There were three things I loved during my early teen years: shopping, playing with Barbies and watching Miss America pageants.

While I finally stopped playing with Barbies more than a decade ago (or so I say), I still make time to shop and watch the pageant on TV.

So wouldn’t it be a dream to shop and see Miss America live, all in one trip? At Fashion Show Mall’s runway in the Great Hall, you’ll get a chance to catch a sneak peek of all 53 2010 Miss America Contestants (including Miss Puerto Rico, Miss District of Columbia and Miss U.S. Virgin Islands), at a public “meet and greet” on Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. And it’s free! This is the perfect day trip with you and your girls.

The event kicks off with Miss America contestants on the catwalk. Don’t forget to bring your camera! After your photo opportunity, the contestants will sign autographs through 6:45 p.m.  

And for the guys who aren’t exactly thrilled about shopping, think of it this way: This is your chance to meet and greet  more than 50 beautiful women. So be on your best behavior.