5 different small ways to have a beautiful day

Over the years I have learned that it's the little things that count. The small things can turn your day into something completely different. After a little bit of experience her is a list I have compiled that I hope will help you to have a more BEAUTIFUL day.

First and foremost? DRINK LOTS OF WATER AND EAT BREAKFAST

    It is proven that a big breakfast in the morning helps boost your metabolism and gives you the energy you need to keep a pep in your step the whole day through. Eating a big breakfast can also help you digest your other meals since your metabolism started working so quickly. Water helps you stay hydrated and keeps you from becoming dehydrated as the day progresses. So basically eating and drinking could actually make you feel better through out the day (just what we all wanted to hear, right!?) 

Second. A wake up call.

    Believe it or not waking up a little earlier can make you happier. It allows you to feel like you have more day, it causes less stress when you have, what seems like, a list of chores or a full day of work. Getting up an hour or two earlier can help you get all your commitments done and still have a little time for you.

Third. "Shake Off" your worries.

     You're favorite song is a major mood booster. Instead of clicking on your go to "sad music" playlist on Pandora how about a pop station? Hits 1? Play the new song on the radio that you love a little louder in the car. This can add a little boost to your day and help you "shake it off", as Taylor Swift might say.

Fourth. RUN!

  Now, I don't mean you actually avoid your problems because that does not help anyone, but maybe physically take a run? Doctors have proved that even just 30 minutes of exercise a day can boost your endorphin's. Endorphin's are the chemicals in your brain that are responsible for your happiness, and by working out a little bit everyday, not only will you be helping your heart, but it could end up helping your smile too.

Fifth. Have a chat.

  I make sure to take an hour out of my day, usually collectively not all at the same time, to talk to the people I love and trust. Talking about your day, asking about theirs or chatting about what's on your mind is a great way to relax. Take time to call your friend and make sure their day is going well. Pull your mom aside to sit outside on a nice day and have a conversation, take a few moments to talk to God and thank him for the beautiful life you were given. Never under estimate the power of simply talking to the people you care for and how much it can alter your day.

 So here are my five small ways to have a more beautiful day. You wouldn't believe the difference the small things make. Remember that "You Are Beautiful" is about the good you can do for yourself and others. Treat yourself the way you want others to treat you, sometimes our worst critics are us. Use theses small, but important, tips to help brighten your day. Who knows you might also brighten someone else's in the process. 

            As Always, "You Are Beautiful",

                                                      Cedar Chambers

They've Arrived!

I have been giving out the original "You Are Beautiful" stickers, however I decided to create my own with my blogspot on the bottom so that not only does every girl have a constant reminder she is beautiful but can ready my words of encouragement. I would like each and everyone of you to know that I am here for you because I have battled with self esteem myself. It is through finding my INNER beauty that I realized that I was truly beautiful. I will always encourage young woman to look a little deeper to find what really matters most. What is really important is the size of your heart, not your dress size.
Another daily reminder and an avenue for advice on inner beauty is my Twitter page: MissWatertownsOT
 & Facebook : Miss Watertowns Outstanding Teen
                As Always, You Are Beautiful,
                                  Cedar Chambers

The Heart of the City

On April 6th I was invited to meet with the mayor of Watertown, Jeff Graham, and the rest of the Watertown City Council members. I was introduced by our Mayor as "Miss Watertown's Outstanding Teen, Cedar Chambers" and he gave me a quick opportunity to speak to the Council, and community members about my platform "You Are Beautiful". I then took a photo with the entire Council and thanked them for such a wonderful privilege. I remained throughout the duration of the Council meeting to hear the people speak when given "Privilege of the floor", which is a new term I learned. I listened to some of their thoughts and concerns about our city. As Miss Watertown's Outstanding teen I enjoyed being able to hear the opinions of the Watertown residents I represent, and be apart of the resolution. The next day I was thrilled to see that The Mayor had posted a picture of my visit on his blog and had also wished me good luck at Miss New York's Outstanding Teen, on April 11th, via radio. That night, a resident of Watertown who heard me speak at the council meeting, approached me at a school sporting event we both happened to attend, and told me what a nice job I did and also wished me "good luck" at my upcoming pageant. The positive response I have received from the leaders and members of my community has overwhelmed and encouraged me. I have never been more proud to be Miss Watertown's Outstanding Teen, and to have the ability to represent such wonderful people. I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to attend a City Council meeting and see how your local government works and be an active member of your community.

