"There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

I haven't blogged in awhile. I'm not the best at sitting down for a large amount of time to spill my feelings, experiences, and emotions on a computer. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram are more my forte but it's about time that I take time to update y'all on my life... Here goes...

So my journey as Miss Georgia ends in three months. I have a lot of mixed emotions. It has no doubt been the best year of my life. I get emotional thinking about the incredible things that I've experienced. Sometimes I really don't know what I did to have all the blessings that I have. But then I remember that our God is a loving God and he is constantly doing what is best for us. This is a concept that I had months ago but had somehow forgot recently. I was pushing for things that didn't need to happen when there were clear and HUGE signs that it was not the right time nor would ever be. If He shuts a door or throws some sort of curve ball your way, there's always a reason and there's always a lesson. The past few months have taught me that. Although it has been one of the best years of my life, it has also been one of the hardest. But I know everything that has happened was a lesson sent from Him. And things I may have thought were right a few months ago, were not in His plan and I'm trusting in His vision, in His plan for my life.

I HAVE A JOB. This is a serious announcement. One thing I was so worried about and have fortunately been blessed with that the least expected time. I have taken on the role as and executive assistant/administration manager at the Drapac Group, a real estate investment company. I have been working part time for the past month and will work up to full time after my reign as Miss Georgia ends. It's not what I went to school for but it's a job, it's a blessing, and I've enjoyed it so much so far! I can't wait to see where else it leads.

The past few months as Miss Georgia have been crazy, busy, but SO SO SO rewarding. The Miss Georgia class of 2014 is complete and we will soon meet the next Miss Georgia. I'm thrilled for another girl to experience what I have. I can't wait for her to experience Miss America. But I really can't wait for her to experience the love, support, and inspiration I have this year. My life is forever changed and I have an entire new outlook on life. I had a quick second to sit down tonight and write for you all and I promise I'll try to update with more specific things that go on in the life of Miss Georgia during these last three months. Thank you to those who have been there and believed in me continuously... even when I didn't believe in myself.

"There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

xoxo

Lip liner, brussel sprouts, and friendship.

I wore fake eyelashes three times last week. I think that's a new record since Miss America. I've also started wearing lip liner... It's never been a regular thing for me. I know, shocking and I apologize Kristen White. It's an incredible tool though. If you haven't discovered it you're missing out. The most important part of my three things are the veggies! I've tried to incorporate more veggies into my diet lately. I have an obsession with brussel sprouts. Del Frisco's Grille in Buckhead has the most AMAZING ones. I got to eat an entire little pot of them on my birthday with some people who mean the world to me. My birthday was absolutely spectacular. I spent it with almost every person who has helped me succeed not only in pageantry but in life. It really made me realize how important it is to keep a close group of people who want to lift you higher and to never surround yourself with negativity. I then got to spend the Friday after my birthday with all my girl friends. It was entertaining to say the least... I'll leave it at that.

The Miss Fulton County pageant was this past Saturday. I always enjoy being in the audience and cheering on the girls because I know exactly how they feel. The feeling you get when they call your name out is unlike any other. It makes my heart smile when I see the genuine excitement in a girl's eyes when her name is called out. Brooke Doss is the new Miss Fulton County! This will be her first year at Miss Georgia. I couldn't help but think about the first time I won a prelim. I was Miss Historic Southern Plains 2011 and I cried like I had just won Miss America. There really is no other way to describe the feeling you get the first time you realize that you are going to Miss Georgia. It didn't matter to me if I won or lose at state, I was going to Miss Georgia! Two other girls were crowned this past weekend. Emily Bordon is the new Miss Augusta and Hilary Pulos is the new Miss Savannah River. I am so thrilled for all three of these girls!

I promised you I would post some healthy recipes and workouts! I've been getting super crafty in the kitchen lately... One thing I LOVE to make for breakfast that takes no time is my healthy breakfast "muffin."

Healthy Breakfast "Muffin" Ingredients 

1 pack of organic quick oats

1 egg or 2 egg whites 

1 1/2 tablespoons of unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

1 Stevia packet 

Dash of cinnamon 

You can also add in any fruit you want. I love to add blueberries. 

*add all ingredients into coffee mug and microwave for 1 min and 30-45 seconds

*empty out of mug and enjoy! 

I've come to the conclusion that my life will always be a balance of the unexpected. Young girls post how inspiring and "perfect" I am on social media. I'm a "woman crush Wednesday" every once and awhile and somehow the word "perfect" is typed by them. I am flattered, don't get me wrong. But I have a huge confession... I'm not perfect. In fact, I'm way more flawed than the sweet 12 year old girl who tweets at me. I've made more mistakes than I can count and I still make them as Miss Georgia. I'm a human being and unfortunately since almost the beginning of our existence we've been sinning. Every single one of us... even Miss Georgia. Thankfully, God gives us more chances to be the children he wants us to be. I know now that the mistakes make you who you are if you can learn from them. And believe me, I've learned A LOT in my 23 years of life. Remember to always surround yourself with people who want to lift you higher and who will love you even when you aren't that lovable. That's who you need to stick with. I've got a ride or die group of friends and I wouldn't trade them for all the money in the world.

