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! 

Media Day - Miss New Mexico United States

Media Day 

Hello Everyone! Today was such an exciting day! With the Miss New Mexico United States pageant just TWO days away, our directors Stephanie and Dacia set up an entire Media Day for us! 

We all met at the news station at 6:20 am and had the privilege of being featured in TV segments all morning long!  You can watch the full segment I was on in the video below! 

Just click play :)

After we left KRQE news, we all at ABQ Uptown to do social media coverage for some of our AMAZING sponsors! 

We have rehearsals tomorrow morning, interviews in the afternoon, and then we are doing an appearance tomorrow evening at Sandia Casino!  It's not too late to get tickets to the main event on Sunday at Sandia Casino! The doors will be opening at 2:30pm, the show starts at 3:00pm, and the pageant is expected to end around 6:00pm on Sunday evening.  

For TICKETS to the show, CLICK HERE.


I just want to take a second and thank my family, friends, sponsors, and supporters!  It sure does take an entire team to get through a pageant and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for every single one of you! I can't wait to share more pictures from this weekend with you all! 

Many Blessings! 

XoXo 
Ashley 

Getting in my greens this morning before the sun was up! 

Miss New Mexico World 2015

Happy Monday!!! I have some VERY exciting news to share with you all!  I typically don't use my blog to write about personal matters however, I wanted to share all the details of my big announcement and figured it would be easier to do so in one place. 

So, without further ado... 

I am going to be competing in Miss New Mexico United States/World America system as your Miss Duke City, THIS Sunday, March 29th 2015!!! 

The pageant will be held at Sandia Casino on Sunday afternoon.  The event starts at 3:00pm, doors will open at 2:30pm.  If you don't have any plans this weekend, I would absolutely love to see some of your beautiful faces!  Tickets will be sold at Sandia Casino, at the ticketing center on the day of the event OR you can purchase your tickets ahead of time on ticketmaster... Click below for a direct link to purchase tickets!

Miss New Mexico World States Tickets

There is currently online voting going on for 'The People's Choice Award' 

Each vote is $1.00 and the winner receives $150.00 cash award.  If I am lucky enough to win this award, I will be donating the money to a charity that is near and dear to my heart, Special Spaces of Albuquerque.  We create dream bedrooms for children with life-threating illnesses.
Voting ends Thursday!

Click Here to vote me for Peoples Choice! Online Voting

It has been my dream to represent of the state of New Mexico and I was ecstatic to have an opportunity to do so.   When I first heard about what the Miss United States/ World America system stood for, I immediately knew that this was something I had to be a part of.  The message behind this system is Beauty with a Purpose and using our city, state, and national titles as a platform to interact with and positively influence the community.  So much of what 'Sparkling From The Inside Out' is dedicated to, correlates with the intention of this pageant system which is why I am so thrilled for this opportunity! 

Pageants are so much more than glitz and glam.  I get goosebumps every time I watch the video below!  It is an absolute honor to be part of such an empowering, inspiring, and intellectual system! I hope that you will take the time to watch this short clip! 

So far, I have been having an unbelievable experience as Miss Duke City United States! I was crowned at our "Girls Night Out" event where all of the delegates met at Salon Jerome before going to Tuscanos Brazilian Grill for dinner which was followed by a night on the town at Posh Nightclub.   Our directors, Dacia and Stephanie have been INCREDIBLE, putting together workshops, camps, info sessions, as well as meet and greets for all of us delegates! 

I have also been able to do some appearances as Miss Duke City United States all of which have been an absolute BLAST! 

At Camino Retirement Center passing out treats and hanging out during bingo! 

Needless to say, this weekend couldn't come any sooner!  I can't wait for the big event this Sunday at Sandia Casino and I am excited to spend the weekend with all the girls! 

We are having a media day on Friday to promote the event (so cool!!!)  I will be on KRQE news Friday morning, airing after 6:30am.  Other delegates will be on KASA, 94 Rock radio station, and KASA 2 NM Style! 

Words cannot express how thankful I am to those of you who have continued to support me throughout each of my endeavors.  You all are my inspiration and motivation! 

So much love goes out to each and everyone of you! 

XoXo 

Miss Duke City United States 

Ashley Mora 

D-I-Y Detox

DIY (do it yourself) Detox 

The idea idea of doing a juice detox can be intimidating.  You may or may not have thought to yourself, “ I want to juice but….Should I buy pre-made juice?  Should I make the juice myself? I don’t know if I want to buy a juicer… Do I eat anything or just drink juice?  How on earth am I suppose to go days on JUST juice… ok forget it!”  

I completely understand that juicing can be overwhelming, expensive, and time consuming.  Today I am going to share my DIY detox.  This is my go-to plan when I’m too busy to make fresh juice myself.  Ordering cleanses can be pricey and this is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to put your own detox together which is why I consider it a DIY. I would say that this this a “mild” detox because I mix in smoothies and detox friendly foods.  This is great for beginners or those who have no desire to do a full on juice cleanse but want to jump start a healthier lifestyle. 

Start each morning with warm lemon water.  Use the juice of a fresh squeezed lemon. 

Breakfast:  Green Detox Smoothie. 1 cup of water. 2-3 cups of spinach. 1 pear. 1 banana.  2 limes.

