SUNSHINE - It Lives Within Us ALL

Sunshine; that was the name I was given in my trek family ten years ago and the nickname a dear young women's leader gave me the first time she met me. I absolutely loved it! My ma and pa told me I was always looking on the bright side, I was always smiling, and I was always happy and it was contagious. Having this nickname inspired me to be even more happy. The first day of trek, we arrived on a beautiful sunny day. We started to walk on the long journey we had ahead of us when the rains started to pour down upon us. Every one was complaining and miserable and quite honestly I was SO HAPPY! I felt so close to Christ, I felt so much help and comfort from the peace only he could offer. I would sing songs in my heart as we walked along the muddy dirt path as it started to get dark and I just couldn't stop smiling. No storm was going to take away my sunshine.

Lately I've been thinking back to that girl. Happiness was second nature to me because I had practiced optimism over and over and over again. Somehow I have gotten out of that habit. I've realized that I got so used to the storms in my life that I forgot that's it's okay to be happy. I forgot that I deserve happiness and it's God that wants me to be happy. I've been so fearful that He's going to take away my happiness that I allowed that fear to bring even more storms into my life. 

I got in the habit of finding something to worry about in every moment, I got in the moment of looking for the bad and seeking out the storms that I didn't even notice the sun when it was shining. I've realized the more time I spend feel sad or worried, the more selfish my heart becomes. And what makes this even worse is as a man thinketh, so is he (Provebs 23:7). If we think we are sad or are miserable, of course we become that way. We are here in this mortal world to learn how to take power over our thoughts and actions and the thoughts that we dwell upon become our reality. 

Also, if we are sending sunshine out into the world whether it be in our own friendships and relationships or even in our daily interactions with the mailman and grocer at the store, it comes back to us. If we are sending gloom and misery out into the world, that also comes back. It's this constant viscous cycle which is why we can easily start to believe that the sun will never shine. But I've found we each have a sunshine muscle within us. A muscle that can be built stronger and stronger through constant focus and dedication. If you believe there is sunshine in your heart, you will definitely find it there! 

USE your sunshine muscle, if it's hard to use it for yourself at the start, use it for others. Find someone you want to build, help, or inspire and be happy for them. Practice building that muscle through positive thinking, smiling, serving, laughing, complimenting, and thanking. What you send into the world will come back to you. And what you think about you bring about! 

Don't get discouraged by the habits you used to have that have fallen out of place. If you were that once, you most definitely can be that again. Especially when you have Christ on your team, he makes all weak things become strong. and you most definitely can be made perfect by coming unto Him. 

If you want hope and joy in your life - SCATTER SUNSHINE! Cheer, bless, and brighten everyone you come in contact with. (Alma 56:17)

There is beauty in every weakness

I suspected something was wrong when I would have deep incredible conversations with others. Conversations I was eating up every word and feeling the spirit so strongly, then when I would get home I had forgot what it was we just discussed. It didn't make sense to me. I have always had a problem retaining new information. I knew I was capable of so much more. I knew I was putting in the work and doing everything I possibly could to retain information, study, get good grades, learn the piano, learn dance numbers for pageants - so why wasn't it sticking? Why I was having to work ten bazillion times harder than everyone else was and I was still so far behind from everyone?

At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD (by the way, ADHD is something you are born with. So even though I was diagnosed in my adult years, I've had it my entire life). I was heartbroken and relived all at the same time. I was relieved that I could put a label on my problems and there was reason and science behind my weaknesses. Although I had feelings of relief, words can't even describe to you how heartbroken I was that I actually had ADHD. This isn't going to be a a whiny post, promise! But can I just say, ADHD SUCKS!!! It really does. Especially when you go your whole life knowing you are so different from every other person, but having the inability to have a reason why.

Inattentive ADHD is very different from Hyperactive ADHD. For me, it means information I hear and learn doesn't always stick and I can't retain as much as I would prefer. This makes school and pursuing my journalism career oh, so very hard! It means that it's so hard for me to keep attention on anything for too long and motivation of doing the daily tasks is a battle. My desires and ambitions don't show through my results. It's frustrating and I find myself discouraged over this problem often.

