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 

Find Your Happiness

After one of the craziest and most bizarre years of my life, today I was reminded of something that for me, got lost in the busy- hustle bustle part of life.  When life feels like it's going a million miles an hour, it's really easy to let some of the things you do that make you undeniably happy, fall to the bottom of your priority list.  

For the past couple of days, I've been trying to focus on what genuinely makes me happy.  We all see happiness differently, but we all feel it the same way.  Happiness isn't an elusive goal- a promise of something better once we get that job, bigger home, or find our soulmate.  It isn't money, fame, or fortune- all of which I believe lead to short term gratification.   Happiness is the things and people that fill your heart with so much joy, that when you're doing it or when you're with them, time stops.

I realize that happiness isn't really something that can be found, it's something that can only be felt.  To me, that is magical.  Happiness is about creating a life full of beautiful moments and memories that make you smile.  Once you figure out what those things are, start implementing them into your daily routine.  Making your happiness a priority is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give yourself and it's one of the only things that will make you feel complete.

Take a moment to define what happiness is to you.  Happiness will always be a journey and not a destination but I think it's measured by the way we choose to live our lives, the relationships and people we share our life with, and finding bliss in the simple things.

We live in world with endless opportunity so enjoy the ride! Choose to live in the NOW rather than waiting for future happiness.


Xoxo,
Ashley

Finding your WHY

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

"He who has a why can endure any how" -Frederick Nietzsche

Lately I've been doing a lot of reflecting on life, success, and figuring out my purpose. Maybe it's because I just turned 25 last week which feels like a huge milestone or maybe it's because I'm three classes away from obtaining my marketing degree (finally... I know)!  Either way, I wanted to share some thoughts on finding your "why" and your purpose.  Life is hard, confusing, and there will always be obstacles, but if you know your why, it will always pull you up and keep you fighting. 

When you wake up each morning, what drives you? 

If you don't know the answer, then you have no reason to improve your life and become more successful.  The truth is, motivation will ALWAYS fade. You might get reinspired from time to time but that fire lit by motivation will inevitably die. This why you must create habits and stick to them. You have to know WHY you're doing what you're doing, make a plan, and stick to it. You have to know what you're fighting for and why your goals are important to you. You have to know what drives you, what inspires you, because that is the only thing that's going to pull you up and keep you going. 

What are you passionate about? 

Instead of focusing on what you're doing, ask yourself why you're doing it? Seriously, take a second right now and stop and think about everything you do on a daily basis. Now, ask yourself why you're doing all of these things?  If you don't have an answer that excites you, it may be time to refine your list of priorities.  If you want to be successful in reaching your goals, you must be passionate about the things you're doing. You need that gusto because your purpose is what leads the way, but passion is what keeps you going.  

Find an answer that speaks to you soul.
Find your why and let that drive push you to go forward, to be successful.  Find that one part of you that will never change, regardless of what life throws your way. Your purpose- your why is the one single thing that lights you up, that one thing that when you're doing it, time seems to stop. Once you have your answer, write it down and keep it with you. Carry it around everyday and feel it deep in your heart.  Look at it from time to time as a little reminder WHY you're doing what you're doing! 

I hope you enjoyed this post! 

With lots of love, 

Ashley

Thirsty Thursday | Super Green Detox Drink

Thirsty Thursday  

I love this Super Green Detox Drink for several reasons.  Mostly because it’s simple and easy to make.  It’s one of my go-to recipes that I make weekly.  I like to make a big batch on Sunday evening, divide the juice out in mason jars, and then I have “to-go” juice for the week! 

The Super Green Detox Drink is great for your immune system, is anti-inflammatory, helps with indigestion, and more.  It’s also filled with Vitamin C, potassium, minerals, and antioxidants.  

Super Green Detox Drink 

Recipe makes two 16-20 oz glasses.  Double the recipe if you’re making more.  

Recipe 

2 Apples 

1 Cucumber 

5 Handfuls of Spinach 

6 Kale Leaves 

1 Lemon 

1 Thumb of Ginger 

Directions 

Wash all produce 

Peel the lemon and core the apple 

Put all ingredients through the juicer and drink up! 

Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments below! 

XoXo 

Ash 

Makeup Monday's | Eyelash Extensions

Makeup Monday’s

Photo Credits | Makeup: Alanna Garcia | Lashes: iLash Factory 

Happy Monday!  I’m very excited to start incorporating some fun and new topics on the blog!  My inspiration always comes from you all and the questions I most frequently get asked.  With that being said, from here on out, every Monday I’ll be sharing some of my all-time favorite beauty products, beauty secrets, beauty how to’s, and trendy looks. 

Since “Catching Kelce” aired, I’ve had a few people ask if it was hard being in front of cameras 24/7 and if I had to stay ready at all times.  I was never told that I had to stay ready or look a certain way however we knew that this show was going to air nationally and internationally so naturally you want to look your best at all times. 

My solution to getting an easy glam look without much effort also happens to be one of my best beauty secrets.  So what is this magical trick? 

I have two words for you, Eyelash Extensions!  I absolutely love my lash extensions!  Let me tell you why…

1.      I save time.  Not having to apply mascara every single morning is heavenly, but what’s even better is not having to apply fake eye lashes.  There was no way I wanted to put on fake eyelashes every single morning while filming Catching Kelce.  Eyelash Extensions were my saving grace.

2.     I love the look.  A simple yet important reason why I love lash extensions.  Who wouldn’t want to look great 24 hours a day? You can wear no makeup yet still have an effortlessly glam look.  It’s awesome!

