Miss USA Snapchat Takeover Recap

Hey Everyone!

I hope your week is off to a great start!  I can’t believe that in just 12 days I leave for Miss USA.  It’s kind of funny, at times it feels so surreal and at other times it hits me that this is actually happening!  My Miss USA Snapchat Takeover day was one of those days where all I could think about was the fact that I’m really representing New Mexico at Miss USA! 

On my Snapchat takeover day, I ran around the city of Albuquerque for over 17 hours trying to film as much as I possibly could.  It was important to me that everyone watching on this worldwide platform got a glimpse of New Mexico.  I also wanted everyone to get to know me a little bit more.  Some of you have been following my journey for quite some time, however there are a lot of people out there who only know me at Miss New Mexico USA!   I had so much I wanted to share that 24 hours didn’t seem like enough time, but I made certain to take advantage of every minute!

I know there are a lot of people out there who don’t have Snapchat, so I thought it would be fun to do a little recap of my day!

I woke up at 4am.  I start off having technical difficulties signing into the official Miss USA snapchat account which was a little scary knowing that I had to be ready for the first activity at 6:00am.  Thankfully, I was able to get everything taken care of before my day officially started.  Shout out to the girls who helped me out! (You know who you are… wink wink! #SlaySquad)

After I was signed into the account and ready to go, I introduced everyone to my cat, Bella!  I got ready for the first activity and then made my glass of hot lemon water with cayenne pepper! 

Around 6:00 am, I hit the road and headed towards our launch location for my very first hot air balloon ride!   I was so thankful to Christine, Jessica, and the Hearts a Fire Balloon crew who so graciously offered to take me up in a hot air balloon for New Mexico’s  snapchat takeover day! 

The Balloon Fiesta is my all-time favorite event in Albuquerque! Being able to showcase our beautiful city from 3,500+ ft in the air was incredible.  We flew over the Rio Grande at sunrise and the entire morning was just perfect.  The weather was great, it was a gorgeous day, and everything was off to a wonderful start!

After our balloon ride, I had just enough time to swing by our Thursday morning office meeting at Coldwell Banker Legacy.  I was able to introduce everyone watching to my place of work, show them my office, and tell them how it really is working with mom!

Once I was done showing everyone around my work, I drove downtown and taped an interview with my most favorite radio host, Kiki Garcia with 93.3 KOB FM!   We had so much fun... like always!

This year, the 66^th Miss USA will be crowned… so I thought it was appropriate to take a photo by the historic Route 66 sign!

After we were done with all the morning activities, I was STARVING!  We stopped at my favorite lunch spot in Albuquerque, Flying Star Café!   I ordered a salad and a breakfast burrito with “Christmas” because let’s be honest… I wouldn’t be doing New Mexico justice if I didn’t highlight a BB with both Red AND Green chile!!!

Once we were done with lunch, I came back to the house and shared a lot  about my blog, why I started it, what I talk about my blog, and why I titled it Sparkling from the Inside Out.  I also talked about writing daily gratitudes and affirmations.  This was probably the most special part of the day as I received so many heartfelt messages! There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve inspired someone in some way!

While I was at home, I shared a few photos of my family and my best friend, Kristen!  My parents will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this August!

And here is a picture of Kristen and I! We met at kindergarten orientation.  This is a picture of us
at our kindergarten graduation and our high school graduation!

I took sometime to talk about Special Spaces and what the organizations means to me! I shared a couple of stories from my favorite room makeovers! 

Of course, I couldn't leave out the fact that I've been competing for the title of Miss New Mexico USA for 8+ years!  I shared about my journey and my road to Miss USA.  Thankfully, I was able to share the moment all of my dreams came true! My crowning moment! In case you haven't seen it, click play below! 

I also share that on top of working in real estate, finishing up my degree, and being Miss New Mexico USA, I also teach Spin, Barre, and Yoga!  I showed everyone a few videos from my classes and then headed to the park to do some yoga!

Around dinner time, I met up with my family at my favorite Mexican food restaurant, Zacatecas!  I’m slightly obsessed with tacos and I hadn’t had any in awhile so this was a treat for me!

