Only worry about what's in your control...

So lovely readers, I've been MIA for a bit.

I've been deep in a pit of work, writing, anxiety, insanity, worry...you know, all the good stuff.

This week I have my interview with Chicago Booth.  Excited isn't the right word, I'm excited nervous.  I'm an interview nerd.  From the moment I met Don Baker, I became obsessed with the interview hacks he taught me.  Also, in college I served as interview host for UMTV's Sports Desk for a year.

I constantly constructed my questions with the interviewee in mind, so now I do it in reverse.  I try to think of every possible question, follow up, spontaneous moment...I do an entire dress rehearsal in my mind.

One day I will sit down with my notes and share my interview techniques.  I like to pat myself on the back (occasionally), that I got a standing ovation for my onstage question in the final round at Miss DC USA.  Talking to people, extemporaneous speaking, all that jazz, it's in my wheelhouse.  Also, I like b school interviews because they are one of the rare chances you truly get to connect with someone, and truly sell yourself.  There's a ton of research that goes in to the process, but I'll share that throughout the week, because one post wouldn't do it justice.

I wanted to use this post to share the most important thing Don Baker ever taught me,

"only worry about what is in your control." 

I can only give the interview everything I have, I can not control how it is received, interpreted, or whether it sways the adcomm.

I look forward to continuing to share this world wind journey with all of you, and please feel free to leave comments on future posts you want to see...like what to wear to an interview (pageant or grad school), makeup, hair, workouts, playlists...whatever.  I'm here to bring you all the content you want to see.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Somewhere between Eeyore and Tigger

Recently I was talking to a friend of mine.  We met while we were Riordan fellows, and we've been on this MBA journey together.
He asked how the application process was going.  I'm 7 apps submitted, and 2 more to go over the next week...yes I am applying to 9 schools.
One of the schools is Harvard Business School.  HBS is the most prestigious brand in the bschool game (I won't even venture in to going on about rankings, perception, etc.).  HBS sent out around 800 interview invites on October 8th, and the remaining 150 invites and dismissal emails go out on the 15th.  I didn't get an email on the 8th...
The waiting game for business school is nerve wrecking.  When my buddy asked me about how I was doing recently, my answer...I'm somewhere between Eeyore and Tigger. I swing between wildly hopeful, optimistic, and excited, to anxious, discouraged, and pessimistic.  Every time I hit submit on an app it's exhilarating and thrilling, only to be followed by sheer panic 15 minutes later...I get submitters remorse.
I'm sure I'm not the only person applying to business school feeling these emotions, but I feel like no one admits it.  So I'm willing to say it...applying to business school is wonderful and terrifying, but I know ultimately it's worth the risk.  So I will keep pushing forward with persistence and strength, and I know ultimately I will end up where I belong.

Next week I head to Hanover, NH for my Tuck interview, so I will be sure to chronicle that trip.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Parseltongue Dressing

I have to start off by saying, I'm patting myself on the back right now for finding a way to sneak a Harry Potter reference in a style post...fan girl fashionistas unite!

Featuring another Altazurra for Target piece today.  This is another ensemble that I didn't like in pictures, on the hanger, and I knew I would hate it on myself.  But the minute I got this entire outfit on I could hear the fashion clouds parting, and this was glorious.

 

This was a major exercise in high low dressing, because everything from the knees up was under $50, and knees down...well I won't even go there.

I paired the Altazurra python top and slit skirt with a great Forever 21 white perforated leather jacket (see everything at F21 isn't tween or club wear), and raffia Louboutin heels.

Get the look (not all pieces are the pieces pictured):

Altazurra python top 

Altazurra python skirt

Perforated white leather jacket

Raffia Louboutin heels

...and sweet news on the heels, the link is from the Real Real, so you can get the same shoes for half the price (lucky ducks).

I absolutely loved this outfit.  And it was featured on the Fashion Bomb Daily today (I'm a giddy fashion loving girl right now)!

http://fashionbombdaily.com/2014/10/08/wear-altuzarras-collection-target/

http://fashionbomb.thefashionbomb.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/how-do-you-wear-it-altuzarras-collection-for-target-mac-kenzie.jpg

So exciting to see the work I put in getting a moment in the spotlight.

