America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

I am so Thankful!!

I am truly thankful for so many blessings in my life! The good Lord had definitely shined on me and allowed so many wonderful people and opportunities to come into my life! As we enter into the holidays I plan on reflecting and looking at my successes as well as my failures. I hope to continue to do well at the things I am good at doing, and improve on my weaknesses to become a better, stronger, more effective person. Thank you all for your support as America's Teen and I hope to continue to represent my title as a role model for youth, an advocate for cancer, and thankful blessed person that will never forget when I was invisible!
Blessings to all!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Sunday, November 23, 2008

www.AcrosstheCanvas.com features America's Teen

Yes, I am on the road for the third day in a row with my BOA crown shining along with me! Today I had the great opportunity to film a clip of Jane-The World-The Music in Wilmington, NC with Blank Surfaces. I helped with a mini-intro/interview preluding her review of a new artist. It was a blast and I filmed a few other intros and ads while there. Again, the opportunities are incredible since being crowned Beauties of America's Teen and I hope to continue representing the BOA system in a positive fun way! Check out my clip at www.acrossthecanvas.com (it should be up soon!)
Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Jackie Burch Workshop

Yes, Jackie Burch in moving to the Carolina's!! Jackie is a top casting director with years of experience and she is giving up the west coast for Hollywood East...Wilmington, NC! I had the opportunity to attend one of her workshops and of course get a few pics with her in Raleigh, NC today, Saturday November 22, 2008. She will be bringing projects along with her to the acting community and I hope to be right there ready to get my big break! She gave a very informative workshop and she really helped us interpret scripts.
Fun day!!

America's Teen, Laurie Kimsey

rlee collections.....photo shoot !

Robin Lee, owner creator designer, of rlee collections invited Beauties of America's Teen 2008 to come down to Charleston, SC on Friday November 21, 2008 for a photo shoot to use in future ads and other marketing materials! It was a ton on fun on such a cold 40-ish degree day with a wind chill of 30-ish!
rlee collections creates hand made custom feather purses. She also produces custom jewelry that is simply amazing. I represented the University of South Carolina in a shoot for team rivalry's "Clemson vs. USC", a bridesmaid, and cute little dress for spring all with a focus on Robin's incredible purse designs!
Check her out at www.rleecollections.com and look for her designs in magazines with top celebrities and bridal magazines. She was also one of my sponsors in the Beauties of America pageant that led to this incredible title and year that I am living!

Loving life!! Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Monday, November 17, 2008

Conway Photography Club

On Saturday November 15, 2008 I had the pleasure of assisting one of my favorite photographers Mike Eaddy to the Conway photography club! He asked me to come along as his model so we could show fellow photographers and models a lot of the do's and don'ts that come along with professional photography! We had such an great time! I went early and did a few shots with Mike, and some others with Butch of Rebel Photo, Stan at Sparkling Shadows, and Gary of TK Productions, another one of my close photographer friends! We shot for several hours and of course they had the opportunity to shoot Beauties of America's Teen 2008 in her beautiful crown, sash, and winning Johnathan Kayne evening gown!

The Photography Club is headed up by Robbie at Graphic Blend Photography in downtown Conway SC on Main Street. I can vouch for any of these excellent professionals, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.

Thanks again guys for inviting America's Teen to make an appearance at your club!

Oh yeah, the tonsils are improving! Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, and kind words during my recovery from surgery last Tuesday! Can't keep a good teen down, RIGHT?!

Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Thursday, November 13, 2008

two days post tonsilectomy.....A PHOTO Shoot!!! :)

Hi and thank you to everyone for your wonderful thoughts and prayers and lovely notes, emails, and comments during my surgery Tuesday!
So here is a recap of my week:
Sunday 11-09-08: Attended orientation of my new job at Hollister Co!! Yeahhhhh!!!
Monday 11-10-08: Tons of homework, prep for surgery, Celebrate Marine Corp Birthday!!
Tuesday 11-11-08: 11:00 am surgery...tonsils/adenoid removed! Home at 3:30!
Wednesday 11-12-08: Sore, painful morning.....uggghhhh!! Then I get a phone call! Sheppards Boutique in Longs, SC asked me to model for them in a photo shoot on Thursday! I took a nap and of course took some meds, and at 5:00 pm, I was at a prom dress fitting!!
Thursday 11-13-08: 11:00 Amazing Fun Photo Shoot at the Grande Hotel in Myrtle Beach SC!

