I was happy to receive some wonderful treats from FranBlass plus size lingerie a few weeks ago. www.lingerieforplussize.com.  I received some amazing pieces from them, including this gorgeous red corset (photo above).  The steel boning held me in, and gave me a great shape.  The red satin was so soft and vibrant, and, the black sash across the waist gave it the wow factor for me.  I really loved wearing it.  Perfect for Valentines day, or any day really.  I could wear it for a saucy occasion at home, or with jeans for a night on the town! 

They also sent me this adorable black bustle skirt by leg avenue (pictured above), which I ADORE!  It is SO cute and looks adorable paired with any corset.  Short lace in the front, and layers upon layers of tulle at the back.  Such a flattering look, with a burlesque flare. 

I also received a few pairs of thigh high stocking, which were so cute!  I am very picky about thigh highs.  I hate the ones that are lined with silicone or elastic to stay up on their own...they always make my legs look like overstuffed sausages.  These were nothing like that!  They require a garter to stay up (which is preferred as far as I'm concerned).  I received a pair of lace top fish nets (pictured with the bustle above), a white polka-dot pair (below), and a black pair with adorable heart detailing on the back.  They all fit like a dream, and added some extra sass to my outfits. 

Lastly, i was sent an adorable red babydoll, with matching full back underwear, and heart detailing on the chest.  It was very free fitting, which was great, as it would fit a range of sizes.  The bust didn't have much support, but for this specific lingerie piece, it wasn't necessary.  I found, if I wanted a bit more support, I would simply wear a red bra underneath!  It was perfect for valentines day, and made me feel adorable, sexy, sultry, and beautiful. 

Thank you to FranBlass plus size lingerie for the adorable treats, and I hope to work with you again soon!!!

photos by Blimey Studios, Jeff Kew Photography, Frankie Panky, and Louis Li

I was thrilled when my fabulous sponsor Coquette sent me this gorgeous Chemise from their Holiday Collection, just in time for Valentines Day! 

At first what struck me was the gorgeous raspberry colour.  Then I turned it over and noticed the gorgeous corseted detailing all up a very sheer back.  SO sexy. 

It is a really gorgeous piece.  Microfiber and metallic lace, with padded underwire cups, and adjustable straps, which gave for a great shape. The contrasting ribbon runs through gorgeous lace detailing and matched the contrasting back lace up panel. Then the front has a cute little bow with rhinestone detailing and attached garters.  Interesting that there were only two garters at the front of the chemise and none at the back.  That made it a little hard to keep my stockings up and in place, but when I turned around and looked in the mirror, I can see why they didn't put them in the back.  The elastic in the bottom, made it so snug in the back (in a GREAT way) and was VERY flattering.  If it had garters in the back, I don't think it would have had that same shape.   

All in all this chemise was gorgeous, and I felt SO beautiful and comfortable in it.  It moved with my body easily, and the colours with my hair just popped. 

I am also very excited to announce that I will be flying to Toronto this month to shoot the Holiday line with Coquette!  I am SO honored and excited to have this amazing opportunity, and I can't wait to share the experience with all of you. 

Photos: Blimey Studios and Jeff Kew

www.coquette.com for more information on where to purchase

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!  I wanted to take some time to reflect on this past year, and also let you know some of the amazing things I have planned in 2014! 


Although my modeling career started quite a few years ago, 2013 was my most successful year to date.  I started my facebook fanpage, and it has grown nearly 25,000 strong!  I modeled for such amazing labels as Cherry Velvet Plus, Deadly Couture, Coquette and more.

I also walked for VALT - Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week(end) for the second time, and walked for amazing designers Skye Davies, Maggie Fu, Boring Sidney Hats, and Carolyne Bruce Designs.  It was such an honor to be a plus size model, on the runway, at such a diverse, wonderful event. 

I starred in the first 3 episodes of my very own web series "Retro Recipes with Ruby Roxx", and I'm hoping to film and release more episodes by spring this year! 

I was published in 40 magazines including 2 covers!  I was thrilled to be a part of such publications as Retro Lovely, Atomic Bombshells, Delicious Dolls, American Classic, Pinup Perfection Magazine, and many many more! 

I was signed on as a represented model with Bonerattle Talent.  I feel SO fortunate to be part of such a wonderful, diverse, supportive team, that represents amazing models, talented bands, and sassy burlesque artists. 

