Any Day Health and Fitness | Obese Teen to Pageant Queen

photo by Gary Melendez

Bree's Facebook Page

It was just over a week ago that a marvelous group of healthy women and fit women came together to vie for the coveted title of Miss America. Since its inception 90 years ago the competion has evolved into a spectacular tradition of swimsuits, gowns, sparkles and of course the illustrious crown, all while providing a vechicle for young women to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community.

The class of 2012 constestants was nothing short of amazing and inspiring. In the line up of fit beauties included Regan Hartley, Miss New Hampshire, who was brutally attacked by high school class mates who thought she was too pretty, pageant winner Miss Wisconsin, Laura Kaeppeler, who revealed her father served time in prison while she was growing up, Miss Arizona Jennifer Sedler, a remarkable 4.0 pre-med student at the University of Arizona, and there was also, Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce, who went from obese teen to pageant queen after her doctor told her she would die if she did not stop binge eating.

Formerly 234 pounds, Bree now weighs 119 pounds no thanks to surgery or quick loss fad diets. She credits her success to good old-fashioned healthy eating, exercise and discipline. With her incredible weight loss, Bree has appeared on the cover of People Magazine and on the Today Show. Most of all, she realized her pageant dreams, and represented her home state in The Miss America competition.

Although Bree did not leave the competition in Las Vegas with the coveted crown, she did however walk across the stage and compete in the lifestyle and fitness portion of the competition, which must have felt great. Post The Miss America pageant, Bree remains an ambassador for healthy eating, and the fight against obesity. She is a testament that anyone can set goals and acheive them.

Thank you Bree Boyce, Laura Kaeppeler (Miss America 2012) and the other beautiful contestants for rocking healthy and fit physiques across the pageant stage last week! You are role models and inspirations to many.

~Amber

Sunday Extra Inspiration | Hug It Out!

Music video by Dave Matthews Band performing Everyday. (C) 2001 BMG Entertainment. 

We follow a different kind of calendar here at Any Day Extraordinary. Yesterday was National Hug Day! I would be super thrilled if you gave me a hug today, or any day for that matter. To follow up on yesterday's post, touch has the power to heal, to lift people's spirits, to make the world seem gentler, kinder - the way we'd like it to be. Go grab our virtual hug courtesy of The Dave Matthews Band. The message will make you smile. A big hug to the band and video director Chuck McBride.

Hugs are universal love. Give one today.

Sunday Extra / Inspiration

source: The Bride's Cafe tumblr (via Collectangles)

While you may be winding down on weekend activities and indulgences I wanted to start the week  with another just because image.  Kind of pre-game rally for a fabulous week ahead.

If you bake, why not try an intricate cake decoration in a delectable color?  A beauty like this is deserving of a stunning stand.  Here's a DIY tutorial for a vintage plate cake stand just like the one featured here.  While you may not get around to making or baking today, store this in your weekend files or for a special someone's birthday or occasion. The cake may not last long but gift the cake stand.  Tip on saving cakes forever: take a lovely photograph!

Have a great Sunday and an extraordinary week!