Model: Abigail Michelle, abigail-michelle.com

Photographer: Jim Jurica, jimjurica.com

Hair and Makeup: Andrea Ryl-kuchar, semprebella.net

You will have to stay tuned to see which one we pick!

Get lit!

- Spotlight Team

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2. Model Spotlight – April 2011 – Delight Thao Name: Delight Thao Ethnicity: Hmong Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Height: 5’3″...

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Like the rest of the country, the temperature is extremely hot in Chicago with some days having heat indices of over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.  In fact, many residents throughout the area are still suffering from power outages from a recent storm. Luckily, I had my Spotlights™ handy when the power at home was out.  With Spotlights™ placed strategically in my car, purse, kitchen, bathroom, etc., I am always ready at a moment’s notice.

The other day, I received a personal testimonial from a lady who works in the same office building.  I had given her a couple of Spotlights™ shortly after we met, and she said that the Spotlight™ in her car “saved the day.”  She and her husband went out for the evening, and when they returned to their car, they were unable to drive out of their parking spot.  It was a very warm night, and they were anxious to get home.  However, they had no idea what was going on with their car.  She remembered that she left her Spotlight™ in the 12-volt power outlet socket.  When she brought it outside to look at the car, they noticed that it was so warm that the tar stuck onto the tires.  Once they peeled the tar off their tires, they were able to drive out of their spot.  She thanked me for introducing Spotlight™ to her.

We always like hearing Spotlight™ stories.  It makes us feel good when people tell us how glad that they are that they have Spotlights™, and I am personally proud to be part of the Spotlight™ family.

Remember, we are continuously featuring models, cars, and light graffiti artists.  With an existing Spotlight™ fan base, this is your opportunity to shine and gain more exposure!  Remember that being featured can lead to additional opportunities with Spotlight™, so this is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself.

Finally, visit the new website http://www.SpotlightTM.com!  Spotlight™ is the coming together of Spotlight™ rechargeable led light fans worldwide.  Through our free networking site, you are able to interact with other members of the illuminaughty and share photos, videos, groups, reviews, etc.  Of course, the content is not limited to just Spotlight™.

Tomorrow, I have a big hiking trip, and my day pack would not be complete without my Spotlight™!  I made sure that my hiking companions are outfitted with their own Spotlights™, too, as we navigate through the wilderness.

Get Lit,
Abigail

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Have you heard of our new website http://www.SpotlightTM.com?  Spotlight™ is the coming together of Spotlight™ rechargeable led light fans worldwide.  Through our free networking site, you are able to interact with other members of the illuminaughty and share photos, videos, groups, reviews, etc.  Of course, the content is not limited to just Spotlight™.  For instance, one of our latest groups include Sponsorship Advice, so that people who are looking for sponsors can gain some insight from those who are already sponsored.

Best of all, if you use the site often, you gain Karma points, which may be redeemed for Spotlight™ goodies.  Don’t be left in the dark!  Come into our Spotlight!

SEMA

While the Spotlight crew toured the Western United States, one of our stops included the most anticipated event of the year – SEMA.  Hosted by one of distributors US Speedo, we had attendees meet models Mariel Mendoza at the parties and Abigail Michelle at the booth.  Both handed out personalized Spotlight™ fliers while they greeted fans.  Spotlight™ gurus Bill Reimann, Matt Swisher, and Mark Clulow, demonstrated the new products in our lineup and answered any questions that attendees had.

Obviously, more happened on this trip, but as the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…”

Features

As we roll into 2011, we are still going to continue feature models, cars, and light graffiti artists.  With an existing Spotlight™ fan base, this is your opportunity to shine and gain more exposure!  Remember that being featured can lead to additional opportunities with Spotlight™, so this is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself. 

Click here to view additional information about submissions.  Questions may be directed to models@12vspotlight.com.

Holiday Shopping

Finally, make sure to add http://www.12Vspotlight.com items to your shopping list!  We have so many items for the guys and gals in your life.  Let us know how  Spotlight™ has changed your life.

Happy holidays from the Spotlight crew!