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Apologizes, Updates, and Where the ^@*#) Have I Been

Hello Loves!
(I hope you were reading that with the same British accent I had when I wrote it)

 

I have been a bit MIA from my formerly consistent posting.  I wanted to give y'all a bit of an update before you wonder if I fell down a dark blogging hole again.

 

Remember a little while back when I said I went to a meeting, it was my blue suede shoes post.  Well I had a meeting for an internship with an e-commerce app start up based here in DC.  I decided before school starts, I mean business school obvi, I wanted to get some much needed experience in my desired field.  I want to get in to integrated marketing in media, entertainment, or technology.  A local startup seemed like the perfect place.

 

When I say start up I mean the THREE, one, two, three, of us are in here doing EVERYTHING.  It's amazing, challenging, overwhelming, and an incredible learning experience that I gain something new every day from.

 

So what do I do you ask...well...

• Handle out packing and shipping logistics
• SEO and CRM for social strategy
• Run our various social media platforms
• Write for our soon to launch tumblr page
• Check backend issues on the app
• Flight test the app
• Social media analytics
• Fold tissue paper

...that last one isn't nearly as glamorous, but I get it done.


So there you have it, a short and sweet neat little update about what I've been up to.  Now for the apology. I'm going to start making an effort to schedule my posts over the weekend, so that the blog doesn't suffer, and I don't lose additional sleep worrying about all you lovelies not hearing/seeing my ramblings.


I've been sick the last few days, so be ready for various posts about all the juicing, vegan eating, and attempting to work while juggling it all.  Also, I'm 5 apps submitted in my 9 first round schools, so I'm sure (praying) that this month will have lots of interview prep, interview outfit, and (fingers crossed) what to do when you get accepted posts.


In the mean time, feel free to follow the work I'm doing with Nicely at:
https://www.facebook.com/nicelyapp
http://instagram.com/nicelyapp
https://twitter.com/nicelyapp
http://nicelyapp.tumblr.com/


And if you live in the DC area, feel free to sign up at http://sites.nicelyapp.com. And who knows, your gift might just be personally delivered by yours truly(#internlife)




XOXO,
MacKenzie

Altuzarra First Run

I finally got around to trying out my first Altuzarra purchase.  If you followed my last post you know that I buy both online and in-store.  The piece I'm highlighting in this post is an in-store purchase I was highly skeptical about when I first saw it.








This dress had absolutely no hanger appeal to me.  But my mother insisted on adding it to the cart Sunday morning when we were in the store.

I had a meeting with my new boss yesterday (more on that later this week...the Pre-MBA internship), and I wanted to make sure I still had a professional and relaxed feel.  I also really didn't feel like getting dressed up.  Comfort is high priority when I'm getting ready for anything, I constantly toe the line between sweatpants and high fashion.

In all honesty I decided to wear this yesterday because it was the first thing in my eye line when I woke up.  I'll admit I was highly surprised by how cute and comfortable this Altuzarra For Target dress was.

I styled it a little more matchy-matchy than I usually go for, but when you own a baby blue blazer, you try to find an excuse to wear it when ever.  The blazer was a find at H&M (another reluctant purchase), and the heels and jewelery are from J. Crew...and some New York street vendor sunglasses, and a blue hobo sac purse from god knows where.

Granted, the dress is two sizes to big (again part of my high/low buy strategy), but my tailor will get a crack at this dress later this week.

Here are some links to similar pieces:
Altuzarra Dress
Blue Blazer
Hobo Bag
Nude Low Heel Sandals
Crystal Drop Art Deco Earrings

Hope you are having an amazing week so far, until next time.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Fashion Hunting

I love clothes, but I adore fashion.

It wasn't always that way, but when I fell in love, I fell hard.

There's nothing that gets me more excited than when Target announces a designer collaboration.  It's the perfect mix of high/low fashion, meets hunting, and hand to hand combat (when you get to the store).

My first Target designer piece was a Cinderella blue Rodarte dress.  I never wore it, and it sat in my closet for 4 years, before I reluctantly gave it away to charity when I moved out of my Miami apartment. 

Never fear, I still have the yellow lace sweater from that collection, I wore it constantly to class.

I took a brief break from fashion hunting, except for the moment when I made an early morning trip to pick up a Zac Posen piece.

