I am back home safely in Danville after my first trip to New York City. I am thrilled to finally say that I’ve made it to the Big Apple, and even more thrilled that it was a modeling opportunity that ended up going very well! I worked as a “showroom” model for 5 days on Fashion Avenue for the evening gown designer Pamella Roland. Some of the celebrities you may have seen wear her gowns include Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, and much more! My first experience in the big city couldn’t have gone any better. The job consisted of friendly faces and low-key days. Nothing was ever too stressful or rushed. I also appreciate the time I was given to spend with my mom and grandmother when I wasn’t working since they both came up “to look out for me.” We ‘three-generation ladies’ had a blast together seeing what New York had to offer. This consisted of Double-Decker bus tours, sight seeing, trying new foods, and lots of walking. Even on a day when it wouldn’t stop raining, and I swore off the dreaded disposable “poncho,” we still rode the bus tours regardless of having to sit on top without a roof over our wet heads. Long story short, I wore the poncho. I figured it was all worth it since that particular tour showed off the city lights at night and took us all the way over the Brooklyn bridge.

One of my favorite stops involved the TV show ‘Project Runway’ with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. We visited the store the contestant-designers use to quickly pick out their fabrics for that week’s challenge. It was surreal to see the store Mood in person. I couldn’t imagine having to pick anything out of that store since there are simply SO MANY different options. We even saw the Parson’s New School for Design, which is the elite school also used on Project Runway. Overall, Fashion Avenue was covered from head to toe with fabric stores, history about the fashion industry, boutiques, and anything else fashion related. It was awesome! I also really enjoyed Times Square, shopping on Broadway, and of course the food of New York City. I told myself that a trip to New York City is not complete without trying New York Style pizza. So I had one of my favorite types, loaded veggie without cheese as well as New York style desserts and several other big city specials!

Regardless of how much fun I was having already, one of the best parts came on our last night of the trip. It included visiting a city called Hoboken in New Jersey. In this quaint little city is the home of Carlo’s Bakery, which is the bakery onthe TLC show “Cake Boss.” I’m not sure what makes this show so irresistible to me, but it truly is. “Buddy,” who designs out of this world elaborate cakes, is the Italian baker who keeps the show anything but boring. The ‘three generation ladies’ jumped on a bus after a nice gentleman told us it was going to Hoboken. We didn’t realize we hadn’t arranged a way to get back to our hotel from Hoboken. We were just so excited and hoping to at least make it inside Carlo’s. I figured by the late hours we were heading to the bakery that Buddy would have already headed for home. When we arrived in Hoboken, I was speechless by the amount of culture the city presented. Each store front window and city street was decorated to the finest details and completely shined with hospitality. It was probably one of the absolute cutest cities I have ever seen. The skyscrapers of New York City was in view across the river which made little Hoboken even more attractive. When I first caught sight of the bakery I almost jumped out of my shoes! I’m not sure why I was so excited, but I was! Once we reached the door we saw a sign posted as a warning that upon entering the bakery you consent to possibly be recorded and used on the TLC show. I was sad to see a cake designer (who I recognized from the show) locking the door. However, I wasn’t going to stop at that. After knocking and a little begging, my mom, Mimi, and I were allowed in. I was content on simply being in the bakery. Since it was closing time, I was planning on just getting a few cookies, a T-shirt and making my way out. However, I caught word that Buddy was coming down from upstairs to visit with the crowd of girl-scouts which were also there to visit. Sure enough, he came downstairs and was generous enough to snap some pictures with the girls. I felt silly having to wait with the girl-scouts, but I believe I was even more excited than they were. I actually don’t think I’ve ever been as jittery or excited to meet anyone in my life as I was to meet Buddy! It was so neat to see him in person! I motioned to him that I’d like a photo after he finished speaking with the girl-scouts. I jumped right in, got my photo, and spoke a little with Buddy. However, before I knew it, the crew of Carlo’s bakery knew I was a previous Miss Kentucky USA. I’m guessing my mom had something to do with that . This pushed the conversation on a little longer but eventually I figured it was time to let them close shop. As I thanked them for their time and started to head out the door, I heard a voice ask if I wanted to come back. I again almost jumped out of my shoes, went and grabbed my mom and grandmother who already made it outside, and took this opportunity to be shown around the bakery. This wasn’t some type of planned tour, this was Buddy himself showing us the cakes he was making at that time. Buddy was so nice and friendly! I acted so silly by trying to let him how much I love his show by talking to him about past cakes he has made and things that have happened on previous episodes. He was presently putting together a cake for his niece’s sweet 16 which was gorgeous and red-carpet themed complete with aspotlight and lots of glitter. After thanking everyone for their time, I eventually left the bakery so TLC could continue filming. On my way out I came across the truck in the alley which is shown on the show that a boy was placing cakes in. I was amazed about how similar the real life work of the bakery is to the TV show. They were acting and doing just what they do on the show even without the cameras rolling. Although the cameras were rolling slightly when we were present, I wouldn’t necessarily look for us to be on the show any time soon. I don’t think they filmed us, but it was neat enough to simply be there!

While talking to him, Buddy called the company to see if they were making a trip soon to Kentucky. Although it wasn’t in their plans, I just heard today that Churchill Downs is bringing some type of festival which should bring several celebrity chefs here. Buddy talked like if there was a an event to bring him to Kentucky, possibly one like this, that he would! So let’s all write in to TLC to tell them about the festival and get them here! It would be so great for our state and then a lot of us could possibly see Buddy!

Overall, my experience of New York city was outstanding. I was very surprised with the amount of friendly people. I had heard so many stories about how people can be very rude there. However, it seemed like they were just as helpful as could be to guide my family and I in the right direction or help answer our endless questions. As far as the modeling went, I loved it. I really enjoy traveling to different modeling opportunities across our country (and maybe the world on day ). I was invited to come back up to model for Pamella’s amazing gowns again. Those plans or simply depending on what I can work out with school. I’m really hoping that it works out smoothly and another trip can be arranged soon. In the airport my mom started small talk with a lady who’s from Louisville but has an apartment in New York. By the end of the conversation, she offered my her apartment anytime I needed. It almost gave me cold chills how God works to bring people in your life just at the right time for just the right reasons. I hope I will be seeing her again soon on my next trip to New York City!