But the beauty of this weakness is the gifts that come with it. While I may not talk tons in conversation, I'm listening to you more than you will ever realize, I'm caring more than you can comprehend, and I'm internalizing your words in a way you have never thought of before. I can see the bright side of just about anything and my greatest ideas come at the very last minute. 

There is good in all things, and while I'm still trying to figure out how to treat this problem I know there is purpose and beauty in it. I know that Heavenly Father doesn't give us challenges without giving us mercy and the atonement to help us through the process. I know Christ has felt the discouragement I face and I have felt him lift me and comfort me in the times I need it most. I know our weaknesses can bring us closer to Christ if we allow them to. I know confidence is a gift that comes from the Holy Ghost as we take our problems to Heavenly Father. For the Holy Ghost has the answer to EVERYTHING!

I can't wait for my mind to be perfected in the next life. I can't wait to learn more about Christ on this journey that seems so daunting and discouraging at times. While living with ADHD is SO difficult, a rare form of it that I have yet to meet people with my same struggles and people that can even slightly understand what I'm going though, I do know I have found SO much beauty in my weakness. I see grace in my trial daily and I am forever grateful for that. I refuse to be defined by this problem. I will take what I have been given, I will water the flowers and not the weeds and I will embrace it all. I will keep moving forward and see the beauty in what I have been blessed with (because weaknesses can very much be blessings). I have SO much faith that every single thing we go through and we're given can be for our good. {D+C 90:24}

I like this blog to be a happy and beautiful place, but here's my philosophy: Can I really help girls build their self esteem and embrace all that they are; weaknesses and strengths alike if I'm not real and honest? No! I don't believe I can. 

So dear girls that read this, What's your biggest weakness, the thing that weighs you down the most? Go write about it! Write about the sucky parts as well as the beautiful parts found within your weakness. Then share about it so you can inspire those in your circle of influence. After all, we are here to learn and grow from one another as we find the roses among our thorns.

Be real.
Be true. 
Be authentic. 
Be yourself!

The Power Is In You To Arise And Shine

I LOVE summer. All the memories, all the fun, and all the joy to be found in soaking up the sunlight. I hold many sacred, spiritual experiences in my heart that came more often than not in the summer. From trek, to girls camp, to youth conference and EFY, to the once in a lifetime Day of Celebration event...these events are where a larger part of where my testimony came from.



The lyrics to a particular camp song still ring in my heart often...

To shine is to have a quality of brightness. If we want to have a quality of brightness 

within us while taking action, there are things we must do to accomplish this. 

Always remember that the power is within YOU to Arise + Shine!


8 Steps to Having an Arise + Shine 
Kind of Day

1. Arise -  

What a great word, isn't it? Arise is a verb, a call to action. In a Mormon message, the words "I'm awake, I remember Him" pull at my heart strings. I used to use my cell phone as my alarm clock. I would leave it right next to my bed and not even get out of bed when my alarm would go off. After noticing all the notifications from social media, I found I would spend more time on my phones in the morning than actually praying, so... I decided something needed to change. 

I bought an alarm clock so I would no longer turn to my phone in the first moments of the day. I made it a pattern to ARISE, roll out of bed onto my knees and seek out my Heavenly Father. For it is only through Him that I can find the counsel to know His will for me on this beautiful day.

ACTION: Buy an alarm clock at IKEA for $1 so you no longer have to rely on your phone and become distracted. Write the words, I'm awake, I remember Him." on the clock and then start giving your thoughts to Him first thing in the morning.

2. Study the scriptures - 

One of my favorite things about girls camp was the opportunity for "solo time" in the woods. A time to be alone to seek, ponder, and pray. There is something for me about being alone in nature, God's creation and enjoying all the beauty and every detail. If you can, study the scriptures at a nearby park, take a hike until you find a nice rock to make your spot, sit in front of the temple, or simply study them in your own yard. To be an example for others, you first have to have the truth and light within yourself from daily scripture study. 

