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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Pageant Live Interview

This past weekend I had the privilege of being interviewed by Pageant Live about being Miss New Mexico World 2015 and Miss World America which will be held on July 4th in Washington DC! 

I am so honored to be representing the Land of Enchantment! 



I hope you enjoy this video! 
xoxo 
Ashley 

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Last Minute Summer Slim Down Secrets

With June right around the corner (7 days to be exact!) you may looking for an emergency weight loss plan.  Well, look no further! Here are a few of my all time favorite & simple slim down secrets. 


7 Day Challenge 

1.  Start your morning off with 1 cup of warm lemon water.
Lemon water helps reduce inflammation, aids digestion, cleanses your system, and helps with weight loss. 

2.  Drink a green juice for breakfast.  (Make with JUICER)


2 cups of Spinach 
2 cups of Kale 
1 loose cup of Parsley 
2 Pears (or 3 Medium pears)  
1 Lemon 
Each night our bodies detox naturally.  By starting our morning off with lemon water, followed by a detox juice, we are prolonging that process.  It's important to continually detox rather than playing red light, green light with our bodies.  

3. Throughout the day sip on dandelion root tea.  It helps remove bloat.

4. Drink a glass of watermelon juice for morning snack. 
Not only are watermelons in season, but they are full of antioxidants, a great source of potassium, low in calories and high in nutrients.  The best part about watermelon juice is that it's loaded with amino acid citrulline which breaks down fat cells. Watermelons have a high water content so you will be able to make a lot of juice! 

5. Enjoy a refreshing salad for lunch.  
Fall in love with creating the perfect crunchy, yet healthy lunch! Keep it light and try to stay away from dairy and croutons (or any bread toppings) The last thing you want to do is have a four course meal with a side of lettuce.  My go to salad recipe is: 
Organic Lettuce 
Shredded Carrots 
Shredded Purple Cabbage 
Cherry Tomatoes 
Sunflower Seeds 
Kalamata Olives 
Olive Oil Balsamic Dressing 

6. Mid Afternoon Snack Choices: 
Laura Bar (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Organic)
Kale Chips (My favorite brand is Alive & Radiant) 
or 1 Slice of Ezekiel Bread 

7.  Have a green smoothie for dinner.
This may be hard for some.  I know the concept of not eating but drinking dinner is frightening, but remember that this challenge is only 8 days.  There 357 other nights to enjoy a sit down meal :) I recommend finishing your day with a green smoothie for a few reasons.  The first being that in order to get results- it's important start and end our day with foods that hold high detoxing properties. The second reason is that the fiber from the smoothie will not only keep you full, but the fiber will also help push/flush out the system.  This last step is vital in order to shed excess weight and drop any bloat. 




Green Smoothie:
1 cup of water 
2 Cups of spinach 
2 Cups of romain lettuce 
1/2 Banana 
1 Green Apple or 1 Pear 
1 Lemon 

After just one day of following this plan you should start to feel more energized and lighter.  Like I said earlier, this challenge is only 7 days!  You can do absolutely anything for 7 days! Kick off your summer feeling your best!

I was asked the other day what supplements I take and what I products I use.  After I started juicing over two years ago, I stopped using any kind of supplement or artificial products simply because when I started eating fresh, clean foods.. the weight started melting off my body.  Before, I was drinking protein shakes regularly and taking all kinds of different and harmful things- AND I wasn't getting the results I wanted.  However, when I started juicing regularly and feeding my body natural foods, I started losing weight.  Everyone is different- finding what works for YOU is always going to be a learning process, but juicing and eating naturally is what worked for me.   


A few natural products I love: 
Dandelion root tea: natural diuretic 
Probiotic: Keeps your gut healthy; improves digestive system  
Digestive Enzymes: Facilitates the breakdown of food  
Magnesium: Mineral that helps digest proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
Smooth Move Tea:  Herbal tea that promotes digestion 

All of these can purchased at health food stores such as Whole Foods & Sprouts.  I highly recommend taking and using these during the 7 day challenge! I am going to be starting the challenge tomorrow... Send me a message and let me know if you will me joining me! 

Instagram: RealAshleyMora 
Twitter: RealAshleyMora 

Xoxo 
Ashley Mora 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Miss New Mexico World: 2 Kasa Fox Interview

This morning I had the pleasure of being on 2 Kasa Style!  I was crowned Miss New Mexico World three weeks ago and it has been everything I have ever hoped for and more!  Hearing the broadcasters announce "And we have Miss New Mexico World, Ashley Mora here with us today!" was by far one of the most surreal moments in my life this far! 