Get Lit,
12Vspotlight.com

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During ABC’s season finale of “The Bachelor,” they announced the lineup of celebrities for the long-anticipated new season of “Dancing with the Stars.”  With this eclectic group of celebrities, this should be an interesting season, which begins Monday, March 22, 2010:

Evan Lysacek, 24, Olympic gold medalist, & Anna Trebunskaya
Erin Andrews, 31, ESPN reporter, & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Nicole Scherzinger, 31, singer/songwriter, & Derek Hough
Aiden Turner, 32, soap star, & Edyta Sliwinska
Chad Ochocinco, 32, NFL star, & Cheryl Burke
Jake Pavelka, 32, ‘The Bachelor’, & Chelsie Hightower
Kate Gosselin, 35, reality TV personality, & Tony Dovolani
Shannen Doherty, 37, actress, & Mark Ballas
Niecy Nash, 40, actress, & Louis Van Amstel
Pamela Anderson, 42, actress/model, & Damian Whitewood
Buzz Aldrin, 80, astronaut, & Ashley Costa

While the “Dancing with the Stars” series maintains its success, local dance studios around the country remain popular.  It seems, at least to me, that everyone has caught the “dance fever,” sort of speak.  I definitely have caught it, too, as I am in the midst of my third dance class.  I have just finished the third lesson in Salsa.

Photo credit: ABC

Since we have previously posted a lesson in the Rumba, http://www.12vspotlight.com/blog/2009/11/02/73/put-your-dancing-shoes-on/, I am now going to teach you the basic Salsa.

Salsa Dance Steps

Salsa is one of the most popular Latin dances, and it is definitely hot and spicy.  At first glance, it seems that this dance is very difficult, but it is actually very easy to learn.  In only ten minutes, you will learn this fun, energetic dance!

Salsa is danced in a closed position, partners facing each other.  The gentleman holds the lady’s right hand with his left hand.  His right hand is placed around her waist.  Her left hand is placed on his right shoulder.

The basic Salsa rhythm is very easy – quick, quick, slow; quick, quick, slow.  The slow step consumes 2 beats of music and the quick steps only one.

Salsa Basic Steps

There are various styles and variations of Salsa, but as a beginner, you should start at a beginning.  Here are the basic salsa steps for beginners:

Basic Salsa Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward.  The man’s steps are as follows:

You need to start with both feet together. Remember, practice makes perfect.

1. Step forward with your left foot (first beat)
2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
3. Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
4. Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
5. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
6. Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)

Basic Salsa Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. (My male dance teachers always joke, “The woman is always right.”)  The woman’s steps are as follows:

You need to start with both feet together. Practice makes perfect for you, too.

1. Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
2. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
3. Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
4. Step forward with your left foot (first beat)
5. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
6. Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)

Source: http://www.dancing4beginners.com/salsa-steps.htm

Like I recommended before, you may want to search for videos of this on YouTube if this would make it easier to watch.  I always take comfort in that my father says, “It is better to have a strong male dancer.  It is his job to make the lady look good.”  Sorry guys, the pressure is on you!

Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com

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Reprinted from EnjukuGirls.com – http://enjukugirls.com/featured-girl/enjuku-girl-november-2009

1/5/2010

We apologize in the delay of posting up this interview, but we have been very busy wrapping up the Holiday season and keeping all of our customers at Enjuku Racing happy. Enjoy the interview with Abigail Michelle, our November 2009 winner!

EnjukuGirls.com: Congratulations on being November’s Enjuku Girl, Abigail!!! Is there anyone that you wanted to thank for helping you win?

Abigail Michelle: First of all, thank you, Enjuku Racing, for giving me this opportunity to represent you this month, and thank you, Tunerzine.com, for conducting this interview. I am grateful to all of those who voted and to 12vspotlight.com for promoting my participation in this contest. Most of all, I would like to thank my fans for your never-ending support. Your words of encouragement truly inspire me!

EnjukuGirls.com: We know all of your fans came out to vote for you, do you have any weird fan stories?

Abigail Michelle: Only two stories come to mind. Once, during last year’s Hot Import Nights tour, I had a little boy who couldn’t be more than ten years old start hitting on me. Immediately, I thought to myself, “Wow, they are starting even younger.” Also, I had a fan offer to fly me out to Southern California, so we could go out for a drink. Both situations caught me off guard!