But things got real in August 2011.  It was a day that will forever be seared in my mind.  My mom and I looked at each other that morning and figured we'd stop by Target after church to see if they had any pieces from the Missoni collection laying about.  We legit felt like we'd been sucker punched.  We had no idea that everyone would descend on the store like locusts.  So from that point on we had a game plan.

When Jason Wu dropped we stood out side in the frigid February air to be the first in the store.  However, we learned an awesome tip from a girl in line.  She had shopped for pieces online that morning, and was supplementing her purchases in store for anything she'd missed. 

A few months later, I requested an insane amount of Christmas gifts come from the CFDA and Neiman Marcus collection for Target...my puppies have designer dog bowls thanks to that collection.  I've worn the Lela Rose dress from that collection more times than I can count, and I love it more every time.

The Prabal Gurung spring collection in 2013 is one of my personal faves.  The floral blazer from that collection is surprisingly versatile.  And the sweatshirts from that collection are some of my best high style add-ons when I'm leaving the gym and need a sweatshirt to add.


Boom! Phillip Lim's collaboration is a wardrobe staple.  I constantly use the leopard print bag from that collection, and the graphic prints are out of this world. There's something exciting about high/low style, and comic book inspiration.  That was also the
the first collection where we (my mom and I), used the web first technique.  Now this is tricky because you have to be up at midnight, and wait between midnight at 3am for something to happen.  I've also learned, trust twitter.  There are some tech savvy fashionists out there, and they know all the tips and tricks for getting purchase links early.
This is also the collection where my mom swears she was elbowed at the door and hit over the head while trying to run/speed walk to get a yellow purse.

Peter Pilotto started out this year's designer collections, and I'm proud to say I got every picture of what I wanted.

Another great tip, don't worry about sizes.  I always purchase my designer Target pieces 1-2 sizes larger and head straight to my tailor (p.s. ladies, get a tailor, they're a godsend).  He tailors each piece within an inch of its life, and the tailoring is what makes it look even more expensive.

Yesterday was an epic hunt for Altuzarra.  I was up at midnight parked in front of my computer, it wasn't until 2:27am that links started popping up on Twitter.  I'm proud to say I got every single piece I wanted, and then some.

My alarm needed to be chic to match the occasion, a sample of the crowd waiting outside the store at 7:30am, and the suit I was hunting for the moment I saw it in the lookbook.

I will post a review of the items when my delivery comes in later this week, but my mom got the Crane sweater in store, and it is just sumptuous.  Thankfully my mom didn't get any elbows to the rib, or shoved, but we make no promises for the next designer collaboration.

Happy Fashion Hunting!

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Don't Step On My Blue Suede Shoes

I'm in the final stages of my MBA journey, and I've put aside a little time recently to talk with women and men in positions I admire, as well as beginning to pursue Pre-MBA internships.

Rather than bore you with all that jazz, I thought would share an outfit I wore recently to an interview.

It's been a while since I did a style post...

Zara's Top, Elizabeth and James Pants, Coach Purse, J. Crew Jewelry and Shoes...and my ever present Nike+ FuelBand.

My meeting was a midday meeting at a coffee shop.  I wanted to not be to formal, but I also wanted to be a little overdressed so the person I was meeting with would know I was taking this moment seriously.  You'd be amazed at how much is projected through clothing...I could write an entire post about the outfits I've worn to recruitment events and fairs, and the feedback I've heard from adcomm members about what they feel my brand is based on what I've worn (Post idea!).

Also the person I was meeting with was creative, so I wanted to use some sort of creative touches to reflect that about myself.

These are all items I've had in my closet for a while but there are links to similar pieces below:
Black Peplum Top
Black Pants
Blue Suede Pumps
Tan Purse
Bib Necklace

I wanted something that utilized my more slimming basics, but had fun in the accessories.  Sometimes you aren't feeling as fit and fabulous and you need an outfit that distracts from the negative self talk and allows you to focus on your inner diva.

One thing I will point out that I should have included were sunglasses, as evident by my squinting.

Hope you all enjoy this post, and let me know if there are any other topics Miss USA or MBA inspired that you'd like to see.

Until next time...
XOXO,
MacKenzie

Essays and Edits

It's been a little while since I touched on the MBA side of this Miss USA to MBA journey.