                                       As Always, You Are Beautiful,
                                                                     Cedar Chambers

       
 Mayor Jeff Graham and me
 

   City Council Woman Teresa R. Macaluso

left to right: Teresa R. Macaluso, Joseph M. Butler, Cedar Chambers (Me), Mayor Jeff Graham, Roxanne M. Burns, Stephen A. Jennings

A STEP in the right direction

As a little girl we want to be one of  two things: A princess and or our mothers. We go into her closet, grab shoes 8 sizes too big for our feet and parade around the house like we're "big girls". But why do shoes have the power to make us feel so different? Why can the right pair of shoes automatically change our mood? It is all because of the people we see in them. Cinderella's glass slipper transformed her life. She was granted a night at the ball, and even married her prince. Dorothy's ruby red slippers took her from Oz, all the way home to the people she loved, with just a simple click of the heels. Shoes have the power to change the woman who are wearing them. They change the way you walk, and the way you talk all because you feel powerful in the right pair of shoes. According to cosmopolitan magazine, buying the right pair of shoes can release neurotransmitter dopamin that causes people to feel happier. It also stimulates an area of the brains frontal cortex termed as the  "collecting spot" This helps woman rationalize the buying of shoes because they are "collectors items". Scientifically, this is the reason woman buy so many pairs of shoes. Subconsciously, I believe, we want the right pair of shoes because the woman we admire always had them and they do lift our spirits. But remember my friends, it is not so much the shoes you wear, as it is the places your feet will take you in life. So walk with your shoulders back, your head held high, in the shoes that you love and know that the future is yours to create.

Me as a little Dorothy 

As Always, You Are Beautiful,

                                            Cedar Chambers

Princess For A Day

My life long dream as a little girl was to be a princess, I mean whose wasn't? I walked around in my light up, plastic, Cinderella heels and matching polyester ball gown, that I wore everywhere like my life depended on it. I knew that, in that moment, it was only pretend, but never in my wildest dreams would I imagine I had the opportunity to be a REAL princess. When I was asked to volunteer at a local elementary schools Frozen Ball as Elsa, I was at first hesitant. I didn't want my blonde wig to fall off, or to sing the wrong words to the famous "Let It Go". I was petrified, to be completely honest, but I knew the kids were counting on me.So on March 4th I put on my blonde braid, downed my aqua blue dress, tiara and sparkly silver slippers, and went to the ball.When I entered, on Olaf's arm of course, I heard all the children gasp all at once. I looked at all of their small faces gazing at me in amazement and knew I had made the right choice. The whole night I held the girls and boys hands and sang and danced to all of their favorite Frozen tunes. At the end of the night, before I had to make my great escape, I pulled all the little girls into a circle around me. I looked at all of them in their eyes and told them what gave a princess magic wasn't a wand, a crown, or a pretty dress, but the love inside their heart. I reminded them that everyone can be a princess. After I had gone home and long since taken off my wig and my dress, the wheels in my mind began to turn. Seeing how happy I, Elsa, had made all the children that night lead me to the realization that I could take this to a new level. I decided to create a fundraiser called "Lunch With Elsa" to benefit The Children's Miracle Network. With only the help of my mother, and mentor, Kathy Lettiere, we put the event together in less then two weeks. We reserved a venue, had it catered, received generous donations from a local bakery and fantastic DJ and even were able to have three other princesses, Tinkerbell, Jasmine and Belle, volunteer their time. The day of "Lunch With Elsa" we had a sold out crowd, tickets were even generously donated by companies and people so that children and families who couldn't afford to come, could have their lunch with Elsa too. As I walked into the venue, and the DJ played Let It Go, I felt wonderful, like a princess. The little girls and boys ran up to me and began to sing Let It Go as loud as they could along with me with smiles that could brighten any day. I knew in that moment that this was always what God had planned for me. I spent the whole day talking, dancing taking photos and ,of course, singing Frozen songs. When the lunch came to an end and all of our princess shoes had come off of our feet, I had a chance to talk to all the children, just one last time. I held the microphone in my hand and asked all the little girls to repeat after me, "I am special. I am important. I am beautiful and I am a princess." That day will be a day they will always remember because "Princess Elsa" told them that they are beautiful and they are a princess too.
                                           You Are Beautiful,
                                                              Cedar Chambers

