Ashley Riley

35 & 36 Weeks Pregnant | 9 Months Pregnant - Baby is in the Birth Position!

2017-06-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

It's hard to realize that nine months have already gone by and Welles will be coming into our lives very soon! Some parts of those months went by a lot slower or a lot faster, which was mostly dependent upon any symptoms I was feeling. However, I feel extremely thankful to have had such a healthy and normal pregnancy. Now we are in the home stretch!

It was intensely hot in Portland this past weekend - triple digits! This update vlog is much more informal than all of my other pregnancy vlogs; it was too hot to film in the upstairs of our house (our AC was on the lower level) and I couldn't find the cord to my regular camera so I ended up having to use our vlogging camera.

Welles feels very ready to be born! Check out the vlog below for a full update on the last couple of weeks. Mama's - let me know how your pregnancy is going or how you felt during your pregnancy during its last few weeks!

Want MORE pregnancy vlogs? Check out my YouTube channel!

How To Use The Beauty Benefits of Banana Face Masks

2017-06-28T15:32:00.002-07:00

Banana is not just a fruit you can add to your morning smoothie, it's also something you can add to boost your skincare routine. Bananas contain many vitamins and minerals that make perfect additions to face masks. Potassium hydrates and moisturizes, B Vitamins protect again free radicals that cause premature aging, and Zinc helps fight acne causing germs. These masks will help keep skin smooth and prevent unwanted discoloration, aging and acne.

Banana Face Mask for Acne

Zinc: fights acne causing germs

Lectin: destroys acne and pimple causing bacteria

1. Mash 2 tablespoons of banana into a small bowl.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice to the banana.

3. Mix all ingredients together and apply to your face using your fingers or a mini spatula.

4. Leave the mask on your face for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.

5. Repeat up to two times per week.

Banana Face Mask for Brighter Skin

Vitamin A: heals dry skin and fades acne scars and dark spots

Potassium: hydrates and moisturizes skin

1. Mash 2 tablespoons of banana into a small bowl.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the banana.

3. Mix all ingredients together and apply to your face using your fingers or a mini spatula.

4. Leave the mask on your face for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.

5. Repeat up to two times per week.

Banana Face Mask for Anti-Aging

B Vitamins: protects skin against free radicals that cause premature aging

Vitamin C: aids in the production of collagen

Vitamin E: protects skin from UV damage and slows down the aging process

Amino Acid: strengthens skin's connective tissues and helps maintain elasticity

1. Mash 2 tablespoons of banana into a small bowl.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice.

3. Mix all ingredients together and apply to your face using your fingers or a mini spatula.

4. Leave the mask on your face for up to 30 minutes then rinse with warm water.

5. Repeat up to 3-4 times per week.

Rich in antioxidants, phyto-chemicals and moisturization, adding banana to your skincare routine will naturally nourish and revitalize the sensitive and delicate skin on your face. Its benefits don't stop at just face masks; add banana to your haircare routine and diet to improve overall health.

Want MORE skincare advice and tutorials? Check out my YouTube channel!

Top 5 Best Tips on How To Use Coconut Oil for Great Skin

2017-06-22T10:42:00.001-07:00

Coconut oil has become notorious in the skincare community for its naturally hydrating and moisturizing properties. It is a great natural alternative to skincare products that may come with a lot of unnecessary chemicals. Thankfully, there are endless uses and possibilities for using coconut oil in every aspect of your skincare routine. Below are my top 5 favorite tips for using coconut oil to achieve great skin!

1. Stretch Marks

Coconut oil can aid in the visible reduction of stretch marks after pregnancy. It allows them to fade quicker by infusing moisture into the skin and helping to aid in healing.

2. Shaving Gel

By exchanging coconut oil in place of regular shaving creams of gels you will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn. It will also add much needed moisture into your skin after shaving. Rub the coconut oil into your skin, shave, pat dry, and then rub in your normal body moisturizer.

3. Lip Balm

For an all natural lip balm alternative simply rub a small amount of coconut oil onto your lips. It will naturally soothe your cracked or dry lips. Plus, there are plenty of recipes out there for adding flavors like lavender or mint to make your own DIY lip balms!

