DR. FRANCINE EDWARDS, MRS DELAWARE UNITED STATES 2012: What has your new Mrs. New Castle County United States been up to?

Well, December has been a busy month and I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner!! This past weekend was a busy one and just wanted to share some of the things I have been involved with.

Saturday morning started off early with my weekly yoga class I teach. For those of you who don't know, in addition to my full time career, I am a part-time yoga instructor and massage technician. Wellness and balance are very important to me, and I find these activities very grounding, especially in these stressful times.

After teaching, I was off to Wilmington, to help my good friend Pam with our big non-profit project for 2012. It is still in process, so unfortunately I can't disclose too many details, but I can tell you its goal is to help disadvantaged women thrive in work and life by providing professional attire and resources. We are so excited to bring this to Delaware, and as things come together I will be posting more on how you can help. Saturday was a major cleaning and organizing day and we were able to get alot done (plus we had some helpers!) Ps-Don't mind our "Saturday Cleaning Attire"-not very glamorous! :)

Our helpers

Pam and I

Then after a morning of cleaning, folding and organizing, I was off to Sanctuary Spa, which is where I work as a massage technician. I love going to work at Sanctuary, the ladies there are so nice and great to work with. We have alot of fun too; I have to share this holiday video we created...it is too cute!

Then I was off to NOSO Boutique for a Fashion Show! NOSO Boutique is the official clothing stylist to Mrs. Delaware United States 2011 and 2012. This was my first visit to the store, and I was so impressed with all the beautiful outfits and accessories. The owner, Anne is such a sweet heart and I am so looking forward to seeing her and working with her again. I also can't wait to go back and go shopping!! I had a great time hanging out with Mrs. Delaware United States-Angie Hionis-Bell, Mrs. Wilmington 2012-Valerie Sia Speare, and Ms. Peach Blossom 2011-Karen Grant.

Sunday started of early as well! It was the day of the Miss Brandywine Scholarship pageant, which is a local preliminary pageant for the Miss Delaware Scholarship Organization. I am a board member of the MBSO and have been working closely with the executive director, Marisa Erdman, to put on a great show and give a young lady a fantastic opportunity to go to the state pageant in June. What an amazing group of young women we had, who are beautiful on the inside and out and dedicated to their communities and platforms. It was a very busy day, but well worth it! Congratulations to Tierra Fair who was crowned Miss Brandywine, we are looking forward to working with you!

Marisa had a little surprise for me as well, which was very touching and meaningful. One of the things I love about pageants is the sisterhood. Marisa and I first met when we competed together at Miss Delaware America and we were actually roommates. When we competed in local pageants at that time, we did not get to keep our crown. This past Sunday, Marisa presented me with the crown I never received, for me to keep. I was so surprised and touched by the gesture, it really meant so much!