America The Beautiful

On March 20th, my pageant sisters and I, attended a rally in support of keeping our local military base, Fort Drum open. Fort Drum is imperative to our community economically, socially and culturally. What I really saw that night, outside of the amazing military band and adorable boy scout troops involved in the festivities, was the overwhelming amount passion people had in supporting our troops. My designated job was to approach people with a petition in favor of keeping Fort Drum open. Every person I spoke with that night couldn't wait to sign the petition. I had the opportunity to shake hands with troops that are currently fighting for our freedom, and veterans too. The thing that struck my heart the most that night was
when the Star Spangled Banner was sung. There is nothing quite so beautiful as our flag and the men and women who fight, and have fought, to give us freedom. I have never been so proud to be an American and be a part of a military community.
  I would like to ask you to think for a moment about things you enjoy because you are free and the unique talents that you have and are able to use because we live in this wonderful country.

As seen left to right: Miss Northern New York's Outstanding Teen, Brianna Lockwood

Miss Thousand Islands, Allison Carlos

Miss Watertown's Outstanding Teen, Cedar Chambers (Me)

"I Like Myself"

Realizing that negative self image starts at a young age, I visited the familiar hallways of Sherman Elementary School, on March 10th, to read "I like Myself" to the children. As a young girl I never could have seen myself with a crown and sash sitting in the same library, reading in the same chair that I would look up to in complete wonder when guest readers came in. I related to the kids as they walked in grinning from ear to ear excited to see a "princess". I read to children of all ages, k-4, and they responded to the book with so much excitement and appreciation for the message. The book had lines such as "I like me wild. I like me tame. I like me different and the same!"
The kids all giggled together at the silly photos of the young girl in the book with crazy hair, and purple polka dotted lips, but what they really loved was when they had question and answer time. That was where the kids and I could really connect with one another. I had the opportunity to ask every young girl and boy their name and what they liked about themselves. Some said "My hair because its really curly" or "I like myself because I wear glasses" others said "I like myself because I'm nice to my family" but everyone of the children that sat on the carpet, that I once did, had something they liked about themselves. The things that the kids said they liked about themselves are things that teens today often forget to see in themselves today. If they could only go back and see the child inside themselves that child would tell them "You Are Beautiful". Before I left that day, the kids came up to me and asked me "How'd you get that crown Miss Cedar?" and I said "Do you know what a pageant is?"  I explained to them that it is where a group of girls come together and they pick the one that is best at spreading a message. I said "they gave me this crown so that I could come here today and tell you You Are Beautiful, and to remind you to like yourself". The question that followed was "Can I do pageants, Miss Cedar?" and my response? "Of course you can. Any girl in this room who wants to grow up and spread a message can be in pageants!" You never know who may be sitting in that chair one day all because I came and told them to like themselves and  they are beautiful.
                                     As Always, You Are Beautiful.
                                                       Cedar Chambers



 

One week in an amazing life

        