4. Makeup Remover

Coconut oil is a great makeup remover specifically for the tough, dark makeup that we tend to place around our eyes. Coconut oil is perfect for people with sensitive skin because it shouldn't irritate the eyes area. As an added bonus, coconut oil will infuse hydration into the entire eye area, meaning less wrinkles! To add a little more coconut oil to your skincare routine check out my recipe for Simple Natural Coconut Oil Face Wash.

5. Body Scrub

It's easy to make your own DIY body scrub using coconut oil and brown sugar. It's the perfect way to remove an old self-tan or simple remove dead skin cells to reveal healthy, soft and smooth skin. Simply mix two parts brown sugar to one part coconut oil in a small bowl and apply to your skin. A great recipe to check out is my own recipe for Natural Coconut Coffee Anti-Cellulite Body Scrub.

You skincare routine can be transformed using coconut oil as a substitute for many daily skincare products. Let me know the other ways you have loved using coconut oil!

Want MORE skincare advice and tutorials? Check out my YouTube channel!

BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition Palette Review & Swatches

2017-06-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

The hype for the new BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition Palette was even more intense than her original palette. The morning of the deluxe edition's launch turned into a rather hairy situation on the BH Cosmetics website; the site couldn't handle the number of visitors that flooded in to purchase the palette, and everyone (including myself) was left stuck being unable to purchase.

Thankfully, Carli came in to save the day and relaunched the palette on her own personal website within hours.

In terms of the size and range of shades within the palette it is a steal for the $22.50. High end brands sell palettes with half the product in it as the Carli Bybel palette, and sell them for over twice the price. The highlighters in this palette alone, two of which are brand new shades, are creamy and highly pigmented high end quality.

The Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition is one of the best drugstore and affordable brand products I have ever tried. Check out my full review of the palette in the video below, including swatches!

Want MORE makeup videos? Check out my YouTube!

First Time Mom! Mother's Day at 7 Months Pregnant | Random Act of Kindness

2017-05-16T11:31:00.002-07:00

As a first time expecting mom-to-be this was the first year I was able to celebrate Mother's Day for myself. As supportive and loving as always, Brandon made it a memorable day for me. He knows the way to my heart right now is food (pregnancy cravings!) and made me a delicious pre-Mother's Day dinner, gave me my favorite chocolate strawberries, and then took me out to brunch. We also did a little baby shopping and took in some phenomenal Mexican food for dinner.

While we were at brunch I witnessed a random act of kindness for another mother, who appeared quite lonely. It only served to strengthen my love and appreciation for everything my gentle giant does for me every single day.

Next year I'm excited to see what Brandon does with baby Welles to celebrate this holiday. Check out the vlog below for a play by play of our amazing day!

Want MORE vlogs and pregnancy videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME @AshleyEBeauty

Milani Make It Last Makeup Setting Spray | Drugstore Dupe?

2017-04-25T10:31:00.003-07:00

Sometimes you come across a drugstore makeup product that everyone starts claiming is a dupe to a product from a high end brand, and you think, could this be true? At an affordable $10 for 2.03 ounces, the Milani Make It Last Makeup Setting Spray was rumored to rival Smashbox Primer Water and MAC Fix+, both high end sprays that will run you almost $30 a bottle.

I'm always one that's up for testing a potential drugstore dupe, but this spray was by no means easy to get my hands on. It was sold out at every drugstore I visited and I sat through two restocks on Milani's website before I snagged one. Now I wish I had grabbed at least two or three bottles!

Check out the tutorial to see my full review and find out whether or not I actually think it's one of the best drugstore setting sprays on the market.

Want MORE beauty & makeup videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME @AshleyEBeauty

NEWBORN BABY CLOTHING HAUL! | Carter's, Old Navy & More!

2017-04-18T10:27:00.002-07:00

The very first item we purchased after learning that we were having a baby boy was an adorable Batman onesie. It was about an hour after my 20-week ultrasound appointment and we had stopped at Target to grab something for dinner. While I had thought for sure I'd be browsing the racks of cuteness-overload in the little girls' section, trying to decide between which infant flower dress I wanted more, I was still in a state of shock that I'd be spending the next months picking out overalls and shirts with cars on them.

