ISTA
WINTER ISSUE 2017
MAGAZINE
BLISSFUL LIVING ! HOW TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM LIFE
THE PASSIONATE LIFE | LIVING IN ABUNDANCE | SPIRITUAL SUCCESS
IN THIS ISSUE: Design your dream job.
..
& what to do when inspiration strikes
How to share your story. . . 3 questions to gain clarity before you share it with the world.
Behind the brand. . . a day in the life of a Best Selling self published author
What you should be wishing for this Winter. . . Let the stars guide you
Gift Guides! for the ista in your life
Afternoon delights. . . A sweet recipe for your mid day snack!
BLISSFUL living
!
As we approach the final days of 2016, I can’t help but reflect back on this last year. The things that I accomplished, the things I have yet to accomplish and I find myself really appreciating both. I believe that in everything we learn something new. In the dreams we bury inside, we can take a deeper look and see what fear was holding us back from unleashing them. For me, I’ve had a book in my heart for years, but the the fear of being seen in a bigger capacity is debilitating. What if I put myself out there in a much bigger way? What will everyone think of me? There are times we find ourselves with excuses for playing small in the world and we are really only doing a disservice to God, ourselves and the rest of the world. We really are meant to be shining bright.
Cover shoot produced by @homeontherunway
Which is why I am so thankful for friendships and the people in my life who really want to see me win. In this issue, I am sharing a few of my favorite #girlbosses who have supported me in my entrepreneuress life. Without constant encouragement, support and mastermind sessions, I would never have been able to create this magazine and share my story. My sweet friend Cara, the ultimate author, who has taught me the world of self publishing and the power of writing a book and sharing it with the world. Arielle, who inspires me to stay aligned and balanced and the art of “being well”. Jessica Rowe, who in her own way painted herself the dream career with major style. Tamerri, who helps me navigate my steps along with the stars. Each of these girls has been such a gift to me. I hope they are able to inspire you in someway too. I am also grateful for all of you, my devoted readers, who have supported me over the years. I am officially excited to announce my new book “Blissful Living” which will come out in December. My gift and love letter to all of you!
! Mind. Body. Soul. XOXO,
Ashlina PRE-ORDER NOW
“NO ONE IS YOU
AND THAT IS YOUR POWER”
!
Take the Leap DESIGN A LIFE THAT YOU LOVE
!
CLICK HERE FOR INFO
C U R R E NT LY L O V I N G:
YSL CARD HOLDER $215
MY WINTER ‘16 W I S H L I ST
ARCHIPELAGO BLACK FOREST CANDLE $42
BLACK CROC CELINE BAG $2750
BLACK PATENT POINTED PUMPS$675
BLACK HORN + BRASS COFFEE TABLE $1725
THE ART OF SHARING YOUR !
story
If you are reading this right now, its probably very likely that we have a lot in common. You’re a passionate person, you dream for a fuller or richer life and you have a deep knowing that God and the universe holds something spectacular for you out there. It was only just a few years ago that I discovered my mission in this world. I always had a knack for decorating interiors and a strong skill set of art and furniture history to go along with it. I value interiors and made it my purpose to spend my life creating beautiful ones. It wasn’t until I spent several years working as a designer that I realized there is so much more of the story that I want to tell. I started to have a feeling in my gut that I just couldn’t shake. I wasn’t feeling inspired by my work anymore and in all honesty, I wasn’t inspired by anyone else's work either. I had nothing in me to go out and create. Before I decided to make a huge change or switch careers, I decided to do a little bit of digging to see what was in me that needed to be expressed. Did I need to take time out to travel? Was it possible I just didn’t want to be a designer any longer? Maybe I should move from residential to focusing on commercial? After creating a signature system called “mind detox”, I spent 21 days answering questions that needed to be answered. When it came to my business, I needed to figure out the “WHY”? Not just to create beautiful interiors but I needed to take it a step further to gain the clarity my soul was looking for. After deep reflection, I found my passion went from purposefully creating unique and stylish interiors for popularity and magazine stories, to only taking on clients who were up to changing their lives. I wanted to not only help create a beautiful home but to massively make an impact in the world showing people how to design a beautiful life, mind, body and soul. From the inside out and everything in between. Once I discovered the story that I wanted to tell, everything began to shift for me.
