A little birdie told me

A little birdie told me...

Have you heard of this site?

www.bravegirlsclub.com

I swear they are sweet kind thoughts directly from Heavenly Father. I feel like what ever current problem I am facing in my life, BIG or Small, these thoughts offer me the perfect advice and speak directly to my heart. 

For example this one: 

This week I was really struggling, dealing with someone I love and care about very much but was also having some difficulties with them. 

I honestly feel like these notes are answers to my prayers sometimes.

Anyways if you are looking for some good inspiration in your life go sign up for there emails!

Go here to sign up!

Dear Ashley Marie

Dear Ashley Marie,
How often should I be cleaning my makeup brushes and how do I clean them?
Sincerely,
Reese



Dear Reese,
You should be washing your brushes at least 3 times a week. This will help them to last longer, keep stay true color application and will also keep germs at bay. If you have a foundation brush, you can just use a gentle soap and warm water to wash this brush. Let it dry laying flat. Do not use it till it is completely dry. 

As for all your other brushes such as eye shadow, cheek, etc. there is a perfect product for that. 


It is the Mary Kay Brush Cleaner! And the great news is it is ONLY $10!

 Shop HERE

To Use: You simply lay the brush down on a paper towel and you spray the brush cleaner about 10 inches away from the brush while rotating the brush to get every angle. Then wipe it on the paper towel and you will see all the powder coming off. Then leave your brush to dry. It will probably take about 20 min. before it is completely dry.

Hope this helps! :)

Love, 
Ashley Marie

Dear Ashley Marie,
I really want to go to college but I am not sure if I can afford it. I know there are scholarships out there but I feel like none of them apply to me or they are too far out of reach. Any advice for me?
Sincerly,
University Chic


Dear University Chic,
Good for you for having a desire to go to college! It will be so worth it in the end! First things first - apply for a pell grant! To do this, simply go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ This is the official Federal Student Aid website. Another great website to check out for all different types of scholarships is www.fastweb.com! - Stay tuned as I will do an entire post on scholarships soon! Good luck!

Love, 
Ashley Marie


Dear Ashley Marie,
Any time I drive with my best friend, she is always texting and driving. It scares me. I'm sure she knows it isn't safe but she does it anyways. What can I do to get her to stop?
Sincerly,
Girl scared for her life


Dear Girl scared for her life,
I am so proud of you for realizing how scary this is and having a desire to convince her to stop. Probably the first thing you should do is let her know how you feel. Next time you see her do this, kindly ask her to not text and drive and tell her how scary it is. You could even volunteer to send a text out for her. This may be a bit awkward for you, but this awkward moment may save both of your lives, that's worth it, right?

Here are some statistics about texting and driving: 

- Those who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash.

- When drivers read or send a text message, their reaction time is doubled. When asked to respond to a flashing light while texting behind the wheel, drivers were more than 11 times more likely to miss the light altogether.

Scary stuff, huh?

If texting while driving is a temptation for her often, her are some suggestions to get her to fight the urge. Have her keep her phone in the trunk or at least on silent. Also keep photos of loved ones in your car (such as on the dash board) so you remember who want to home get home safely too!
(More info about this topic coming...)


Love, 
Ashley Marie

Dear Ashley Marie - Girl Advice Column

Dear Ashley Marie,
What is the difference between the skin care brands in the mall and the ones you see at the grocery store? I am in High School, what do you think is best for my skin?
Sincerely,
Girl seeking for healthy skin



Dear girl seeking for healthy skin,
I am so excited that you have a desire to take care of your skin at your young age. Now is the time to take care of your skin for now and in the future. The skin care brands at the mall are called premium brands and they are premium because they don't use fillers which means you get way more for your skin and you aren't using harmful chemicals on it. Because the premium brands don't use fillers they last a whole lot longer and end up being better for your skin. Premium skin care is probably best for your skin, the good news is you don't have to spend tons of money to get good skin care though. Mary Kay is also a premium brand just like Clinique and bare minerals but it is actually a little cheaper.
The right one for your age would be the Botanical Effects skin care line. It comes with a mask (which can be used as a face scrub), a cleanser, a freshener (it clarifies your skin) and a moisturizer all for $58 and this will probably last you a good 3 or 4 months. 
Love, 
Ashley Marie

