrate on the movie. Your mind will be fixated on the armrest. So get to know each other over dinner first and you'll be a lot more at ease.
• Being adventurous and creative is always a big plus! Being weird is not.
• Don't lie to me and tell me your an Eagles or a Gonzaga fan. I know when a good thing is too good to be true.
• If you seem like you might be a Dallas Cowboys fan, I will leave. No comments, no questions, just a look of pure disgust on my face. And that's just a MIGHT BE a Cowboys fan, it doesn't even have to be affirmed.

Everything but the last point could be total BS. But that last point? GOLDEN RULE.