EnjukuGirls.com: A woman that has so many people following her career has to have to have a #1 fan. Do you know who yours is?

Abigail Michelle: Undoubtedly, my #1 fans are my parents and my brother. Whether I was struggling in my fluid dynamics class in college or made a bad life choice in general, they have truly shown me what unconditional love is.

As far as those who know me from modeling, it would be impossible for me to pinpoint just one fan in particular. All of them have been so wonderful and unique in their own way! I am humbled and flattered by their devotion.

EnjukuGirls.com: You have such an impressive resume – Maxim Hometown Hottie, Playboy Girls of Golf, Jay Leno appearance, HIN Semi Finalist… Which of those experiences has helped your career the most?

Abigail Michelle: Surprisingly enough, the most invaluable experience I have had is something not listed in my modeling credits – my MBA. The skills I acquired in graduate school helped me manage my career. Modeling is much more than being attractive – it’s a business. You are the product, and your name is the brand. I am continuously marketing the brand and protecting the reputation of its image.

EnjukuGirls.com: We have heard through the grapevine that not only are you beautiful (we already new that), but you are one of the nicest girls in the industry. Do you think it makes your job harder?

Abigail Michelle: Hmmm… I do not necessarily think of it as a chore to be nice. I remember in third grade, my teacher had the Golden Rule carved on a wooden paddle: “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.” Ever since then, I have always tried to practice that. Admittedly, there are times when people have taken advantage of my generosity, so I have to be cautious.

EnjukuGirls.com: Enough serious talk for me… lets move on to some personal stuff Tell us about your pet.

Abigail Michelle: Sugar, a six-year-old lop ear rabbit, is my adorable companion. She is very independent. Since Sugar is litter box-trained, she roams the house freely. She enjoys eating, napping, and watching television. I do envy her lifestyle.

EnjukuGirls.com: If Sugar could talk, what would she say?

Abigail Michelle: “Mommy, I love you. I’m hungry – now feed me!”

EnjukuGirls.com: If she was a super bunny, what powers would she have?

Abigail Michelle: She would have the ability to teleport. That way, she can travel to the finest gardens in the world and have a feast. I am sure that she would think that was more delicious than the vegetables from the local grocery store.

EnjukuGirls.com: What super powers would you have?

Abigail Michelle: As my alter ego Samurai Mai in my first comic book feature, I am already stopping an assassin from completing his deadly mission. Naturally, my super power should be martial arts. Abigail Michelle Fact: Supergirl wears Abigail Michelle pajamas to bed at night. Watch out, Chuck Norris!

EnjukuGirls.com: Abigail and Sugar save the world!!!! Speaking of the world, it’s a really big place, if you were rich and could buy a whole continent, which would you choose?

Abigail Michelle: I choose Asia since I still have a lot of family there.

EnjukuGirls.com: Would you rename it?

Abigail Michelle: I wouldn’t even know where to begin to think of a new name.

EnjukuGirls.com: I would choose Asia, too, because all of my favorite foods come from there.

Abigail Michelle: So do mine…

EnjukuGirls.com: Do you have any favorite foods?

Abigail Michelle: Oh, goodness… I do love eating. However, my vices are sushi, French fries, and Filipino food. When I am sad, ice cream miraculously cheers me up most of the time. Also, I absolutely adore the bread pudding from Horseshoe Casino, but I have been unsuccessful in trying to coax the recipe out of them!

EnjukuGirls.com: MMMM… I always do these interviews on an empty stomach. Big mistake, because I always talk about food. LOL

Abigail Michelle:

EnjukuGirls.com: What’s your dream car?

Abigail Michelle: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

EnjukuGirls.com: We see you do a little drag racing. Are you any good?

Abigail Michelle: I think I am decent – for a beginner, of course. Thankfully, I learned about the “tree” when I was working as a model for GM Performance Parts. Practicing in their drag race simulator has definitely helped my reaction time in real life!

EnjukuGirls.com: Do you see yourself leaving modeling to pursue driving as a career or is it more of a hobby?