Action: Study your scriptures outside, see if you don't get something different out of them by being away from all distractions and all electronics. 
(Leave the phone in the car or at home)


3. Go outside, explore the sunshine - 

If we're being called to shine for the world to see, don't we first need some shine within us? One of my absolute favorite things about summer is the sunshine. I just can't get enough of it's warmth and light. Sunflowers have always been my favorite flower, I love the way they follow the Sun from sunrise to sunset day in and day out. 

Action: Take time to be in the sun daily (with sunscreen of course) and reflect on how you can be more like the Son of God. How can you be more like Christ to influence others to do the same? The greatest leader is the one who leads by example.


4. Smile -

To be a light for others to follow, you have to appear as you have light. Look at yourself in the mirror and smile every single morning. Find good things within yourself every single morning and then choose to believe them throughout the day. We are given choices on a daily basis. One of the most important choices we can make is to choose happiness. If you smile at others, others will always smile back at you. Happiness is contagious, pass it on.

Action: Smile in the mirror daily as you name 3 good things about yourself or your life

5. Say these words aloud, then live by them daily 

Action: Print this photo. Hang it on your wall, on your mirror, or even on your fridge. Don't forget these words as you make them your motto! Your shine will radiate from within as you live by these words. This is the secret to true beauty, living in a way that shows you're a daughter of God.

{Free Facebook cover for you to use}

6. Eat healthy + stay hydrated

It's prime time for all the delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables. The more you choose to make it a pattern of eating healthy, the more you will be able to help others do the same. Your body is the temple to your spirit. If you're not taking care of your own physical health, how do you plan on helping and serving others? We will be able to take on more responsibility as we prepare our bodies for it. To shine, we have to be prepared by first taking care of ourselves.

Action: Each time you drink water, think of the Savior and remember Him. For He is our living water and we need Him hour by hour.

7. Exercise

There are countless physical activities to do in the summer. From my personal favorites of running and biking, to sports and hiking, surely there is something for everyone to enjoy. Find time to exercise and enjoy the fresh air. Make a routine of it and push yourself. The gospel is full of standards and principles that make us work hard and put us in routines, liken that unto your exercise routine. 

Action: As you are enjoying the pattern to hard work and dedication, think of the example you are being to everyone around you.  

8. Go spread shine to others throughout the day! Share love, kindness, random acts of service.

Now that you've done so much to prepare yourself to be an example and have your heart focused on Christ in the midst of these summer days, find ways to spread love and joy to everyone around you.

Action: SHINE! Go serve others as much as you can. Say kind things, write notes, give love through a listening ear, hold the door, mow an elderly neighbor's lawn, bake cookies, share a gift. Just serve!! To be a light, you must follow in the way Christ taught about service and love. Give everything you have to offer and you will be blessed! 
We all have special gifts and talents, give yours away daily! We each have a divine mission to accomplish on a daily basis, don't hide your light, allow it to shine so you will always fulfill your daily purpose.

Read: D + C 115:5 then put this scripture somewhere you will see it daily!

Watch:

#40Acts of Kindness for Lent

It's very possible that I'm the only one in the world that does this, but you wake up and the first thought that hits your mind is all the wrong in your life even though you have so many incredible, amazing blessings in your life. So you lie in bed, grab your phone, scroll through Facebook and have a pity party dreading to actually start moving. You've never done that? Ha... I knew I was the only one. ;)

A few days ago I was reminded about lent by a friend. I had heard of it over the years, but because it isn't something I typically practice it wasn't on the forefront of my mind and I had to learn about the details and purpose of it again. After I learned about it I kept thinking that I loved the concept, but I couldn't think of anything to give up. As I pondered  deeply, a thought came to me and not all at once either.

Let me tell you why I love the concept of lent. If you don't know what lent is, it's sacrificing something for 40 days leading up to Easter, as resemblance of Christ fasting. To me, it's a way of showing Heavenly Father you love Him so much you would be willing to do anything and everything for Him. It's an opportunity to break a bad habit and replace it with one that will bring you closer to Christ. It's a way to refocus your life even when you feel you have absolutely nothing left to give.