We finished dinner with just enough time to grab a picture in front of the Breaking Bad house, then ran up to the foothills to take a quick picture of the sunset!

I had a few things on my list that I didn’t get to but since it was late in the evening, I decided to come home and show everyone how to make fresh juice with a juicer.  We did a little juicing 101 seminar which was so much fun for me. 

I finished the night up with sharing a few of my favorite books, writing out thank you cards to everyone who helped with the entire day, and answering a few questions!

My Snapchat takeover was probably one of the most memorable and fun days of my life!  It’s days like this where I am just so beyond thankful for this experience!

I hope you enjoyed my recap of my Miss USA Snapchat takeover day!   Be sure and tune into FOX on May 14^th for the big show… Miss USA that is!!!!

Xoxo 

Ashley Mora

#TeamNewMexico 

Becoming Miss USA

For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to be was Miss USA. In fact, Miss USA is even listed as my dream job in the year book from my senior year of high school!  I feel so incredibly fortunate that every single day I have the opportunity to pursue my wildest dream. 

As I prepare for the biggest event of my life, I feel an overwhelming sense of purpose. With each passing day, I work as hard as I can to give myself the absolute best shot at Miss USA.  More than ever before, I believe in my purpose.  I believe that with a gentle and genuine heart, hard work, humility, integrity, a vision, and inspiration, you can achieve anything you want in this world.  I also believe that those are qualities of a leader- which is exactly the kind of woman Miss USA is.  

Today marks 24 days until I leave for Miss USA!  I wanted to share a few of my personal daily reminders.  I go over these 7 mantras every day.  They inspire me and fuel my purpose.  Maybe they will do the same for you!  

Dream it

It all begins in the heart and mind. 

Believe it

Although at times your dream can seem out of reach, you must believe that with determination, the help of others, and hard work……. it can be done.

See it

One of my favorite quotes is, “Your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, and your actions become your character.”  The mind is a powerful.  I believe you have to envision your future self accomplishing your goals in order for them to happen.  You have to “see” it.  

Plan it

You have to sit down and create a game plan.  How will you achieve your dream?  Set small goals. Every decision made is important.  Your short term tasks, multiplied by time, equal long term success. Turn your dream into a goal and do what you need to do to accomplish it.  

Work it

Successful people are the harder workers.  Plain and simple.  There are no short cuts when it comes to achieving a grand dream.  

Enjoy it

There is beauty in the journey.  When you get where you want to go, you’ll look back and smile at what it took to get you there.  This is something I try and remind myself of everyday.  I feel like a sponge, trying to soak up everything I can because I know time is going to fly!   

I’m excited to share my official Miss USA headshot with you all!  I’m so humbled by the fact that I get to represent my beautiful home state at Miss USA.  New Mexico has such a huge piece of my heart and I’m beyond grateful to share this experience with you all! 

xoxo, 

Ashley 

Choose Self-Love this Valentines Day

Happy Monday! 

Love is in the air this month!  With Valentines Day right around the corner, I wanted to take some time and talk about self-love on the blog today. 

One of, if not THE most important relationship you will ever have, is the relationship you have with yourself.  I mean seriously, who else are you going to spend 24/7 with for the rest of your life?  Loving yourself for who you are isn’t easy… especially in today’s world when we are constantly being told we need to look, feel, and act a certain way in order to obtain happiness and success.  The truth is, the media and social media clutters our mind everyday with false hope.  So many people scroll the feed and think once they find that picture perfect relationship or land that dream job THEN they’ll finally be happy, but the thing is you have to truly love  and accept yourself first.  You have to be happy on your own, be grateful for what you do have, and then everything else will fall into place.  There is only one person who holds the key to your happiness and that person is you! 

Self-love and self-care should be something that we are constantly working on.  They should always be evolving.  In today’s blog I wanted share a few instrumental daily rituals that have helped me along the journey to loving and accepting myself… flaws and all.  We were created to shine, but that light has to come from within! 

