Winning isn’t everything, the effort to win is.

This is a very delayed post. However, I need to thank each and everyone who made this possible and I am very grateful to those who gave me that extra push to where I am today. I participated in 2 back-to-back pageants over a period of 5 months – Miss Singapore International, followed by Miss Singapore World. I’ll blog about Miss Singapore World on a later date. This post is dedicated to you guys who made a difference in my journey for Miss Singapore International 2011 :)

I believe that to be able to represent Miss Singapore International, each and every contestant must have compassion and that encompasses having a heart of gold coupled with a burning desire to serve society. The Queen will serve as Goodwill Ambassadors of Beauty showing tenderness, benevolence, friendship, understanding, beauty and intelligence coupled with the ability to take action and have great international sensibility. The theme of Miss Singapore International is “Beauty with a Purpose”. Do you have what it takes to be crowned? I’m very proud of my dearest friend, Stella, Miss Singapore International 2011, who recently got back from China representing Singapore. As for me? I’m really honored to be crowned Miss Singapore International 2011 2nd Runner-up and the prestigious Miss Body Beautiful title.

The finals of Miss Singapore International 2011, organized by Singapore Women’s Association, was held on 2nd July 2011 (Saturday) at Raffles Town Club. I was so excited for this day that I couldn’t sleep the night before! Also, there’s a special person I would like to thank, Genecia Luo, Miss Singapore International 2006, who took me under her wing. Not only was she running a high fever that night, she came by Raffles Town Club at 3am in the morning to see me practice. Most importantly, she believed in me and affirmed my mindset which helped to unleash my innate potential and charisma, boosting my stage presence.

I have always wanted to be a Beauty Queen, for just one reason – To be able to use my status as a platform to influence and affect the masses for my cause, representing Singapore, being a role model. There are many people in this world each with different lives to lead, however many of them do not have the luck to live one full of joy and with the best of health. I find that there is a place for them in my heart and I feel that I can do more to make a positive impact on their lives. Winning isn’t everything, the effort to win is. I know in your hearts, I am already a winner that night and I believe it’s 99% hard work and 1% luck. Thank you everyone for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey. You know who you are :)

Winning this title opened many doors for me. Besides being recognized when I’m out, I get called up for interviews and special guest appearances on various media platforms ranging from online journalism to newspapers to magazines to television to radio. One of the most memorable appearances was on 早安您好! Good Morning, Singapore! where I had the chance to be on the NEWS to share my fitness regime and diet plan with the audience as a Beauty Queen and Miss Body Beautiful – a title which I’ve worked very hard for. This appearance was made possible by Genecia who was kindly introduced to me by Keith Tan from Aileron Wellness. Keith was the brains behind my body. He whipped me up in shape with a carefully thought fitness regime within a short 5 week frame.

Thank you each and everyone of you, who supported me in a way or another, physically or emotionally. It really warms my heart to see the people I love standing by me, screaming for me. *kisses* After 2 months of bonding, the pageant has come to an end. I miss you girls. Badly. And I definitely miss the times we helped to spam glitter on each other. This journey I embarked on has taught me many new things. We also learned to share and grow together as a team not an individual. Offering a helping hand through times of need, being there for each other and cheering on for one and another. Friendship with the girls is something I really treasure out of this pageant. I love you girls! Meet up soon :)

Lots of Love

♥ Cherie Lee, Contestant No. 8

Lifestyle Interview by OMY for Singapore Blog Awards 2011 – 入得厨房出得厅堂 美姐博客完美变身

Thank you OMY.sg for featuring me in their Lifestyle column. This article (attached below) is originally written in Chinese. Do “Like” my video and SUBSCRIBE to my newly created youtube channel! There, I’ll show you tips on how to maintain a beautiful body and of course, the legendary Tofumisu created by yours truly :*)

入得厨房出得厅堂　美姐博客完美变身

完美女性的定义是什么？不同的人自然看法各异，但相信都离不开”真、善、美”的特质。如果，再加上”身材姣好”、”厨艺精湛”和”能文善道”，是不是更大大的加分了呢？

25岁的李丽贤 Cherie 不仅是本地美容时尚博客，她的部落格也入围了新加坡部落格大奖的最佳时尚部落格的奖项。今年七月，丽贤更获得”新加坡国际小姐2011″选美比赛的季军荣衔和”完美体态奖 “，成为名副其实的美姐博客。