I was met with a lot of fear during this time. Thoughts like, what will others think of me? Am I crazy? Can I really do something like this? Will people even resonate with my story? would flood my mind daily. I’ve always been one to feel the fear but do it anyway, so it didn’t stop me. However, it did have me asking myself why I was playing so small? Why was I not making videos, writing a book, creating the magazine? Sharing your story is like running naked in a crowd, right? I knew I needed to stop playing small and get up and play BIG! Why? Because I want bigger things, I want to keep evolving and growing, I want to keep discovering things and learning more and most of all, because I want to be expressing everything God created me to. With a completely newfound inspiration and a desire to share more of myself, I began only taking on clients that were up to something amazing in life. I began working one on one with some deep, inspiring and passionate people to not only turn their house into a home flowing with bliss but to take it one step further and create a luxurious life full of radiant success. This became the type of work that my soul was lit up by. This is exactly what propelled me to write my new book, Blissful Living. It’s more than just styling a home for beautiful photos but creating a rich and meaningful life to go along with it. This is the story God has been wanting me to tell. What I’ve realized through the process is that there really is no need to feel competitive. We each have a different perspective and a unique story to tell. No one can tell your story quite like you. Your experiences, values and skill sets make you who you are. It’s important for us to take that responsibility seriously and live full out in this world.
! !
Is there a story that you are meant to tell? Are you playing small in your life? What’s holding you back from designing your dream life?
3 WAYS TO GAIN CLARITY ON YOUR STORY DROP THE COMPETITIVE MINDSET. Understand that instead of feeling competitive, we must get creative. Focus on creating your own version of whatever it is that you love. Don’t worry about how it will compare to any one else's choices. Dig in and ask yourself what you really are all about, your values, who are you meant to serve and in what way do you want to change the world?
! ! !
TAKE YOURSELF OUT TO LUNCH Make a date with yourself at your favorite place. Spend some time reflecting on the things that make you feel good and confident. One of my girlfriends feels her best when she goes for champagne at the Plaza. The soft jazz music and meticulous staff make her feel alive. This is where she feels most herself. Here she can see what values and qualities speak to who she is and her story. The Plaza is glamorous, confident and calming, there is excellence in customer service, everyone is dressed up as if it were a special occasion, people are polite and charming. What would your favorite environment say about you and your story?
! ! !
BE YOUR OWN HEROINE Is there something out there you are needing or wanting? What do you desire in life? Most likely there are other people out there who are looking for the same solutions as you. What desire can God trust you to be the example for how to fulfill it. How can God speak to you and through you?
My book idea started over 3 years ago, maybe even 5. Through my years as a designer, blogger and entrepreneur, I’ve learned so many things about living your dreams that are much more than just decorating. It’s about designing your best life. If it wasn’t for Cara’s guidance and support, I probably would have never written this book because everyone else told me I needed to work with a publisher and create a big, beautiful design book for the coffee table. That’s just not what was in my heart. I felt like I had something different to say other than just what to decorate with. It’s about designing a blissful lifestyle, making the most of your beautiful life.
!
Here is a little excerpt from Cara and you will see just how inspiring she is. . .
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER FIRST 50 WILL GET SIGNED COPIES
I specifically remember sitting in JFK airport on a sunny morning in June of 2015, waiting for a flight to Indianapolis. I was heading to a tiny news station to talk about ways to love your body at any size, and #GirlCode was only about 15,000 words deep, still very much a dream in my mind and heart. As I sipped on my mimosa (I hate to fly so champagne at 10 am is not just acceptable but necessary - on travel days), I wrote Chapter 6. I remember thinking, will anyone care? Will anyone like this? Have these things been said before? Am I wasting my time here? Well fast forward to November 2016 and you DO care. You DO like this. You actually love this. I cannot believe I have independently sold nearly 50,000 copies of this book in a little over a year. With no publisher. With no PR team. With no marketing team. Hell, I don't even have an assistant. But you know what I DO have? An insatiable hunger to serve, a relentless work ethic, and a belief that I can become something. REALLY become something in this world. I guess that's the message of this book after all. Girl Code was a love letter to myself just as much as it was to you. I know so many of you are sitting on an idea, a project, a manuscript, a dream today. I know you're thinking you're not enough. And you need to stop. You need to commit to yourself right now and make NO excuses. From the bottom of my heart, I beg you to do whatever it is you want to do. Visualize it happening. Imagine nothing but success. We don't dream enough. We sabotage our fantasies with doubts and I'm not okay with that. Please allow me to be your example that if it's in your heart it's meant to be in your life. Your thoughts truly do create your reality. And then comes the work. Now get to it.
MIND: behind the brand Last issue you met one of my #girlboss besties, Cara Alwill Leyba. I can vividly remember the day we first met. It was a snowy day in January, just after my birthday and we spent the entire day at the Plaza Hotel in deep and enriching conversation with lots of champagne. It was this day when I realized the importance of surrounding yourself with friendships that support you to be your best! At the time, I had the idea for a book and she helped keep me inspired and up to the ever-so-daunting task of bringing your dreams to life. She is a little powerhouse with 5 books under her belt and counting and a hot new radio show to boot. I asked this powerful and passionate authoress to give us a peek inside the mind and day of what it take to build a truly brilliant brand.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF CARA ALWILL LEYBA
6:30 am – I wake up without an alarm, usually around the same time every day. I do my gratitude ritual immediately before reaching for my phone. This includes recalling 5 things I’m thankful for. I swear its my “magic pill” for starting the day with a great attitude. 6:45 am – Once I’ve scrolled through my email and Instagram in bed for a few minutes, I get up and make a beeline for my Nespresso machine. I concoct a delicious, foamy espresso drink.
