#SparkleHope Challenge - Week 1

Welcome to #SparkleHope Challenge week 1.

So happy you are here!

Last year was hard, harder than I have the words for. 

But I was BLESSED, oh so very blessed by so many. 

On those dark days where I didn't think light would ever come again, 

a little sparkle came from so many of you that kept me going. I knew God was aware of me because of the sparkle that came into my life through letters, invitations, phone calls, inspiration, chocolate, quotes, text messages, emails, and visits from the incredible people in my life.

I have never understood the worth of a soul so much as I did through this experience. 

Those simple acts of service meant EVERYTHING to me.

And now I want others understand just how precious one soul is to God.

That's why this challenge is happening. 

I think the best way I can show my gratitude to those that were an answer to my

 prayer and brought a little hope into my life is by passing it on,

adding a little sparkle to the lives of others.

So without further ado... 

WEEK 1 CHALLENGE:

Thank someone who has added sparkle to your life this past year.

Make a list of some people who really blessed your life this year in small or large ways. Anything from a letter that touched your heart to a friend that changed your life. 

Let them know.

Here are some ideas:

Write a thank you letter.

Bring them some flowers.

Send a test about the impact it had on you.

Make them a cupcake.

Find a way to get creative in your ways of thanking those who influenced your life or added sparkle on your journey in 2015.

Post a picture or message on any social media outlet about how you completed the weekly challenge using the hashtag #SparkleHope so we can all be inspired. I think I even want to feature a few on my blog before next weeks challenge begins.

So go out there and let the world see you SPARKLE!

2016 is my Year to SPARKLE

2015 was a really hard year for me. Mental illness attacked me in a way I had never experienced before. I honestly felt betrayed by God for many months. It was hard, it hurt, and I wouldn't have made it without Christ. God gives us things we can't handle so we are forced to lean on Christ and that's exactly what happened. 

Even though this past year has been so hard on me, I have been blessed by so many beautiful experiences and tender mercies. My heart is so appreciative to those who brought a little sparkle into my life this year. 

This year I experienced loneliness in a deep piercing way I had never known before. And even though I wasn't alone, it doesn't change the way I felt or that that was my very own gethsemane up to this point in my life. Some days I would pray constantly because it was absolutely the only thing I could bring myself to do, other days I honestly didn't feel like praying at all. I started to feel like God couldn't hear my prayers or if He did, He was pouring blessings on everyone but me. But my message to you today isn't about misery, it's about hope. 

HOPE; that's what so many people brought into my life this year. That's the message I learned most this year, is that hope is ALWAYS there. It took missing hope, to find it and believe in it like never before.

On days when I felt so useless and like a grain of sand that was to soon be swept up by the tides of the ocean, a dear friend would bring me a plate of goodies when I least expected them, or a ward member would show up with some chocolate, or a servant of Christ would come to my home to listen to me open my heart, or a letter would show up in my mail box reminding me of the good qualities I have to offer, or an email would be found in my inbox of some of my spiritual qualities that I couldn't see, and even receiving phone calls and texts out of nowhere from those I hadn't heard from for a while. 

Each of these very tender and thoughtful acts of service and hope reminded me of just how much God is looking out for me, just how many of my burdens Christ was carrying for me, and how much one simple act of service can bring hope.

That is why my one word for 2016 is SPARKLE - I want to serve many this year. I want to deliver hope because of the sparkle that was brought into my life when I needed it most. 

Spencer W. Kimball once said in a BYU speech "But of course we ought to be happy here. We ought to sparkle and shine and radiate with brilliance. We have everything! When a prominent Eastern man who was visiting our offices asked me, “Why are you, the Mormon people such happy folks?” My answer was: “It is because we have everything—the gospel of Jesus Christ, the light, the priesthood, the power, the promises, the covenants, the temples, our families, the truth.” Latter-day Saints, especially Latter-day Saint youth, surely should have a brilliance of their own. You should have that sparkle here today."

Spencer W. Kimball wants us to sparkle, so that is my goal for the year, to sparkle. I want to be happy, and to radiate happiness. While everything that happens to us isn't always in our control, our response to it is always in our control. Happiness isn't an easy choice to make, but it is a choice we have power over, even if limited by our own chemicals and illnesses. Despite everything that stops me from being happy, I want to try harder to do better. I want to laugh more, smile more, compliment more, and people build more.

To help me on this path of making 2016 a year for me to sparkle, I will be featuring a weekly challenge with the #SparkleHope. Challenges will consist of either something that allows you to bring sparkle to others by serving someone, or by inviting more happiness into your own life. These challenges will be every single Monday, because as much as Monday's can be a really hard day, we are going to change that and start the week with SPARKLE and HOPE! 