李丽贤虽然是个爱美的女生，却热爱美食也有一手难得的好厨艺， 也曾参加过电视烹饪节目如：《我要当食神》、《女人俱乐部》，展现手艺和设计菜肴的巧思妙想。

目前在一间工艺学校担任辅导员的工作已有两年的时间，用爱心来感化迷途学生。这样集美丽、爱心、好厨艺于一身，在记者看来，简直就是”入得厨房，出得厅堂”的完美女性！

拥有”漂亮体态”的李丽贤也大方分享了拥有好身段的美容秘诀，提供男女皆适用的四大保养贴士。

除此之外，热爱烹饪和提倡健康饮食的她也发挥创意，用豆腐代替芝士，来改良女人都爱吃的甜品–提拉米苏。为omy网友，李丽贤也示范如何在五分钟内制作健康的”豆腐”米 苏，快速又简单，多吃也不会致胖！

记得点击观赏精彩视频，一起学习做个懂得保养也精通烹饪的”完美女人”吧！

想知道更多关于新加坡部落格大奖和入围者的消息，请点击这里，进入新加坡部落格大奖的网页浏览吧！

Training for that Hot Bod, Miss Body Beautiful, Miss Singapore International 2011

Chérie Wellness Volume 2

Never in my wildest dreams I thought would be possible to be crowned Miss Singapore International 2011 2nd Runner-Up and also, clinch the prestigious subsidiary title every woman dreamed of, Miss Body Beautiful.

After several weeks of training and fervent preparations at Aileron Wellness, a members-exclusive gym, I was well-prepared and in tip-top condition to kickstart Miss Singapore International 2011 held on 2nd of July 2011.

♥

As mentioned in my previous Chérie Wellness series, I have been working out diligently on the Power Plate®. Power Plate® uses breakthrough technology in training and conditioning, ideal for muscle toning and muscle activation. Due to my knee and ankle problems, I’m advised to avoid dynamic movements so as not to aggravate my injuries. Incorporating isometric exercises on the Power Plate® machine helped to strengthen and tone up my muscles around the knee for better support and with higher muscle activation, I achieved longer and leaner muscles.

Photo Credits: StudioBe . Benjamin Huang Photography

Acceleration training on the Power Plate® machine makes the body feel as though it weighs more every time acceleration forces increase, making the workout more efficient and effective. Don’t be fooled by the tiny movements done on the Power Plate®, you will definitely feel the burn during the workout. My friends, Ben, Caren and Chun Wee joined me once at the gym to try out the Power Plate® machine.

Here’s what they said,

“I found that 45 sec longer than a lifetime.”

“The super-acceleration from the machine set at high intensity level made a simple Squat exercise incrementally tough.”

“My thighs were aching after one set, whilst normally I can go through a couple of sets without issue.”

♥

With my full commitment on working out at least 3 times a week at Aileron Wellness, I managed to tone up, achieving a lean bod and inches off my body in less than 6 weeks.

Like what Owner of Aileron Wellness and Master Trainer, Keith Tan said, “The epitome of health and fitness lies in having a healthy lifestyle and making exercises a way of life. It is not an option.” I aim for healthy not skinny. Working out has really improved my confidence level and boosted my self-esteem especially on stage. I’m really satisfied with my transformation and my fitness experience at Aileron Wellness where I’m exposed to different cutting edge fitness tools. I would strongly recommend this members-exclusive gym to those who desire a beautiful body at any age in achieving that enviable physique. Thank you Aileron Wellness and your wonderful team of trainers, Keith, Eddy and Andrew, for making my dream come true, taking flight in fitness and achieving that beautiful body.

Stunning Cocktail Dresses in Miss Singapore International 2011

I can’t thank you enough, i’Lovmor – The wonderful team of people behind this one-stop bridal studio – Karen, Reanne and Kassandra. Thank you for your wonderful service, unending flexibility and support throughout this competition. It is my pleasure having made lovely friends like you ladies ♥

Left to Right: Daphne Saw, Reanne from i’Lovmor, Cherie Lee

The bright yellow cocktail dress I wore during the finals for Miss Singapore International 2011 is wonderfully made and beautifully adorned with shimmering crystals.

I love how the intricate designs and refined detailing created a sexy silhouette, giving the judges an illusion of me ‘floating’ gracefully down the runway.

5 Subsidiary Title Holders from Left to Right: Novell Tan – Miss Personality, Mabel Lim – Miss Crowning Glory, Cherie Lee – Miss Body Beautiful, Yunny Yong – Miss Elegance, Stella Kae – Miss Photogenic

The other girls wearing specially designed cocktail dresses by i’Lovmor.

Ladies, i’Lovmor offers more than what you’re looking for. Meticulous made-to-measure handcrafted gowns and impeccable quality stunning dresses at amazing prices. I popped by there a few days ago to rent a gown and was told that in conjunction with the Great Singapore Sales, there’s up to 70% discount for in-store gowns and 15% discount for made-to-measure gowns starting from today, 15th July to 23rd July 2011. They are located at 402 Orchard Road, Delfi Orchard #02-15, Singapore 238876. Otherwise, you can give them a call at 6235 8900 to enquire :)

All you need is that perfect dress to complete your beautiful occasion.

Thank you i’Lovmor ♥