Dear Ashley Marie

{I have been slacking on this the past two weeks but it is back!}

I am so excited because many of these questions will be coming from my Jr. High and High School girls from Girl Talk, but more about that later! :)

Dear Ashley Marie,
My sister and I never seem to get along. We fight all the time about the stupidest little things. I hate it. I wish I knew what to do because it is making me really sad and dreading going home everyday. Do you have any advice of what I can do to help our relationship, we used to be such good friends.
Sincerely,
The girl striving for peace

Dear girl striving for peace,
Sibling relationships can be hard can't they? I'm so sorry that you and your sister are at the age where there is so much contention but hopefully you can feel a little comfort in the fact that this is so normal. I remember being in High School and my sister would still EVERYTHING of mine. She would take my clothes, my makeup, my pens, my hidden candy, everything. As hard as this was for me, I learned to be patient. I know that probably isn't the answer you are looking for but patience really is a virtue. Be patient with kindness and love to her. Try and serve her every opportunity you get. This is going to be SO HARD, it is going to take so much humility from you but I promise it will be so worth it in the end. Also maybe start writing her notes about how you feel and how you would like to get along, this may be an eye opener for her.
I wish you the very best of luck in your journey to love your sister.
Love, Ashley Marie

Dear Ashley Marie,
I get the worst chapped lips in the winter. They peel and crack like crazy. It hurts and it is not pretty. Do you have any tricks or know of anything that will solve this problem.
Sincerely,
Kate

Dear Kate,
The winter is pretty brutal on our skin and lips. I have tried many many products for this such as Vaseline  Burt's bees, lip repair, etc. While I have found a little bit of comfort and relief from these products my most favorite product for this problem is definitely Satin Lips. 

Satin Lips is from Mary Kay. Now I am not just recommending this product because I am a beauty consultant for Mary Kay, I truly have such a strong love for this product and this is why.

It comes as a set - - 
Step 1: which is the lip mask that exfoliates your lips..

Effectively exfoliates 

dead surface skin cells 

that cause lips to appear dull 

and lifeless!

Step 2: which is the lip balm. This lip balm is so light but heals your lips within 5 minutes no matter how dry and chapped they are.

Clinical results show that a single 

application of Satin Lips Lip Balm 

moisturizes the lips for at least

6 hours.

I use the lip mask twice a week (You can use it every day if you would like). 
Then I use the lip balm like 3 times a day. It is incredible! 
The best part is putting it on right before bed and waking up to smooth, soft, luxurious lips.

Buy the set here!


Dear Ashley Marie,
I want to be a runner but I can barely run a block without getting side cramps and having to rest. Why is that and any suggestions to help me prepare for a 5K?
Sincerely, 
Liz

Liz, 
Good for you for having the desire to get in shape and go running. Running is such a stress buster. It is a great health, body and mind. Start running every day, make it a habit and stay dedicated! Run as far as you can then push yourself a tiny bit farther still running. Then take a rest by walking. Walk as long as you need until your side cramps subside then start running again. You will want to do this at least 5 times a day. If you stay consistent with it, you will start to notice that you can run a farther distance each and every time.

What you are eating also plays a huge role in your energy level and whether you will get side cramps or not. You will want to eat lots of protein on a daily basis, ideally 1 gram for every pound you currently weigh, if you want to gain weight - - eat 1 gram for every pound you WANT to weigh. Also a very light but nutritious snack will help before you go running. Eat something like a banana or an apple or a protein bar 30 min. to an hour before you go running. And don't forget water, drink TONS during, before and after your run!

Since you are planning for a 5K, you will want to start this routine at least 3 months before the big day! Good luck and I hope to be there cheering you on! :)
Sincerely,
Ashley Marie