I was asked to be apart of the documentary "A Perfect 14", which exposes the fascinating world of plus size modeling.  It is the first documentary of its kind, and I am so excited to be a part of it!

I was asked to be stage kitten for some amazing local, and international burlesque events!  Both Beerlesque in Vancouver, and Pasties and Paddles in Spokane WA. 

I met and worked with some wonderful, amazing, and talented people this year.  I shot with some new, fantastic photographers, as well as some of my favorites from years past.  I made a lot of wonderful new friends. 

I learned a lot about others, as well as myself.  I had a lot of pleasure in learning lessons.  I also learned some hard lessons.  I dealt with my own insecurities, as well as the insecurities of others.  I dealt with some people taking their insecurities out on me.  I was forced to learn that not everyone is as wonderful as you make them out in your mind.  Therefore, I learned to make sure I'm doing what makes ME happy, and not putting others happiness above my own.

I dealt with the death of my beloved Oma.  Through that hard time, I discovered who was truly there for me, and who had their own agenda.  I received such an overwhelming amount of support that I am forever grateful for.  


I hoped that in 2013, I would inspire women and people to believe in themselves.  Like anyone else, I have insecurities, however I try to embrace my flaws, as they are what makes me different.  I hope I helped inspire people to do this as well.  Beauty is not a dress size but more in how you feel about yourself and your confidence.  All women are beautiful no matter what dress size.  We need to support each other, not bring each other down.  I tried very much to do this in 2013 and hope to do so even more in 2014.  


I am so thankful for the wonderful year I had in 2013 and I cannot wait to see what 2014 brings!!

I already have some amazing things planned!  I will be making a trip to Viva Las Vegas in April where I will be shooting with some amazing photographers, as well as doing a signing and meeting of my fans at the MayMac Booth at the Car Show! 

I will be helping to host a Pinup work shop in Spokane WA in May, where I will not only be judging a local pinup pageant, but I will also be speaking on body confidence, posing, and working your curves! 

I will be working with many more designers including Glitter Paradise, and MayMac Designs. 

I will be taking a 3 week tour of Oregon and California in July where I hope to shoot A LOT.  If you are interested in working together, please send me a message!

I hope to be published just as many times as in 2013, and hopefully more!  I already have a few publications out, including a "model in the spotlight" feature in Pin-up America Magazine, which you can find on news stands now.  I also have a few covers already in the works! 

I signed up for Zumba and Swing Dance lessons!  I hope to be more active this year!  I also gave notice at my day job recently so I can devote more time to my passion for modeling, and doing what I truly love and makes me happy. 

Above all, I hope to continue to meet more wonderful people, make connections, and continue to inspire those around me and be inspired. 

Thank you so much to everyone that made my 2013 all that it was, and here's to a wonderful 2014!

I have been a fan of Coquette lingerie for a while now.  They have a wide variety of styles, costumes, lingerie, colors, themes, and sizes.  No matter what kind of shoot I was planning, I always looked through coquette's collection first to see what they had. 

I was thrilled when I received an email from Coquette asking to be one of my sponsors!  I wear Coquette quite frequently anyways, so I jumped on the opportunity to wear even more of their gorgeous lingerie. 

I was shipped 2 pieces from their 2013 Holiday Collection, which I recently shot with Aparte Photography.  I wanted to take some time to tell you about these gorgeous products and how you can get your hands on them as well!

First off, I was thrilled when I opened my package from Coquette and saw this gorgeous red damask corset.  The red satin is a gorgeous deep jewel tone, and the velvet damask print really pops.  Not only that, but the velvet waist band, I thought was ideal for highlighting my waist and curves.  It has a lace up back and hook and eye closure at the front (I suppose with the hook and eye closure it technically is classified as a bustier).  The boning, although not steel, was still strong and gave me an amazing shape. 
    One of the things I hate about corsets or bustiers, if you tend to get a more affordable version, they are great for one or two uses, but after that, the boning starts to pop out of the top or bottom and pokes you!  After my shoot, where I was bending this way and that, I did a quick look at the seams and nothing was coming loose or starting to poke through!
    It also came with 6 detachable velvet garters.  I love being able to customize the look with the garters.  Having them detachable even gives you the option of wearing the corset with jeans or a skirt for a night out!  It also came with detachable straps!  I chose to wear the straps for my shoot, but even without them, I still had a lot of hold and support. 

