Today at an editorial meeting, the phrase "it factor" came up in conversation. This is not one of my favorite phrases, to tell you the truth. It's one of those things we say that doesn't mean too much. Because, when it comes down to it, can you define "it factor"? I am guessing not.

But, still and yet, it is something we talk about. Many judges have used that phrase to describe our Miss Americas. The French call it "je ne sais quoi" which really just means "I don't know what." And I think that comes as close to a definition as you possibly can - I don't know what it is precisely that makes Miss America sparkle, but she has it.

When Nigel Barker, noted fashion photographer (call me, Nigel), judged the Miss America pageant, he spoke very eloquently about the concept of MIss America and celebrity. As eloquent as he was though (seriously, call me Nigel), he couldn't define the it factor. This is what I think of when someone says it:

•When she enters a room, everyone notices her.

•You feel like you are the only person in the room when she talks to you.

•She makes you want to be a better person.

What are the ways that YOU define the it factor?

Right now, we are looking back on a lot of history. This past weekend, our nation observed the anniversary of a horrific day. We are also celebrating 90 years of Miss America this month. So much has happened in our country (and the world!) and within this organization. After 90 years—after these last 10 years—I am so happy to see that we are still here.

I came across this video and loved it. Katie Harman Ebner is such a truly lovely person. I had the pleasure of attending a mini reunion of the contestants of this class, including Katie, and they were incredible.

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan will promote Dairy Queen® Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, Aug. 11, by conducting several TV and radio interviews in New York City. Teresa will also visit patients at PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ and hand out free Dairy Queen® Blizzards to promote the day.

Participating Dairy Queen® and DQ Grill & Chill® locations will celebrate the sixth annual Miracle Treat Day by donating $1 or more from every Blizzard sold to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals.

Many of our state and local titleholders will also be participating in this special event at Dairy Queen® and DQ Grill & Chill® locations across the country. Don't forget to cool off in the summer heat and help the children by getting your Blizzards® on Thursday!

Don't miss Teresa's national interviews!*

Media Schedule:

7:20 a.m. - Boomer Esaison & Craig Carton Morning Show - WFAN Radio

8:50 a.m. - Fox & Friends - Fox News Channel with morning host, Gretchen Carlson, Miss America 1989

9:30 a.m.-Fox News Radio - Sirius/XM Channel 126

Teresa will spend the week in Europe as a fashion correspondent for Joseph Ribkoff!

Miss South Carolina 2011 Bree Boyce, will be interviewed TONIGHT,  July 13, 2011 on CBS' The Insider at 7:30 p.m. ET*. TOMORROW, July 14,  she will be featured on The Joy Behar Show at 10 p.m. ET* on HLN.   FRIDAY, July 15, Bree will be co-hosting ABC's The View at 11 a.m. ET*.  She is also slated to be on EXTRA sometime this week, so stay tuned!

Bree will be interviewed about her platform, Eating Healthy and Fighting Obesity, which was inspired from her personal experience with weight loss. Tune in to hear her remarkable story and her personal journey to the 2012 Miss America Pageant

This isn't technically a product you can purchase, but still - I really like this and you have to try it! Artistry has an online tool where you can upload a photo of yourself and try out different make-up looks. It is incredibly easy to use and the make-up looks very realistic. I had such fun playing with this tool and now I have a whole list of items I want to buy for in person use! Take a look at my makeover! You can do your own makeover at: 

http://www.amway.com/Shop/Product/VirtualMakeover.aspx

This past weekend, a young lady named Dina Dreman was crowned Miss Colorado 2011. What makes her coronation even MORE special is that her mother was Miss America 1974 Rebecca Ann King. As  far as I can tell, this is the first time that the daughter of a Miss America has won a state title! I am excited for the Dreman family and to see all of the 2011 contestants crowned. You have to admit - it is pretty neat than an organization of this age is still making history and having "first times." Just think - we may have our first mother - daughter Miss America wins! 

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan will visit the Chicago's historic Wrigley Field this Saturday to perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Chicago Cubs vs. the World Champion San Francisco Giants baseball game. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX at 7 p.m. ET*! Be sure to tune in!


* Check your local listings

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan recently returned to her home state—click in to learn more about her travels!

Read about how Teresa helped promote National Volunteer Week!