                         Shop HERE

Dear Ashley Marie,
I really want to try out for the cheer leading team but I don't think I would make it. I'm not popular, I'm guessing none of the cheer leaders even know I exist. I don't think I am pretty enough to be a cheer leader either. I see those cheer leaders though and they inspire me so much. There are a few girls on the squad that are so nice and they are my role models, I really want to get to know them better and influence the student body like they do. 
Sincerely,
Liz

Dear Liz,
You can do anything if you work hard enough and believe in yourself. Really evaluate why you want to be on the cheer squad though. If it is to be popular and be like those girls, that's the wrong reason to be chasing this dream but if cheering is something you have a strong passion for and you are willing to put in all that hard work, dedication and many many hours of practices then try out! It will hurt more down the road to wonder "What if?" than it will to take the chance and possibly be rejected. If this is your dream, put EVERYTHING you have into it. Find a friend, a parent, a coach or a mentor that can help coach you and help you prepare for try outs.Dreams come true with hard work and belief in yourself. You will do amazing! I have so much belief in you!
Love,
Ashley Marie

Prayer Journal

Grab an empty notebook for a quick and easy tutorial to help you with your prayers.

FYI: This is a religious post. 

This notebook is going to be your prayer journal. It is one of the best ways I have to found to have a conversation with God.

Take an empty journal - decorate but keep worldly things off of this one. 

Ideas: Cover it with the word prayer. Cover it with quotes about prayer and revlation.

Keep it simple and cover it with cute paper and then the word "prayer".

I put pictures of Christ inside the front cover. 

Let your personality shine through, but it will help if you keep it spiritual.

This thought came to me when I was talking to my friend about prayer and receiving answers. 
One of my friends would write the most inspiring emails when she was on her mission. 
She was constantly writing about her "conversations with God". I then asked her about it. I asked her how she was getting these "REAL" answers.
I thought something was completely wrong with me. I would pray every night, I would sit still to listen and I think I expected to hear a voice or see a vision. I wanted something REAL. I kept thinking, how come Heavenly Father is giving all of these spiritual moments and revelation to others and I don't feel that "powerful feeling" every time I pray. 

My friend gave me two tips of really good advice. But first she let me in on a secret. Nobody has those powerful revelations every time they pray. You have to work to figure out the answer on your own. You have to put in the work.


So this is a 3 step process:

1 - Pray and ask specific and direct questions - She first told me to ask questions. Pray like you will have a conversation to God and ask him questions you need answered in your life. You need to pray expecting to receive an answer. I was guilty of saying things like "help me know what is right" or "help me know what to do in my life". But I needed to be saying things like "Is this the right choice for me? or "Is Miss Murray a good thing to do with my life?" 

See the difference?

I needed to be asking more direct questions that could be answered.

2 - Write - Heavenly Father is most likely going to answer the question through YOU!

So after you are done praying, write down the questions you just asked in your prayers. Then make sure you are in a very quiet place and just write. Write whatever comes to your mind. Write what you think Heavenly Father would tell you. Write what you are feeling. Write everything you possibly can. Then read it. Study it. 

3- Compare - She directed me to a scripture: Moroni 7:12-13  - The key in this scripture is what you are asking has to be "GOOD" The answers you received have to match with this scripture.  Do you answers line up with what is good? Do you feel strongly that it is right?

If the answer is yes you feel it is right, the best thing you can do is pursue it, Heavenly Father will allow you to make mistakes, that is how you learn and grow strength. But he will also step in when he sees fit. He may direct you towards something and then change your course to test your faith.

ALSO: You could even be preparing for your prayers by thinking of questions that you want to ask Heavenly Father in your journal throughout the day and write them down so you won't forget them. 

Also write in your journal times when you know your prayers were answered. They may be small things but they are God's way of letting him know he loves you. It keeps your distance from him letting you know he is write there.

Side note: I feel it easier to feel the spirit and think clearer when my room is clean so the spirit can be present.

I really hope this tutorial and idea helps you to have a stronger connection and communication with Heavenly Father. This journal helps me to feel like I am having real conversations with God.

How to get over a breakup

Breakups suck. They just do.

Sometimes they are needed though. Sometimes they help you find who you are again.
Sometimes they help you to grow strength. Sometimes they can give you a renewed sense 
of yourself that has been missing for awhile.

The following is a list of what I have found to be the "Best's" for breakups.