After the initial shock, I set out to find little boys clothes that I actually liked. I do not favor anything with cartoon characters or childish drawings, and have instead gravitated towards the "little vintage man" types of clothing. This included suspenders, henleys, rough button-downs, bow-ties, and anything with a nautical or "vintage" look to it.

This newborn baby clothing haul includes all of the clothes we have purchased ourselves. We have thankfully received many, many secondhand clothes; if I were to go through them all it would be an hour long video!

I hope you enjoy my picks! Leave in the comments your favorite places to shop for baby.

Want MORE pregnancy videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

Top 5 Best DIY Natural Skincare Remedies

2017-04-17T08:50:00.002-07:00

While there are plenty of easy to purchase products on the market for skincare, often using the most natural ingredients will work just as well, if not better, on your skin. Women have created and tried recipes for millennia to smooth, soften and perfect their skin, and many of the same food ingredients have been found to consistently work wonders.

These do-it-yourself natural skincare remedies are made with simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen, and allows you to create products at a fraction of the cost of purchasing in-store.

Cellulite Be Gone

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coffee grounds
1 tbsp. olive oil

Directions:
1. Combine both ingredients in a bowl and microwave to warm for 10 seconds.
2. Standing over an easy to clean surface (I recommend placing either newspaper or paper towels beneath you) place as much of the mixture as you can over cellulite spots and wrap in plastic wrap.
3. Remove plastic wrap after 20 minutes and gently wipe mixture off your skin.
4. Repeat 2-3 times per week for 8 weeks for best results.

Puffy Eyes No More

Ingredients:
1 large egg white
1 tsp. Witch Hazel

Directions:
1. Separate egg white from egg yolk and discard the yolk.
2. Beat egg white in a small bowl until stiff.
3. Add witch hazel to the egg and mix well.
4. Using a small makeup brush apply the mixture to puffiness around eyes.
5. Let application sit for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water.

Bright and White Smile

Ingredients:
1 ripe strawberry
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Directions:
1. Mash the strawberry and baking soda in a small bowl.
2. Using fingers apply the mixture to your teeth.
3. Allow for it to sit for 5 minutes, rinse, and then brush as usual.

Face Exfoliant

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. white sugar
2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 strawberries, mashed

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Using fingers gently apply exfoliant to face, massaging skin in small circular motions.
3. Rinse face with warm water.
4. Repeat 1-2 times per week or as needed.

Dry Skin Mask

Ingredients:
1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
1/4 cup honey

Directions:
1. Combine and mix the avocado and honey in a bowl and mix well.
2. Using fingers apply mixture to your face and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse face with warm water, a gentle face wash, and washcloth.
4. Repeat once per week.

Let me know in the comments down below your experiences with any of these time-tested beauty recipes, and don't forget to share any tips and tricks!

Want MORE beauty and skincare videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

Makeup Revolution Blushing Hearts Triple Baked Highlighters Swatches & Review

2017-04-11T14:58:00.001-07:00

I knew immediately upon seeing a picture on Pinterest of the three Makeup Revolution Blushing Hearts Triple Baked Highlighters that I absolutely had to have them. The packaging was Instagram-worthy cuteness and the highlighter shades looked stunning. And for only $7.00 each at Ulta, it was a no brainer that I was destined to purchase all three.

One of the very first videos I ever filmed for YouTube almost a year ago was a review and swatches video of the three Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighters, which I still love and use to this day. Makeup Revolution makes great high quality makeup at drugstore prices. My next venture into their brand will be to try their lip products, as their rose gold lipsticks and salvation velvet lip lacquers are calling my name, as well as their gorgeous metal makeup brushes.

Check out the tutorial below for my complete review of all three Blushing Hearts highlighters, where I give you my completely honest review and swatches of all shades.

Want MORE makeup videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

Tulip Festival Travel Vlog | Baby Bump Keeps Growing!

2017-04-03T11:52:00.004-07:00

The Annual Wooden Shoe Farm Tulip Festival in Woodburn, Oregon is known for its acres upon acres of colorful blooms that grace the Portland countryside. We went on opening weekend last year and absolutely fell in love with the picturesque scenery and fresh smell of thousands of newly bloomed tulips.