Abigail Michelle: Actually, I view modeling and driving both as hobbies. Nothing beats the feeling of the adrenaline rush you experience at the starting line. However, I haven’t found a way to make money driving, yet.

EnjukuGirls.com: Well, Abigail, model or driver, Enjuku loves you. Now tell all of our readers why they should vote for you for girl of the year.

Abigail Michelle: It would be an amazing experience to be Enjuku Girl of the year. We would make the perfect team – Enjuku Racing has specialized in Nissan performance, and I am the current Miss Follow the Z Nashville! As a model, driver, and fan of the motorsports industry, I promise to represent Enjuku Racing with enthusiasm and integrity. Until then, I will see you at the starting line!

In the meantime, Abigail is currently in the running for Enjuku Girl of the Year.  The winner receives a generous cash prize and magazine ad feature.  Please vote for her continuously here: http://enjukugirls.com/vote-2009-girl/abigail-michelle

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Name: Abigail Michelle
Ethnicity: Filipina
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Height: 5’6″
Weight: 120 lbs
Stats: 34B-26-36
Occupation: Model/Actress
Degrees: Bachelor of Science Engineering, Master of Business Administration
Websites: http://www.abigail-michelle.com, http://www.abigailm.com

Describe yourself in three words.
Genuine , Sincere , Trustworthy

What trait do you like most about yourself?
No matter what I do, I try to remain grounded.  Life experiences have taught me what is really important: God, family, and love.

How long have you been modeling, and how did you get started?
I have only been modeling for less than two years.  On a whim, I posted a few of the photos that Alex Goykhman took of me on One Model Place, and to my surprise, I was immediately contacted by Chicago-area photographers for work.  Through my collaboration with other photographers, hair stylists, and makeup artists, I was able to develop my portfolio, and instantly, I experienced life as a working model.

What are some of your modeling highlights so far?
Through my participation in the Playboy Girls of Golf 2009, I experienced walking the red carpet for the first time, met several Hollywood celebrities, and established a working relationship with the Playboy family.  As Nissan was unveiling their new 370Z by touring the country, I garnered the Miss Follow the Nissan Z crown in Nashville, Tennessee.  My win helped me earn a coveted finalist position in the Miss Hot Import Nights 2009 model search.

What do you do for fun?
Aside from spending time with my loved ones, I enjoy being mommy to my rabbit Sugar, playing piano, and drag racing.

What is your best beauty secret?
If I do not have time put on makeup, I will put on lip gloss or lipstick, and wear a pair of sunglasses.  This instantly gives a finished look.

What are some of your upcoming projects?
For hhgregg, an appliance and electronics retailer headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, I just completed a national ad campaign shoot, which includes billboards throughout the Eastern U.S.  In addition, I finished filming for an Eli Lilly & Co. training video series, which will be translated in over a dozen languages and viewed worldwide.  Finally, I have just inked a deal with Red Skye Comics to star in my very own featured comic book entitled “Samurai Mai.”

Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
1. Be selective in your choice of photographers and other collaborators.
2. Know what your goals are and set your boundaries.
3. Be persistent, and you will be successful.
4. Above all, do not get disheartened.

Why do you love 12VSpotlight?
It is great to have a light whenever I need it.  By simply plugging in my spotlight into my car’s cigarette lighter, I can instantly recharge it.  Be in the spotlight!

Do you have any closing remarks?
Thank you to 12VSpotlight for featuring me.  Most of all, thank you to my family and friends for your never-ending support.

Photographer Credits: Photos by Alexander, Markese Photography, Thorne Washington

If you would like to be featured in our “Model Spotlight,” please click here.

To view previously featured models, please click here.

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At this time of economic downturn and as the stores prepare for holiday shoppers, I recall an interesting article that I read last year on my way to my downtown office.  Chicagoans are very familiar with the “Red Eye,” the popular publication which you can obtain free from select locations throughout the city.  There was a two-page spread featuring Dave Bruno, a San Diego resident who realized that his family’s belongings were weighing them down.  As a result, he started the 100 Thing Challenge.

Throughout the year, Bruno has been documenting his journey on his website, http://www.guynameddave.com/100-thing-challenge.html, of trying to narrow his belongings and to live for one full year with only 100 possessions.  This upcoming one-year anniversary marks the official end of the project.