I'm planning on doing a piece about my decision to take the GRE over the GMAT, and the process I had to go through.

Instead, I wanted to share a bit of an essay I submitted for my Harvard Business School application.  HBS has an amazingly ambiguous "optional" essay.  Optional in the way my swim coach used to say, you don't have to do dry land, it's optional...and then he'd talk about me loudly when he saw me packing up to go home early.  But I digress, in to my swim induced PTSD.

It's staggering how much time and effort went in to this essay.  I wanted it to be a reflection of my character and ethics.  I'm also a huge George Lucas fan (don't worry, this has a point), and he mentioned Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces as a source of inspiration.  It's about the heroes journey, and I wanted my HBS essay to reflect my heroes journey so far.

I've had the privilege to act as my father's speech writer for the last 4 years, and my writing style has grown so much from it.  The essays were the most exciting part to me, because I felt it was my one opportunity to truly sell myself.

Feel free to leave questions and comments about essay writing.
(P.s. This is just an excerpt, I can't give all the goods away)

You’re applying to Harvard Business School.  We can see your resume, school transcripts, extra-curricular activities, awards, post-MBA career goals, test scores and what your recommenders have to say about you.    What else would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy?

  I remember the day vividly. I was six years old and attending my first end of the season banquet for the Kenwood Country Club swim team. I sat on the floor in front of the stage, while the parents and big kids occupied the tables scattered around the ballroom. My heart skipped a beat every time my coach picked up a trophy, announcing the winner. Girls High Point, 6 & Under High Point, Most Improved, the list continued to rattle on. I was one lone chocolate chip in a sea of vanilla ice cream. I started to feel my little heart sink further with every name. Finally, I heard my name; it felt like I was floating, this was my moment. But, like the final scene from the movie Carrie, my award was a joke. The coach handed me an egg timer, my award, person with the busiest schedule. The coaching staff thought it would be funny to talk about how busy I’d been, juggling horseback riding, summer math immersion program, and swim team.

I watched as my dad leaned over to my mom, I’m guessing he said he was going to bring the car around, because when I looked back, after fixating on a carpet speck to keep from crying, I saw my mom. She mouthed the words “it’s okay”. When the award banquet ended and we stood at the front entrance waiting for my dad, I burst into tears. I have very nurturing parents, but in that moment my mom turned and said, “stop! Now you dry your tears,” she said through my sniffles, “don’t let them see you cry.” “If you don’t like the way they made you feel tonight, you can fix it. You can work and train, and your father and I will support you, but remember this feeling…and don’t ever let anyone make you feel like this, you shut them up with your success.”
...
That night twenty years ago has stuck with me. Whenever I’m faced with what feels like an improbable task, I look at it as an “egg timer moment.”

...

 

XOXO,

MacKenzie

Soul DC

If you follow my Instagram (@MacKenzieAGreen), you may have noticed I have a bit of an obsession...Soul Cycle!

I took my first class over 2 years ago.  My parents and I had just gotten our apartment in NYC, and on a walk around the neighborhood I discovered a Soulcycle near by at E83rd.  I figured anything good enough for Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper was a must try.

I would like to say I enjoyed my first class, but I didn't enjoy it...I became obsessed.  I was sweating like someone was pouring water over my head, and crying like a baby.  There were disco balls, black lights, and lots of positive affirmations.  I took as many classes as I could that week.  And when I went to LA 2 weeks later for my UCLA Riordan Fellows interview (I even roped my lovely Miss AZ Brittney Bell in to going with me), I took a Soulcycle class to get my confidence up and nerves out.

Well you can imagine my elation when I heard Soul was coming to DC a year ago.  Ever since my beloved studio came to town I've been the happiest girl in the world.

My doctor's office was near the studio, so I used to stalk the construction site whenever I went to the endocrinologist

 

I have been in heaven since my first Soul DC.  It's as exhausting, wonderful, emotional, and cathartic for me as I remember.  If you know someone who's done Soul, they probably sound like a cult member.  For someone as Type A as me, it's refreshing to know that I have a place where I can go, and let myself be free.  I don't get caught up in how I'm doing compared to anyone, I dedicate my ride to myself, and just LET IT GO!