You will have the entire week to complete the simple challenge and you can then take a picture of you doing your challenge and share it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or SnapChat with the #SparkleHope. It is my deepest desire to build a community of sparkle and hope, as we add sparkle to this new year and inspire one another.

Charity of the week - brightpink.org

CHARITY OF THE WEEK



I am going to start spotlighting one Charity a week. I feel it is important to be aware of these Charity's so we have more opportunities to be aware of ways we can make a difference and be that "Power of One".

So the first one I have chosen to spotlight is www.brightpink.org!

I found out about this Charity when I went into Aerie last month 

during October - "Breast Cancer Awareness Month". 

I bought the cutest and comfiest pink bra and 100% of the proceeds went

to this organization - is that not the greatest???

Also I got the prettiest pink nail polish and 100% of the proceeds for that got donated as well!

I would say Aerie ROCKS for supporting such an amazing cause!

Actually you can still buy the bra and support the cause HERE

So I'm sure you are wondering by now what is Brightpink.org?

Bright Pink is the ONLY National non-profit that raises awareness 

of the protection and early detection of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 

This is SO IMPORTANT!

Want to support this amazing Charity?

Donate Here

Find ways to Volunteer Here

or simply Spread the Word Here

Remember that you hold the POWER OF ONE GIRL 

- You efforts may just end up changing the world! 

If you do ANYTHING to support this cause - I want to hear all about it so please come back and leave a comment.

How to write a Thank You letter

I LOVE thank you notes!

Okay I don't just love them....I may be slightly OBSESSED with them!
I carry blank ones with me EVERYWHERE! 

I feel lost if I don't have one with my at all times. You just never know who might do something nice for you and who you might need to thank!

There are these two very kind boys who work at Kneaders (pretty sure I go there too often for my wallet) and every time I go through the drive through they treat me like royalty! Of course I wrote their manager a letter thanking them for hiring two compassionate boys who know what true customer service is all about! I think that may be the main reason I go back so often, they make me feel like a princess with their sweet service! The second reason is because their food is SO YUMMY!

The point is, if someone makes you feel like a million bucks - TELL THEM!!!

So it is your turn to write a Thank You note.

Step 1: Think and select someone that has made a difference in YOUR life!

 It can be in a very simple or subtle way or it can be HUGE!

Ideas: How about your 2nd grade teacher that took you under her wing?
                 How about that kind cashier that went out of her way to serve you today?
                 What about that girl back in high school who always said Hi to you, no matter what?!

Friends, neighbors, cashiers, waitresses, mentors, parents, siblings, co-workers, your boss - they all want to feel loved and appreciated for the things they do, even if they are simple things.

Step 2: Pick out a card!

It does not need to be fancy! 

Step 3: Think of a few nice things to say!

The most important factor on this step is that you are sincere! 
Make it come from the bottom of your heart!

Ideas to get you thinking: 

You make me feel so loved!
You are truly amazing at your job. Thank you for doing your job so well!
You care so much for others and it really shows.
You make a difference! 
Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your business!
Thank you for your time!
Thank you for your love!
Thank you for being my friend!

Step 4: Write it down!

It is SO MUCH more meaningful when it is written in your own handwriting on a card instead of just a simple and impersonal email. People simply LOVE getting mail that isn't bills!

Step 5: Send it!

Once you send your thank you; lives will be touched, hearts will be lifted, joy will be experienced and the process of paying it forward can begin! 

You writing a thank you note has a HUGE impact on others whether you believe it or not!

CONGRATULATIONS... YOU {being ONE person} just made a difference and started to change the world!

Step 6: Celebrate. {I believe ice cream is in order now :)}

When you reward yourself for the good things you do in this world, you are more likely to remember them and do it again! 

Want a great excuse to invite friends over? Have a Thank you Note - - ice cream party! 
Write TONS of notes and indulge in ice cream!

Stephanie Scott - The Power of One Cookie

THE POWER OF ONE COOKIE

I just found this amazing website

Cookies-for-Kids-Cancer

I have volunteered a lot with Primary Children's Medical Center

{the fundraising part of it at least}

so this is something that is close to my heart.

Stephanie Scott is just ONE GIRL - 

but she is taking steps to change the world!

The Disney Channel star from A.N.T Farm is the official Good Cookie Ambassador!
Pediatric cancer is the #1 cause of death in America for children under 19.
Stephanie already had a love for baking,
so she stepped in to help and make a difference.

Right now more than 40,000 kids are battling cancer, 
this just brakes my heart.
So what can you do about it?
YOU can become a member of the Good Cookie Club.
YOU can organize an event right where you are to make a difference.
YOU can join Stephanie in this fight.
SIGN UP HERE!