Yes I really did it! 48 hours after my surgery, I was back in front of a camera again! What a wonderful way to make myself get out of bed!!
Thank you to Ruth Cole Sheppard for allowing me to participate in the prom fashion shoot! We had a great time and I am so thankful America's Teen was there to join in on all the fun! The photographer, Scott Smallin, was incredible!! I can not wait to see the photos!
Friday....I promise I will get some rest and prepare for America's Teen to make an appearance at the Conway Photography Club on Saturday night!! Pics definitely to follow!
Having a wonderful year!! Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Pageantry Magazine! New 2008 Queens

Congrats to all my sister queens! I am so proud and honored to be Beauties of America's Teen! What an amazing adventure! To be published as the Teen Queen in Pageantry is like a dream come true! It is so humbling to be in a magazine with some of the most wonderful influential girls and women in America! Thank you Jennifer for being such a great director and for allowing us to represent the BOA system!

We must all still remember to "be the change you wish to see in the world"...gandhi...This is so true girls! Don't ever forget...everyone is watching!!

Love to all! Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Happy Veterans Day Everyone!

This is just a quick blog to let everyone know how much I appreciate and respect our Veterans!
We are so blessed in America, and it's because of our freedoms that have been fought for over the years by our incredible Veterans!!
I would have attended some festivities today to support our Veterans as well as our troops, but I had my tonsils and adenoid removed this morning at 11:00 am. I'm still a little lethargic, but I wanted to send a little love to our Veterans on their day!
We will have to make it up to you soon! Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Saturday, November 8, 2008

America's Beauties Christmas Pageant!!!

I had a wonderful time today judging the America's Beauties Christmas Pageant in Conway SC at the Academy for Technology and Academics. I had the honor of judging the most adorable little girls and young ladies, and the best part was that every contestant received a Rudolph crown! Patsy Lewis, the director of America's Beauties, crowns overall winners from the under 7 age groups, as well as the over 7 group, divisional crowns, and Christmas crown winners! It was awesome to see the smiles all over the auditorium! Then at the very end of the pageant, Mrs Lewis crowned me!!! It was so cute!! I have a Rudolph the Reindeer crown and I Love It!!

Thanks to all the participants, congrats to the new queens! Remember to take the crown and make a great year out of it!

Loving life!! Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thanks to all the VOTERS out there!

As noted on the Beauties of America Blogspot, today is election day! Since I am not old enough to vote, I still went out to the polls to support the community by encouraging others to vote! We are priviledged to have the opportunity to vote! We are a free country with constitutional rights. It is great to live in the USA, and I am truly proud to not only be an American, but also to be America's Teen 2008!

Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Saturday, November 1, 2008

It's The GREAT PUMPKIN Laurie K!

Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008, had the distinct honor of meeting the one and only GREAT PUMPKIN at the Rutherfordton County Halloween Party last night! Sponsored by the Rutherfordton First Baptist Church, an alternative to Halloween was available in downtown Rutherfordton, NC. After 800 hot dogs, chips, drinks, and candy treat bags were given away free of charge to participants, the GREAT PUMPKIN had time to do a quick photo op with Halloween Barbie Beauties of America Teen!! (that would be ME!)
What an incredible way to promote a clean wholesome fun Halloween night with NO tricks, but tons of treats!! Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Thursday, October 30, 2008

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Featured In KEYSTONE Keynotes!

Featured In KEYSTONE Keynotes!

Beauties of America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey, is featured as a Keynote student for the Keystone National Online High School based in Pennsylvania. Keynotes is a quarterly publication that updates students on career and college planning tips, student achievements, success stories, and helping students stay involved and get to know one another although they live all across America as well as overseas!

I am so proud to be selected as a success story at Keynotes, a Keystone High School publication. I hope to continue to be make a difference as Beauties of America's teen and represent the pageant system successfully with integrity and pride!

The article link is: http://www.keystonehighschool.com/community/keynotes.php and click on the current pdf issue of keynotes!

Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Myrtle Beach Manor Visit

Hi, it's Laurie again! This afternoon was awesome as I visited the Myrtle Beach Manor skilled nursing facility in Myrtle Beach, SC. Here I met a former NFL football coach and many other residents here in Myrtle Beach. I wished everyone a safe and fun Halloween as I gave away autographs and candy to the residents and the dedicated staff in the skilled nursing unit. Some of the folks live there full time and others were just there for a short term physical therapy stay to get strong enough to go back home. Kuddos to the staff and the wonderful job they do taking care of the patients there. I'll definitely be visiting again!
Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

America's Teen Spooks Summit Place...