We loved it so much we decided to bring Alva with us on this year's adventure to opening weekend. However, we were disappointed to find an underwhelming number of tulips in bloom. In fact, just several rows of reds and yellows had blossomed. Turns out the rest have been stifled into a late bloom due to the abnormally cold winter and wet spring Oregon has experienced this year.

The pictures used in this blog are from last year's (normal) opening weekend. Acres of beautiful tulips for as far as the eye can see, set against a backdrop of clear blue skies, a traditional Dutch windmill, and the graceful outline of Mount Hood.

Lesson learned: check with the local news before heading out to the farm. However, we still had fun, we got VERY muddy (I'm blaming pregnancy brain for failing to realize we should bring towels and wipes with us when bringing a dog to a field that has had a very wet spring). We cannot wait to bring Welles with us next year, to not just experience the tulips in my belly but also in person!

Check out the vlog below of our fun and exciting day at the Tulip Festival! Caution: mud on the baby belly may be involved : )

Want MORE vlogs and pregnancy videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

How To Fake a Nose Job with Makeup | Nose Contour Tutorial

2017-03-29T14:05:00.001-07:00

Very few lucky individuals on this earth are born with "the nose," the one that every envies and emulates. Kate Hudson, Kate Middleton and Kate Beckinsale are just a few of those that people will go under the knife for to recreate their perfectly shapes noses.

I am terrified of sharp objects - needles, knives...you name it, I squirm. Hence I would never consider going under the knife to fix what I have long felt are small imperfections in my nose. We all have those "unique features" that make our noses especially ours, but sometimes we want them to look a little different! Nose contouring, when done correctly, can easily eliminate a bump or curve in the nose, as well as make it look slender and longer.

In the tutorial below I show you the quick and easy way I contour my nose every single day. It doesn't need to be an hour long process, and most days I have become so fast this takes me less than two minutes (minus the extra step of cream contour that I show you for reference). My nose is already quite long and I use this method to specifically make it appear shorter and slimmer.

We may never be able to fully look like the walking goddess that is Kate Beckinsale, but we can use makeup to at least get her nose!

Interested in MORE makeup and beauty tutorials? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

Top 10 Ultimate Tips for Radiant Skin

2017-03-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

1. Cleanse your face twice daily

Cleansing your face removes all impurities that tend to accumulate on the skin during the day and night. Failure to do this one simple step can make any products you apply to your skin useless, as they cannot penetrate deeply into your clogged pores. Cleanse your face before applying makeup and then again after removing makeup. My long time favorite cleanser has been the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. The full size bottle is a little on the pricey side at $38.00 for 5.1 ounces, but one million percent worth the investment.

2. Apply a moisturizer after cleansing

Moisturizer will not only help your skin lock in hydration, but it will also seal into place any other skincare products you use beforehand, such as eye cream, anti-aging serum, or toner. Acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer, even though it may feel counter-intuitive, and will help your skin heal because drying out your skin will actually cause it to over-compensate and produce more oil. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion has been a favorite of mine for years, which feels incredibly light on the skin but packs a punch when it comes to hydration.

3. Remove your makeup every night

Although it may feel tempting to skin this step, it is important and very necessary to continue to have healthy skin. When you wear your makeup to bed you are not only clogging your pores with the day's makeup, but also with dirt and grime that accumulates daily on your face. It also doesn't allow for your skin to recover from the free radicals and particles that land on your face every day, which causes a break down in the collagen on your skin and leads to the development of lines and wrinkles. Mascara and eye liner, when left on your face for long periods of time, accumulate germs and can lead to infections.

So what is the quickest solution to removing makeup? Thankfully, you have many options. The very first thing I do is I don't wait until bedtime to remove my makeup, and instead to do it right after I arrive home for the night. I find I am not as tired at this point and I am more likely to freely expend the effort to cleanse my face. For a medium-to-high-end product I recommend Josie Maran Bare Nakes Wipes, which are packed with natural and soothing ingredients that easily remove makeup and leave your face feeling fresh and clean within less than a minute. For a drugstore product I recommend Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, which are ultra soft and are great at removing even waterproof mascara.

