Saturday, December 29, 2012
Kyle Weber Photography
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
December Events
Happy
Holidays everyone! I hope you all
had a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
It was nice to relax with my family and friends for a few days because I
have been very busy over the last week and a half. I kicked off the holiday season by talking with Star 104.5,
the Christmas station, about how I used to take ice skating lessons as a kid at
the opening of the Conagra Food Ice Rink in downtown Omaha. The Conagra Food Ice Rink is a great
way to celebrate the season while supporting a good cause. Their mission is to “shine the light on
hunger,” and proceeds benefit Food Bank of the Heartland. 
I
was also asked to speak at the Angel Guardians Christmas event. This was very special to me because
Angel Guardians is an organization that is very important to my family. My oldest brother has been a part of
Angel Guardians and it has made a huge difference in my family’s life. Their goal is to improve the quality of
life for special-needs teens and adults in the areas of housing, employment,
fitness, socialization and recreation.
I have been volunteering for the VSP (Very Special People) Club, which is designed to provide
recreational activities to cognitively and developmentally disabled teens and
adults in a comfortable and non-institutional atmosphere, since 2007. It was great to thank them for making a
difference in the lives of those with disabilities and to enjoy the evening
with my family. I also met another
great organization that I can’t wait to work with! As Miss Nebraska USA 2013, I hope to be the spokesperson for
those with disabilities and work with as many life-changing organizations as
possible. 
One
of my favorite things about Christmas is hearing the bells of the Salvation
Army. They are a constant reminder
to be thankful for what you have and to give back. I always keep spare change and dollar bills in every one of
my coats so I am prepared to donate to the red kettle. This year, I took part in helping out
by bell ringing a couple different times.
My sister and I lucked out by having gorgeous weather the day we rang
together. People kept commenting
that we were having too much fun!
Our kettle was almost overflowing by the time we were done! Thank you to everyone who donated even
just a few coins to the Salvation Army this year!
I was back on the ice again at the Conagra Ice Rink just a few days before Christmas with my old skating club, Blade and Edge. Trying to skate with a crown is no easy feat! It’s safe to say I lost all of my skills, but it was fun to see all the kids skate to Christmas music in fun costumes. It really put everyone in the Christmas spirit.
 |
| My handsome brother was my date for the Angel Guardian Event |
 |
| On the ice at the Conagra Food Ice Rink |
 |
| With Marshall an amazing dancer at the Angel Guardian Event |
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Miss Universe
 |
| Ellie and Ellie in Vegas! |
USA WINS! There is no better way to get me geared up for
Miss USA than watching the Miss Universe LIVE in fabulous Las Vegas! My trip began Tuesday morning when I
met Miss Missouri USA, Ellie Holtman, in Vegas (yes two Ellies!) We spent the
day walking around the strip and shoe shopping. That night, we went to Syrup Swimwear party at P.F Changs
for the 2013 Miss USA contestants.
It was so great to meet some of the girls before we head off to New York
for the media tour and Miss USA next year!
 |
| With Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011 |
The next day we attended the Miss Universe dress rehearsal. I was able to sit front row with Miss Missouri, Miss Hawaii, and the gorgeous Miss Teen USA! Sitting across from us was the man himself, Donald Trump! It was amazing to be so close to him, my idol Giuliana Rancic, Andy Cohen and Train. The final show was a whirlwind, and I was so excited to see Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, take home the crown! After the show, a few of the 2013 Miss USA and Teen USA contestants went to dinner at the Sugar Factory. I can’t wait to be reunited with these wonderful girls again in the near future!
After
a trip to remember, I returned home to a beautiful winter wonderland. My hopes for a white Christmas came
true and I can’t wait to spend the holidays with my wonderful family. I hope you all get the chance to spend
this holiday season with your loved ones, as I do with mine. Be thankful for
your surroundings, and continually spread holiday cheer.
 |
| At the Syrup Swimwear Party |
 |
| Front Row at Dress Rehearsal |
 |
| At Miss Universe with Miss Idaho |
 |
| At the Sugar Factory with Miss Delaware Teen USA |
 |
| At the Sugar Factory with a few of the USA contestants |
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Hillson Photography
I’m done, I’m done, I’M DONE!!! The semester is over and I
am back home in the beautiful state of Nebraska. I finally have time to relax and catch up on my blog! I have already had so many fun
appearances to share with everyone but first I wanted to highlight two amazing
photographers I have worked with a few months ago.
