News Update!

TUNE-IN ALERT!!

Kirsten Haglund as...

News Contributor on the Great American Panel
HANNITY Show
Fox News
Monday, September 28th

Check it out! More details to come... :)

Love and hugs,
Kirsten

Interesting... Check it out!

These are just some little news updates I found today... Good stuff in here.

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/06/15/british-vogue-editor-fights-size-zero-clothing-samples/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,519843,00.html

Enjoy! One is more risque than the other... caution advised. :)

Kirsten

Candle wax is SUPER fun to play with...

That title has absolutely NO relevance to what I'm going to talk about. But it is a universally accepted truth (to quote Jane Austen) nonetheless. Its the little things in life...

Details, details, details... That's what planning is all about, right? KHF just had a board meeting going over all of these little 'details' for our big fundraiser coming up on September 16th. I'm beginning to get very excited; we've already got 17 rooms booked at the Holiday Inn nearby, people traveling to come to our event! We're solidifying sponsorships and silent auction items... we're going to have some REALLY neat packages available... I can't wait to reveal them! It's going to be a beautiful night. :)

Is it already the end of Tuesday? Where is the week going? I had better not get ahead of myself. It seems sometimes my weekends are busier than my week days... perhaps that is because much of the business of show business happens through social networking (not the online version), and most social events and lunch meetings happen on the weekends! This past one was indeed fun... Saturday I went shopping for a new dress last minute (at Nordstrom Rack, which I realized, is totally AWESOME) for the Melrose Place Premiere Party that evening. The event was sponsored by AT&T, so in place of a red carpet, there was a BLUE carpet (the whole event was company colors, blue and orange). A good friend of mine who works at CBS pretty much put together the entire event, and what a job well done! It was a super fun evening, outdoors on Melrose Ave... where else? Celebrity spotting, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz who has a role on the show was in attendance, and I'm sure others, but honestly I didn't look too hard. The food was beautiful and very tasty... they had sorbet for dessert served inside the rinds of real lemons, pineapples, and coconuts. No chocolate fountain, however, which made me kind of sad. The only bummer of the evening was that there was no dancing, which I realize at these parties, there usually isn't. But when they're playing Lady Gaga, and you're in a dress and heels, DUDE you just wanna dance! I danced by myself a little and probably looked ridiculous, but proved that you can have a whole ton of fun by yourself, no alcohol involved. :)

Earlier that day I stopped by Whole Foods to pick up a few things, and after looking at the bill, realized why I don't shop at Whole Foods very often. Or at least, California Whole Foods'. You realize very quickly when you move to the big city just how AMAZING those midwest prices are. For everything. Seriously.

Sunday morning, I had the delight of one of the most beautiful church services... Well, the music at Hollywood Church is always awesome, so needless to say, the music was uplifting and GREAT. The sermon series the last few weeks has been about Heaven (which is always FUN)... and this final week was about our BODIES, and what they're going to look like, do, feel, in heaven; on the new earth. I won't go too much in depth, because I'm no theologian or pastor... but just the thought of living with God in a new, glorified body, free of any thought of acceptance, judgment, or restriction on that body was just incredibly enlightening. Of course, we can strive to feel that here on earth, but not every day will be perfect, and our world is still flawed, will always be flawed on the way it judges people based on outward appearance. Its amazing to think that one day we will live with God in perfect bodies that can go anywhere, do anything, glorifying God, forever and ever and ever. Dude. Heaven is SO worth that.

That afternoon I met a friend for lunch in Universal City... a friend who is also the CEO of a small record company. He introduced me to a wonderful producer and lyricist, they handed me a CD of three songs they had already written for me, and invited me to the recording studio to work the next day! I can't give away too many details, but I can say we put down one demo track, and I'll be back within the next few weeks laying down the others. Very exciting! God kind of just drops blessings into your lap sometimes, and while I've always loved music and wanted to pursue recording, I never imagine it would get started this soon! I'm just going to work hard and see what happens. I'll cross my fingers and let you know!

This is hilarious: So I was sitting on my balcony enjoying the sunny day today, when the loud rumbling of a waste truck passing by on Woodman Ave below me jolts me out of my otherwise peaceful thoughts. I look down, and its this big blue monstrosity... not your average green WM daily garbage truck... it was more of a big construction waste kind of truck. (Forgive me for not knowing the technical terms for these things.) What was FUNNY about this truck... was the name of the disposal company. I couldn't help but laugh as I saw it pass me... the emblem on the side, a four-pointed white crown, with company name printed in the middle: "Crown Disposal Co. Inc". I actually laughed out loud.... the 'lol' is appropriate to use here. I thought, "So that's the company that takes used crowns from has-beens." I guess if you're really sick of pageants and the last thing you want is to keep that silver sparkly thing around for future granddaughters to play dress up in, you call Crown Disposal Co., Inc. I guess that answers the question, too, of whether or not they're recyclable. Anyway... I laughed.