3.     I can customize the kind of lashes/look I want.  If you’re like me and scared of having over-the-top tacky lashes, don’t worry! You can choose your length, thickness, and amount of lashes applied.  You can make them as natural or as high glam as you’d like.

Those are just a few of the pro’s to lash extensions.  They were great for the show and I still love them now that I’m back in Albuquerque living my day to day life.  I’ve had lash extensions for almost two years now.  I wasn’t asked or paid to post about his product, just wanted to share one of my beauty secrets.   If you’re in Albuquerque, I highly recommend iLash Factory!  Click here for their information. 

Photo Credits 

Makeup: Alanna Garcia 

Lashes: iLash Factory 

Catching Kelce Ep.3

If you're wondering how I'm feeling after last nights episode of Catching Kelce, wonder no longer!

*Spoiler Alert* 

Here's a quick run down of Episode 3 just in case you missed it!

On last nights episode, Lauren (Missouri and my bestie in the house) got picked for the coveted group date! The group date this week was a huge deal because the girls attending were going to get to go to a red carpet event, which was the Sports Spectacular in Hollywood! Lauren chose me, Jamie (West Virginia), and Avery (Colorado).  The event was soooooo amazing!  We got to meet so many wonderful and well known athletes, it really was a special evening.  At the end of the night, Travis chose Avery for the VIP date.   Towards the end of the episode, the girls called for the elimination line-up were Loreina (California), Me (New Mexico),  Anika (Minnesota), V-Rich (Mississippi), and Avery (Colorado).  I was the first one to be sent home followed by Anika and V-Rich.

So, the big question is how did I feel about being eliminated in last night's episode? 

I'm honestly so content with everything that happened.  We started with 50 girls, so making it into the "top 12" was huge in itself.  Staying true to who I am and holding my morals close to me was so important.  I wanted to make sure I represented my home state with grace and class.  New Mexico truly has such a huge piece of my heart and I wanted everyone back home to be proud when they were watching and not embarrassed.  I absolutely believe that everything happens for a reason so going home was in God's plan for me.  It just meant that there was something or someone else out there... and there was :)

What's next?  

I was just recently asked to be one of the celebrity dancers at this year's "Dancing with the Stars" Hacienda Ball event here in Albuquerque and I've already started training for that.  The event raises funds for Heading Home ABQ which fights to end homelessness in Albuquerque.  Other than that, I'm going to be getting back to a normal routine at work with Real Estate and teaching Hot Yoga!

You can cast your vote for me by clicking the picture below!

Special message for anyone reading... 

"If you get the chance take it, if it changes your life let it"

I took a huge leap of faith doing this show.  I didn't know what to expect or what would happen but I'm so happy that I just went for it.  Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone in order to pursue your dreams and goals but I promise you, it'll be worth it!  Follow your heart, work hard, be courageous, and always stay true to who you are!

Here is a special little video of pictures from the show! 

With love, 

Ash 

xoxo 

Catching Kelce Episode 1

Hi everyone!! I’ve received so many questions about the show since the premiere of “Catching Kelce”  last week! I figured I would take the opportunity to answer some of those questions here on the blog but I wanted to start by saying THANK YOU! 

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to watch the premiere last week! The support for #TeamNewMexico has been insane and I truly appreciate every single comment, text, and call.  It means the world to me that you all have been so kind and gracious with your words! 

So... lets get to it! 

How the heck did you end up on a reality television show?  

(No, this is not a joke or fabricated story) 

Two hours after my three and a half year relationship ended surprisingly and unexpectedly, I got a text from a former titleholder and friend asking if I was interested in applying for a new reality tv series.  Needless to say I applied and eventually got the call saying “pack your bags, your moving to LA”  ….  Everything happens for a reason! 

What did you think would separate you from the other 50 women?

From the day I applied, I left it in God’s hands. I promised myself that I would stay true to who I was and if it was meant to be, it would be!  

Did you think you were going home the first night? 

Yes, I didn’t know what to expect.  We went from 50 to 20 so quickly! Once the top 20 moved into the mansion we didn’t know when the next elimination would happen.  I was sitting in between Kansas and Arizona during the first elimination line-up and those were the first two names called, so I was definitely freaking out.  Those two girls, Kara (Kansas) and Jordan (Arizona) were two of the first friends I made in the house so that was unfortunate that they both went home the first night.  

How was meeting and talking to Travis?    

I can be a pretty shy and reserved person (especially when it comes to talking to guys) so naturally I was really nervous!  Thankfully he is just as goofy and down to earth as he appears on TV so that made it easier! 

How do you pack for something like this?  

It was no easy task and I’m not sure I can say that I packed successfully.  I brought 5 suitcases!   I already have an issue when it comes to packing light so having to be prepared for different events, dates etc. was difficult.  I also live a pretty healthy lifestyle and can be a picky eater so I brought one suitcase full of food.  Let’s just say I was really happy I didn’t have to pack up all my things at the end of episode one! 

What can we expect in episode two? 

I think the sneak peek clips online (Click Here) say it all!  There’s a twist in each episode, Travis will pick one girl who goes on the group date and it’s her decision to strategically choose which other girls will go on the date with her. At the end of the group date, he decides who he wants to take on the coveted VIP date. All of the fun starts this week, so stay tuned! 

Thanks for stopping by the blog! Feel free to leave comments or more questions below!  

And Don't forget to tune into a brand new episode of #CatchingKelce on Wednesday, 9|8c only on E! 

xoxo 

Ash