Hello again! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend! Did anyone go shopping on Black Friday? Wasn’t it nuts? This year I decided to give out awards for Black Friday to recognize people I thought deserved a little shout out — you can check out that video here (under the video entitled “Black Friday Awards”):

http://media.myfoxhamptonroads.com/special/head/face-of-fox/fof.html

This past weekend I also went Sailing w/ Santa at the VA Aquarium in Virginia Beach — it was a lot of fun! Great event for the kids if you’re looking for a special place to bring in the holidays! You can’t beat those photos with Santa on a beautiful watery backdrop! My experience from that is also up on the website, as well as info. on how you too can go sailing with Santa!

And finally, if you’re looking for something GREAT to do THIS weekend, head over to HollyDazzle at City Center in Oyster Point! i went last year and it was a highlight of my Christmas festivities! They light the City Center Christmas tree, there’s fireworks, and a lighted fountain show! Loooove this event! I’ll be there at the FOX43 tent, so make sure you stop by and say, “hello!”

That’s all for now. To all the college kids out there with one week left before exams - YOU CAN DO IT!

Much love.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know I’m a day early, but in my family we actually start the turkey celebration tonight! So, before all the craziness of the holiday gets started, I just wanted to send out warm wishes to everyone in Hampton Roads, as well as extend my “thanks” to you!

It is tradition in my family gatherings to go around the table and express what we are all thankful for. I know included in my list of things I am grateful for this year will be you and the Face of FOX43 experience. These past 3 months (going on 4) have been so amazing. I would have never guessed that a competition I saw advertised on TV during American Idol last Spring, would actually put me at this desk at the FOX43 studio writing to you! I know I’ve said it before, but I couldn’t have done it without you. So many votes came in and so many people believed in me throughout the process. I am grateful and humbled to be representing you. Not only have I been privileged to meet you guys at community events, but I’m continually growing and learning from all those I come in contact with.

The Face of FOX43 is about so much more than what it appears to be at the surface. It goes much deeper. It is a journey of discovery. Discovering people. Discovering what matters to them. Discovering how to be the best you can be. Discovering how to make someones day. I am grateful for all these “discovering” opportunities.

I hope this Thanksgiving, you, your families, and your friends will be blessed in abundance. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of all the many things, big and small, we can be thankful for. I hope your eyes will remain wide open. Thornton Wilder said,

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of out treasures.”

This Thanksgiving, may you feel truly alive.

Much love.

Is anyone else thrilled beyond comprehension that JACK BAUER and company will be back for an all new season of 24 this January? This past Sunday night, Nov. 23rd, FOX launched the two hour sneak-peak premiere episode of 24 to keep our appetites wet for the actual season 7 beginning.

The story line follows Jack to Senegal, Africa while the U.S. welcomes a new President to office- this time it will be “Ms. President.” New characters are introduced that we form an immediate love/hate with and we’re caught up in the story from the beginning.

As always, 24 delivers edge of your seat action and keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Oh my goodness, it was intense! I cannot wait until January to welcome back my favorite addiction- Jack Bauer.

…9 days until Thanksgiving and all the mash potatoes one could ever hope for!

In the meantime, I have some events to keep ya company while you’re waiting for the most gluttonous day of the year to arrive (or, while I am! Haha!)!

Numero Uno (or, “number one”): The Norfolk Grand Illumination Parade is happening THIS Saturday! Should be very fun! Lights, parades, and hot chocolate (at least, I hope that’s there) equals a special night. Grab your best buds, bundle up, and head over to Norfolk as we bring in the holiday season with lights galore!

Dos ( “two” - I’m really wanting to pick up more Spanish): I know I mentioned this last post, BUT there’s one day left to participate in the 2008 Student Food Drive! Get your donations it, but please note that you can drop off food items to the Foodbank all year long! So, give, give, give!

That’s all for now. Need coffee! It’s sooooo cold outside!

Much love!

I cannot believe the holidays are already here again! I especially cannot believe that Christmas music is already on the air! Just the other day, I turned on the radio and there it was! Let It Snow! Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas! Santa Baby! On and on the songs went! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas music, it was just a bit shocking. Even Starbucks has gotten onboard and launched their Christmas drinks and those delightful red cups that signal a switch in the seasons. Golly, where does the time go? So Hampton Roads, anyone have any exciting Thanksgiving or Christmas plans? Feel free to post a comment and tell me all about them!

If you’re having trouble getting into the holiday spirit, giving back is always a good way to give ya a boost! And wouldn’t ya know, I know a great way to give back! That’s right, the 2008 Student Food Drive is loading up next week! So, if you haven’t donated canned goods and other special treats yet, you can still drop them off this week at participating high schools and participating Farm Fresh Grocery stores!

So go on, give back…then sit back and enjoy a gingerbread latte in a sweet little red cup!

“So, You Think You Can Dance?” is on the move! Last night I was able to head over to the Ted Constant Convocation Center to catch the 2008 SYTYCD tour! Lemme tell ya, it was amazing! Not only are the contestants of this past season talented, but, when I was able to chat one on one with them earlier in the day, I found they were super friendly! The friendships between them and the drive to perform through dance really was a pleasure to witness. Of course, you know I took video of show! Yep, click on the screen to your right to check it out- even I got a chance to “bust a move!”