So tomorrow I have an audition for a co-star role on Melrose Place... should be interesting. Then it's business business business. Kind of wishing I was in Michigan for a very close family friend's wedding this weekend. But ah, that's life. I have a friend who works for the military in the desert out here in Cali who is coming to visit me, so that should keep my mind off of the matrimonial festivities that I'm otherwise missing. I love you, Bensch's! :)

With that, I'm going to watch an episode of LOST and go to sleep! Sweet dreams.

Can anyone recommend a good book? I'm looking for one...

Kirsten

A Lovely Day in Newport

First of all, I have to just say, Lost is the best show ever. And hulu.com is the greatest invention ever, as it allows us to enjoy all our favorite programming sans having to schedule time to park in front of the television, commercial breaks, and spending way too much money on past season DVD sets! I've been catching up on Season 3 as I sit and wait for my laundry to dry... and I bet you wanted to hear all about that, right? Right.

It's been a relaxing day, after one very hectic but wonderfully uplifting Thursday. I headed down to Newport Beach on Wednesday night after a meeting with church friends, to stay at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort the evening before my visit to Sober Living By the Sea. SLBS is a treatment facility that consists of a few different programs, including The Landing (Men's only Chemical Dependency), The Rose (Women's Only CD) and The Victorian (Eating Disorders). I realized as I pulled up to the hotel, got out of the car and smelled the salty ocean breeze just how lucky I was to live near the Pacific Ocean, and have the opportunity and ability to travel. A side note, I apologize.

Began the visit Thursday morning with coffee and a little orientation about SLBS and its history from Ryan, the centers' Director of Business Development and nicest guy, and Melissa Preshaw, from CRC Health group who flew in from the Cupertino, CA office. The morning consisted of tours of each of the facilities (Landing, Rose and Victorian), which are all actually homes on the Balboa Peninsula, where residents stay for the duration of their treatment. The homes were absolutely BEAUTIFUL, with large glass windows looking right out to the beach, stunning decor, and the most warm, loving, engaging staff. I was given schedules as an example of what their days are like... and I couldn't help but think to myself that it looked like fun! I know that is a borderline horrible-thing-to-say, but truly, what a blessing it is, or would be, to retreat to such a place, and spend all day, every day, caring for your soul and yourself; minus distractions, expectations, judgements, or other stresses. A complete retreat. Everyone needs that, to be sure. I suppose the answer is to find little moments of each day, time when you can do that in your regular life. In no way am I lessening the pain and struggle of the individuals in treatment there. But they are so extremely lucky to be in a place with such love, warmth, and specialized care. If only all those struggling with addiction and/or eating disorders had the resources to go to such a place for healing. Hence, the need for KHF and scholarships for treatment! I digress...

After touring each house, I was treated to a beautiful luncheon at a great little place called The Dock, where myself and another woman and SLBS Alumn were honored for our work in the field of eating disorder awareness and advocacy. In the presence of about 20 other eating disorders professionals from the beach community, I certainly felt very humbled. The meal was awesome though, calamari and... what's that salad called with the mozzarella, tomato and olive oil? Shoot, I forgot. Well, that one, for starters. Then came the most delicious Salmon on top of an asparagus risotto... delish! The great thing about salmon (as opposed to steak) is that when you ask for it well-done, the chef usually does it. Hence, the reason I don't bother ordering steaks out anymore. :) My mom does it well-done, what's your problem Mr. Iron Chef??

Following lunch, I had the opportunity to spend an hour with the women of The Rose and The Victorian in the living room at The Rose. It was so nice and informal. I sat on a comfy chair with the 15-20 women and spoke for about 40 minutes about my personal struggles, where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going. I'm struck by a wonderful and humbling realization every time I speak about this issue to people... that it is not my skills, or my talent, or my accomplishments, or any other measure of greatness or worth that enables me to connect with these other women, or make any kind of impact in any way. It is my flaws. It is my weaknesses. It is my humanity. And truly, I feel, it is God, using that weakness. There is tremendous power in honesty, disclosure, and the admitting of insecurity and vulnerability. Imperfection. It was a wonderful talk with those women. We then had about 20 minutes of open discussion and Q and A, where I was able to get to know them a little bit better, and share our lives and passions and pitfalls. We wrapped around 3pm and I didn't want to leave! I did leave however, with such a feeling of hope, for them, for me, and for the triumph of love and understanding over moments when it seems like our personal demons are certainly going to drag us over the edge. As it had been a cloudy morning, I left the Rose and the sun had come out... a little reminder that above the clouds the sun was always shining, and that whatever is darkness, always comes to the light.

