Childrens Orphanage Africa- Ethiopia

Words cannot express the emotions I am overcome by after my time at the Childrens Orphanage in Africa. I am so grateful that i was able to help these children- but I am also devastated at the lifestyle that these children must live. While i was able to donate funds from The Edwin Riddle Memorial Fund and Spend time with them. The children at the Orphanage have either lost both parents or their fathers. In the case where they have only lost their father- they are allowed to stay at the Orphanage if their mother is homeless and can not afford to feed them. In some circumstances, the Orphanage will allow the mother to live there as well. It is my mission, win or lose Miss International to go back with even more funds and be able to make a huge impact in the lives of these children. There is absolutely no reason that any child should have to go hungry or cold because of the loss of a parent.

Camp Erin: LA - Fathers Day

This Fathers Day I was able to celebrate my fathers memory in such a beautiful way- by giving back and helping children who have also lost a parent. I attended Camp Erin: Los Angeles - Session 1 where the children learned ways to grieve and cope the loss of their loved ones in a healthy way. The children even put on skits to show what they have learned this weekend!


Below are the links to the videos I took:


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152445213079373&l=6813101385187337621


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152445203319373&l=8377850039297273933

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152445163644373&l=996427704775672397

Here are some photos as well!

One Heart Dubai

As Miss West Coast International I was able to join forces with One Heart Dubia to help set a world record for the most Blood Glucose tests given! The tests were free to all participants and depending on your glucose level you were given help on how to manage your health!

Tarik Ediz VIP STORE ISTANBUL TURKEY

One of my favorite new designers in Tarik Ediz! His designs are extremely different from so many of the "pageant lines" on the market and so refreshing to wear!

I was invited to visit the TARIK EDIZ VIP store in Istanbul Turkey and model some of the dresses! Talk about a dream come true! Its so funny to be in another country and have someone read your sash and say "west coast of what?" HAHA! I cant wait to show of some of the gowns I picked up - or shall I say will be mailed to me once they are created- at Miss International!!!!!!!

Clay Spann Photos

I am so SO SO SO excited to share with you my New Clay Spann photos!
If you are in the market for new headshots- ad page photos- ANYTHING really- I highly recommend going to Clay Spann!

Below are some of the photos from this year!!
Your going to have to attend the Miss International pageant to see the rest!!!!

Unicef- Romania

I visited Bucharest, Romania and was able to collaborate with their UNICEF office. We brainstormed on way to help children who have lost a parent have access to higher education. A lot of children who lose a parent are un able to afford to go to school because their household now only brings in one income. Unicef is a worldwide organizations that helps children attend school. We were able to raise 300 RON and i cant wai to see the difference that will make in a child's life.

The Moyer Foundation Luncheon, Seattle Washington

After a 3 Hour Flight to Seattle, I arrives at the Moyer Foundation's Annual Children's Giving luncheon!
The Luncheon serves as a way to raise funds for critical children's needs as well as raise media awareness of Camp Erin and The Moyer Foundation! I was honored to attend the VIP reception before the luncheon and meet both Jamie and Karen Moyer! At the Luncheon we heard from a little boy who had lost his father to suicide, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Through Camp Erin, this little boy was able to come to terms with his fathers illness (Depression) and realize his father didn't choose to leave him- but instead was very sick. He was also able to share the many ways he will be able to make his fathers memory last forever, one of which was sharing the memories of his father with his infant little sister... so that she will always know who exactly her father was.

Poland- Lazienki Children

There are children all over the world who have suffered the loss of someone close to them. I was given the incredible opportunity to help schedule and chaperon a field trip for the Lazienki Children. These are Children who have lost Grandparents, Siblings, Aunts, Uncles or even one of their parents. Today was a day of Joy and Happiness- not one of grief or pain. The children were able to connect with other kids their age who understand exactly what they are going through. They didnt need to explain why they experience moment of extreme sorrow or need to take a moment to themselves- they all completely understand each other. While I am not allowed to share the group photo we took ( Some of the parents were not available to sign the release form) I am able to share the photos taken by another chaperon.

The Pageant Shop Arrival!

A HUGE thank you to Sarah Moses of The Pageant Shop!
 I received some of my Wardrobe for the Miss International Pageant Today!!
I cant wait so reveal it to you in August!

Make Up and Hair Lesson With Austin Ryde!

As a contestant in the Miss International Pageant I believe its extremely important to always "look the part."
AKA Dress like you already have the job. I'm sure many of you are familiar with that expression. As Miss West Coast International I have many volunteer opportunities that involve media coverage and its extremely important to portray myself and the Miss International pageant in the best way possible. One of those ways is having neat and clean hair and makeup.

I grew up as a tomboy- playing all boys sports and never quite learned how to master my hair and Makeup!
Thankfully there are awesome professionals out there who will teach you!!!!

I had a hair and makeup lesson with the amazingly talented Austin Ryde! His mother is a former Mrs. California International! I learned some very important makeup lessons like:

+ How to properly Line my lips so they look fuller ( My top lip almost disappears when I smile)

+ How to Pin Curl my hair so that my curls will last ALL DAY!

+How to Blend my eye makeup so that it does not look Muddy!

+How to contour my cheekbones so that I look extra Regal :) !

and lots more!

We also went to a makeup and hair store to pick up some products for me to use at home.... While we were there we played around with some wigs!
Below are photos of my makeup and some of the wigs I tried on!
I hope you enjoy!

xoxo
Samantha Riddle
Miss West Coast International 2014