Kyla Wills

This morning I got up nice and early to head on down to MC College with my friend Lisa to get pageant ready. Lisa got a Detoxing Body Wrap and Hair Repair Treatment, and loved them. I had a full day there. First I was off to the spa and I got my nail and toes done French with Tanya, not gel though, too much maintenance eek, lots of $$$. After that was finished I headed to the salon to get a hair make over, I spent the whole afternoon with Alanna who did an amazing job on my hair, I had it highlighted and toned to a beautiful blond as well a bit of a trim. I had no idea that it took so long to dye hair! MC College is a big supporter and sponsor of Miss Teen Canada-World. It is an amazing esthetics school and having the students work on you is a great deal because it is much cheaper plus 25% off with an SPC card, and they acted so professional the only time I knew they were students is when their instructor came to check at the end. I will for sure be coming back. To find out more about the schools and services check out www.mccollege.ca

After our spa day we headed down to see some fringe shows, after getting very lost in one way streets we finally found some parking, than after asking many people for directions we couldn't find the stage! Luckily we ran into some cast members from the show and they escorted us. We saw Outside Joke an amazing improv group. I'm a huge fan of improv as well as love to do it. Anyone who is into acting should definitely try it out.

I have mentioned the pageant's official charity before in my blogs but now I'd like to go into more detail. Here is what Free The Children is all about:

"Free The Children is the world's largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded in 1995 by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has a proven track record of success. The organization has received the World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child (also known as the Children's Nobel Prize), the Human Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, and has formed successful partnerships with leading school boards and Oprah's Angel Network.

The primary goals of the organization are to free children from poverty and exploitation and free young people from the notion that they are powerless to affect positive change in the world. Through domestic empowerment programs and leadership training, Free The Children inspires young people to develop as socially conscious global citizens and become agents of change for their peers around the world.

Free The Children has built more than 500 schools around the world and has reached more than one million young people through outreach in North America.

Free The Children is a children's charity registered in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Mexico, Kenya, Sri Lanka and other countries around the world.

Free The Children is a GuideStar reviewed charity."

I was asked to find a picture that I believed sent the strongest message.

The reason I chose this picture is that is shows that when we can all come together with an organization we can accomplish great things. We can bring the most valuable resource, education, where it is needed most. In this picture everyone has the biggest smiles on their faces and it's not hard to guess why. They are happy because they are getting an education, something most people in privileged countries take for granted. To these children the fact that we built them a school is life changing. Getting an education means these kids can get a job and support their families and help stop the cycle of poverty. We must remember that education is such a powerful tool we mustn't deprive children of. If you'd like to donate, read more or get involved with this wonderful charity go to www.freethechildren.com

The last two days I have spent doing activities at my favorite of the Winnipeg Festivals, the Fringe! The Fringe Festival is a week of theatrical plays, skits, street shows, and improv. They have 23 great venues at which you can see dozens and dozens of different shows. There is also a main outdoor stage where free KidsFringe shows are put on and tons of those great festival vendors! To get more info on this amazing festival visit www.winnipegfringe.com

Here is what I've been doing. On Wednesday I had the pleasure of hosting a very entertaining gameshow on the outdoor stage. It consists of four teams made up of casts of different shows who had to answer a series of Fringe related questions and hilarious challenges. It was a blast! Check out the photo of my and the winning team School House Rock Live.

Thursday I got to run one of my self esteem workshops at the discovery tent. The weather was difficult so the crowd wasn't large but I had a great time with ones who toughed it out. I really love running these workshops and can't wait to get more into them in the new school year.

Although I'm sad I'm missing most of the Fringe, if I had to miss is I would want it to be for Miss Teen Canada, although I'm pretty sure I'm going to try to cram as many shows in as possible!

Just a few quick updates

First of all you can now buy tickets for the Finale through ticket master, here is the link http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100042D1FFD9C356 It is going to be a fantastic show full of entertainment so If you're from the Toronto area make sure you don't miss it. Tickets are going fast so get them soon.

As well voting for the MTC-W People's Choice Award has started. I need all your support so please take a quick minute to do so, here is how.

• Go to www.missteencanadaworld.com
• Click on Become a VIP at the top left corner
• Register your e-mail
• Confirm through your e-mail and follow the link
• Once on the sight to to MTC-W Finals on the navigational bar than to Finalists
• Scroll down to Manitoba and click on details beside Kyla Wills
• Type in your registered e-mail in the voting box on the left

Thank you for voting for Kyla Wills Miss Teen Manitoba-World '09

I spent this past Saturday at the Triple S Fair and Rodeo in Selkirk, Manitoba. After the long drive out my best friend Lauren and me hopped onto our float for the parade. It was rodeo themed and we rode along some little cowboys and clowns. The parade went through the town and we were jumping off with handfuls of candy to go give to the kids. It was like Halloween they were all lined up along the edges with their little bags held out, so cute! Plus it was quite the cardio work out trying to catch up and jump back on the float. Although it was very sad when we ran out of candy halfway through. After the parade we arrived on the fair grounds. We got wristbands for the rides to entertain our time between activities, which was much appreciated. I had fun introducing many acts throughout the day and even took a stab at aboriginal hoop dancing! After getting stuck at the top of a very scary ride we stopped that for the day and ate some fair food, watched some performers and hung out. After dinner it was time to watch Lauren sing the national anthem at the rodeos opening ceremonies, she did AMAZING! After that we headed on the long way home after a long, cold day.