The finished product...my sanctuary

Garrett is my Soul spirit animal, and anyone that plays a Britney/Iggy mashup deserves a shoutout

What's not to love about Kathleen, she's killer and aspirational!

I've had a particularly hard past few months professionally, and at times I felt like I was just getting kicked in the teeth.  But there was a moment on the bike in Kathleen's class, where I just let it all out.  I cried like I hadn't in a while.  And because the room was dark no one had to know I was sweaty and weepy.

I could go on for hours about how wonderful Soulcycle is, but you should try it yourself.  And don't say I didn't warn you when class is over and you want to sign up right away, and buy every bit of merchandise they have.

https://www.soul-cycle.com/

Classes are expensive, but believe me when I say, I'm a cheapskate, and I think it's worth every penny.

Maybe if you tap it back in a Rooster class, or Soul Survivor on Saturday, we'll be on a bike next to each other.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

She Is More

I recently decided to share my story of cyber bullying on She Is More.

Kristen Dalton has an amazing blog, that many of my Miss USA sisters have written for.  It took me several months to write my post, because I didn't know what to say.  I knew until I had a victor's mindset, I could not send it to be published.  I did not want to tell the tale of a victim, but someone who triumphed in adversity.

I'm so blessed and overwhelmed by all the encouragement I've gotten so far, and I'm so happy to share my guest post with you all.

Thank you to everyone that has been a rock on my journey back from recovery, and here's to finally getting this weight off my shoulders.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

The Final Countdown

Hello my lovelies,

Remember several months ago when I said I would blog through the entirety of my business school admissions process...man was I wrong.

I underestimated the amount of time this process would take, and I grossly underestimated how many curve balls life would throw my way.  From the death of my grandmother to a rough job interview, my life has felt out of control at times.  But I've learned that when it feels the stormiest, you are getting close to your blessing and breakthrough.

So rather than go in to detail (because I re-take the GRE in a few days and need to study), I thought I would just leave a nice inspiring quote.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  Your are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.”

~ quoted in a Nelson Mandela speech, originally written by Marianne Williamson

Until next time,
XOXO
MacKenzie

P.s. My Harvard, Yale and University of Chicago applications go out in less than a week...holy cow!

The F-Word

As I embark in to the business/financial world I find the issue of appearance and what's "appropriate" coming up with my peers and mentors...I remember my Riordan GMAT teacher says, "everyone dresses like they're going to a funeral for recruiting events."

I find it interesting that in order for a woman to be taken seriously she must dismiss their personal style in favor of being taken seriously.

My mom always taught me that feminism isn't a linear scope, that the point of feminism is to give a woman the right to choose whatever she wants in life.  I think far to often feminists, judge other women in the scope of what we are comfortable with.  A feminist can be Dita Von Teese, Beyonce, Gloria Steinem, Jane Goodall, and Hilary Clinton.  Feminists walk across pageant stages, sit in the pages of magazines, work on construction sites, or can be stay at home moms.  Like in that movie "Mona Lisa Smiles," when Julia Stiles' character decides not to go to graduate school and instead wants to get married and have a family (hopefully I got the plot line right).  But she explains to Julia Roberts' character that she is a feminist, and that means she has the right to choose whatever life path she wants, there is no right or wrong choice.

I came across two amazing articles a while back about White Privilege, Feminism, and Beyonce (I'm a woman of color and the issue of diverse feminist voices is another hot bed issue that rumbles around in my thoughts from time to time...and finding a way to incorporate Beyonce in to a current event post is a win all around) and recently an article in Elle Magazine called, "Why Can't a Smart Woman Love Fashion," piqued my interest.

I hope you take a moment to read both of these articles, and I would love to hear your thoughts on them.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Update: I was reminded after I published this that today is International Women's' Day...what a fitting post to mark the occasion! 

Inspiration or Procrastination...you take your pick

What do you do when you don't know what to blog...

You send out a little Friday motivational quote!

I saw this on one of my favorite blogs, The Skinny Confidential, and I just loved it.

It's definitely going to motivate me this weekend considering my 6am Solidcore class tomorrow.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend, and that you sweat it out a little to help with your winter blahs (especially if you're on the East Coast).

How are you going to get moving this weekend, I'd love to hear.