Here is my interview with Kasa about my new title and Miss World America. 



After the news this morning I went to visit the senior citizens at Camino Retirement Center.



And after that, I went to Presbyterian Hospital to visit one of our next recipients of a Special Spaces room makeover! Taily is 11 years old and has been battling cancer since August of 2014.  As of right now, she has 5 treatments left!!! Please keep her and her family in your prayers.



It's been a busy week as Miss New Mexico World....Tomorrow I am meeting with Mayor Berry (Eeek!!)  Saturday I am attending the Guardians of the Children family fun day and Sunday I am attending the Albuquerque Ride for Kids- Pediatric Brain Tumor fundraiser! 

If you would like to book an appearance, email MissNMWorld2015@hotmail.com 

Also, please "LIKE" my Miss NM WORLD Facebook page as it will count towards my placement in the top 15 at Miss World America in July!! 

XoXo 
Ashley 

You can also follow me on 
Twitter: RealAshleyMora 
Instagram: RealAshleyMora 


Monday, April 20, 2015

6 simple steps to better skin without beauty products

6 simple steps to better skin without beauty products 

Throughout my juicing journey, I have done a significant amount of research on food.  What I’ve learned over the past few years has been quite astonishing and life changing.  More so than ever, I REALLY believe that “Beauty can be greatly enhanced through inner nutrition” -Kimberly Snyder 

To be honest, my skin care regimen isn't all that intense or expensive.  I wash my face everyday with a good facial cleanser and I use an inexpensive face lotion after. (click here for skin products I use) Since I started juicing and changing my overall diet, I have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin.  I really couldn't tell you the last time I “broke out” … and I very rarely even get a zit.  

Food really changes us from the inside out.  If we start focusing on what we are feeding our bodies, we can change everything about ourselves from the inside out.  Instead of spending money on beauty products, try shifting the focus to what you are buying in the grocery store!  You can literally eat your way to flawless skin.  Keep in mind that your skin is typically a product of the foods you eat.


Water 

This step is pretty simple.  Our bodies and skin NEED moisture.  Dehydration causes the skin to look old, dry, and tired.  Water also helps flush toxins out of the body.  So, drink up buttercup!  Try to drink 6-8 cups of water daily.  

Start every day with a green juice or smoothie 


In my opinion, this is the most important step for SEVERAL reasons.  The first being that fruits and veggies contain a very high level of antioxidants.  We need antioxidants in our system to fight the free radicals that we are surrounded by.  Free radicals cause skin damage mainly due to sunlight and pollution.  Secondly, our bodies naturally detox each night; therefore by starting your day off with a detoxing drink, you are prolonging that cleansing process.  

Drink more green tea 


Green tea is filled with antioxidants, which helps fight free radicals. Green tea also contains anti-inflamitory properties which helps reduce redness and irritations of the skin!  Green tea is extremely beneficial and I highly recommend making it a part of your daily routine! 
Exercise for at least 15 minutes every single day 


Exercising increases circulation and moves oxygen throughout the body. This correlates with glowing skin and keeps the complexion clear.  You don’t have to do any crazy exercise, just try and raise your heart rate at least once every day.  

Limit, if not cut out completely, smoking and alcohol consumption 


Smoking and drinking are two ways to get older looking skin ASAP.  They both contribute significantly to wrinkles, tired, and old looking skin.  For youthful skin, try to limit your intake.  

Get a full nights rest 


We hear a lot about how important it is to get a full nights sleep.  If you are struggling with acne or other skin problems, getting a full 7-8 hours is more important than ever!  Each night our body detoxes naturally.  Our skin actually works on repairing itself during our resting period.  If we don't get that full 7-8 hours of sleep, we are cutting our natural detoxing mechanism, short.  Also, a lack of sleep also causes stress on the body, which is a main cause of acne.  


Try to start focusing more on what you’re putting into your body rather than what you’re putting on it.  When you can make this shift, you will start to notice a difference not only with your skin, but also with your hair, nails, weight, and more.  You will notice that your overall being is changing and that you are now “Sparking From The Inside Out”

XoXo 
Ashley 

Follow me on 
Twitter: @RealAshleyMora 
Instagram: RealAshleyMora 
Facebook: Miss New Mexico World 



Wednesday, April 1, 2015

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! 



Friday, March 27, 2015

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! 





Monday, March 23, 2015

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!


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