I sadly left Newport and the beautiful Balboa Bay Resort (I wanted to stay another night SO badly! Dude, that hotel was gorgeous.)... but happily headed to Garden Grove, near Anaheim to have dinner with very close family friends. The daughter in this family I got to reunite with, after not having seen her for, gosh, I don't know, probably 10 years! She now lives in San Diego, teaching, but all the time I knew her, she was a star basketball player. As this was my first time seeing her since my experience as Miss America, I had a great time sharing with her stories of my abysmal showings of athleticism, both as I threw out the first pitch at Tiger Stadium for last year's season opener, and attempted to guard Kid Rock at Curtis Grandersons' Charity Basketball Game. She laughed. I laughed. Mind you, I wasn't laughing at the time. At least I didn't have to wear a crown and try to shoot hoops. Now, THAT would have been embarrassing.

And then I drove home. Exciting, I know. And crashed on my couch. I feel so blessed to have a couch to crash on. Especially one that's super comfy with big green and teal pillows. Oh yeah, I talked about how much I love couches in my last entry. Sorry. :)

So after all that drivin' around, I decided to lay low today. Very excited for tomorrow though; I get to go shopping for a new dress for an neat little thing in the evening... the Melrose Place Premiere Party!!! Very excited, should be super cool. It's going to be at the Pacific Design Center on Melrose, and I can't wait! Hope there's a red carpet. :)

Ok, peace, chickens.

Kirsten

The Official Invite!

Books, Tea, and other Adventures...

First of all... TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for "A Celebration of Life," my 21st Birthday Fundraiser on September 16th, online at www.kirstenhaglund.org. So excited to see you there! :)

I love living in California. The weather is always perfect. Seriously. Warm, and no humidity in the day time, hair stays manageable... then cool, sweater weather in the evening... no wasted, "Michigan-only" clothes in my closet! I am so responsive and sensitive to climate... so waking up everyday to such naturally perfect weather feels like such a blessing. I just find myself saying, "Thank you, Jesus for the sun in the sky!" After 20 years of snow, ice, and shoveling the remnants of an April blizzard off of your car... there is much to be thankful for, living in the California Republic.

I was so thrilled yesterday to open up my mailbox to find an autographed copy of Jenni Schaefer's new book, Goodbye Ed, Hello Me! Jenni is the wonderful author of the book Life Without Ed, a humorous, insightful, and down-to-earth personal story of one woman's 'break-up' and recovery from Ed: her eating disorder. Her lastest work, which I received in the mail is its companion. I read Life Without Ed during my recovery, and have since recommended it out as a helpful tool to many young men and women as I travel and speak. I was lucky enough to read Goodbye Ed, Hello Me pre-publication and offer a quote for the first page. I HIGHLY recommend both of these books for both individuals and families going through this battle. Jenni's writing is insightful and real; no lofty language, no 'doctor' talk, just raw human emotions, and humor as well. Everyone can relate to Jenni's story, and she is so honest! It's refreshing. Both books can be ordered from Gurze Books, or Amazon.com. Check it out!

I was thrilled to finally be able to meet Jenni at the NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) conference last year during my reign as Miss America! She has been and inspiration and a light to so many seeking recovery. I then got to know Jenni through emails, letters, and shared appearances around the eating disorders community, and we have become good friends. I can tell you though, I never would have DREAMED when I was reading her book at a very low point in my eating disorder recovery, that one day I would be happy, healthy, and friends with its author. Life can be STRANGE... but good! All good things here. I just wanted to share/introduce you to her and her work. Both Life Without Ed and Goodbye Ed, Hello Me are excellent reads for anyone traveling the road to recovery. So go forth, and buy! (A good commercial, eh?)

You know how tea just makes you happy? I made a wonderful discovery recently... I have a Teavana (an AMAZING tea store in the mall) within walking distance of my apartment here in LA! I spent probably a half an hour with a friend trying all kinds of teas and just getting weak at the knees because of their goodness! I ended up leaving, my hands wrapped tightly around a warm cup of a piping hot combination... Strawberry Kiwi and Peach Ginger Tea. Absolutely amazing! It tasted like velvet. I'm trying really hard to replace all the coffee in my diet with tea; more antioxidants, and less caffeine, which leaches calcium from your bones. So far, so good!

As for real life...last evening I had the pleasure of auditing an Auditioning technique class I will be taking next month, taught by G Charles Wright, casting director for That 70's Show, and now Patricia Heaton's sitcom, The Middle. The best part about the class? If you do well, after your performance you get a cookie! :) Nice! Last night's were homemade, oatmeal, chocolate cherry chunk, with pecans. Delicious. Everyone in the class, including G, is extremely nice and talented, so I can't wait to learn a lot! After class ended, I finally watched Walk the Line (I had been meaning to see this movie for forever!) with some friends on a really comfy big white couch. I love couches. Especially the ones you just sink right into and the cushions come up all around you. I loved the couch so much it put me to sleep! I missed the last 25 minutes of Johnny and June Carter Cash's overly dramatic life story. I'm really an old lady at heart, I think that's why I always fall asleep so early! Luckily, my friends don't judge me for my heavy lids, and they let me borrow the film to finish it later. Hopefully I'll get to it today... if the myriad of other tasks don't take over what seems to be WAY too few hours in the day.