As I pondered and prayed about what I needed to give up and where my life was going, piece by piece my puzzle has started to be laid out for me. Okay, so I only have two pieces ha ha, but that is enough! I'm learning that's how God works, He gives you a piece you act and try to find the next one and as you're searching and willing to act, He will give you another one until you can see the entire picture. Faith and action go hand in hand and you don't consistently keep doing both, He can start to take the pieces away.

So back to that pity party of mine, that's what I'm giving up. I'm sacrificing the selfish thoughts I have in the morning. The second I wake up I have to roll out of bed onto my knees and pray, and in this prayer, I can't really pray for myself either. I am praying for others. I am praying to know who needs me throughout the day. I am praying for my mind to be open to opportunities of service and kindness. I am praying for an open heart and a willing mind to serve those who are put in my path. I want to lose myself completely and these upcoming 40 days are going to be hard but they are going to be life changing if I consistently choose to act on the pieces God has given me thus far. 

So today's the day to begin!!! I woke up before 6 today and said my prayers and I can't wait to see who is put in my path for me to help. But it's so much more than that, it's not about finding projects, it's about finding people to love, to selflessly love and not because I have to, and not because I want to be the one to make the difference. It's about finding people you were truly meant to be an angel for, because God placed them in your path for a purpose. And something tells me this is just the very beginning... I have a very deep feeling it's so much more than the eye can see. This will be a learning process and journey.

Want to join in? Watch this video and then check out the site!

8 Ways to make a difference in your parents lives

1. Write them a letter thanking them for the simple things they never get thanked for.

2. Leave uplifting compliments around for them to find.

3. Serve them! What do they need or what would speak to their heart?

4. Take them to lunch! Spend quality time with them. Care about what they care about.

5. When they ask questions or show concern, thank them! Do you know how many individuals long to have parents that show they care? Respect their questions and tell them the whole truth, they deserve it.

6. Practice patience. Parents aren't perfect. They didn't get a manual of how to raise you when you came along. But I do know they did the best they could. Be patient with where they are at and with what they do.

7. Be the example. If there is something you wish your parents were doing that they aren't this time in their life, be the example for them. Their watching you and you have the power to change their heart and have incredible influence on them.

8. LOVE them! Tell them you love them often. Show them you love them. Text it, tweet it, share it for the world to see. But just make sure they never have to question the love you have for them!

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I believe we all have different roles to play at different times in our lives. 
An experience happened that made me realize how 
important my role is of being a daughter.
I love my parents more than anything. 
They are such kind hearted individuals who love me to the moon and back.
I can feel it. I've witnessed it. They show it by their questions and concerns.

The role that I play as a daughter is vital.
What if you were sent to your parents for a purpose?
What if we stopped expecting that our parents were only here to teach us?
Instead what if Heavenly Father designed this life in way where the children should be doing more teaching than the parents?
Just imagine with me for a moment,
that your role as a daughter or son is more influential on them, than their role is on you.

I believe the example you set as a son or daughter has an indescribable influence 
that is unspoken of but is always there.
The role you play of speaking words of encouragement and giving compliments has greater
impact than can ever been seen with the eye.
Being a daughter or son is so simple but something 
.that has such deep and incredible power.

Stop for a moment and think about everything your parents have done for you! 
Whether you feel they did an incredible job or you blame them for the problems in your life now, they have given you a gift. A gift of life. A gift of knowledge. A gift of experience.

I'm not the perfect daughter, but my heart longs to be.
I don't say the words "I love you" enough.
I'm not patient 100% of the time, but I'm aware of what needs to be done to fix it.
I don't serve enough. I don't give enough. 

The letters I have written and the acts of kindness I have performed on occasions
display the deepest evidence to me that my role as a daughter has an 
impact, possibly the GREATEST impact on their life.