4. Drink A LOT of water

Drinking enough water every day is skin hydration 101. Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic on how much water you should be drinking on a daily basis and the health benefits. Add lemon to your water to act as an internal cleansing agent. I carry around the Hydr-8 32 ounce water bottle with me everywhere I go every single day. People always comment on how they love the "time stamps" on the side, which allows you to see when you need to drink more water.

5. Wear SPF every day

Applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Even if you are stepping outside for only a few moments, sunscreen is not only the best thing you can do to protect your skin, but it is the only thing you can do to prevent premature aging. Apply every morning as your last skincare routine step after your moisturizer and serums, and before you apply any makeup. Apply every morning and reapply throughout the day as needed. Any drugstore sunscreen will do the trick, although I prefer to use the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 for those days I just need a little extra color on my face.

6. Use an at-home face mask once per week

Face marks will target blackheads and impurities, and draw out residue clogged deep inside pores. Masks that contain clays in them are especially great at deep cleansing and removing impurities to leave you with the ultimate fresh and healthy looking skin. A high-end favorite of mine has been the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, but there are plenty of drugstore alternatives to choose from, such as the cult favorite Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, which is only $12.00 for a one pound jar on Amazon.

7. Use a sheet mask once per week

Sheet masks have long been a staple in Asian beauty, but have just recently found more popularity on Instagram and in stores like Ulta and Sephora. Sheet masks infuse the skin on your face with nutrients and come in a variety of styles and leave your face feeling refreshed and brand new. One of my personal favorite is the Too Cool for School Egg Cream Hydration Mask, which you can also find in Firming and Tightening.

8. Clean your makeup brushes

While it makes sense to clean makeup your makeup brushes, it is often a chore that is overlooked or put off until later. However, taking the time to do this one step will not only ensure that your make up looks better once you've applied it, but also prevent your brushes from transferring any old face oils onto your face. At a minimum you should be washing your brushes weekly, and at a maximum after every use.

All you need is a bottle of Johnson's Baby Shampoo, apply a small amount to a wet makeup brush and swirl in the palm of your hand until all the excess makeup is removed, and then set on a towel to dry. If you're looking for that quick fix I highly recommend Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleanser, a professional grade cleanser that is quick drying and rinse free. It cleans and conditions quickly, and is perfect for the person that wants to clean their brushes daily.

9. Wash your pillowcases

Similar to washing your brushes, washing your pillowcases is one of those chores that needs to be done weekly to ensure healthy skin. Pillowcases are notoroius for housing oil and dirt, and are often the causes of acne breakouts. Pillowcases made from natural fabrics breathe better and transfer less oil, however nothing makes up for a good regular wash. Word of caution: do not use fabric softeners on pillowcases, as they leave behind a waxy residue that is highly pore-clogging.

10. Exfoliate your body with a sugar scrub once per month

Exfoliating will help remove the dead skin cells that live on the surface of your skin and makes skin smoother and brighter. Similar to using a cleanser on your face, it gets rid of debris and allows the rest of your skincare products to work their magic. A high-end favorite of mine is the Josie Maran Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub, which gently buffs away dead skin cells and impurities, then moisturizes with argan and coconut oil to leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. While the drugstore has limitless options in terms of affordable body scrubs, I encourage you to make your own and try my recipe for DIY Coconut Coffee Body Scrub, a natural and easy alternative.

Interested in MORE skincare advice and tutorials? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

SPRING Warm Makeup Tutorial | DEWY AND GLOWING

2017-03-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Ahhh Spring! The warm shades, the dewy cheekbones, the glowing makeup looks...with every new season comes the refreshing feel of new makeup and beauty products that suit the season. I am in love with warm makeup shades, and there is no better time to use them than Spring.

I always tend towards warm oranges, pinks and reds, as I feel they look best with my own hair and skin tone. However, don't feel like these are the only warm shades you can use - venture out and try warm toned pastels, such as blues, purples and greens.

I also love a "dewy" or "glowing" look during this particular season. Of course, if dewy and glowing is your thing then feel free to rock it all year long, but for my combination skin Spring is neither too hot nor too cold for a little extra dewiness. So go crazy with that oil and highlight, and check out the tutorial!