Off to work! Hope you have a blessed day, and check out Jenni Schaefer's new book! I know you will be delighted.

Love,
Kirsten

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

Come hear the battle behind the beauty.

Ooops, forgot to mention...

The all-important DATE!!!! Kirsten's Birthday Fundraiser, September 16th, 2009. Mark your calendar! :)

Beginnings...

Hello Everyone!

I hope anyone and everyone who is reading this is having a blessed day. I'm beginning this blog in an effort to try to keep as many people as possible updated and informed on what the Kirsten Haglund Foundation is doing, what is happening in the eating disorders community, news on upcoming events, and probably a whole lot of personal silliness that will give you a little bit of insight into who I am, and what's important to me. Enjoy! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit, and it is my hope that you'll be able to follow this blog, learn a lot, and be inspired.

Just a little update... the board and myself are currently busy busy busy getting everything prepared for our first big event! The KHF is putting on its first fundraiser, only about 6 months after our 'birth'... a big undertaking, but we've got big dreams! :) The event is a wine-tasting, silent auction, and evening of food and entertainment at Andiamo in Novi, Michigan. We're calling the night, "Alive to Celebrate" Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008's 21st Birthday Extravaganza! I feel lucky enough to have it be my big 21st Birthday Bash! What? I'll actually get to taste the wine at my Foundation's wine-tasting? Now... yes I will! But kidding aside, we're in the process of making up programs, finalizing the invite, and all of the other little details that go into making the event a success. Tickets will be $80.00, which is a tax deductible donation, and you can email misskhaglund@gmail.com to purchase, or for more information. You can also "friend" me or the Foundation on Facebook, where we will be posting more detailed info as it comes out. Wish us luck! Got lots of planning left to do... I'm really excited though. A preview of our auction items... we have one of our board members who is an exceptional artist, Kathleen MacDonald, creating some original pieces for the event, as well as some tickets to Detroit Sports events, some Miss America signed memorabilia, and a whole bunch of other goodies. Can't wait to see you there! Seriously.

Coming up after my birthday party (I love that!), I am doing an event in Los Angeles September 25th, in conjunction with the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, LA Chapter (IAEDP-LA)... In Venice, California, myself and acclaimed fashion/celebrity photographer Jeff Vespa, are presenting for a program entitled "Real Beauty, Real Body- Body Image and the Media." If you're in LA, you should come check it out! Email me for more info.

Also in the works is a luncheon fundraiser for the Foundation out here closer to my home... in Calabasas, California, just north of Los Angeles. The eating disorders treatment facility La Ventana has been gracious enough to help in our effort to raise money for treatment scholarships... they are hosting a community forum/luncheon, Friday October 2nd. I will be speaking, and we will also have silent auctions items, and KHF merchandise on sale. Jeff and Steve, my good friends at La Ventana have been absolutely amazing and so generous with their time and talents in helping us out. The eating disorders community is filled with the most gracious, kind-hearted, genuine individuals. An example...

I met the coolest guy, his name is Jeff Dooley, who works at an eating disorders clinic out here in Beverly Hills, at the Ben Franklin Institute's Summit Conference for Eating Disorders in Las Vegas earlier in June. We had a great chance to talk there, and both living and working in the Los Angeles area, have kept in touch. While discussing further how we can combine our efforts to fundraise/create awareness in Southern California, I learn that he also is a very talented writer! Wonderful person that he is, he knows I am getting my acting career off the ground, and he invited me to be the supporting lead in the short film that he was getting ready to produce; a work that had been two years in the making. Entitled Caroline and Randy, a quirky relationship dramedy with psychoanalytic perspective, we wrapped filming last Wednesday, and I had an incredible experience working on set, with Jeff and the other actors, and wonderful director Patrick J DonVito. Now, not only are we friends as advocates, but friends as artists. Like I said... individuals in the eating disorders community are some of the most giving people I've ever had the privilege to work with.

So that's a little bit about what's going on in my world... Its a little cloudy here in So-Cal this morning... but it feels kind of refreshing to me. About to go to Cardio Barre; my favorite workout! It's a class that is only offered out here in LA, a mixture of aerobics/free-weights and ballet, but without the soul-crushing combination of a leotard and pink tights. :) I'll be back to update soon, in the meantime, check this out...

Experts: Obsession With Healthy Eating Strains Relationships
FoxNews.com Article

Truth, huh?

Blessings,

Kirsten