October 30, 2008 I had a very enjoyable morning visiting Summit Place Assisted Living in Little River, SC to give out some Halloween ghostly treats! I made Kleenex ghosts lollipops and visited with the residents at the assisted living facility while signing a few autographs too. While there I was invited to visit the residents of the Summit Alzheimers facility. It was so cool to get to go to the unit and visit with these special residents! They were already in the Halloween spirit as they were all working on painting pumpkins for decorating the facility. I loved the creativity of the activities director in this area! It was a wonderful experience.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!
Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Queen for a Day 3rd Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Queen for a Day 3rd Anniversary Celebration

Today was a most amazing day in Greer, SC where the fire fighters, police officers, bomb dog, K9 attack dog (Ca$h), the rescue squad, ems, and even the med trans helicopter came to support the Queens/Heroes for A Day Anniversary Celebration. Fire House Subs sponsored free food for the cancer children and their siblings! Dairy Queen made sure the community service workers stayed sweet! And my hat is off to Angela Singleton for heading up the SC Chapter of Queen for a Day and allowing me to be a part of it! It was truly a unique experience to see the smiles on the faces of these children. I even took a ride up in the bucket on the fire engine, about 75 feet into the air! Not to shabby for a National Queen that is extremely FEARFUL of HEIGHTS!! Nevertheless, it was a blast! Tons of photos coming your way! I will get them up asap! Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of Americas Teen 2008

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: beach, boogie, and bbq

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Viva Las Vegas!

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: 9/11 Memorial, NMB, SC

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Remembering 9/11 (the sun news online 9/11/08)

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: The Sun News...myrtlebeachonline.com

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: America's Teen Cheers Red Sox to Victory

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Queen For A Day Donations: Cancer Care Kits

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Dream Dolls SC Preliminary Pageant

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Alston Brook Nursing Facility

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Everybody's Day 100th Celebration

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: SerdarDesign....Amazing Crown Pics!!

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Chicago Here I Come!!! Navy Pier

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: On the road again......

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Welcome to TENNESEE!!

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Hotlanta Here I Come.....

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Endless Summer Festival, North Myrtle Beach SC

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Support your local Rescue Squad!

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Endless Summer Festival, North Myrtle Beach SC

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Howl-O-Scream BOOOOO!!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

America's Teen 2008, Laurie Kimsey: Eastern Dirt Magazine

Eastern Dirt Magazine

On October 16, 2008 I traveled up to Gastonia NC for an exciting afternoon on a dirt bike track with the editor and photographer of Eastern Dirt Magazine, Benjamin Segal. He invited me, Beauties of America's Teen 2008, to shoot a Tech Tips article for the November online edition of Eastern Dirt Magazine! I got to wear my bright green rubber boots, a tied up EDM work shirt with my name on it of course, shorts, and my long blonde ponytail. I got all dressed up and went out to the actual racing track near Gastonia NC and shot a How To Wash Your Bike series! It was so cool, and YES I washed the entire dirty muddy race bike! I actually had a great time, and Benjamin is one of the best photographers in the business! He has been photographing models for many years and is very professional! What another fantastic opportunity for a BOA Queen!
Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Howl-O-Scream BOOOOO!!

Want to get Halloween started early this year? Then you should have joined America's Teen (Me, Laurie Kimsey) at the McLean Park Howl-O-Scream community party this evening. It was truly a scream...lol...excuse the pun!
There were hayrides, trick or treating with local vendors set up in the park, games for the kids, marshmallow roasting, free food, and so many creatures wondering around in the park for a clean family fun filled afternoon/evening! I was Beauties of America's Teen Witch! And yes, I did have to get in on the fun with the trick-or-treating and I brought home with me one of the little miniature pumpkins from the Mini-Pumpkin-Patch! It was so much fun, and a safe enjoyable environment for all ages! I'll be looking forward to next year! Well, I've got to get some sleep for my next appearance which will be tomorrow at the Queen for A Day SC Chapter 3 year anniversary event tomorrow in Greer, SC! Until then, remember to stay safe this Halloween week and don't ever accept candy or items from strangers without your parents permission and inspection! Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Support your local Rescue Squad!

Today I had the opportunity to support my local NMB Rescue Squad by attending their 50th Annual Fish Fry and BBQ event. The food was amazing and to see how a group comes together and presents such a huge event is spectacular! This is the biggest fundraiser the NMB Rescue Squad has each year, and it is well supported by the community! Along with the food, participants also get to enjoy a bake sale, a silent auction of all types of items from a golf foursome to a mini-vacation to tickets to various attractions in the Myrtle Beach area. It's so cool to see supporters come from all over the Grand Strand! I was there as America's Teen and there were various vocal entertainers and a visit from "Elvis".
Keep those crowns sparkling! Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Endless Summer Festival, North Myrtle Beach SC

One of the great things about living in a beach town are the FESTIVALS!! Saturday October 25 was a wonderful time on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach for the Endless Summer Festival! We try to keep summer going on year round here in the world of Myrtle Beach SC! At the festival we enjoyed food, pony rides, vendors with all types of arts and crafts, and of course t-shirts!! Live bands played throughout the day with my favorite being Sea Cruz! Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for another fabulous time and for the photo ops! Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Hotlanta Here I Come.....

