Pageants- exploring the good and the bad~~~~memories by Janel Smietana

As a previous pageant competitor, I can see both sides of the issue. I do think when used with the right demographic and purpose there are many benefits. There can be downsides. You win some and you lose some, but you do learn achievement and disappointment. I had the honor of judging a few pageants after winning which wasn't always easy as all the young women were great. Ahh the memories, me as Miss Friendship Festival (pageant queen 2003- memories memories ;))...One of the few things salvaged from our house fire...

Janel Smietana, Miss Friendship Pageant

A few articles I was asked to weight in on:

Beauty Pageants Have Positive Effects On Young Girls Says Janel Smietana

Janel Smietana Says Not All Beauty Pageants Deserve a Bad Reputation


thanks for stopping by. Feel free to comment!
~Janel Smietana

Meet Hershey, the Adorable Mini Siberian Husky (by Janel Smietana)

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by Janel Smietana

My new baby Hershey-by Janel Smietana

 I have wanted a puppy for a really long time. Growing up around dogs, with a variety of breeds I have always been a dog lover. I had a few cats very early on, whom I loved dearly, but nothing comes close to having a dog for me. Being a big dog person, I am drawn to yellow labs or my dream dog the Bernese Mountain Dog (I swear they look like adorable stuffed animals as puppies)! However, given my living situation

Janel Smietana and baby Hershey

it wouldn't be fair to bring in a large dog right now. After much searching, I seem to have found the perfect furry friend solution-a miniature Husky! He is a big dog in a smaller dogs body. It was a challenge finding a good breeder, but with time and my fiancé's more careful analysis of the situation (it's the lawyer in him, lol) we found our perfect baby. His name is Hershey. He has sky blue gorgeous eyes, and black and white fur. I thought about naming him Smore, since in fact he looks like a Smore, but Hershey rolls off the tongue easier. He is my little Hershey Kiss and I love him to pieces. He is a handful, and I feel like I have an infant! He gets very sad if not by my side and gets into things he knows he shouldn't :) We love our new addition to the family <3

by Janel Smietana

Heartland time- Janel Smietana

The pictures by Janel Smietana explain it all....

Heartland time, a time for rest and relaxation, catching up, trading ideas, pure bliss. Reccommended to all

Janel Smietana and Kaylee Kunsleman

Janel Smietana at Heartland ~~~

Oheka Castle visit- Janel Smietana

What an amazing place and amazing time! Paid a visit to Oheka Castle in Long Island, New York. Good friend from buffalo Julia Pastore, and cousin Kathy were in attendance. Exciting vendors, make up stops, tiaras, fashion shows, and door prizes. The castle was gorgeous. Can't quite put into words the visit, so here are a few pictures.
Janel Smietana

Janel Smietana, facebook

Dreaming of summer~~~ by Janel Smietana

This picture needs little explaining <3

By:  Janel Smietana in Miami ~~~~

Winter activities- Janel Smietana

It's been a long winter. Every time I think it's heating up, we get slammed with more snow. That shouldn't get you down however, since there are many fun winter activities abound. Recently we took a ski trip (Janel Smietana and Joshua Cole). Snow was in abundance in the area, that is until it was our time to bask in the winter sport glory. It rained and warmed up, much to our dismay. We were troopers and proceeded with great focus and intent to get out ski portion of the trip!

~ Janel Smietana

Janel Smietana