I could have never imagined, in my wildest dreams, how beautiful life could really be with a positive outlook. Every single day this week God has given me another reason to smile and to thank my lucky stars that I am here to see what a wonderful thing life is since I have changed my outlook from so many years ago. I started off the week in anticipation for my 17th birthday on Thursday, where all my family and the people I cared for took the time to show me how much they loved and supported me on my journey. They took me to my favorite Thai food restaurant where, yet another kind gesture, I was surprised with a specialty of fried bananas and ice cream to celebrate another year in a beautiful life. I woke up Friday morning ready for another adventure, which was being a princess for the day. I was offered the opportunity to dress as Princess Elsa, at a children's Frozen Ball, and meet with little girls to spread a message of magic and love. As though the week could not get any better, on Sunday I had the most amazing opportunity to take part in The 9th Annual Children's Miracle Network Teens For Miracles Fashion Show. Not only was this my first official appearance as Miss Watertown's Outstanding Teen, but an exciting chance to spread my "You Are Beautiful" message, and to share my gift of music, through singing. As I look back on my week, my beautiful, exciting week, I realize that none of it could have been possible without, the beautiful woman beside me in the last photo, Kathy Lettiere. From the moment I met her two years ago she has taught me how to be kind, generous and, as she always says "spread love and kindness everyday." I truly believe that I have the confidence and the positivity I have today, because God put her in my life to push me outside of my comfort zone, and into the place we're all afraid of, but where I have also found all of my success and courage. I know that this week, and the young woman I have grown into, has come from her influence, and this is not only an ode to a beautiful life, but also to a beautiful person.
                                                 As always, You Are Beautiful,
                                                                               Cedar Chambers  

You are never alone

I am a big fan of Audrey Hepburn. I admire her movies, beauty, grace, poise , and most of all her wisdom. I want to share with you today one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn quotes that I have on the wall in my bedroom: 
"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."  
I look at this quote everyday and I'm grateful to Audrey for sharing her positive outlook on life with us. A positive outlook is one of the only things we can choose in life. We cant choose the hand God deals us in life, but we can always choose how we play it. I volunteer my time, during prom season, at A Touch Of Grace, a local boutique store where I live, along side the owner Kathy Lettiere, who is like a mother to me. Everyday that I work I have a new opportunity to speak to young woman with low self esteem and help them to realize that size is but a number, and it's what's in your heart that counts. The other day I spoke to a young girl, size 22, who began to break down and cry in the dressing room  because she was frustrated about her size. I explained to her that I was bullied for years. Size does not matter in life, the only size that matters is the size of your heart and the good you can do for others. That is the reason I was eventually able to talk her into being a part of A Touch Of Grace's Annual Children's Miracle Network Fashion show, on March 8th, as a stunning size 22. We as young woman have to know ourselves, and have confidence in our hearts, from a size 00 to a size 32, that we are beautiful, and we must walk down the catwalk of life with poise, and as Audrey Hepburn may say, "the knowledge that you are never alone". 

                                              You Are Beautiful,

                                                           Cedar Chambers.

"Plus size"

As a 17 year old young woman, I am constantly growing. It's safe to say my weight is always fluctuating up and down, one month I am one size, the other I am the next. I think that we are all a little too consciencious of the extra 5 pounds that snuck up on us, or the cookie we had for lunch, but we shouldn't have to be. We all have different body shapes and sizes, I believe that is something to embrace and celebrate about ourselves, it's what makes us unique. In the media especially, we are taught that the 110 pound, 6 foot 2 model is perfect. That is the concept of the "perfect woman" that society wants us to buy into, but that all changed this past Thursday. Sports Illustrated, a magazine well known for their slimmer bikini models has announced that their latest swimsuit edition will be dominated by Robyn Lawley, the first "Plus size" model to ever be in Sports Illustrated. Lawley looks stunning in a orange, printed bikini from her own line (Photo shown below), and is completely working it as a U.S. size 12. Although, the average woman in America is a size 12, this is step in the right direction for the media. Lawley even said in her interview with Time Magazine “I don’t know if I consider myself as a plus-size model or not, I just consider myself a model because I’m trying to help women in general accept their bodies. ” I don't believe there is any speculation in the fact that Robyn Lawley is stunning, but there is a question as to whether or not a normal sized, confident, beautiful woman is considered "Plus sized". Either way, this spread is one big leap forward for Sports illustrated and for curvy, beautiful, women everywhere. You are all Beautiful, no matter what shape or size.