Snack:  Evolution’s Organic Spicy Lemonade.  Ingredients:  Lemon, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper.  If you are still hungry, have 1 Granny Smith Apple 

Lunch:  Sweet Greens Evolution juice.  This brand can be purchased at: Starbucks, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Albertsons, & Natural Grocers. If one juice doesn't satisfy your hunger, feel free to drink another.  I recommend the sweet greens because It’s only 100 calories and loaded with detoxing fruits and veggies.  This juice also tastes good!  If you want to make your own juice, the ingredients are: Celery, Apple, Spinach, Kale, Lemon, Lime, Parsley, Romaine, & Cucumber.  OR Kale Yeah from Whole Foods 

Snack:  Skinned cucumber slices soaked overnight in lemon juice, lightly salted (YUM!!)  You can have an unlimited amount of this snack.    

Or a bowl of broccoli 

Or a bowl of berries 

Or a small handful of almonds 

Dinner:  Evolution’s Essential Greens with Lime.  70 Calories.  Ingredients: Celery, Cucumber, Spinach, Romaine, Kale, Lime, Parsley.  

Dessert:  (if needed) Evolution’s Organic Strawberry Lemonade.  Ingredients: Strawberries and Lemons OR Orange/Tangerine juice from Whole Foods. 

Detox Bath: 1/2 cup of Sea Salt 

                              1/2 cup of Epsom Salt 

                              1/4 cup of Baking Soda 

                              1/3 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar 

A few drops of your favorite essential oil.  (before bed I like to use lavender)

Soak in bath for at least 25 minutes.  This salt bath will help pull out any remaining toxins.

P.S. Evolution juices range from $2.99 to $6.99 a for a 15.2oz bottle depending on the juice and distributor.  I am recommending evolution juices because they are sold in the biggest variety of grocery stores across the country.  Other brands that are sold in stores that would be an ok substitute would be SUJA & Blue Print.  

If you live near a Whole Foods, I would recommend buying their brand of cold pressed juices because they are made fresh in stores.  

If you want to make your own juices, check out the ingredients in each juice and you can duplicate the same recipes with your juicer.  

Toxins are just a part of our daily lives which is why every now and then we need to detox and refresh our bodies with natural foods.  I hope that through this blog, you are able to do your very own detox and that it’s simple.  You will be amazed how great your body will feel afterwards!  

XoXo Ashley

I am not a health care professional.  I only share my experiences and the lifestyle I enjoy.  You should always seek advice from a healthcare professional before making any major changes with your diet. 

You Can't Weigh Beauty: Redefining Body Image

Happiness Is Not a Body Shape 

I received a great response to my "How to be Confident" blog post last week.  So, this week I decided to talk about something that I myself have always struggled with and that is body image issues.

If you've been following my blog or follow me on social media, you may know that I compete in beauty pageants.  You may be thinking to yourself, "There is no way SHE has body image issues!"  But, what you may not know is that this is something I struggled with for many years.  I am not going to go into any great detail about what I went through because this blog isn't about me... This blog is about learning to stop hating our bodies!  The hate-fest on our bodies needs to stop because all we are really doing when we project that negativity onto ourselves is digging ourselves deep into a dark and gloomy rabbit hole.  My hope is that by the end of this blog, you will no longer feel enslaved by someone else's opinion of how you "should" look.

Whether we realize it or not, we all have some sort of expectation of how our body "should" look.  The media and society tell us ALL the time that in order to be happy, liked, and loved; we need to look certain way.  My challenge to you this month is: instead of focusing on changing your body, focus on celebrating it!

5 Practices to Redefine Your Body Image 

Gratitude. 
Make a list of the things your body enables you do.  I can walk, run, jump, bike, swim, etc.  There are a lot of people who aren't able to do many of the simple things we regularly take for granted.  Reflect on this list when you are frustrated with your body.  Maybe you didn't reach your goal weight this month? or maybe you gained a few pounds.  When you have moments like these, remember your body is pretty dang awesome and be thankful for the amazing things you are able to do! 

Ditch Social Media.
Oh, social media!  One of my favorite quotes is, "Don't compare your behind the scenes with other people's highlight reel."  Do NOT beat yourself up and compare yourself with others... especially based on their social media posts.  Many people only post the positive and not the negative in life. There are a few times each year when I take a break from all social media.  It influences us so much more than we know and I think it's important to step away from it every now and then.

Mirror Talk. 
A lot of us look in the mirror and often think thoughts such as:
I'm fat 
I hate my stomach 
I wish my thighs were smaller 
If I could lose this much weight, I would be happy 
I hate my arms 
These pants make me look fat 
My skin is ugly  
This needs to stop! For the month of March, I encourage you to start looking in the mirror and telling yourself, "I am beautiful inside and out."  Sweet talk yourself up... talk to yourself the way you want to be talked to by others! Tell yourself how beautiful you are!

Ditch the enablers 
We are bombarded daily with pictures of photoshopped bodies that are simply unrealistic.  The media plays a huge role in bringing down our self-esteem but they are not the only ones responsible! Our family and friends play a role as well.  Make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who are supporting, uplifting, and motivating you!

True Beauty 
Remember that true beauty is not skin deep.  Sparkling From The Inside Out was titled this way because I truly believe that we must work on the inside in order to shine on the outside.  Beauty has nothing to do with your body, it has everything to do with your mind!

Keep in mind that the key to happiness isn't having a perfect body, the secret is learning to love your body and creating a positive self image.  A healthy body serves little purpose without a healthy mind to accompany it.

XoXo 
Ashley