XOXO, 

MacKenzie

MacKenzie, Miss Green if Ya Nasty

I love clothing, I can't help it...I just loooove clothes with an insane passion.

I was having major writers block thinking about what to write about today.  While I was procrastinating about what to write, I found myself searching on one of my favorite sites...Nasty Gal!

I spent 8 months commuting back and forth between DC, NYC and LA last year while I was an MBA Fellow at UCLA Anderson.  I resisted the West Coast constantly, but it worked its way in to my spirit.  And somehow LA worked its way in to my style aesthetic.

East Coast and West Coast dressing is drastically different, and I was one of those jaded Eat Coasters who didn't think LA had a style, that it was just a bunch of surfers and girls in barely there bikinis, in a more wheat grass-y version of Miami.  But boy was I wrong...

...I devoured City of Style in on plane ride from DC to LA.  I fell in love with the book, and Nasty Gal fed the obsession.

They blend my favorite 90s Clueless esthetic with that cool LA vibe.  In my mind, slash alternate life, I'm the epitome of the Nasty Gal customer...but really I'm a J Crew loving preppy.  What they provide me, is a break from my usual clothing to dress like a hipster 25 year old.

So while I California Dream in this continual Polar Vortex, I'll keep scrolling through Nasty Gal, and reading City of Style dreaming of alternate MacKenzie who owns a beach cruiser and rides around Santa Monica...green juice in hand.

What style sites and books inspire you?

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Solidcore...or how to feel like you've done 1,000 situps in under an hour

I am a sucker for a boutique fitness club.

If you follow my Instagram you know I am hopelessly devoted to SoulCycle.  When I was an MBA Fellow at UCLA I would revel in weeks were I rode coast-to-coast, in NYC at one part of the week and LA during the weekend.  I had an affair with Barre3 in Georgetown for quite some time, and I still longingly try to fit it in my schedule.  I dabble in ZenGo.  I even became a spin instructor at a boutique spin studio in Shaw (OffRoad Indoor Cycling) so I could get someone else hooked to my habit.

Because of my obsession, I love DC Fit Crasher.  I think she has an awesome blog that tells you about all of the different workouts in DC.  But she tells you honestly, like a good girlfriend, what the places are all about.  She doesn't lie if they're awful, and you know she's being honest when she says they're good.  So a little while back when I saw her post about Solidcore, I was curious to check it out.  But I drug my heels about signing up for a class.  However, I would constantly see friends post about classes, and sweat soaked instagram pictures of friends who looked partially in shock.

I come from a super athletic background, so hard workouts are my middle name.  I'm always wishing for something difficult and challenging, because keep in mind I can still deadliest 200 lbs on a bad day...be careful what you wish for...

Holy Mother! Solidcore is no joke.

I have never had a workout challenge me so quickly.  There's no easing in to the pain, you are immersed in it immediately.  And Anne Mahlum, the owner, taught my class, and she did not let a single person in that class go easy on themselves.

I was naive when I first walked in, because Solidcore uses mega-reformers.  I have over a decade of Pilates reformer experience, so I just knew this would be cake.  If you're like me, and you want to try Solidcore, leave your preconceived notions at the door, and be ready to work your buns off.  You will feel muscles burning, and twitching you had forgotten about.  And I'm not exaggerating when I say its a challenge.

Here's a description on the website of Solidcore:
"We're thrilled to introduce DC to Lagree Fitness. started in LA in 2001, there are over 130 studios globally. "The Lagree Fitness Method" uses slow and conrolled full-body movements wtih constant tension to work your muscle fibers to failure, forcing them to rebuild a more sculpted, stronger and solid you. The experience is a high-energy, small-group training class done on the patented MegaFormer, which is described as a cross between a Pilates reformer and Total Body Gym. You will be amazed by this workout and its results - guaranteed."

Solidcore is definitely the best low impact, high intensity workout I've ever done.  And feel free to check out this link to see a video of how they get down.