Miss University of Georgia and Miss Troup County are this weekend! I'm so excited to return to Athens and watch the Miss UGA pageant. Good luck to the girls competing in both! Do it for YOU.

xoxo - Carly 

Back on the path...

I haven't blogged in awhile. My life has seemed like it's been non stop for the past few months since Miss America. It's a new year! Everyone makes resolutions. One of mine is to blog more and the others will be explained throughout the rest of this blog... *breathe* here goes nothing...

As most of you know I competed in the Miss America pageant where I was honored to have made the top 10 and to have won a swimsuit award. If you've known me for awhile then you know how long I have struggled with my weight. Most of you may laugh and wonder about that statement. The truth is, I was 35 pounds lighter at Miss America than I was my senior year of high school. I was never obese but I was definitely not healthy. I would eat Sonic after school (a chicken club toaster and a milkshake to be exact) then go home and eat another dinner. I used to hide jars of icing in my room and eat it with a spoon. I was a binge eater. The struggle with my weight also brought about a lot of self confidence issues. There were many times I would go home crying from school because I had been made fun of. I was constantly comparing myself to my friends and I prayed every day that God would make me look like the girls in magazines. I realize now that it's not ideal to look like a girl on the front of a magazine. HOWEVER, it is important to be healthy. When I say healthy I mean exercise regularly and eat a clean diet. When I got back from Miss America I somewhat let myself go. I wasn't working out as much, I was eating things just because I could, and making up excuses whenever I wanted to eat something unhealthy. I do 100% believe in portion control. It is OKAY to eat a piece of cake every now and then but I wasn't doing that every now and then. I let old habits become habits again and now I have let a lower self esteem get the best of me. But this is my promise to you... I owe it to everyone who has believed in me and told me I was inspirational. We're going to get back on track together and we're going to make HEALTHY a habit. It is not realistic to be in competition mode 24/7 and train like I did before the pageant but being healthy and fit is realistic. If you want to do it with me then follow my blog to check in with my status!

I mentioned self esteem and self confidence issues... I have them. You may wonder how a girl who won Miss Georgia and did fairly well at Miss America had so many self confidence issues. I let other people's opinions get the best of me and I trust entirely too easy. BUT one day I saw a quote that opened my eyes... "If you live for a man's compliments you'll die from his criticism." If you are constantly worried about what other people think of your outer appearance, it's going to ruin you on the inside. The past few days I've done a lot of soul searching... maybe it's because I'm about to turn 23 and had a slight pre quarter life crisis. I have realized how much worth I have if I just believe in myself. If someone hates your outfit, who cares. It makes you happy. If a boy you like doesn't like you back, who cares. It's their loss and God has something better coming. These are all minor aspects of life but extremely relatable. I left Miss America extremely positive but somehow I've let my positivity slip a little bit. I was hit with a tough reality check... Not everyone has your best intentions in mind. It's a way of life. Sometimes you have to be your own hero. I'm writing this entire blog to be my own hero and gain the positivity and happiness that I had 3 months ago. I want to share some pictures that I promised I would never post. I have come to the realization that inspiring others is more important than being embarrassed on social media.

This is when I first started working out with Stephen about 4 years ago. Not obese or fat (I hate that word) but not fit. The picture next to it was right before I left for Miss America. Still proud of the transformation!

I don't know how old I was in this picture... 

I don't know how old I am in this picture either but it's proof that eating clean and exercising regularly can make a huge difference. I hope by posting these people will realize that with hard work and determination all things are possible. I also want people to understand why being healthy means so much to me. My mom has told me that there was a time in my life when I never let her take a picture of me. I never want anyone else to feel that way. You don't have to be a size 0, 2, 4, 6 to love your body. You can be healthy and be none of those sizes. Every person's body is different. Some diets and workouts may not be the best for you but there is something out there for you. It doesn't have to take hours out of your day and you should never be starve yourself. EVER. I ate every three hours before Miss America but I also ate clean. 

I flew home from Las Vegas a few days ago where I was reunited with Miss Oklahoma, Miss Alabama, Miss Arizona, and Miss Connecticut. Being around this group of girls made me realize just how special the Miss America Organization is. We had not seen each other in months but we were just as close if not closer during our time together. I realized that no matter how far apart we live or how many miles are between us I have this group of girls for life. I have an amazing group of woman that love me. That is something to be extremely thankful for.

So... what's next for me? I've decided to take the LSAT again to apply to law school and I have been looking at potential jobs in and out of state for broadcast journalism (ESPN, CNN, FOX... gimme a call). My current job will be over June 21st so it's time to begin my search for my next adventure. I don't know exactly what it's going to be but I know it's going to be amazing since God is in complete control.

Ok so let's go through my new year's resolutions...

1. be a more frequent blogger

2. be HEALTHY, fit, and eat a cleaner diet

3. be POSITIVE 

This is just an intro... I plan to post some quick and easy workouts, clean eating examples, and I promise to blog more about a day in the life of Miss Georgia. If you're in the state or just want to come, the Miss Fulton County pageant is THIS Saturday Jan. 11th! Oh and my birthday is tomorrow. I'm going to eat cake. 23 is an odd age but I'm ready for it to be the best yet (POSITIVITY)! 

Until next time... xoxo