Wow, what a thrill it was to be nominated for 2010 NAHA makeup artist of the year!

Since this was my first nomination, I was a nervous wreck—so many parties and events. I was honored, but the main thing on mind was: I didn’t have a thing to wear. For those of you that don’t know me, I never dress up. I mean, I wear sneakers, shorts and t-shirts almost year round. Yes, it was time to shop. For three weeks before NAHA, I ran from store to store trying on various combos of pants, shirts, vests and suits. Finally, in the end, I went with some skinny trousers, a t-shirt, a leather vest and pair of silver sneakers. It was me, but a bit more dressed up version of me.

When I arrived in Vegas, it was 118 degrees in the shade. Lucky for everyone, the entire event was at the Mandalay Bay—a huge casino, hotel and convention center. Of course, I had to try some slot machines (I won $5 and lost $30) and the casino buffet, which turned out to be quite tasty loved the fresh shrimp and crab legs.

From the time I arrived, it was so much fun to meet and greet so many motivated beauty professionals. Highlights include meeting Shear Genius winner Brig Van Osten and Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher.

The awards show itself was amazing. I loved the incredible fashion shows by Fateemah and Vivienne Mackinder, and was moved by Beth Minardi's acceptance speech when she won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

MODERN SALON Editor-in-Chief Laurel Nelson, me and Senior Editor Alison Shipley at NAHA.

I jumped to my feet when superstar hairstylist Nicholas French won the Avant Garde category - the photos I worked on and was nominated for. Nicholas thanked me from the stage for my contributions and I almost fell out of my seat.

Finally, it was my category. I was shaking in my pants when the presenter announced my name over the loudspeaker. I had to keep a sane face, because the camera flashes your face onto a big screen just like at the Oscars.

Alas, I didn't win, but I felt like a winner just being at NAHA.

Until next year!