Adrienne Watson Carver, Mrs. Maryland 2007

Five Things I Have To Have Now

October 28, 2007

Adrienne Watson Carver, Mrs. Maryland 2007, has just returned from Tucson, Ariz., where she placed among the top 10 in this year's Mrs. America pageant. She has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, theToday show, Cafe B-more, Grace and Glory at Midnight and Baltimore 2night. A former Ravens cheerleader, she is the owner of Studio "A" Modeling, Etiquette and Dance Academy in Randallstown and is the founder of the Studio "A" Foundation, which for the past three years has awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to Baltimore-area high school juniors and seniors. Carver also is the pageant coach for Miss Maryland America, Shana Powell, who will compete in the Miss America 2008 pageant in January.

She is married to comedian/actor Stacey Carver and they have three children: Stacey Jr., 7; Austin, 6; and Aarin-Christina, 4.

1. Tuesday evening "date night" with husband

"Our three children stay with my mother and celebrate 'Grand-mere Night' along with all of their cousins. This is our time to enjoy quiet time together and a delicious meal without saying, 'stop it,' 'put it down,' 'no,' 'sit down,' 'be quiet,' 'come here,' and finally, 'we're leaving!'"

2. Annual family vacation to Disney

"For the past three years we have gone to Disney World in Florida, and each year we've had a blast. This year we are going to Disneyland in California during the Thanksgiving holiday. I can't wait."

3. Lots of red items in my wardrobe

"I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and our colors are crimson and cream. Every Delta needs a little red dress or hot red and white outfit to throw on."

4. A crochet garment made by Baltimore designer Elena Siri

"Each year that I've competed in pageants, I've had either my high-fashion outfit, my opening-number dress, or my state costume made by Elena Siri. Each time, I made a statement with my crochet garments and received rave reviews."

5. A Bible

"Bible verses give me that word of encouragement when I am sad, hurting, or looking for confirmation. I also use [the Bible] when I need to find a word of encouragement for someone else. ... Every situation in the world is in there. It's my road map for life."

[LIZ ATWOOD]