Little did I realize, Bruno’s project started a 100 Thing Challenge movement.  Devoted followers of his website were inspired to participate in the project, and some even started their own blogs.  In fact, Bruno’s project became so well-known that he was featured in Time magazine, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1812048,00.html.  It is apparent that the desire to declutter is shared among many as TLC’s “Clean Sweep” remains to be a popular television show.

While I highly doubt that I would be able to whittle down my possessions to the magic 100, I have always kept Bruno’s amazing project in mind.  Because of modeling, my clothing and makeup products alone would probably disqualify me from the project.  Moreover, I inherited my mother’s “pack-rat” genes, so I am constantly challenged in throwing away things.  However, I draw inspiration from the idea.

It has been my experience that my material belongings weigh me down, too.  Not only do you have to keep them organized, but merely looking at them can add an element of stress.  A quote from the movie “Fight Club” says it best: “Then you’re trapped in your lovely nest, and the things you used to own, now they own you.”

I have really started to narrow the number of my possessions.  My younger cousins have inherited some of my clothes that I no longer fit, used for photo shoots, or never wore.  This summer, I participated in two garage sales, and things that I really did not need benefited those who were down on their luck or those just in search of a bargain.   In this digital age, I do not own CDs anymore as all music I own are housed in iTunes and my iPod.  Also, I made frequent trips to Goodwill in hopes that my items could be useful to others.  Plus, I have rediscovered Ebay, and I am constantly looking around the house for items I should sell.

This is still a continuous journey for me.  Nevertheless, I have learned not to place so much importance on material things but value experiences more.

Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com

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My father is quite gifted on the dance floor, and he advised me to take ballroom dancing classes.  (He was never a fan of the ever-popular “let’s sway side to side,” and since we are Filipino, it is almost imperative that we dance.)  With his encouragement and his rhythmic genes, I recently started basic ballroom group lessons.  I have six classes under my belt, and I already feel like somewhat of an expert after learning the basic Rumba, Waltz, and Jitterbug.

I have been having such a good time, and I would like to share a dance lesson with you.  The Rumba is such a basic dance, and it is a good foundation for other dances:

Rumba Dance Steps

Rumba, also known as the “dance of love”, the “Latin Waltz” or the “Waltz with a wiggle”, is a spot dance which means the couple does not travel around the dance floor like in Waltz or Foxtrot, but rather stays in one location. The basic Rumba step is a very simple box step.

Rumba is a very sensuous dance that can be either danced as romantic or as very showy and coquettish. The great rhythms and sexy movements make it one of the most popular dances for weddings.

You start dancing Rumba in a closed dance position. The man’s left hand is holding the lady’s right hand with the elbows almost touching. The man’s right hand is placed underneath the lady’s shoulder blade. The lady’s left hand is placed right behind the man’s shoulder, flat on his back.

The basic box step for Rumba consist of three basic steps (a pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step) in one measure of music. The rhythm of the steps is slow-quick-quick, and is danced to a music written in 4/4 time. A Slow step is danced over two counts of music, while a Quick step is danced over one count.

Rumba Basic Steps

The basic Rumba step is very easy – it’s a simple box step, with the lady mirroring the man’s steps.

Basic Rumba Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward. The man’s steps are as follows:

1. Step forward with your left foot
2. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
3. Move your left foot to your right foot
4. Step back with your right foot
5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
6. Move your right foot to your left foot

Basic Rumba Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. The woman’s steps are as follows:

1. Step back with your right foot
2. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
3. Move your right foot to your left foot
4. Step forward with your left foot
5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
6. Move your left foot to your right foot

Source: http://www.dancing4beginners.com/rumba-dance-steps.htm

If you think it would be easier to learn ballroom dancing by watching others perform, please feel free to find videos of it on YouTube.  According to my father, you can find some quality teachers on there.

So next time you are at a party, you are sure to impress the other guests with your new moves.  In the meantime, I begin to learn Latin dancing tonight.  Who knows?  Maybe we will meet on the dance floor some time, and I will ask, “May I have this dance?”  And you’ll be ready…

Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com

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