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 

My Morning Skincare Routine

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share my latest skincare routine with you all because a. I'm obsessed with these products b. I love sharing tips that I believe will benefit others  c. who doesn't want amazing skin?!

Since skin is the largest organ in our body, taking care of it should be at the very top of our priority list!  I have to admit I used to put skincare at the bottom of my health routine.  My focus for living a healthy lifestyle was always centered around other areas, but lately I’ve been paying a lot of attention to my skin in an attempt to take better care of it.  I mean, who doesn’t want effortlessly glowing skin?!  With Miss USA coming up, I’m trying to be proactive and get my skin in tiptop shape… ready for the long days and non-stop makeup!

After using the same products for years, I decided to take a leap of faith and try a completely new routine.  A new cleanser, new lotion, and new products that I’ve never invested in before.  The results?  My skin is LOVING it!  My face has never felt more soft, looked more bright, or been as smooth!

The most important thing for me when looking for new products to use, were the ingredients.  I try to use as many all natural products as possible.  I also have combination skin and get pretty oily in the t-zone.  Thankfully, I found a brand that was both all natural and right for my skin.  And that brand would be AVEDA!  For the first time in forever, my skin feels FRESH!  

What I love most about these products is that they feel so light and airy on my skin.  I can layer all of the products I’m using without feeling like I just caked a bunch of stuff on my face.  Another thing I’ve been loving about these products is how they’re making my skin look.  I can tell such a HUGE difference already.  Previously, even on my “no makeup” days I would still wear powder.  With these new Aveda products, I can go completely makeup free! In fact, today I was out running errands with no makeup on, and this woman stopped me and asked what foundation I use!  My face is clear, looks bright and firm, and it’s glowing naturally!

So what products am I using?  My current morning skincare regimen as of right now includes:

Botanical Kinetics Creme Cleanser

Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

Tulasāra calm Serum

Daily Light Guard SPF 30

 If you're interested in where to purchase any of these products, click HERE. 

Botanical Kinetics Creme Cleanser

In the a.m. and p.m., smooth over damp face and throat, rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Improve the comfort level of daily facial cleansing with a rich creme that removes surface dirt and impurities. Extra-mild on skin with plant-derived oils.

• gently dissolves makeup and impurities

• leaves skin feeling soft, supple and comfortable

• for normal to dry skin

• dermatologist-tested

Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

Press into skin after cleansing a.m. and p.m.

Instantly pump up your hydration levels for plump, dewy skin.

• spiked with nutrient-rich algae

• instantly boosts skin's moisture

• prepares skin for your next layer, serum or moisturizer

• lightweight liquid texture

• dermatologist-tested

• non-acnegenic

• for all skin types

• 99% naturally derived*

Tulasāra™ calm concentrate

Apply a.m. and p.m. before moisturizing.

• instantly calms and hydrates to help restore skin's natural balance. Gives skin an immediate cooling sensation.

• diminishes the look of redness over time

• helps strengthen and restore skin's natural protective barrier to improve skin's resilience

• contains more than one-hundred thousand red raspberry plant stem cells known for their restorative powers

• dermatologist-tested

• non-acnegenic

• for all skin types

Daily light guard™ defense fluid broad spectrum spf 30

The final step in your morning skin care ritual.

• non-chemical 100% mineral-derived sunscreen technology: advanced coating technology makes zinc oxide and titanium dioxide glide on sheer and smooth as they provide UVA/UVB protection

• with plant-derived pollution defense: kukui seed oil helps strengthen skin's natural environmental barrier, while an anti-oxidant blend with ginger extracts helps defend against free radical damage

• dermatologist-tested

• non-acnegenic

• for all skin types

• 74% naturally derived*

Believe me when I say that I am so passionate about these Aveda products!  The ingredients, the smell, the benefits, the results!  You can pick up these products for yourself, at any Mark Pardo Salon in Albuquerque!

I hope you enjoyed this blog!  I'll be sharing my my nighttime skincare routine soon, so stay tuned! 

Xoxo, 

Ashley 

Psssst.....  

I get all of my beauty services done at Mark Pardo in Albuquerque! I absolutely LOVE MP! I've been getting my hair colored there for over 7 years!  They took me from brunette to blonde so effortlessly... I trust them with my life!  I truly believe in the brand and wouldn't be sharing unless I was extremely passionate about the products and services!  If you're in the Albuquerque area, check them out! 