For more information on this corset and how to order your own, please visit www.coquette.com  Item link: Corset 3578X

The next item I took out of my delivery from Coquette was this adorable purple, sequined, Santa babydoll, with matching G-string!  The color was SO vibrant, and what girl wouldn't love to be Santa's little helper in this sequined, feathered, sheer little number.

    The babydoll has lined, sequined push-up molded under-wire cups with feathered trim and a mesh skirt. It also features an adorable velvet belt with a rhinestone buckle that would make Ms. Clause jealous! The bottom has a sequin trimmed hem which adds a very cute detail.  It has hook & eye closure with keyhole detailing, and adjustable velvet straps.  The plus size version has been modified for curvier girls with widened straps, extra hook & eyes for added support and has been lengthened for a more flattering fit, and let me tell you, it was VERY flattering.  I felt so beautiful and flirty wearing this adorable piece.  It also includes a matching sequin G-string that would make anyone's Christmas.  I wish the G-string had a little bit more coverage at the front, but that was more for my personal preference.  It still fit beautifully, and the sequins were lined and hemmed perfectly so there was no uncomfortableness of scratchy sequins in a sensitive area.  


    One of the problems I normally have with sequined and feathered things, is the LOSS of said sequins and feathers.  I wore this piece for over an hour, posing this way and that, and I never lost a single sequin or fluff of feather!  The fit was also perfect and very flattering.  I normally don't wear padded, push up bras as I am already an F cup, so I don't need anymore help.  I was a little concerned that the cups would be a bit too much, but the padding was just light enough to give a lovely shape and support without being over the top.   

For more information on this item, or to find out how to order, or where to buy, visit www.coquette.com  Item link: Babydoll and G-String 3574X

As a model, I have a lot of fun dressing up, getting my hair done, having fun with makeup, and getting creative.  Ive worked hard on my career, and although I get feedback regularly from my fans telling me how I've inspired them to be more confident, I still keep wondering "What can I do to make a difference".  Don't get me wrong, I love the feeling of knowing that Ive inspired a woman to look differently at herself in the mirror, or to do that first pinup photo shoot, or to just say "I'm beautiful", but I sometimes feel that there is more that I can do. 

It's the holidays, and the season of giving is upon us.  Since starting my fan-page this past January, Ive gained more than 23,000 fans, and many of those lovely people have sent me messages asking to buy me presents, especially around the holidays.  As flattered as I am, I am very fortunate and have everything that I need.  I have a warm home, healthy food, comfortable clothes, and loving and supportive friends, family, and partner.  There are so many people out there that have none of that.  There must be a way to use what I have for the betterment of those who need it. 

Instead of asking for material things over the holidays, I prefer to give back.  Every December I serve Christmas dinner at my local shelter, and host a Christmas party where everyone donates food or money to the local food bank.  My family and I always exchange charitable donations as gifts at Christmas as well. 

So I offer you this....instead of sending me material things I do not need, I suggest we work together to give something back. 

For the month of December, 100% of proceeds from sales on my online store, will be donated to BC Children's Hospital. 

Something many of you don't know about me, but I spent a lot of time at BC Children's hospital in the first 5 years of my life.  I even spent a couple of Christmas's in their care.  They saved my life on many occasions, and I couldn't think of a better charity to give to.  Help me give something back to the wonderful people who not only saved MY life, but the lives of so many other children. 

You can visit the BC Children's Hospital Foundation website at www.bcchf.ca if you would like to donate more generously. 

Thank you everyone for helping me make a difference.  

As many of you know, before I became a model, I used to be a chef.  Although I don't do it professionally anymore, cooking is still one of my favourite past times.  I love discovering and creating new recipes.  Comfort food is my ALL TIME FAVORITE type of food to cook, and what is more comforting then some hot cocoa and cookies around the fire. 

When Pinup Perfection Magazine posted about needing holiday recipes, I sent in a few of my favorites right away.  You can see two of these in their latest "Santa's Sweeties" issues, along with a photo of myself, and many other gorgeous pinup ladies.  To purchase your copy, follow the link HERE


But for now...here are two of my favourite holiday recipes.  Enjoy!!!