Interested in MORE makeup tutorials? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

5K at 5 MONTHS PREGNANT Vlog! | PORTLAND'S SHAMROCK RUN

2017-03-22T09:33:00.001-07:00

I'd never participated in a 5K before, and was signed up for Portland's annual Shamrock Run just several weeks into my first trimester by my fiancé. At this point the back aches and extra weight of a large balloon-sized belly hadn't set in and, desiring to be as active as possible during my pregnancy, agreed to my first 5K.

Portland's annual Shamrock Run attracts thousands of people every year, from half-marathon runners, 5K runners, power-walkers, and walking families with strollers alike (we fit into this last group). It was a crisp early Spring morning that faded into a warm day, perfect weather for some prenatal exercise!

I would be lying if my back wasn't aching by the end of it, or uncomfortable at points when my bladder (which remains ever full these days) felt like a water balloon jiggling in my stomach, but was it worth it in the end? Hell yes.

Interested in MORE pregnancy vlogs? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

21 & 22 Weeks Pregnant | SEEING THE BABY'S FACE!

2017-03-14T15:09:00.004-07:00

Here I am at 22 weeks pregnant and I cannot believe how fast the time is flying by. It felt like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant, and it seemed as if we had all the time in the world to get ready. Now, the second trimester is winding down, and the home stretch of the 3rd trimester feels like it is coming up so fast!

The past two weeks have been intensely busy with us moving into a new house and having two doctor visits. The first was our routine midwife visit and the second was a follow-up anatomy ultrasound. Everything went great and we were even able to get some very clear and accurate 3D pics of little Welles' face! It's crazy how fast he's growing and how human-like he now looks.

In this vlog I go into more detail on our doctor visits, share some of ultrasounds pics, and let you know the goods on what it feels like to be 22 weeks pregnant! Make sure you check it out, as well as all of my other pregnancy vlogs.

Interested in MORE pregnancy vlogs? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

What I Ate Today! | 5 Months Pregnant Vegetarian

2017-03-09T15:25:00.002-08:00

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I have been determined to make the healthiest choices possible for my body and my baby. Do I cave in to not-so-healthy cravings occasionally? Of course! At least once a week you can find me munching down on strawberry Twizzlers or my favorite YumEarth sour beans. However, a majority of the time I am dedicated to consuming as much vegetables, fruit and plant-based proteins as possible.

Being a vegetarian while pregnant has actually been very easy. I am fortunate enough to live in Portland, Oregon where being vegetarian/vegan is common and as a result there are endless choices at stores and restaurants for plant-based protein. Protein is essential during pregnancy, and there is the misconception that vegetarians/vegans do not get enough to sustain proper nutrition. But this couldn't be further from the truth.

I can obtain just as many grams of protein consuming plant-based protein as someone who eats meat-based protein, I just need to make a conscious effort on a daily basis to make sure I am including that protein in every meal.

In this vlog I show you a random average day of what I eat. My food preferences change all the time, and when I do my 6 months pregnant "What I Ate Today" update vlog it will most likely be all new foods! But hey, I'm pregnant, and I'm allowed to change my preferences...because, well, I just can ; )

Interested in MORE pregnancy vlogs? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

How To Get Perfect Brows in 3 Steps | Brow Tutorial for Beginners

2017-03-08T09:14:00.003-08:00

It took me many years to find a good eyebrow shape and an eyebrow maintenance routine. In high school I did the inevitable no-no that all girls mid-puberty tend to do at that point in their lives: I over-plucked my eyebrows. Significantly.

Looking back at pictures the best I can describe their appearance is that of a thin-lined upside down semi-circle that began way too far inward and ended well before it should have. Basically, it resembled something scarcely called an eyebrow with very few actual hairs left after my plucking sessions.

Sadly, like most, the damage was done. While most of my eyebrow hair have grown back I still find myself in my adult years with sparse brows and areas that never regrew. Damn those easily accessible Sally Hansen tweezers.

So what does one do when one hath pluckith too much? One goes to Sephora and tries out as many brow products as possible to try to salvage what is left of one's poor teenage decisions.

I've tried products from the drugstore, Sephora and Ulta, and I can say without a doubt that good brow products are worth the splurge. Can you find some great drugstore dupes for those high end items? Absolutely, but results may vary.