Solidcore is:
[solidcore] is a 50-minute, intense total-body workout done on the patented MegaFormer that uses slow and controlled movements with constant tension to work your slow-twitch muscle fibers to failure...yes, failure. This workout is unlike anything you've ever done and we speak from first-hand experience when we tell you that the results are amazing. Not only do you burn an average of 600 calories per class, but for the next 20-24 hours after class, your metabolism is increased so your body can repair the muscles.
[solidcore] can accommodate all fitness levels and your certified coach is extremely skilled at managing different fitness levels in class. This is the only workout we have found that gives you all the intesnity you could ask for (and more), without risk for damage to your joints or muscles.
With hundreds of moves and resistance options that varies from 8 to 150 pounds, every class is different so you will never get bored. Additionally, because of the versatility of the exercises and the tension, your body won't plateau, which happens often with other workouts. After class, you will want to slap us, but then you'll want to hug us....with your toned arms and tight abs.

I hope if you are ever in DC, or leave here now, you'll give a class a try, and leave a comment if you do...I'd love to hear what you thought of it.  And for all my b school hopefuls, and potential pageant girls remember...endorphins keep you happy, and happy people win crowns and don't through their GMAT/GRE books across the room.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

P.s. I'm going to a 6am Solidcore class tomorrow...wish me luck!

Very Verbose Vocabulary

Don Baker was the first person I really worked with on my road to Miss DC USA in '09.  He was the first real constant coach I had at the beginning of my journey.

For those not well versed in pageant conventions, Don Baker is a mainstay in interview coaching for pageant girls.  If you've ever watched Miss USA and watched a young woman give a particularly spacey interview answer...she WAS NOT likely coached by Don Baker.

The zenith of what I learned from Don Baker centered around vocabulary and reading.  He always emphasized the importance of building ones vocabulary.  Having a sizable vocabulary not only gives you confidence, but it also puts a light in your eyes that says you are engaging and excited to contribute to conversations.

Fast forward several years to now, I'm studying for the GRE (don't worry, eventually I'll post about how I decided on the GRE over the GMAT...because I know a lot of b school applicants struggle with this decision), and Don Baker's tips still ring true to preparing for the test and for subsequent interviews and interactions.

...to be honest there are a plethora of tips I garnered from pageantry that apply to my b school preparation.

I'm sure for most studying and constantly finding something to read can be quite boring, but I've always had a voracious appetite to learn.  I think it's a result of watching Beauty and the Beast one to many times...it took my breathe away to see Belle walk in to that beautiful library.  I even begged my mother for encyclopedias and bookcases so I could start my own library just like in the movie.

If you are studying for the GRE, preparing for a pageant, or just looking to better yourself, there are some great resources.

For starters, READ! If you're like me and you constantly read magazines, or play games on your phone when you are out or bored, download Oyster. It's an amazing app, that's basically Netflix for books.  You get a wealth of books and topics on your phone.  Right now I'm obsessed with nonfiction toms, and anything about Whitey Bulger, so Black Mass is my go to when I'm getting my hair done or waiting for a meeting to begin.

I am a huge fan of Ryan Holiday. He is an amazing writer, and also has the best monthly reading lists.  His philosophy that you have to read to lead is wonderful, and he challenges people to read above themselves...trust me reading Meditations of Marcus Aurelius isn't easy, but it's so worth it.  The source notes that I have used from his suggestions have taken my part time speech writing to another level.  Check out his blog and his Thought Catalog contributions, you won't regret it.

Also, I'm using Manhattan GRE Prep to get ready for my May test, and their blog is superb.  You would be amazed at how many GRE caliber vocal words are in Harry Potter and the Sound of Music.

Hopefully I've piqued your interest at pursuing a more loquacious vocabulary, and spurred you to pick up more books in favor of US Weekly (but the occasional crack magazine is ok too).  To take a thought from the great Cher Horowitz from Clueless, we can't just improve our bodies we have to work on our minds too.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

...Black History Month...more like lifetime

I have a love/hate relationship with Black History Month.

When I was much younger I approached the month the same as everyone else...until one faithful day. I remember it vividly.

Another girl in my 1st grade class started going through the black history month photo cards.  There were little cards that had photos of significant black history moments on the front, and a brief paragraph about the moment on the back.  As she flipped through the cards at our lunch table (I should note: she was my friend and 2 grades ahead of me...I've always been an old soul) I noticed a card that looked slightly familiar.  I knew I had seen the picture before, and one of the people in it seemed vaguely recognizable.