Inspiring Women

As we celebrate women this week, I wanted to share a few of my favorite accounts to follow on social media!  My favorite accounts just so happen to be a list of boss babes!   Social media is a powerful tool.  Speaking personally, I scroll Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat constantly.  I’m a firm believer that your thoughts control everything you do in life, therefore I want my feed to be filled with as much positivity and inspiration as possible.  Not only are these beautiful women both ambitious and empowering, they also happen to be my biggest inspiration!

Lauren Schwab    

Lauren owns a gym in Venice California called F45.  She’s a personal trainer, fitness enthusiast, blogger, and the most inspirational person I’ve ever met.  If you don’t believe me, check out her “Just the Tip Tuesday” posts!  Lauren radiates positivity and is always encouraging others (including myself) to live their best life.  Not to mention, Lauren is STUNNING and she has a rockin’ hot bod that will make you want to hit the gym!  Lauren and I met on Catching Kelce and this girl quickly became one of my very best friends. I love her soul, I love her attitude, and I just love her!  Follow her on social media, you won’t be disappointed.

Instagram: @_laurenschwab

Kimberly Snyder

Kimberly Snyder is a celebrity nutritionist that believes in all-natural, healthy, and balanced eating.  I’ve read all of her books, watched every video, and read almost every blog! I love this woman and what she stands for.  Kimberly’s posts are always informative and inspiring!  On a side note… if you’re ever interested in ordering a cleanse, go to her store, Glow Bio!  You can order online.  Her juice and smoothie cleanse is heavenly!

Instagram: @_kimberlysnyder

Alanna Garcia

Alanna is a makeup artist in the Albuquerque area.  She is incredibly talented and she is always doing creative photoshoots.  Inspiration flows from her social media accounts!  Alanna gives a lot of tips and always shares the products she uses.  She also does some fun giveaways!  One thing I adore about this girl is that it’s all about women supporting other women.  From day one, this has always been her biggest platform.  In a cut throat industry, to remain that grounded and humble is a rarity!

Instagram: @bettyrosebyalanna

Nia Sanchez 

Nia was Miss USA and 1^st runner up at Miss Universe.  I’ve had a lot of favorite Miss USA’s, however Nia is my all-time favorite!  Nia is the epitome of the saying “she’s just as beautiful on the inside, as she is on the outside” Obviously she’s drop. dead. gorgeous.  but she’s also so genuine and down to earth.  Nia isn’t afraid to be unapologetically herself and that’s something I admire about her.  Her Instagram is exciting with all of the traveling she does, and her and her husband are total #RelationshipGoals   

Instagram: @realniasanchez

Brittany Viklund 

Brittany Viklund was Miss New Mexico USA 2011.  She’s my all-time fave!  I have been following Britanny’s journey for years… maybe even a decade at this point!  She was one of the most inspirational title holders to ever grace the Miss USA stage.  She put her heart into every little detail of everything she did.  To this day, she continues to light up with the world in all that she does.  One of the things I admire most about Brittany is how creative she is! Her Instagram feed speaks for itself, but her artwork is simply stunning.  She’s a watercolor wiz and illustrator extraordinaire!

Instagram: @brittanyviklund

Lorna Jane

Lorna Jane is the founder of Lorna Jane Activewear.  I fell in love with her activewear line awhile ago because her clothing is so cute and being that I live in workout attire 90% of the time, I like wearing easy transition pieces.  However, the more I learned about the brand and what Lorna Jane Activewear stood for, the more I started to really admire Lorna Jane.  I’ve now read all of her book and I am huge believer in the message she is sending out to the world.  If you are looking for some inspo, check out her social media! You will surely fall in love with this Australian babe!

Instagram: @ljclarkson 

Jessie James Decker 

What’s there not to love about this bombshell?  She’s stunning, talented, ambitious, has a super-hot husband, adorable kids, AND she’s the most down to earth person.  She constantly makes me LOL!

Instagram: @jessiejamesdecker

There's inspiration all around us but remember to always be uniquely you because that's when you #SparkleFromTheInsideOut 

Xoxo 

Ashley