In this tutorial I use two high-end products and one drugstore product to achieve what I've deemed the "perfect brows" (at least for me). It's the routine I've come to after years of practice to give me the full, natural looking eyebrows that I've desired since my youth.

Check it out, leave comments, and make sure to subscribe for more makeup and beauty videos on my YouTube channel.

Interested in MORE beauty videos? Check out my YouTube!

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

     style="display:inline-block;width:468px;height:60px"
     data-ad-client="ca-pub-2693080298777242"
     data-ad-slot="6010075018">

Syracuse Travel Vlog | Baby Gender Reveal & Surprise Engagement!

2017-03-07T15:42:00.002-08:00

Surprise! We traveled back to Syracuse from Portland to surprise our family with a gender reveal! We told our family to gather for a gender reveal via Skype, but little did they know we had other plans. Make sure you check out the whole amazing surprise in the video!

Unfortunately, I was sick for most of the long weekend, and didn't start feeling better until we went back to Portland four days later. There are very few safe medications to take when you're sick while pregnant, so it was mostly honey, tea, and ultra soft and strong tissues for me.

Oh yea...Brandon shocked everyone with a surprise proposal at the end of the gender reveal! Thankfully, there were several people recording and that made it into the vlog as well. Share in the joy and excitement with us and check out the vlog!

Interested in MORE vlogs? Check out my YouTube!

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

DIY Beauty | How To Dupe LUSH Lip Scrub

2017-01-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

As a professed Lush Cosmetics addict, I am always searching for fun and easy dupes of my favorite Lush products. As beautifully scented and amazing as their products are, sometimes I just love to see if I can make the products myself.

During the Winter months a great lip scrub recipe is perfect for treating those dry, cracked lips that are in desperate need of some TLC. Lip scrubs help remove excess dead skin cells to reveal the healthy skin beneath.

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: Ingredients

Small Lip Balm Container

Peppermint Extract

1/2 tsp. Granulated Sugar

1/2 tsp. Olive Oil

Optional: Food Coloring of Choice

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: Recipe

1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and olive oil.

2. Add a small drop of peppermint extract and mix into the sugar and olive oil.

3. Optional: Add 1-2 drops of food coloring of choice into the mixture.

4. Add mixture to your small lip balm container!

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: How To Use

1. Using clean hands use your index finger to scoop out some of the scrub.

2. Apply scrub to clean, dry lips using slow and soft circular motions for approximately one minute.

3. Using a warm wet washcloth gently wipe away the scrub from your lips.

4. Apply a lip balm or moisturizer to lock in hydration!

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: Tips & Tricks

If you choose to color your lip scrub, make sure to choose a light pink or "natural" shade, as it may stain your lips.
Go to the Dollar Store for your lip balm container. They have small plastic or acrylic containers, as well as cute tiny mason jars you can use.
Choose a different "extract" to make different flavors. Try almond, vanilla, or chocolate!

Interested in MORE Lush product dupes? Check out my post for How To Dupe Lush Coalface! Also, follow me on YouTube for more DIY beauty!

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

Boyfriend Does My Voice Over! | Fall Olive Green Makeup Tutorial

2016-11-09T10:21:00.001-08:00

I have been looking forward to filming this video for a long, long time. When I first saw the "Boyfriend/Husband Does My Makeup" tag video being shared a couple of months ago, I immediately knew I HAD to get in on it!

The only thing my boyfriend, Brandon, knows about makeup is that it's expensive. He doesn't know the difference between a Beauty Blender and a Complexion Sponge, and couldn't care less about the different foundation undertones that one can purchase. However, he does know that makeup and creating makeup looks and tutorials is a big passion of mine, and was actually excited at the opportunity to help me out with a video!

The premise: I film a tutorial, edit it, sit him down at the computer with a microphone, and give him full liberty to describe my makeup application as he wishes. At times he is hilarious in both his simplistic approach to describing the makeup and brushes, and the self-deprecating nature of makeup tutorials in general.

We both had a lot of fun making this, and I hope you enjoy watching!

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

EVERYDAY LONG LASTING Makeup Routine & Tutorial | Tips for ALL Skin Types!

