If you're looking for a last minute Halloween costume, I've got some ideas! My award-winning outfit cost me less than $5!

A look at the fashions from this year's Teen Choice Awards... and how young people across the country are demanding less airbrushing and more realistic role models for teens in fashion.

Four teenage boys bullied their 68 year old bus monitor to tears, and put the video online. It's a story that's been all over the news and has everybody fired up, including me. Here's my take. Join the conversation.

Meet the new Miss VA and learn what it's really like to wear the crown!

A serious rivalry is heating up between two of the world's most powerful and popular entertainers. Here's a break-down... and my take!

A new Miss USA was crowned this past weekend and it wasn't without a "scandal". I competed in Miss America, not Miss USA (I'll explain... there's a BIG difference) but I've still got an opinion on the competition, the crazy accusations, and the on-stage question slip-up... here it is!

Hollywood ain't got nuthin' on Charlottesville: THIS.... is Paramount Idol!

This past Saturday put a lot of things in perspective for me. We all go through phases where we let the little stresses in life get us down and skew our view of what really matters. Thanks to CureSearch and Project Healing Waters, Saturday knocked some sense into me.

Zac Efron is one of the sexiest men in America. Plenty of girls would do anything for the chance to accidentally run into the studly bachelor in real life. Well, I got that chance. And I made it awkward.

If you know anything about me, you know that I am always championing charities that help fight pediatric cancer. So, when the folks from CureSearch asked me to emcee their fundraiser walk in Charlottesville, I was honored and on board. Here's why CureSearch is important; and how you can join the mission.

Singer, dancer, actress and American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez, showcased the music video for her new single on the family-friendly show. Unfortunately, the video wasn't exactly "family-friendly".

Two and a half years ago I shaved my head for the St. Baldrick's Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research. To this day, I consider it to be my biggest accomplishment and an act that I am most proud of. There are many different ways to fundraise. Shaving your head isn't for everyone, but it was the right decision for me and it made a strong impact on the little girls in the hospital who looked up to me. I try every day to be a positive role model and show that "beauty is as beauty does".

My best and worst dressed from this year's Oscars!

Last week I wore my hair naturally curly and got some great feedback from viewers! You all have been asking for more details on how I keep the curls fresh without fighting frizz; and my tips on straightening your locks without doing major damage. So, here you go!

This past weekend, Michelle Rupp joined my boyfriend, Jared, and I for a 14k race adventure in Virginia Beach... let's just say, it was eventful.

My take on this year's Grammy Awards... the good, the bad, and the confusing.

I was Miss Virginia 2008 and competed in the Miss America competition. It was one of the toughest, most rewarding years of my life and helped give me the platform for success I have built to this day. What I don't understand is why, for some reason, the Miss America program is constantly battling negative stereotypes to survive.... I hope you will set your stereotypes aside and tune in this Saturday at 9pm on ABC to see for yourself the caliber of young women who have the honor of gracing the Miss America stage. I guarantee you will be surprised, impressed, and will become a fan.

I don't know about you, but my Facebook has been aflutter with engagement announcements as friend after friend popped the question over the holidays. It seems like the Christmas and New Years Eve proposal trend rings true in Hollywood as well!

Recently a fake "leaked" People Magazine cover has been circulating claiming "Twilight" actor Taylor Lautner is gay. Here's Hollywood's response criticizing the focus on the actor's sexuality.... and, of course, my take.

I've been following along on the first season of "The X-Factor USA" on FOX and I'm a fan! I definitely have my favorites and one of them is in the finale... here's my pick for the $5 mill winner... share yours!

Shopping for holiday gifts on a budget? Here are some creative ideas to make your loved ones feel special without heading into the new year broke! Feel free to share your ideas as well! In this economy, we could all benefit from getting crafty with our gift giving!

The other day I was out at a live shot and a little girl said " I want to be just like you when I grow up" . Recently, a UVA student shadowed me wanting to know more about my career... So, I figured I'd write a blog about how I got here. My journey may surprise you!

The Critter Ball was SO much fun! For those of you wondering how it went, the pics and videos are in... enjoy!

It's almost time for the big dance! The SPCA Critter Ball is this weekend and we're putting the finishing touches on our routines and pushing to raise those final dollars for the "critters"! Here's how you can help!

As the SPCA Critter Ball approaches, my partner, Gary and I recently had our first performance in front of a live audience... here are some pics, a video clip, and thoughts on how we're progressing so far... and how you can help!