Hillson
Photography is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and I had so much fun with
photographers Stacey and Landon! The best way to describe these two is dynamic duo! They are so talented and so sweet. I absolutely loved how supportive they
are to each other they make an amazing team. I am so excited to share some of the photos from our
shoot! They are so whimsical and soft. Thanks again Hillson Photoraphy for the support and these
beautiful photos.
Show your support and see how talented Hillson Photography is by liking their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hillsonphoto?fref=ts
Post soon.
XO
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Final Stretch...
Maintaining a blog while trying to finish out this semester
is a lot harder than I thought! I
apologize for not posting. After
this semester, I will finally be able to relax and really start enjoying my
time as Miss Nebraska USA! I was
crazy taking 21 credits. As I am
suffering from a bad case of senioritis tonight, I thought it would be a good
time to post about what has been happening.
Well,
I have two new pageant sisters and two teen sisters! I was lucky enough to watch Ellie Holtman and Brenda
Smith-Lezama take the Missouri crowns on my beautiful campus of Lindenwood
University. I look forward to
meeting my Oklahoma sisters, Makenzie Muse and Graham Turner very soon! This weekend we will be welcoming two
new girls to the Vanbros family at the Miss Kansas USA and Miss Kansas Teen USA
pageant!
As
Miss Nebraska USA, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing
photographers! I was lucky enough
to work with Kyle Weber a few weeks ago and I am so excited to share some of
the photos! Kyle is so talented
and so sweet. I had a blast
shooting! I think the photos speak
for themselves in regards to his artistic talents! Be sure to like his facebook page to see the rest of his
incredible pictures, and check out his website! facebook.com/iheartKYLE/ www.kyleweber.com
Three more weeks of slaving over text books, then I am free and have a very, very busy schedule ahead of me, starting with a trip to Vegas for the Miss Universe Pageant! Couldn’t think of a better way to end such a crazy semester! Wish me luck these next few weeks! xoxo
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
A Month Already!?!
Happy Election Day!!! Wow, it is crazy to think that four
weeks have already gone by and I still can’t believe I am Miss Nebraska
USA! I finally have time to relax
and catch up on my blog, though I do not think I can really relax tonight as I
sit and watch the 2012 election. What
an important day for our country, I could not imagine what it would be like to
be Governor Mitt Romney and President Obama tonight! I came across this picture and had to share; a little
pageant humor to lighten up the pre election buzz. I am very thankful today that I was able to vote a few weeks
ago and avoid all the chaos at the polls!
For those of you that do not know, I am finishing up my final year at
Lindenwood University in St. Charles, and voted absentee.
I am earning my degree in fashion design and retail, but
after visiting the fabulous students of Ronald Reagan Elementary School, I envy
my best friend who is studying to be an elementary school teacher. These kids were so much fun! I loved talking to them about pursuing
their goals and the importance of pushing yourself to overcome obstacles. They had so many great questions and
comments, but some of the more memorable ones were: 1. Do I like Oranges? 2.
Your hair looks like a slide. 3. Do I have swag? HA! So cute! 
I was also able to take part in the Omaha’s Great Pumpkin
event hosted by Lutheran Family Services.
This was a very special event because it had a very powerful meaning
behind it. Their mission was
to “Shine the Light on Foster Child Adoption.” There are currently 1033 children up for adoption in
Nebraska and each pumpkin on the Pumpkin tree represents one of those
children. It was eye opening to
learn about all the kids and teens that don’t have a place to call home or
someone to share special moments with.
I had a blast speaking to families who have adopted from Lutheran Family
Services. They are truly
remarkable people. When I saw the
pumpkin tree lit up, it made me realize how lucky I am to have a nice home and
family to go home to. If you are one
of those remarkable people who have it in your heart to foster a child, please
check out Lutheran Family Services at www.lfsneb.org
to learn how you can help.
Be sure to also follow me on instagram and twitter @RealMissNEusa
and to like my page on Facebook!
Well, this is all the social media I can handle for tonight. I will be
posting again soon! Goodnight. xo
Thursday, October 18, 2012
First Day On The Job!
My first day as Miss Nebraska USA was a busy one! Bright and early, the gorgeous new Nebraska Teen USA, Jasmine Fuelberth, and I were all smiles as we signed our contracts for the next year! Jasmine possesses all of the qualities of a great Miss Nebraska Teen USA: enthusiasm, kind heartedness, and absolute beauty! I am so excited to get to know her over the next year and share this experience with her!
Later that day, I filmed my first news story as Miss Nebraska USA with WOWT Channel 6 Omaha. I was able to put pageantry in a positive light and talk about my involvement in the Miss Amazing Pageant. For those of you who do not know what the Miss Amazing Pageant is, let me explain…
The Miss Amazing Pageant is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was created for girls and women with physical and mental disabilities. It was originally started in Nebraska, but is now expanding statewide. At Miss Amazing, we provide the opportunity for girls with disabilities to build confidence and learn important life skills through pageantry, such as public speaking, poise, and sportsmanship. Our mission is to celebrate the abilities of girls with disabilities. Every girl who competes in a state pageant receives a crown and trophy and leaves feeling as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside
My involvement with this organization started a few years ago when my mom was asked to judge. The Miss Amazing Pageant fits into my family’s life perfectly. I have been competing in pageants for years, and my oldest brother was born mentally disabled. I am currently the state director for Missouri’s Miss Amazing Pageant and assistant director for the Nebraska and Iowa Miss Amazing Pageant. My little sister is planning Iowa’s first Miss Amazing Pageant next year. As you can see it is a huge family affair. It allows me to bring two of my passions in life together: pageantry and working with kids with special needs. During my junior year of college at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, I was chosen to be the state director of the first ever Missouri Miss Amazing Pageant. My original goal for the first year was to have 16 girls in a small, donated venue. With hard work, determination, and most importantly, passion, I was able to hold the event in the beautiful Bezemes Family Theater, one of the largest theaters in the St. Louis area, with forty-five girls participating, over a hundred volunteers, and hundreds in attendance. However, I always say “seeing is believing,” so please take five minutes to watch in action how powerful, inspirational, and heartwarming this organization truly is… ENJOY!
As Miss Nebraska USA I hope to make this organization more nationally know and to gain recognition in the pageant community. Move over Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers and Tiaras… it is time pageants have a better image!
Check out the full story here at WOWT Channel 6! Thank you Ross Jernstrom and Amaka Ubaka
Stay beautiful.
xoxo
Ellie Lorenzen
Miss Nebraska USA 2013
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Dream Come True...
Being
Miss Nebraska USA has been a dream of mine since I was 17 years old
when I signed up for my first Miss Nebraska Teen USA pageant. Every
year I’ve competed, I've learned so much about myself; the life skills
I’ve taken from pageantry has really shaped who I am as a person. On
October 7th, my dream finally came true when I was crowned Miss Nebraska
USA at the beautiful Rose Theater in Omaha Nebraska! Not only was it in
my hometown, but it was also in a place so familiar to me. Before my
life in pageants, I was a student at the Omaha Theater Ballet and used
to perform at the Rose. It was great to be back at my old stomping
grounds.
 |
| Interview Award Winner |
 |
| With the new Miss Nebraska Teen USA |
I
want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey to
the crown and hope you continue to support me as I begin to prepare for
Miss USA next year! I am excited and grateful for this roller coaster
ride I am about to embark on!
Until next time…
xoxo
Ellie Lorenzen
Miss Nebraska USA 2013
 |
| Thank you to my incredible cheering section! I love you all!! |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)