Parents tend to create their thoughts, their worries, and their burdens 
based upon their children.
The role you can play is so extremely important!
Whether you realize this or not, your parents look up to you.
Their greatest pride and joy comes from the events that happen in your life.
What are you doing to show how much you love them and how much you care?
Just maybe you were meant to play a bigger role in their life than they did in yours!

7 Ways to Make a Difference on Facebook

1. Like a post that has a positive message

The more likes a post has, the more it will be seen by others as the highest liked posts rise to the top. If it's a good post, be sure to like it so it can rise, influencing more people! Your like really makes a difference in the way Facebook organizes posts.

2. Use pictures

 Facebook is very heavily based on images. If you have something important to say and want to make sure it is seen, always add an image! Images rise to the top of Facebook, that's why images always get more likes than just words.

3. Wish every friend a happy birthday on their day

If you're going to be friends with a person on Facebook, say "Happy Birthday"! In my personal opinion, if you don't feel comfortable saying happy birthday, should you really be friends with them? It could mean the world to someone when you take two seconds out of your day to wish them a happy birthday. Others just want to know that they crossed your mind on their special day.

4. Write kind notes on others walls

Remember when writing on the walls of others used to be a thing? Yeah? Well let's make that come back! Instead of just these silly comics or links to the latest celebrity news that seems to be all that gets shared, what if we used Facebook to inspire and build others instead? Receiving a note on your Facebook wall feels like you're receiving a beautifully wrapped gift that can be read over and over again. Make others feel important!

5. Share Goodness 

You don't have to use the #sharegoodness to do this (although that won't hurt). But write things that are uplifting and positive on your wall. Your words could change someones day or even life. What you put on social media is a representation of yourself. Sharing Goodness can start to become a part of who you are if you allow it to!

6. Leave a comment on others posts and pictures

 Facebook can be very time consuming and has many negative connotations attached as well, why not make your goal to use Facebook for a good cause. Use social media with a purpose, make your only goal and purpose for using it to build others. Be a people builder, especially on Facebook! 

7. Send a message

If a post someone wrote touched your heart and you don't want to comment, send them a message! I can't tell you how many messages I have received thanking me for what I posted, and it never gets old. The more I know I'm helping others - the more I am compelled to keep sharing the inspiration that I have to offer. Everyone likes a positive and uplifting message in their inbox.

An open letter to Aerie

Dear Aerie,

I LOVE your store. I have been shopping there and supporting your business and attire since the day it opened. I love everything about it. The sweet girls. The store setup. Fashion, clothing, and style. The stickers that remind you of your worth. The ribbon that is used to tie each bag with love. All of it, it's all perfect!

Then you launched the #AerieREAL campaign and my heart exploded. Body image and self-esteem is something I have a HUGE passion for. I suffered from low self-esteem growing up. Growing up, I was so skinny, it was part of me and I had no control over it. I remember hearing rumors or being asked questions of if I had an eating disorder. I never did. As I grew up, I had a very fast metabolism and I would just eat whatever. I kept thinking I was invincible and I would never gain weight. One day I put on a swimsuit and noticed I had love handles. I was in disbelief, where did these come from??

Every individual is different, we are different for a reason and purpose. As I started following your campaign, I would start to examine each and every model. I kept thinking, I could never be a model for you. My sides and hips are just 5 inches too big. Then, to be honest, I started critiquing my body even more. Just knowing that your models appeared to be flawless and they weren't even photoshopped made me go crazy. It was actually worse knowing I didn't look like them than just believing they had been retouched. I remember one of your models had a mole on her stomach in the exact same place as me, so comforting.

So I propose to you or more like BEG you to stop only using models that are so thin and only one size. Beauty comes in every single size, shape, and color. You preach this, but you aren't teaching this. What about girls like me who have a little extra in places they wish didn't. I work my butt off, getting up at 5:00 am every single day to work out. The results don't always show either. I don't do this to change my image. I do this to prove to myself that I can. I do it to get healthy and to take charge of my body. I work hard, I eat right and I look like this.