COME AND EXPERIECE THE FUNDY TRAIL

Hey there! I’m Jenny Fowler and I’m here to take you on an adventure of your life. Be prepared to experience the unexpected on the Fundy Trail.

Just the name “Fundy Trail” brings to the imagination thoughts of fun, adventure and experiences that will last you a life time. Endless trails for biking, motor cross, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding. Miles of beaches that look like not a soul ever crossed them, shallow tidal pools perfect for young and old alike to explore. Beautiful country drives up river valleys with scenic farms and georgous autum colours. The largest number of covered bridges in Canada, found right here in New Brunswick. Now that I have your attention let me take you on a little tour of the Fundy Trail in southern New Brunwick.

Adventure

We will start in Saint John. This historical port city was the first incorporated city in Canada. Many attractions include, the Reversing Falls which are amazing to experience as you watch the highest tides in the world reverse the flow of our mighty Saint John River.

Take a ride on these falls with a specially designed jet boat, go whale watching, canoeing or kayaking or book a day adventure. If it is shopping that sparks your interest a must see is the old City Market built by ship builders in 1876. This market still boasts fresh produce grown by local farmers as well as fresh sea food, local crafters and artists are always in season in the market.

Dining

Dining out is a must if you wish to have a true Maritime experience and where else are you going to

taste the plentiful bounty of the Bay of Fundy but at Billy's Sea Food Restaurant located at the top of the City Market and they are happy to pack live or cooked lobster for your traveling convience. The Falls Restaurant and Grannan's Sea Food are also fine choices for family dining.

Accomodations

Some of these include the Hilton, Delta, Colonial Inn, Holiday Inn, and Country Inn and Suites. Please check their websites for more information and bookings.

Touring

I went to my wonderful orthodontist to get a final check up before jetting off to Toronto. He generously donated an updated invisaline and teeth whitening system as well had oral-b give me the most high tech tooth brush in the world. Thank you so much Dr. McFarlane! If your looking for a orthodontist check him out at www.drmcfarlane.com. While there a reporter from the Winnipeg Sun interviewed me and took photos. Make sure to watch out for the article, it will be in the July 21st issue!

Monday June 29th was a milestone day. The morning started off way too early to head down the Grant Park Memorial for Tyler's Convocation. I was so proud to see him walk across the stage and get that diploma he has been working on for the last 13 years! Although it was long...very long, it was worth it to see him on his special day.

But that wasn't the only thing going on that day. This evening were the undergrad awards for my school. I had worked very very hard all year to excel in my academics and boy did it show. Not only did I receive a average of 97% but I received 7, yes 7 awards. I got academic excellence which is the honour roll, as well as the subject merit awards in 4 of my subjects, this means I had the highest mark in the courses of Psychology, Pre-Calculus, Canadian History, and English. I also received two other very special awards, the first being the T.W. Moor Memorial Award which is given to a student who excels in mathematics and displays high levels of citizenship. The second was the Pride of Glenlawn, this is a brand new award given to students nominated by their peers than selected by teachers who show; positive attitudes towards all classmates, demonstrate concern for others, volunteer within school and community, are dependable, considerate, polite and respectful, academically and personally honest, posses strength of character, and are proud to attend Glenlawn. I want to thank my teachers and parents for helping and supporting me this school year to achieve these high levels of excellence.

So instead of getting a costly gym membership to stay in shape during the summer I decided to start a work out plan on my Wii Fit. It turned out to be a great idea! It takes my BMI (Body Mass Index) which lets you know if your a healthy weight for your age and height which I think is great instead of being obsessed with numbers on a scale, it is a much healthier way to approach a healthy level of activity. Once you get into the game you have 4 categories: Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics and Balance Games.

I like to start my workouts with different strength training, you do the exercises with the wii balance board which I like because it makes sure you're doing them correctly, and your trainer helps it through tough exercises with encouragement and helpful hints. It also gives you a score on how well you did so you can check your progress and also a little healthy competition with the other family members helps.

I than move on to the aerobics for some cardio, I do some jogging, boxing, step classes and hula hooping (actually a great workout). Here too it tracks your progress and you can change difficulties to challenge yourself more.

Once I'm done I like to cool down with my favorite, yoga. Ever since my class ended I've been missing it. Here is where the balance board really kicks in, holding the poses is a real art form. Very relaxing and revitalising.

If I have time I'll play some of the fun balance games such as skiing, labrynth, snowboarding, and many more. They are all a really great time.

If you have a Wii I really suggest renting it and giving it a try, its a great way to spice up your work out routine or just have some fun!

On June 25th I attended the Dakota Grad Dinner and Dance with my boyfriend Tyler. It was a night that will not be soon forgotten, it was full of food, friends and fun. I spent all day getting ready, hair make-up, don't forget to shave the legs! And I discovered the amazing world of fake nails, I'm so hooked! One I got myself all prettied-up Tyler came to get me and head over to the hotel where it was being held. He got me a beautiful corsage and himself  a matching boutonniere. Once arriving we sat down at our table with his parents and some our friend Alyssa's family. We had a great dinner and there were lovely speeches made, nice picture slide shows and some hilarious awards given out.

After the fine dining the parents left and the party began! It was the most fun I've had in years! There was dancing, prizes and even a casino, I seem to have a knack for Black Jack!  It was a night that made memories I will never forget. Unfortunately the night had to come to an end and although my feet were sore I wish it didn't have to. I can only hope my grad next year will be half as spectacular.