The best movie for a breakup:

Legally Blonde - - why? It is a complete girl power movie. 

I mean first Elle gets dumped and feels sad but that doesn't last long.

Elle then starst fighting for a dream that she didn't know was
inside of her. The whole time Elle fights for this dream, she stays true
to herself and doesn't care what others think and 
everyone falls in love with her as she is true to her personality.
Then as Elle starts chasing this dream for herself, she meets the love
of her life and she didn't have to change one bit for him.

Elle never let her personal problems get in the way.

She stood up for herself when she needed to. 
She even went out of her way to help others feel 
loved and accepted.

Elle had so much faith in herself.

She had confidence that just radiates.

{I may or may not have watched this movie 5 times in the past week}

Best food for a breakup:

Chocolate Ice cream and fudge bars - - you can never go wrong with chocolate

Best mood lifter for a breakup:

Curl your hair, wear your special outfits, rock that new glamour look!

Put an effort into getting ready and looking your greatest and you

will feel confident everywhere you go.

Confidence is needed so much during this hard time.

Best way to deal with a breakup:

Talk - find someone you can confide in and talk to them. Open up. 

Let all the past scars be the solace to what has made you stronger.

You are free - focus on the opportunities that lie before you

AND PRAY - which is kinda the same thing. 
Talk to Heavenly Father and ask him for his help in this. 

He knows everything on your heart all ready, so share it with
 the one who wants what is best for you.

Best song for a breakup:

I can't pick just one.

Better in time - Leona Lewis

Stronger - Kelly Clarkson

First cut is the deepest - Sheryl Crow

(Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have written tons of songs

relating to breakups but many of them relate to the certain circumstances that they
went through, I found it hard to relate to many of them.)


That's all I can think of right now. There may be a part 2 to this post.
I just wanted to share what has worked best for me so if you ever find yourself
going through a hard breakup maybe some of these will help.
Just find what works best for you.
Like they say, Time will heal all wounds.
Maybe if I get brave I will share my whole story.

10 Ways to sleep Better Tonight

Getting a good night sleep is vitally important to our mental and physical health! 

Let's talk about sleep. I mean who doesn't love it?

These are my secrets to resting soundly:

1. Use a fluffy pillow - I used to hate big fluffy pillows. I wanted it small and flat, weird I know. But once I switched to the fluffy kind, I sleep so much better! I have to admit it took me a few nights to get used to it, but give it a chance.

2. Lavender - Bath & Body works has an aromatherapy spray that is lavender and it smells so so good. You just spray your pillow and sheets with it, let it dry and hop into bed. This scent helps you to relax and get a deeper sleep.

3. Keep it cool - Crack a window in the summer and turn down the heat in the winter at night time. The cooler temperatures allow your mind to go to a deeper sleep. I actually sleep in shorts in the winter time too! And I cover my vent half way. I seriously like it that cold at night!

4. Turn off all electronics at least 30 minutes before falling asleep. 

TV is a stimulant which keeps your mind busy and makes it harder to wind down.

5. Read - At least for me reading makes me sleepy. It is the only chance I get to read.

6. If you are religious, then you can do your "PJ's". 

When I was in Young Women's we were taught to do our "PJS" after putting on our pj's.

This stands for:

 P= Pray 

J= Journal 

S= Study scriptures

I made you a cute handout to remember to do your "PJS"! Hang it on a wall by your bed.

Perfect as a Young Women's PJS printable.

(Journaling will help you get all your thoughts out on paper so they are not weighing down your mind and you can go back to it in the morning if needed)

7. Keep paper by your bed - Any thoughts that come to your mind that keep you thinking at night WRITE THEM DOWN! This will clear your mind and help you focus on sleep instead of whatever is keeping you awake. Paper & a pen are your best friend for an empty peaceful mind.

8. Meditate and Yoga - I sometimes will roll out my yoga mat at night and do a few poses to help me wind down from the day.

9. Listen to peaceful music - My favorite song to listen to is one called "sleep" by Mindy Gledhill. It is on the TREK cd (a nashville tribute to the pioneers). 

(I can't find it on youtube or I would of posted the link.)

 My other favorites is anything by Norah Jones, I love listening to her at night time. 

Music can help you to feel peaceful and relaxed! :)

10. Create a pattern - Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up every morning at the same time. Routines help your body know what is coming and puts your mind at ease.