In the media's eyes, I am flawed like crazy. In the eyes of the world, I am unproportioned which isn't what Hollywood beauty is about. But #AerieREAL is about REAL girls! I'm real. What about us? Can't you show us some models who look like us?

My passion and purpose in this world are to empower girls to have strong self-esteem and confidence. I figured one of the best places to start is with a HUGE name brand that shares my same vision.

Together we are going to make a difference and show the world what real natural beauty looks like! This is the real me and yes, I believe the real me is enough and perfect just the way I am.

Love, Ashley

SHINE PROJECT {THREADS} REVEAL

                                        It has been awhile since I have updated you on 

                                                    Miss Murray's Outstanding Teen!!

                                 Remember when I wrote about the obstacles in the way? Well, I used 

                                                    the obstacles as stepping stones and things 

                                                               are getting brighter each day!!

                         Miss Murray's FIRST Outstanding Teen was crowned in September. 

           We didn't hold a full on pageant but we chose our winner based on paperwork and a 

                              poster that showed what she would do to promote her platform. 

                           I thought this was ideally perfect as we wanted a girl who was focused 

                                                              on serving her community.

Meet Lauren Wells,

 she is a student at Murray High and her platform is

Cancer Awareness! 

Lauren is already doing AMAZING things in the community.

In fact she performed for the Huntsman Center Gala event that was AMAZING!!
Here is a glimpse into what the evening had in store.

 In celebration of things working out so well, we have partnered up

with Shine Project's THREADS to bring you

bracelets and stacks that were custom made just for

the Miss Murray Outstanding Teen's program.

The stacks are $50 and 20% of all sales goes to MMOT and the
rest goes straight back to Threads and we all know the amazing
work that they do! :)

The crown bracelets individually are $14.

They are debuting in the Thread shop
but I also have my own pile of them so email me if 
you would like some bracelets and I will personally 
deliver them to you! :)
ashleyfrederickson@marykay.com

Together we can CREATE and WEAR CHANGE!!!

Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving can be really scary stuff!!!

Even when you think it's the perfect moment to send a quick text and no one is around... THINK AGAIN!

You are driving down the street, no cars or anyone is in sight, you think you have 2 seconds to 

spare to type a quick word. ...You don't! Anything can happen when you take a 

chance like that!

I want to share a story that I have told only a few people. This story is hard for me to write but I think it is one that needs to be shared. About a year and a half ago I was involved in a car/pedestrian accident. I was driving through a bare parking lot and it was dark outside. I was reaching for my phone that was in my purse that was right next to me. I didn't have a plan to send a text, I just wanted to hold it in case it went off. I think I looked down for half a second to grab it. As I was looking up there was a guy on a bicycle right in front of me. I slammed on my brakes but I hit him. Mind you, this was a parking lot - - I was only going between 5 to 10 miles an hour. I hit his bicycle, he rolled up on my windshield and fell to the ground in a matter of seconds. 

My heart dropped, I was in a panic, I put the car in park and ran out to check on him. The guy was okay but was so shaken up. He had some cuts and a severe headache. I felt horrible. I was in a state of shock that wouldn't even allow me to cry one tear. My heart ached for this man and if I would have given up that one distraction that didn't cross my mind as being big deal, this wouldn't have happened.

I have not been able to forget about this story. My heart still aches when I think of the situation. It was my fault, I take full responsibility for that. The main reason I share this story with you is because just maybe it will make you aware of how important every second is when you are behind the wheel. I pray this story can maybe save one life! I believe Heavenly Father blessed both of us that night because things could have been a lot worse. 

NOTHING is that important that it can't wait. Even if it was that important, I was in a parking lot...I could have parked to take out my phone and check on it. When you are driving and your phone goes off - PULL OVER! If you are getting on the freeway - let those you may be tempted to text know that you are on the road. You have the power to save the lives of others and to save your very own life! 

On the Today show yesterday with Kathy & Hoda they showed a girl who lost her eye in an accident from being distracted while driving. Go here to watch this clip.

I want to make it clear that it is not JUST texting and driving 

.... it is DISTRACTED DRIVING!!! 