7:20 am – By this point, I’ve migrated over to my laptop to begin my day. I fire up my email, blog, and social media. I have my to-do list by my side as well as some free pages to jot down any thoughts/reminders that come to me while I work. Mornings are when I feel most creative and productive, so I get a lot done here.
7:00 am – I light up my candles, put on Pandora, and grab the paper. I stopped watching the news about 4 years ago and it’s been a game-changer for me. I get my news from the New York Times which I have delivered to my home each morning. With my first coffee of the day in hand, I thumb through the paper for a few minutes and catch up on what’s happening in the world.
!
9:00 am – I’m usually hungry by now, so I take a quick break and make some breakfast. I like to eat protein in the morning, so I’ll make some egg whites and turkey or cheese on whole wheat toast. More coffee is on tap as well!
11:30 am – I take a quick shower, throw on my workout clothes, and head to SoulCycle to catch an afternoon class This time is so precious to me because it not only breaks up my day, but it gives me the time and space to think more without the distraction of my phone or email. I also take the subway there and back, so I treat that time underground without an internet connection as a gift!
3:30 pm – Back to the laptop to catch up on what I missed over the past few hours.
!
6:00 pm – If I’m staying home for the evening, I’ll usually start to move away from my computer, cook dinner, take a hot bath, and try to separate myself from work (though this is hard and I’m usually working from my phone for the next few hours). I love to move over to my living room area and pour a glass of wine and toast to everything I accomplished that day. I started making “celebration lists” which are basically the opposite of a to-do list. Rather than focusing on everything I have left to do, I write down everything I’ve done. This helps me keep the momentum going and allows me to reflect on all my wins. This is usually the time in my day where I make that list.
10:00 pm – I’m usually in bed between 9:30-10 pm most nights. I love my sleep and if I don’t get at least 8-9 hours I don’t feel rested. Before bed, I do another gratitude ritual and apply some lavender essential oil to my wrists and the backs of my ears to help me release the day and sleep with a clear and calm mind.
I feel extremely fortunate that I get to design my day. But don’t be fooled – this comes with a major responsibility. When you are in business for yourself, you must be extremely disciplined. My work always takes a front seat to everything. Though I love to go out and have a good time, if I am working on a self-imposed deadline, that is my focus. I have been known to skip out on SoulCycle or decline dinner invitations in order to make my work a priority. And I am totally okay with that. — XO, Cara
BODY:
AFTERNOON DELIGHT This issue Arielle is giving us some good love with a delicious recipe to delight your senses and add some sweetness to your day.
!
“When taking a break from the hustle and bustle of our hectic lives, its important that we take time to make healthy and beautiful foods that nourish our bodies, especially as a mom to be. We need fuel for the energy of a rigorous day. Have this pudding with a cup of your favorite tea for an extra dose of sweetness.
Caramel-Apple Chia Pudding Ingredients: 1 tsp coconut oil 1/2 apple, chopped (approx 3/4 cups) 2 tsp coconut palm sugar 2 cups almond milk 4 Tbs white chia seeds (you can also use black) 1/8 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 20 pecans, halved or chopped (approx 1/4 cup) 2 tsp maple syrup Directions: 1. In a small saucepan, heat up coconut oil on medium heat. Add chopped apples and coconut palm sugar, stir it all up and cook for approx 1 minute until apples are soft and coated with melted sugar. Let cool. 2. In a mason jar or cup (preferably with a lid), pour in almond milk, chia seeds, sea salt, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, apples and pecans. 3. Close the lid and shake it all up. Place in fridge for at least 2 hours. Overnight is best, so make it at night and it will be ready for breakfast in the morning! Makes approx 2 portions
ARIELLE’S ESSENTIALS FOR MOMS-TO-BE Gweneth’s line of skin care is incredible.
A ring from my own jewelry line. The “i love me” ring!
Cinnamon is my secret ingredient in any cold weather recipe.
Keep stretch marks at bay with this delicious organic belly butter.
I love going out and shopping for my own fresh foods & fresh flowers, they fill the hope with wellness.
Nothing is better than a warm blanket to keep warm.