Then she flipped the card over and the back said something about The Little Rock Nine.  None of that piqued my interest, but as she read me the card one name stuck out, Ernest Green.

Well for those of you that know me, and for those that don't, you probably know my dad is Ernest Green of The Little Rock Nine.

I won't go in to the history, because honestly I learned the history side of the story the same way most people did...in school.  SO if you really want to know, you can Google it, or open a book and get all the clinical historical pieces.  I'm here to give you the personal side of the story.

I had an inkling that my father was "somebody." When I got to spend the summer in Arkansas while Disney made a movie about my dad starring Morris Chestnut.  It wasn't really the fact that Disney was making a movie about my dad that I cared about, rather I was excited about getting dressed up and having people fuss over my hair.  I also spent a lot of time with Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, because I thought they really were my grandmother and grandfather Green...who passed away long before I was born (in my defense, I didn't know any better...I was 3 when they filmed the movie).

...to must seem like a dream come true.  I have grown up calling different celebrities and notable figures my uncles and aunties, meeting Presidents who tell me how much they admire my father, and even hearing his voice sampled on a Public Enemy song.  That's all fine and dandy, but he's my dad.

I know someone knows him as his "persona," if they call him Ernie.  To me he is not the man in the history books or documentaries.  He's a wonderful father, husband and brother.  The best testament to that is the fact that I never grasped the scope of his celebrity growing up.  I just knew February was the month where more fan mail than usual came to the house, and for some reason people wanted to talk to my dad.  He never raised me to see him as "Ernest Green," he raised me as my father.

So why am I saying all this?  Honestly, I don't know.  I remember this summer watching The Butler and having my breathe taken away when the entire portion of the film on Eisenhower, talked about the Crisis in Little Rock.  I felt like I was sitting next to a superhero, in his Clark Kent disguise, but only my mom and I knew his cape was hidden underneath.

Another impetus for this rant...I'm embarking on my own journey as a hopeful history maker.  I hope to leave my indelible mark on the world like my father.  Some may think I'm crazy for trying to compete with a standard like that.  But there aren't many black women running major financial institutions, or serving as Secretary of Treasury...so I think there's some space for me to make it happen.    I always grin a little when someone wants to bring me down a peg or says, "my aunt's best friend's grandmother was the first black person to integrate her middle school, so I guess your dad is a big deal"...and I can shake a stick at the number of people I've met that swear they sat down before Rosa Parks.

My hope with this post is to show some of you that heroes walk among you, that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.  And that what may seem like the most average of acts, like going to school can change the world.  But above all that for some of us, Black History isn't a month, it's a lifetime affair.

XOXO,
MacKenzie

Guess Who's Back

You may or may not have noticed that I changed the name of the blog.

I'm a firm believer in reincarnation, especially when it comes to branding.

When I first started this blog it was to chronicle my journey as Miss DC USA 2010.  Then some how it felt like wonderful things kept happening to me.  However, most of these things didn't feel planned, and they felt more like happy accidents.

But that was a few years ago, I've learned some things since then.  I've learned that none of these things were accidental, they were rather necessary steps on my journey to my dreams.  And right now my biggest dream is pursuing an MBA. The MBA has become the great white whale in my life.  Beyond any of the typical work that goes towards applying to business school, it is turning out to be an amazing heroes journey of self discovery for me.

...don't start to think this means I've completely hung up my crown, or that this blog will now become a clinical examination in to the mind of a budding business school student.  I still have remnants of that glittery sparkly girl I grew to be on my way to pursuing a crown.

I wear a few less sequins, and my heels are a little lower...but never fear the beauty queen is still here.

This blog is just growing and evolving like I am.  It may take on 15 different incarnations, and maybe I'll go ghost when the CFA Level 1 Test gets closer (more on that later).  For now the aim is to take you on a journey with me.  Through all the essay drafts, outfit selections for potential school interviews, workouts to clear my head, and whatever else I see fit to include.

Shakespeare was right when he said, "all the world's a stage , and all the men and women merely players."  But RuPaul was even more right when she said, "we're all born naked, the rest is merely drag."  So rather than think of Miss USA to MBA as shedding one role for another, look at it as drag...and honey, I'm about to give you all kinds of business realness.

XOXO,
MacKenzie