Doing ANYTHING on your phone: emails, music, apps, talking to siri, talking on the phone or via speaker phone and even changing the radio station can be scary. These things are all dangerous if your eyes and hands have to leave the wheel even for just a second.

If you need to use your GPS - set it before you start driving and then turn up the volume, this way you won't be tempted to touch it or look at it.

There is an incredible website and pledge HERE! Please go check it out. I took the following facts from this great site!

Facts:

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

-  In 2010, texting while driving increased 50 percent in one year, and two out of 10 drivers say they've sent text messages or emails while behind the wheel - despite a rush by states to ban the practice.

- 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.

- 75% of teens say texting while driving is common among friends.

Be the POWER OF ONE that makes safe

 choices for you and others around you!

Dear Ashley Marie

Dear Ashley Marie,
I hate wearing makeup because after 2 hours of applying it, I feel like it has started to melt away and seeps into lines I didn't know existed. Am I the only one this happens to? What am I doing wrong? Any advice you can offer me would be great. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Liz


Dear Liz,
Great question and no you are DEFINITELY not alone. I know exactly what you are talking about and I am SO EXCITED to share my secret with you! My secret is a foundation primer. I used to think this was a completely unnecessary step that was made up for cosmetic businesses to sale me more products. Guess what? I was WRONG! Even if I have applied every possible step of skin care before my makeup I still NEED this product. 

Mary Kay makes a great one and this is what it looks like:

You can buy it HERE!

It has an SPF 15 in it, which is desperately needed in the summer time.
This foundation primer is a lightweight gel that glides on easily to fill in imperfections
and dries quickly to create a canvas for a flawless foundation application 
and helps your foundation last all day long.

• Oil free formula with SPF 15* is mineral-enriched to absorb oil and diffuse light to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.
• For all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.
• When worn alone, it still provides these skin-perfecting benefits:  helps even out skin texture and improves skin's complexion.

Love, 
Ashley Marie



Dear Ashley Marie,
With Mother's Day coming up do you have any ideas of how I can really grow a stronger relationship with my mom and let her know how much I love her?

Love,
Mommy's Girl

Dear Mommy's Girl,
I am SO HUMBLED by your question. Your mom is so lucky to have you as a daughter just for thinking of that question. I have some great ideas for you! 

You may already do this but give her a peak into your life. Tell her something that you don't share with anyone and trust in her to be the one you turn to no matter what. Tell her something you are struggling with and ask for her advice. Tell her something embarrassing and share in that "moment" together. Let her into the part of your heart that you don't open very easily.

Also every mom wants a letter reminding her of the things she is doing right. Write her a thank you letter, an I love you letter, a you-are-my-best-friend-forever-letter. Just let her really know you care.

Another thing moms love is SERVICE! Find something to clean around the house you never do, she will love it and it will make her life so much easier. Do the dishes, clean the living room, make her bed, take out the trash, ANYTHING! Just give her brake from it all for just a little so she has a moment to herself.

Good luck and can't wait to hear how it turns out!

Love, 
Ashley Marie



Dear Ashley Marie,
I didn't get asked to senior ball last week while all my other friends were off having fun. I was so hurt and stayed in my room crying all night long. This dance meant so much to me so now I feel like no body really cares and I am not pretty enough. I can't shake these thoughts away and don't know what to do.

Love,
The girl without a date

Dear girl without a date,
I can't tell you how often this happens. I never got asked to senior ball either. I'm going to let you on in a little secret, dances do not define your future. Guys are often so scared to ask girls to dances even though they have had their eye on you for a while. You have to feel the pain for a little bit, then get up brush it off and show the world what you are made of. You are worth so much more than a silly ball that only lasts 3 hours of your life. You are a beautiful girl and the right guy will come along, I promise! Make the most of the remaining month of High School and then celebrate than you have grown enough to go out in the real world and change lives and be the girl that God has been helping you to become all along! You are worth more than you think. You are so very loved! I believe in you!

Love, 
Ashley Marie