Check out Teen Vogues article on her as well.

Old Navy and Crowdtap are AMAZING!!!

I just want to give a HUGE SHOUTOUT to Crowdtap and Old Navy 

for the opportunity at a random act of kindness.

First of all if you haven't heard of Crowdtap - it is an amazing site 

that lets you share your opinons about different brands.

Now I LOVE Old Navy - I find the cutest items there!

They just happen to be cheap and stylish... bonus :)

So Crowdtap sent me these coupons in the mail. 

They say "Get one FREE active top and one FREE active bottom".

It came with two of them!! It was supposed to be one for you and one for your friend.

Well I have two best friends and I couldn't choose.

And I have lots of workout clothing that I have already purchased from

Old Navy, so I thought... what a great opportunity to share a little love 

and kindness to my two best friends. They just happen to be my mom and my sister.

This is my mom! My beautiful and inspiring best friend.

 After trying a few different outfits on...

we found one that she fell in love with!

We quickly learned that the key to feeling motivated to working out,

if finding an outfit that you feel completely empowered in!

We have big plans to hit the trails, ride our bikes, and prepare for a 5K.

My mom is now ready and motivated to take back her life and

get in shape so she can feel better on a daily basis.

Old Navy is so innovative and creative! 

I had to capture a picture of the dressing rooms while we were there.

I love all that Old Navy has to offer.

This is my sister, Abigail.

We found her the perfect outfit after trying on a few.

We knew this was the one when she suddenly had

a smile of motivation and confidence written all over her.

Is my sister gorgeous or what??

                                                        I am so excited to work out with these 
                                                   gorgeous and inspiring ladies this summer. 
                                                     This is going to be a life changing summer
                                               as we all own up to the girls we were meant to be.

                                                 Thank you SO MUCH Old Navy for giving my
                                                 family $80 worth of workout clothing to better 
                                           our lives and motivate us to take care of our bodies.

                                         I had fun trying on clothes with them but I was so grateful
                                          I could pass the coupons on to the girls I love the most!

Linda Designs 4U - Inspiring jewelry shop

.

Have you heard about this inspiring teen?

This is Linda, a 17-year old cancer survivor and difference maker!  While undergoing chemo

treatments, her mom would bring her beads to make jewelry. This kept her spirits lifted

as she loved jewelry! One day a nurse asked to buy a pair of her earrings

and soon others started to do the same. This was just the begging of opening her

jewelry designing business Linda Designs 4U

A portion of all her proceeds go to help those in foster care who are fighting cancer.

Go watch a video about it HERE.

Stories like this touch my heart. I can't imagine the hard battle that they have

fought. But what seems to stick out the most is the kind charitable heart that this

girl has and an optimistic attitude that is just contagious.

April 25th - Pay it Forward day

April 25th is special for two reasons:

1. Miss Congeniality

I LOVE this movie. The first time I saw this movie, I believe I was 12 years old.

I was having a sleepover with Elise Frederickson, because in the morning

we would be leaving for Denver, Colorado to watch my

Aunt and Uncle get  married. 

Little did I know 6 years later, I would be competing in pageants.

Enjoy this perfect date! It's beautiful outside today! :)

Now the second reason April 25th is special.

2. It is Pay it Forward day

My friend Stacey Hansen taught me to think of Pay it Forward like PAY IT 4WARD!

Go out and serve someone that you think needs a little extra love in their life or you can even serve all 4 different type of people.

That is what i will be doing! I can't wait to use my Power of One to hopefully change days and people and start a ripple effect. I will report back to you and I hope you will do the same!

Go HERE to print off free pay it forward cards!

And you can check out the Payit4ward program HERE!

Dear Ashley Marie

Dear Ashley Marie,
I love wearing lip gloss but sometimes feel it starts running, what can I do to prevent this?
Sincerely,
Kendyl


Dear Kendyl,
This is normal, it usually depends on the kind of lip gloss you are using. But the funny thing is usually the best most moisturizing kinds tend to do this. One way to help you keep the lip gloss placed where you want it is to wear a lip liner. Now go with me for a minute. I know when you think of lip liner you think super fancy or that is for mom's. If you use one that is the perfect color for your lips and the gloss it will work. Want to hear an even cooler trick? CLEAR LIP LINER! - I know SO BRILLIANT! Clear lip liner isn't noticeable, it will keep your lip gloss/ lip stick placed where it needs to be and will help keep your lips looking beautiful! It is amazing stuff! 

You can buy it HERE!