Atlanta Fashion Mart welcomed America's Teen 2008 to model in the showroom for Michelle Harrison & Associates via MIGNON FASHIONS. Mignon is owned by Vincent Mignon from New York City, NY. He is a new fashion house in New York and first exhibited his designs at the Atlanta Fashion Mart in August 2008 with assistance from ME as his showroom model! The following weekend, I was crowned Beauties of America's Teen! Vincent requested me to return as his model for the October Market. I had the chance to thank Johnathan Kayne in person for my amazing winning dress from the BOA Nationals and Jayme Shaw, the designer of my swimsuit that allowed me to win fitness in the teen division, as well as Miss Emily Knits of New York which produces Jennifer Roberts Knitwear like I wore in my top-scoring interview. It was so incredible to meet the originators of all these super winning wardrobe designers in one place! There is such an abundance of fashion and talent at the Atlanta Apparel Mart!
The world of fashion is awesome, but it's also like a "small town" where everyone is like family! I will update more after I get back home and post some new photos!
Laurie Kimsey, Beauties of America's Teen 2008

Welcome to TENNESEE!!

Callie, Laurie, Lauren, Jamie, Lacie, Tangela

////////////////////////////////Well, the roadtrip continues with a nice little stop in Tennesee! We stopped on the side of the road just to make sure we had the "Tennessee welcomes you" sign in my scrapbook. We later spent some time socializing in a travel plaza. It was fun just being casual and personable! Unfortunately I did not get to add Nashville to my stops, because I have several friends and acquintances that I really need to visit! Benjamin Gibbs, National Freelance Photography, is not only a great photographer, but a personal friend! I definitely need to take the crown to visit Benjamin and his amazing make-up artist Cee! They made me look fantastic last year when I had the honor of being the National Face of Winter 2008. Benjamin and I had a great time from shooting Bridal portraits to lovely portfolio shots to headshots to even swinging in an old tire swing out by the Clovercroft Wedding Chapel! One of the models I travel with is Lauren Grissom. She is not only a beautiful model, but the girlfriend and video girl of the up and coming country superstar Jake Owens! Look for both of them on the red carpet at the Country Music Awards!
Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen 2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

On the road again......

************************************************************************************************************Chicago was a blast, but all good things must come to an end! On the way home we stayed overnight in Lexington KY! Lexington has a lot of great things to do and see. There were enormous horse farms and fences everywhere. The pasteurs were beautiful along the way. We stayed across from the Kentucky Horse Park. They are already advertising for the 2010 World Equestrian Games to be held there. I can officially say America's Teen has been to the Horse Capitol of the World!!
Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen

***horse photo above was NOT taken in KY...but it really went well with the theme!***

Chicago Here I Come!!! Navy Pier

ROADTRIP!!! Driving to Chicago IL from Myrtle Beach, SC was an quite the experience! We drove up to the fantastic city of Chicago, IL for the Chicago Bridal Market. The city was fast and furious. I had a wonderful time and while I was in the Windy City I took the BOA Crown for a tour of the Navy Pier. The ferris wheel was so majestic! The breeze from Lake Michigan would chill you to the bone even though 50 degrees was considered "mild" for Chicago...lol! (That's winter time weather at home in Myrtle Beach). The ships and sailboats filled the harbour and they were so lovely. As the wind blew the sails looked like they were dancing back and forth. I had my picture taken with several tourists as well as locals along the pier. It was great having such a golden opportunity to wear my Beauties of America fur coat from Fabulous Furs (BOA sponsors are so amazing!).
During this trip I visited seven states: SC, NC, TN, KY, IN, OH, and of course IL.
In some states I only visited briefly, but I definitely hope to go back sometimes!
Laurie Kimsey, America's Teen

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

SerdarDesign....Amazing Crown Pics!!

Thank You Serdar....for another amazing shoot, with the focus on my Beauties of America's Crown!!! I had the most fun shooting with the incredible Serdar of SerdarDesign.com ! We shot on September 25 in Greensboro NC. Our shoot included not only my beautiful featured BOA Crown Photo, but we had a great time with the artistic talents of Serdar not just behind the camera, but as my MUA! He is so talented. He was also the creator of my awesome BOA program book ad! If you are interested in scheduling a shoot with Serdar, look him up at www.serdardesign.com
You won't be disappointed! Until next time, Laurie Kimsey....America's Teen 2008