1. Change your thoughts 

How do you talk to yourself?  I know I am my worst critic.  I still sometimes struggle with this because it’s so easy to talk negatively to yourself.  However, we have to free ourselves from being so hard on our bodies and ourselves.  One of my favorite quotes is “your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, and your actions become your character”  It’s pretty crazy how powerful the mind can be.  Everything we do stems from the way that we think, which in my opinion is pretty amazing because we can choose to create positive thoughts.  Try writing down some affirmations everyday…  I am beautiful, I am strong, I am enough.  Before you know it, you will be confident in all of those things! 

2. Express gratitude every day 

One of the best things you can do is take the time everyday to write down 5 things you're grateful for.  I know it can seem petty, however this has been life changing for me.  When you start focusing on what you do have, rather than what you don't have, you're entire perspective on life changes.  Expressing gratitude and appreciating the small things is an amazing and beautiful way to live life.  I encourage you to try expressing gratitude everyday for one month! 

3. Practice the things you expect from your partner  

So we expect the world from our significant other, but can we offer the things we yearn for?  Every other relationship we have- friends, family, career, and happiness stems from how we feel about ourselves. Take a moment and write down all of the things that are important to you in a relationship and then ask yourself (and be honest!) if you can offer each of those things.  Instead of looking for the perfect person, work on becoming the perfect person and then you will start attracting like minded individuals.  

4. Take time to unplug 

Whether you need to do this everyday for 15 minutes, once a week, or once a month, take some time to unplug from social media and center your thoughts.  Without distraction, think about your needs, wants, and goals, and make a plan to achieve those things! 

5. Take baby steps towards a healthier you  

When you feel good, you look good!   Regardless of your goals, we can all work on becoming healthier.  Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods and be intentional with what you put into your body… you only have one, so take care of it!  Try doing one small thing every single day that makes you a better, healthier you! 

There is so much magic in loving yourself that will make you radiate from the inside out!  Self-love brings so much peace into your life and it overflows into everything you do.  Once you start to love yourself, life will feel ridiculously good. 

This Valentine’s day, decide to make a positive shift and move forward with ease. Embrace having a deep, loving relationship with YOU! 

Xoxo, 

Ash 

#SparklingFromTheInsideOut 

Makeup by Alanna Garcia 

Photos by Rebekah Villanueva 

Makeup by Alanna Garcia 

Photos by Rebekah Villanueva 

Miss New Mexico USA 2017

OMG… I’M MISS NEW NEW MEXICO USA 2017!!!!!!! I’m still in total shock but in the midst of the excitement, I wanted to take some time and reflect on this past weekend!  
It’s been hard to describe the feelings and emotions I’ve felt the past 48 hours, as nothing ever seems to equate to the amount of happiness I feel in my heart.  Becoming Miss New Mexico USA has not only been a dream of mine but something that I have been incredibly passionate about for so many years.  My “Why I want to be Miss New Mexico USA” is something that has evolved and changed tremendously over the past 10 years and there are several different reasons this title, this honor, this privilege, and this once in a lifetime opportunity means EVERYTHING to me.  

Being Miss New Mexico USA means more to me than just a crown, more than a year of incredible experiences, and even more than going to Miss USA.  Of course, I’m looking forward to all of those things and I will surely cherish every single moment however, to me winning this title was about giving people hope.  Inspiring them to have unrelenting faith that things will work out, and proving that you can achieve your dream if you never give up.  I could have easily walked away every year after placing runner up time and time again, but I knew that if I was given the opportunity to represent my state, I would take it and run with it.  I knew that I would work tirelessly to leave a lasting legacy and inspire as many people as I possibly could with the 365 days I had as Miss New Mexico USA.  It wasn’t an easy road, and let me just say that at times there was a lot of heart-ache.  Anyone who has ever competed knows how much hard work goes into competing but if you continue to persist and persevere, one day it will happen and in that moment it will ALL be worth it! 

As all of the state pageants come to close, I know there are hundreds of girls across the country who are feeling defeated and disappointed.  I have been in your shoes so many times before, but please don’t feel hopeless.  I absolutely would not be the woman I am today if I hadn’t competed in pageants.  There is so much to gain and learn from pageantry that you can’t learn anywhere else.  To be able to walk confidently into a room and know exactly who you are and what you stand for- and love yourself for that is beautiful thing.  No one will EVER be able to take that away from you.  I will forever be grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for instilling the true meaning of being “Confidently Beautiful” in me.  Whether you’re competing in pageants or just chasing a dream, hold the vision and trust the process.  You have to always remember that hard work will always out work talent when talent doesn’t work hard.  Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence and determination! 