Photos in this blog by Stina Rae Photography

In a medium saucepan, melt together:
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
12 oz. chopped semisweet chocolate (bars)
Stir frequently over medium heat until smooth. Let cool for 15 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Using an electric mixer, beat together:
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Beat on low speed until smooth, 2 minutes. Mix in the cooled chocolate mixture just until blended. Add the flour mixture in 2 batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Arrange about 16 balls 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet, flattening slightly. Bake until the tops of the cookies crack, about 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut 7.5 ounces of semisweet chocolate (bars) into 1-inch squares. Snip 8 marshmallows in half crosswise and stick 1 square of chocolate onto each of the cut sides.

Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and gently press a marshmallow half, chocolate side down, into each cookie. Bake until the marshmallows are just softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer the pans to racks to cool for 5 minutes.
Grate 5 ounces of semisweet chocolate over the hot cookies. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to the racks and let cool. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, marshmallows and chocolate. Bake each batch on a clean sheet of parchment paper.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 3 1/2 Cups Milk
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Tsp Almond Extract
• 4 Peppermint Candy Canes

Directions:

Using a small saucepan cooking on medium heat, add the cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, salt and water. Cook until the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour in the milk and reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Whip the hot chocolate until it becomes foamy. Pour into a mug and add the candy cane.  Serves 4. 

I have never been a size zero.  I have never been a small girl or woman.  There is nothing wrong at all with being a small woman.  Some of my favorite models are small, size 0, and beautiful inside and out.  I however, have always been curvy. 

In high school, I hated my curves.  Sure the boys noticed them... but that made me uncomfortable.  I wanted so bad to "fit in" with the small girls.  I tried all sorts of diets, exercise plans, etc etc to try to be "skinny".... but I could never loose my curves.  I've always had boobs and a butt.... and thank GOODNESS I never lost them, because, as I grew older, I grew to LOVE my curves.   This is the body I was given.  I am healthy.  I am happy.  I am a plus size woman and proud of it! 

I grew up in a household that was loving, fun, supportive, and had a wonderful childhood.  However, nudity, or anything even CLOSE to it, was very frowned upon.  As a teen I was constantly told to wear looser clothes, button up more, wear higher necklines, etc.  I never really thought anything of it (other than it was a little annoying).  I know everyone has their own opinions, and I respect that... but as grew up I formed my own opinion that there is nothing wrong with nudity.  Beautiful artwork of yesteryear is mostly of nude woman.  People admire its beauty.  Of course it can be viewed as sexual or erotic... I just think of the type of nude photography I am a part of as art, and beauty.  I have never done a fully exposed nude photo shoot because of personal reasons. Its not that I have insecurities with my body or am uncomfortable being nude.  I admire models who have that as a part of their portfolio.

I am very proud of the images taken with the lovely {Cat} Tetreault photography, and wanted to share them!  However, due to Facebook "rules," I couldn't promote them properly.  I posted them on my website.... but I think they deserve more than that.  So here is a blog post to show of these photos, and my curves!  The body is a beautiful thing that should be celebrated. 

I hope you enjoy and would love to hear your feedback on these images. 

    I consider myself to be such a fortunate girl. I have an amazing life. I surround myself with a great support system, have found my passion in life, and have such wonderful fans! I pride myself in being a curvy, plus size model, and although there is a lot of hate in this world, I try to spread the love! The pin up community is one of the reasons I love doing this so much! Most everyone is so loving, supportive and caring, and I have been so fortunate to have made many beautiful friends in my time being a pin-up.All women, no matter what shape or size are real, beautiful creatures and deserve to feel that way. I only hope my photos can encourage girls to get out there and do something they are proud of, just as I am proud of my photos. I get asked questions all the time, about me personally, about the pin up lifestyle, about modeling,
clothing, beauty tips etc. I thought since many of these questions get asked multiple times, I would put it in blog!       So here you go! Frequently Asked Questions!

Q: Where are you located?

A: I am based out of beautiful Vancouver, Canada, although I travel to Vancouver Island, and Seattle WA. Frequently for shoots. I also am willing to travel elsewhere and for the right opportunity and photo-shoot.

Q: Where do you find your cute pin-up style clothing?