2016-11-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

Unless you are a beauty blogger or vlogger, the average person does not have many days of the year where they get "glammed up." Usually you fall into an everyday makeup routine, finding and sticking to your favorite products, and never stray too far from your trusted brands.

My everyday makeup routine changes by the season, sometimes by the month. As a YouTuber and Beauty Blogger, I am always finding and using new and upcoming products, incorporating them into my makeup routine as a method of "putting them to the test."

My penchant for trying new products, and subsequent makeup addition, has lead me to this: my go-to everyday long lasting makeup routine. I choose products for those days I know I will be out that won't leave my normal-to-oily skin looking like a greased hamburger at the end of the day.

In this video I also give some tips and tricks for choosing shades of makeup for different skin tones, including highlight, blush, and bronzer, and how to achieve that natural, fresh and matte everyday look!

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

My Favorite DRY SKIN Winter Skincare Routine Products

2016-10-28T09:11:00.001-07:00

As winter approaches and the weather turns cold and dry so does, inevitably, my skin. In the winter it is important to remember that your skin needs extra moisture and hydration to stay healthy and glowing. Who says you're not allowed to have dewy, glowing skin in the winter? If you find the right products it's extremely easy and you will be amazed by the results.

In this video I share with you some of my most coveted winter skincare routine products for dry skin. These products help my lips, face, hair and body maintain their healthiness even during the driest of winter months.

This will be our first winter in the Pacific Northwest, and from what we've heard it doesn't necessarily get as cold and dry as it does WET. Apparently we have months upon months of rainy and gloomy weather to look forward to until the sun finally reappears sometime during early April.

Perhaps this time around I'll be seeking out more waterproof products than anything.

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

ALL PINK Breast Cancer Awareness Inspired Makeup Tutorial

2016-10-26T09:54:00.001-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! This is clearly evidenced by the all-pink-everything theme being showcased in store windows and worn by professional athletes. The goal of using the color pink is to bring awareness to a cause and help to fund the research for a cure.

This all pink makeup look was inspired by the amazing and powerful women that are currently battling, have survived and have died of breast cancer. I really loved the end result of this tutorial and the simple yet brightly featured pink fading eye look. This tutorial is super easy to re-create, it only take a little bit of time and patience blending out that hot pink shade, and a lot of love and inspiration provided by a great cause.

Get your PINK ON!

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

FULL FACE of UNDER $10 Makeup & Brushes | DRUGSTORE Makeup Tutorial

2016-10-19T09:47:00.003-07:00

Today's tutorial is one that I have been wanting to post for a very, very long time! Every makeup product and makeup brush used in this tutorial is under $10. I found the best drugstore and affordable makeup and brushes and put them into this all-in-one easy makeup tutorial

Don't have extra money to spend on high-end makeup purchases? There's no need when there are so many high quality and affordable products. You can easily achieve the look of high-end products with cheaper makeup and brushes.

Will I admit that there are a lot of not-so-great drugstore and affordable products out there? Heck yes. I have tried some drugstore products that I thought weren't nearly worth even their affordable price. However, I've gone through a good share of the drugstore makeup on the market, and there are always gems in the rough. You do not need to spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars, at Sephora (unless, of course, you really want to!), in order to achieve this beautiful everyday makeup look.

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

Easy Wicked Witch Halloween Makeup Tutorial | Green Eyes & Ombre Bitten Lips

2016-10-12T12:15:00.004-07:00

My annual Halloween makeup and costumes are almost always last minute, and over the years I've had to get creative finding interesting but easy costume ideas. I've always loved makeup and it has continued to be the centerpiece of every Halloween look I do.

While this Wicked Witch inspired makeup look MAY appear difficult to re-create, it's actually very simple! The goal with makeup is to have fun with it and remain creative. I used just a few different shades of greens and yellows to achieve this look, and a lot of blending. While you are re-creating this look you can blend and move the colors around in any way that you like; in other words, make it your own!

The "bitten" lip was a fun addition, but unnecessary if you don't have these dark lip colors handy. A bright red or even nude lipstick would go great with this. Add some Wicked Witch accessories like a hat, nails, black robe, or broomstick, and you're ready for that Halloween party!

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty