Kyle Weber Photography

I am so excited to share more photos from the shoot I had with the talented Kyle Weber!  I absolutely love his work!  He is one of the nicest guys I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and so encouraging.  I am so lucky to have his support throughout my year as Miss Nebraska USA 2013.  But don't just take my word for it, book a shoot with him to find out how talented and sweet he actually is!  You won't be disappointed :) Be sure to like his Facebook page and his website, kyleweber.com , for more information! 

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 

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 

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

 Also, please say a prayer for the families and citizens in Connecticut tonight.  My heart hurts for them.  

Post soon. 

XO

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

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

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 for the support.

Stay beautiful.

xoxo

Ellie Lorenzen

Miss Nebraska USA 2013

Dream Come True...

Hello and welcome to my blog!!   I have never been much of a writer, that is my younger sisters forte, but I want to make sure I document the amazing year I have ahead of me!  I know it will go by so fast!  For those of you who do not know anything about me, this first post will provide a little background information.  My name is Ellie Lorenzen and I am Miss Nebraska USA 2013!

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!!