There are so many people I have to thank for getting me here.  My heart is filled to the brim with gratitude because I absolutely wouldn’t be where I am today without every person who has been a part of this journey.  The amount support I’ve received each year has just been absolutely incredible and I am always so taken back.  A simple thank you doesn’t feel like enough, but I just hope you all know much each and every one of you mean to me.  

And New Mexico, THANK YOU!!!!!!! I am honored and humbled to represent you. I am so ready for this year!!!  My time has come and I know exactly what I want to do with the title of Miss New Mexico USA and I cannot wait to see how this year unfolds.  

Stay tuned and hold on tight because this is about to be the adventure of a lifetime! 

Xoxo, 

Ashley Mora 

Miss New Mexico USA 2017 

My Journey to the Crown

Miss New Mexico World America 2015

As I sit down to write this post, I keep looking over at my new crown and sash while thinking to myself, "Is this really happening?” Sunday night was surreal.  It still hasn’t fully hit me.  I have been competing across the state of New Mexico for OVER SEVEN YEARS in hopes of one day becoming an ambassador of this beautiful state I am lucky enough to call home.   I can't tell you how many times I have dreamed of hearing, "And our new Miss New Mexico is...." followed by my name.... and finally, last night that dream became a reality.

Here's a video of my crowning moment! I get chills every time I watch it!

Although my fairytale is about to catapult, my journey to the crown wasn't all glitz and glam.  In fact, it was anything but easy.  I started competing in the Teen division when I was 14 years old.  I placed in the top 10 my first year, top 5 my second year, and was first runner up the last year I was eligible to compete in teen.  I took a year off, then went on to compete in the Miss division, placing in the top 5 twice and top 3 once.  I have enjoyed every minute of my journey, but I have had to WORK... and work HARD at that.  Throughout my years of competing there have been countless tears, sweat, smiles, late nights, early mornings, ups, downs, hours of preparing, mock interviews, modeling practices, meal prepping, and more.  Did I ever ask myself, "why am I doing this?!"  Heck yes, I did. However, deep inside I always knew that I was placed on this earth to inspire and give back to others.  I knew that I was meant to do this on a bigger scale.  I knew I wanted to leave behind a legacy.  I always thought that being a titleholder would provide a way for me to do this, but it wasn't until recently that I realized I didn't NEED a crown.  I was already doing everything a titleholder would do!  I started a successful website that has a following domestically and internationally, I have an official position with a charity that I LOVE (Special Spaces) as well as being a volunteer for other charities. Moreover,I landed a spokes model job with one of the largest retail stores in the state. I was part of a national marketing campaign for a mall as well as being in a Honda Commercial-- all while working in Real Estate, finishing up my marketing degree, and becoming a licensed yoga instructor!

Competing in pageants has made me tap into strengths that I never knew I had.  I have had to grow and get to know myself intimately so that I would be 100% confident about my passion and my purpose.  Every year when I didn't walk away with the title, I grew.  I worked harder, and I never stopped working towards becoming the best version of myself I could possibly be.  As I write this post, I feel grateful that I didn't win all of those other years, because I don't know if I would have appreciated the title as much as I do right now.  My own unique journey to the crown is why I can confidently say that I am going to be a great Miss New Mexico World America 2015.  I am going to cherish, embrace, and soak up every single minute of this new journey I was blessed with last night.  I am so READY to be your Miss New Mexico World America and give back to my state!!!!

This weekend I was also honored with the overall evening gown award, the most photogenic award, and I was the swimsuit winner in my division!

There are some major thank you's in order.  I really don't know how I am going to get through this so bear with me.  I could go on and on and on and it STILL wouldn't feel like enough.  However, I'll try and keep my thank you's short and sweet.