A: I have my go-to stores and brands. I love Bettie Page Clothing, Stop Staring, Deadly Dames, Cherry Velvet, and Pinup Girl Clothing. I also love Rago Shapewear and My Sugar Doll for cute swim wear. I also scour vintage shops and consignment and have found some great pieces. Some clothing lines such as Betsey Johnson and BEBE (they made the yellow dress above) make REALLY cute retro inspired looks as well! A great quality corset can go a long way for not only shaping, but providing a very vintage feel. As well as a great garter with seamed stockings. I consider myself very lucky as well to have many talented friends who are able to make me custom pieces when I have a specific idea in mind. Sometimes on shoots, outfits are provided, but I do have quite a large personal collection. I consider it an investment in my career.

Q: How did you get started in modeling? 

A: My grandmother was a runway model in her 20's, so I always used to look at pictures of her and go down to her basement and try on her vintage couture and put on fashion shows of my own. I guess you could say it was always a dream of mine. I got started modeling when a friend asked me to be a hair model for her. She would colour and cut my hair in exchange for me posing for her salon in downtown Vancouver. It was such a fun day! When the photos popped up on my computer screen a few days later, and in the salon and local Vancouver magazines later in the month, I was hooked! I had always had a passion for pin-up and retro styling. I emailed the photographer and asked if he would want to do a pin-up inspired shoot with me. (pictured below) I researched poses, practiced in front of the mirror, and a few weeks later, I did my first, pin-up shoot. It was so fun. I felt beautiful, feminine, pretty, confident, the list goes on. I got such a positive reaction from family and friends, I just wanted to do more. I truly believe every woman should do a pin-up photo shoot at least once in their life.

If you are interested in doing pin-up, I would suggest doing your research. Find a pin-up photographer in your area (or one that will be in your area), and pay them! That will get you
coaching on posing and most of the time, access to at least some wardrobe and props. Most photographers offer hair and makeup add-ons to their packages. Unless you’re a professional, or have lots of practice, then get the hair and makeup to give your images that truly vintage feel. Get lots of sleep the night before. Make sure your wearing the proper undergarments, bring your own
stockings, shoes, and whatever wardrobe you do have (it will make the shoot more personal and different). If there is an option to buy a disk of all images, then do it. That way you can look at all your angles and find out what looks good and what doesn't. And practice in front of the mirror beforehand. Above all, have fun, and love every second of it!!! That’s what pin-up is all about!!

Happy new year everyone!!! 2012 has, for the most part, been an amazing year! I
reached goals in my modelling that I set for myself last year...infact, I
accomplished more than what I had hoped for!

One of my goals for 2102, was to be published.  I was fortunate enough to be published in 3 amazing magazines!  The Pinup Magazine, Retro Lovely, and someting I never expected this year, but am absolutly honoured to have accomplished...my first cover of Delicious Dolls Magazine.
I worked with some of the most amazing photographers in the world, started my website, blog and walked on the runway.  I was especially excited to be a part of the first ever Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week!  I took risks in my carreer.  Tried new things, pushed my limits, and did things that made me uncomfrotable (in a good way) but paid off.   I met some of my amazing fans, who  i absolutly adore, and am thankful to have such a great support system in my life.
 
Personally, 2012 was been a fantastic year as well! I moved in w the love of my life, spent lots of time with friends both old and new, and had some amazingly fun times both in Vancouver and traveling to fun and exciting places.  I also was given the opportunity to see some people's true colours. While at the time that proved to be difficult, hurtful, and challenging, I am also thankful for the lessons that taught me.  Throught the good times and bad, I learned a lot about myself this
year.  Ive learned that as long as im doing what makes me happy, others opinions of me dont matter.  Ive learned that the people who truly care about me, will always care about me and support me through thick and thin.  Ive learned to take risks, and that sometimes they pay off, sometimes they dont, but now I know the difference!  Ive learned not everyone is going to like me, but I strive to make myself proud.  Above all, Ive learned to love myself more. 
 
Thank you to everyone who was a part of my 2012. Lets raise a glass of bubbly to an amazing 2013.

One of my favorite children's books, "The Little Engine that Could" has a very important message that I try to remember whenever life has me down, or i think i can't do something.  I repeat to myself (in my head of course) "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...." even if I don't quite believe that little voice in my head.  

Last week, I was having "one of those weeks".  Things weren't going as I had planned or hoped for, and I was feeling a little like giving up.  Like there are so many more beautiful girls out there, why should I even bother??? Nothing in particular made me feel this way.  I suppose we all have those days.  My boyfriend and I were planning on travelling to Duncan B.C. for the "Rockabilly's Rumble".  A photographer I work with suggested we come over and enjoy the music, cars, food, and festivities.   He also suggested I enter the pinup pageant.  Now.... I'm not big on contests.  So I originally waved off the idea.  I wanted to go to enjoy myself, not stress about competing.  And who knew who my competition would even be???  I was hoping to go, get some photos taken with some hot cars, enjoy a weekend away, and have a good time.  