Love, 
Ashley Marie





Dear Ashley Marie,
There is this totally cute boy in my Spanish class. I'm not sure he even knows I exist but I think it would be so fun to go out on a date with him. How do I get him to notice me?
Love,
Girl with a crush

Dear Girl with a crush,
Getting to know different guys in high school can be rough. One of the best things you can do to get him to notice you is to smile at him. Smiling makes you look friendly, happy, confident and outgoing. He is sure to notice you if you start smiling at him more often and letting him see your gorgeous personality shine through that stunning smile you got.
Try it.... what can you loose?
Love,
Ashley Marie


Dear Ashley Marie,
Sometimes I feel like I am in a box. I want to be more outgoing and help people more but I am clueless as to where to start. HELP!
Love,
Collette

Dear Collette,
That is such a great goal you have! There are some really simple steps you can take to help people more. If you are more on the shy end then start by writing one note a day!
Write a note to your friend thanking her for being so patient with you. Write a note to the elderly lady that lives across the street just letting her know you care. Write a note to your favorite cafe' thanking them for always serving you. Write a note to a past teacher that really helped you when you needed it the most. 
This should be a great start. I want to hear all about it so please write me after doing this step and I will show you more ways to help you branch out more and show people that you care! Good luck!
Love, 
Ashley Marie



These advice posts have been real popular hits and I LOVE DOING THEM! If you have a question you think I can help you with or want some anonymous advice, write to me at AshleyFrederickson@marykay.com

People Water - - #H2O

Want to know my BIGGEST health secret? 



It is H2O!!!

You hear it everywhere! But BELIEVE it!

Water is SO VALUABLE! 

It is good for your skin!

It is good for your kidneys!

It is good for managing your weight!

It is good for your immune system!

It is good for your entire body!

The easiest way to be sure you are getting enough water is to only drink water throughout the day!
Carry a water bottle with you at all times throughout the day and drink it constantly! 
Drink it when you don't feel like drinking it!

If drinking water is hard for you - add a little lemon juice to it 
or add a sweetener like Stevia (it doesn't have all those harmful chemicals in it.)

The best tasting water I have found is PEOPLE WATER!
And when you drink it, you are GIVING BACK to a good cause!
I LOVE IT!!!

I feel up this water bottle 5 times a day and I mark the bottle by with times, so I know how much I should have drank by 10am, noon, 3pm and so on!
This allows me to make sure I am getting enough water throughout the day!

So here is 5 Reasons why you should purchase People Water:


1. People Water is a non profit organization that matches your purchase, drop for drop
to give clean water where it is needed most.

2. It is 100% natural... it is BPA free, it is Flouride free and it is PH balanced.

3. For every bottle you purchase, they give an equal amount of clean water to a person 
in need. - You can even scan the QR code on the bottle to track where your water is going!

4. It is a Utah Based Company

5. AND it was started by Jef Holmes, the guy who stole the heart of Emily Maynard on
 'The Bachlorette' in season 8, how cool is that? 
(Sadly though they aren't together anymore.)

The two places I have found People Water to be sold is at 
Great Harvest in Taylorsville
OR at Whole Foods... but Seriously go get some!

P.S. I was not asked to write this post nor was I compensated for it. 
All opinions are mine and I wrote this post on my own free will... that is how much I love People Water!

Happiness Heart Challenge

Happiness Heart Challenge

While it is still the "HEART" month, I thought it would be fun to show you a cute service project. 
It is an ongoing way to pay it forward!

1. Cut out paper construction hearts - either free hand them OR use your Cricut or use your Silhouette.

2. Find a cute bag or something that you can keep these hearts in and carry them with 
you all the time! I keep them in my (make a difference on the go bag ... but more on that later.)

3. Go out and SERVE! - 
Ideas: 

• Make the bed of someone in your family
• Leave a gracious tip for a sweet waitress
• Do a chore you are not expected to do
• Buy your roommate their favorite candy bar and leave it
• Scrape the ice off of someone's car
• Leave a coupon you won't use by that item in the grocery store

4. Write a sweet note on the heart and sign it! Leave the punched heart on top of 

the act of service your performed.

5. Take a moment to reflect how it feels to make someone feel loved and appreciated!

{When you reflect on moments like this - it is an instant mood booster. But also the more you remember about the experience, the more motivation you will have to do it all over again! :)

The Challenge:  Do this EVERY SINGLE DAY! 

Make it your goal to help one person every single day. 

You can seriously CHANGE THE WORLD!

Your service brings HOPE, INSPIRATION, LOVE, KINDNESS, FRIENDSHIP, UNITY and so much more! Be the change you wish to see in the world by a very simple project!

Take pictures of your service projects and post them on twitter and instagram

Use #happinessheartchallenge on twitter & Instagram 
I can't wait to see the service and creativity you have to offer! :)