Three words from my mystery person

Hello my friends, old and new, thank you for joining me on my first post!
To those of you who don't know who I am, I am, blessed to be Miss Watertown's Outstanding Teen, I am a lover of pizza, coffee and the right pair of shoes. Although geometry may not be my strong suit I make up for it in a strong sense of fashion and my hope to be a beauty editor. I am a loyal friend, a loving daughter and younger sister who always looks to my older siblings for advice. I am a lot of things and I am beautiful, and so are you. Those three words, although they sound easy to wakeup and say to yourself in the mirror, while dancing to your favorite song, they are not, they are very, very hard. "I am beautiful" was the opposite of something that was easy for me to say or accept about myself, especially with the amount of toxic friendships in my life that aimed to make me feel otherwise. I battled with bullying and low self esteem constantly as I found my way through Freshman and Sophomore years of high school, as many people unfortunately do. To spare you the agonizing details of lunches spent in teachers classrooms to avoid glares, and the remarks about my outfits or hair in the hallways, or untrue rumors specifically aimed to embarrass me, I will cut directly to the chase. I was more concerned with the quantity of friends  instead of the quality and that had to change. I finally realized, I had to let go of toxic people, even if that meant being alone for awhile, and that was exactly what I did. One day, I got tired of staying quiet and allowing people to make me feel small, and walked away from all the people who I had been around since I was a child. Even though it was one of the scariest decisions I have ever made, also one of the best. The empty space they no longer took up was soon filled with some of the most, loyal, trusting and beautiful friendships I could have ever imagined. I found people, who to my surprise, wanted to see me succeed, people who found it important to make sure I was okay and who, above all else, made me feel beautiful. That is where I finally fell upon "You are Beautiful" as my motto. And when I say "fell" I mean it. I fell in love with these new people quite unexpectedly, but it was one person in particular that brought this motto to life. This person, who shall not be named (mysterious, I know), was one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me. I used the poor adjective of  "coolest" because there is really no other way to describe them, they were just awesome. For the first time. in a long time, I got to be around someone who thought I was pretty "cool" too and worked to help me see that. Even though they are no longer a part of my life and my journey, they were instrumental in it's start. On a Saturday night I spent with this person, as I had done many times before, I was taken a bit by surprise. I arrived to their house upset about something someone had said to me, that seems so far away now, and instead of the usual "Everything will be okay! Head up and smile!" they said something that I will never forget. They pushed my mane of hair out of my face, looked me straight in the eye and said a string of words that changed the way I saw myself till this very day. They said "You are Beautiful, and if anybody ever tries to tell you differently you look them in the eye and you remember what I told you, that you are the most beautiful girl in the world, and I'll always think that." The reason this changed me was because they, full heartedly believed, that I was beautiful, even when I didn't. The way I talked was fine, the way I walked was fine, the way I thought about things was finally fine, and I was beautiful. All it took for me to believe it, was someone believing it enough for the both of us. So that's what I want to do. I want to believe that "You are Beautiful" enough for everyone, and help people realize that sometimes all it takes is just one moment of extreme honesty to make some believe that they are worth it, and if that's what it takes, then that is what I will do. I truly believe that what I have battled, and been through, is a blessing in disguise. It has built me into the kind of person who knows what it feels like to be told you aren't worth it, and also knows what it feels like to be told you are, and that every young woman deserves to be told, and shown with intense honesty, that they are important. So I guess I will be the designated stranger to people, who feels it's her job to make them realize they are beautiful, in case they don't have the mysterious person I had to do that for them. And if that's all I'll ever be "the mysterious girl who told me I was worth it and made me believe it" then I'm okay with that. I'll do it every chance I get, so that someone, finally, has the chance to wake up, look in the mirror and think to themselves "I am beautiful" and be taken by surprise when they finally believe it.
     - This is my story and the reasons I am so passionate about spreading the "You Are Beautiful" campaign to as many people as possible. My goal is for EVERY woman to hear these three words everyday and believe in her heart, that it is true. Thank You. You Are Beautiful.