First I want to thank my Savior, Jesus Christ for trusting me with this huge responsibility.  I am the woman I am because His energy feeds my soul.  I am thankful for the opportunity to touch and inspire people with this new "microphone" I have been given.  I thank my King for the blessing of His favor upon my life.

To my parents, Ben and Anita:  Thank for always believing that I am capable of accomplishing anything and everything.  I hope you both know that I realize just how much you have sacrificed for me.  Without you both of you I would be nowhere near where I am now.  Thank for giving me the strength to stand up for what I believe in, to go after my dreams, and work hard towards my goals.  There aren't enough words to fully express my appreciation.  You two are the most invaluable gifts I have ever had and will have.  Thank you for your unconditional love, I am proud to be your daughter.  ... We did it!!!!

To my coach, Michelle Velarde: You will always be more than a coach to me... you are family.  Thank for pushing me to be my very best but never asking me to be anyone I'm not.  I attribute so much of who I am today to you.  You are one heck of a coach and I am so lucky to be one of the very few who get to work with you.

To the Riglers: Thank you supporting me year after year and after year!  I will never forget as long as I live that you guys went to watch every pageant.  I can't put into words how much it means to me that you guys never gave up on me! I am lucky to call you family.

To my boyfriend, Logan:  Goodness, I love you!  From the very beginning you have been so supportive and understanding.  Thank you for keeping me sane, cheering me on, encouraging me, and for occasionally (ok maybe more than occasionally) pigging out with me!  I have never met anyone like you and I am so happy we get to do life together!  There is no one else I would rather have by my side... God knew exactly what He was doing and I will forever be thankful!

To the Senoski and Bennett Family:  Thank you for welcoming me into your family and supporting me as one of your own!!! I really can't imagine my life without you all.  Thank you for all laughs, smiles, memories, and yummy food!!! Love you all!

To my makeup artist, Amanda Castro: Thank for always making me feel and look so beautiful! You are the best in the biz!  I am always so amazed by all of your work!  You have played such an important part in my life not only by doing my make up for all my big events but as my friend! You inspire me to become a better person, Amanda! I will tell anyone that you are the best person I know and have the sweetest heart.  Love you!

To all of my friends:  I seriously have the best friends in the entire world.  Thank you all so much for always texting, calling, and coming out to watch and support me.  I can't tell you all how much I love you! Kristen, Cherise Amberlyn, Shelby, Amanda, Natalie, and Bianca... you all have never stopped supporting me and I can't tell how much I will always cherish that.  You all are some of the most amazing individuals and I am proud to be your friend.

To ALL of my family:  Thank you for your continued support, love, and generosity.  Love you all to the moon and back!

And more special thank you's to:
Albuquerque Florist
Jorge Esteban with Pageant Smart 
Coldwell Banker Legacy
Nutrishop
Parts Plus of New Mexico
Raybestos Brakes
Wix Filters
Wilmar Tools
Cross Fire Fitness
i-Lash Factory
Chical Haystack
Legacy Mortgage
Cornali Orthodontics
Benizo Photography
Ella Blu Boutique
The Mix Salon
Makeup by Amanda Castro
Affinia Group
MP2 Handyman
Leroy Sanchez
Dave & Britana
Cathy Rankin
Jean Love
Marilyn Barron
Mom & Dad
Michelle Velarde
The Rigler Family
The Senoski Family
Mariah Trujillo
Kristen Wood
The Strong Family
The Bennett Family
Sisto Abeyta
Debbie Marquez
Alanna Garcia
Shawna Bennett
Jan DeMaggio
Jonathan & Natasha Chisdes
Mike & Carol Covino
Cassandra Hess
Vicky Horton
Jessica & Jason Delamora
Gladys Colon

I've said this before and  I will say it again, it takes a TEAM to get through a pageant and I wouldn't have won the title without each and everyone of you! Thank you to everyone who has sent a text, message, called, and supported me in anyway! Words cannot express how thankful I am! 

With Love, 

Ashley Mora 

Miss New Mexico World 2015 

Follow my journey on my new Instagram account @MissNewMexicoWorld2015 

p.s. Here's a little slide show of more pictures from the crowning!