I mentioned the pinup pageant to my boyfriend a few weeks before the "rumble".  He also thought I should enter.  Again, I rolled my eyes and forgot about it.  Like I said, I HATE contests.  However, with the "mood" I was in last week, I started to think, "how are other models getting published  signing contracts with agencies, and 'getting ahead'?".  The more I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that these girls had been, and continue to put themselves "out there".  In contests, pageants, emails, self promotions, etc.  I have no problem talking to people, being in front of crowds, making connections, and in fact, I have made a lot of connections over the past year.  But the thought of entering a contest on facebook, or a pinup pageant, and facing rejection, or failure...well...it terrified me.  So I never did it.

The day of the rumble, my mood was the same.  I still had no interest in entering, and had made my mind up that I would't do it.  I was sure I wasn't going to win.  Besides, my hair wasn't how I wanted it to look, my lipstick kept smudging and my damn false lashes just weren't sitting right.  Ya right....like I could win a pageant.  We rode to the fair grounds on my boyfriend's motorcycle.  We were early to arrive.  We were met by Randy Allen of Powder Puff Vixen Photography, who originally told us about the event, and who I've also been fortunate enough to shoot with a few times.  One of the first things he asked me  was, "are you going to enter???"  I shrugged it off with a "meh".  He then proceeded to tell me what the prizes were.  A write up in a Vancouver Island magazine, a feature in The Pin Up Magazine out of California, a photo shoot on site with a car of my choice, a gift certificate to Rockabilly's clothing as well as other goodies.  "Hmm..." I thought....."this could be a chance to be published" (something that I had been working towards this summer.) 

I looked around.  I was the only model there at the time.  Or girl dressed in pinup attire for that matter.  I continued to look around.  I saw the Roadmen Car Club whose cars I had shot with in Seattle with Roy Varga.  I even recognized a few of the guys who had come up!  The winner of the contest was based on  audience applause.  I thought to myself...."maybe???"  On a whim (and much encouragement from Randy and my boyfriend), I decided to register.  I felt a lump in my throat and butterflies in my stomach as I filled out my information and got my name tag.

As more and more people started to arrive, the butterflies kept multiplying.  More girls were showing up and registering....and not just any girls, BEAUTIFUL girls.  Models from the island who I knew and admired, as well as gorgeous girls just starting out, and girls who were with BIG groups of friends and family!  "CRAP" I thought to myself...."can I un-register??"  The fear of failure was creeping back in.  Then I remembered that little blue train.  "I think i can, I think I can, I think I can"  I said it over and over again, and pushed down the fear and the self doubt. 

At 2:00 when they called the girls to the stage, I thought I was going to be sick.  But then I decided, "its too late to back out now, better just give it all I've got".  I stood in front of the crowd and when my name was called, I used every ounce of confidence I had!!  I shook my booty, did a dance, and struck a pose.  The crowd cheered, and I had fun  (like I said, I have NO problem being in front of a crowd.   I'm not exactly shy.)  When the top 5 were called (out of 10 contestants) I was sure I would be out, but thought "hey that wasn't so bad...I had fun!!"   But my name was called! I had made it into the top 5!  Then the 3rd place winner was called....not me....second place....not me.  "Damn" I thought.  But then they announced the winner.  "RUBY ROXX!!!"  

ME!!!  I did it!!!  I entered a contest, even though I was terrified, and I WON!!!!  I know for some, a pin up pageant is a small triumph, but to me it was so much more.  For me it meant facing my fears!  Trying something new!  Getting published for the first time!  And above all I was proud of myself! 

At the end of "The Little Engine that Could", after the train makes it up the hill, he  goes chugging down the other side saying "I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could".  At first I didn't think I could do it....but it just goes to show, that without trying, you'll never succeed!    

Please stay tuned for when the photos from the shoot are published in both VI magazine and THE PINUP MAGAZINE.  I can't wait to share! 

NEW!!!!!  A video was made of my win, and the photoshoot that followed for the magazine article!!!  Watch the video here!!