SOUL:
Living the
DREAM
I love girls who dare to dream. Meet Jessica Rowe, interior designer & blogger turned water color artist. I can remember back a few years into blogging when Jessica and I connected. We shared a mutual love for edgy, bold interior design style. She was part of the whole design blogger community during a time when we were all daring to step out and try new things. Jessica tried her hand at watercolor paintings and has since landed herself as a designer at Society 6 and has been featured in national design boutiques like Jonathan Adler. Jessica always dreamt of being an artists as her career but didn’t know it as possible. She didn’t let fear hold her back from putting her work out there. She began with just a few pieces and people fell in love with her work. It wasn’t until people started asking to buy her paintings and the demand just continued to grow, that she realized her dream job was actually possible. From that moment on, she left the role of interior designer and became a full time artist. Bit by bit, Jessica created chic paintings that were right in line with what her readers wanted. SHE DESIGNED HER DREAM CAREER.
“I feel like creating gives my life purpose. I really only feel satisfied when I’m making something.”
My advice for staying creative at all times would be to always carry a sketchbook or journal on hand. I find the ideas come more regularly when I document them, but I think its especially important during the holidays when you're running around and don't have as much time to sit down. I'll grab five minutes here and there to write down ideas or sketch in between errands. Most of my brainstorming actually happens in the car.
For me, blissful living means being surrounded by the people and things I love. . . I would sell my soul for this velvet moto jacket
John Derian: total coffee table candy
Louis Vuitton Monogram Passport Cover. I'd add one of my new "Evil Eye" or "Jade" patches to it because I'm extra like that
JESSICA’S BLISSFUL LIVING ESSENTIALS
Feu De Bois "Gris" Candle. The quintessential Fall scent
'In The Wild' Throw. Like I need any more throws but this one looks too chic and cozy to resist
I love this gold watercolor brush set with case
mind & body
!
A fragrance filled journey into wellness for the mind & body
! ! www.chesapeakebaycandle.com ! ! !
When finding time has become a luxury, one needs to pause and look inward to redefine inner peace and inspire others.
CLICK HERE TO USE THE CODE ISTA FOR 20% OFF A READING offer ends 12/31/16
HOROSCOPES: ! GET IN FORMATION FOR 2017! If you’re anything like me, you love a fresh start! Each new year is like pressing a reset button to usher in hope, possibility and positive energy! One of the reasons I love astrology is because it’s the perfect mix of predictability and variety. Every year when the sun moves into Scorpio, my rising/ascendant sign, I can anticipate a renewed since of personal power. But how that power will be expressed is dependent on the relationships between other planets aspecting my natal chart. And that’s where the magic happens. I’m a firm believer that every experience in your life happens for your greater good if you choose to learn and grow from it. That being said, 2017 WILL be a GREAT year for every sign! I’ve put together an overview of what’s in the stars for your winter and a gift guide if you want to buy according to the signs. Keep reading if you plan to dominate in 2017! Tip #1: If you know your rising sign read for that sign and you “sun” (zodiac) sign. Tip #2: You can use reoccurring transits to make powerful changes in your life which include new & full moons and retrograde periods. NEW MOONS: Manifesting period FULL MOONS: Reap what you’ve sown during the new moon MERCURY RETROGRADE: Pause & Retreat. Avoid big purchases/contracts if possible
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
Winter break? Not for you! You start 2017 off hustling like the warrior you are with the sun perusing through your 10th house of public image and fame. You’ll be moving and shaking at the beginning of the year most likely networking and/or getting together with friends. Come January 28th when your ruler Mars moves into your sign followed by love planet Venus on February 3rd, you’ll have the opportunity to shine and impress everyone you come into contact with. Beware of being too bossy, particularly in love relationships and/or partnerships. Single rams may find it easier to meet a new love interest between February 10th and the beginning of March. Trust me, its for your greater good.
You start the year off with a blessing from the friendship gods. Your ruler Venus works its way through your 11th house of friends and groups bringing the possibility of meeting a new love interest through a friend. Or you could even fall in love with a friend. Coupled Taureans will want to spend more time with their honey and friends at the same time. If work is more of a priority at this time, come mid-January, the sun will be shining it’s light on your destiny point giving you the opportunity to manifest changes in your career or finally pursue your life purpose.
The beginning of the year starts off with your ruler, Mercury retrograde which probably always throws your life into a short tizz. But don’t fret, I have a feeling this retrograde period is more about an old flame coming back into your life. It’s up to you to decide if you want to take them back or not. But don’t make that decision until after Mercury goes direct on January 8th. You’re naturally good at persuading but you’ll have an extra boost of charm with Venus, followed by the sun, Mercury and solar eclipse new moon in your 10th house of public image. Use this to your advantage, it could be particularly auspicious if you’re working on a creative project or something that involves communication.
Mars is your ruler and staying active keeps you sane. Track your activity with this stylish Fitbit.
Your sign rules money. You need something beautiful for it to go in. Plus, your classic and YSL will never go out of style. Saint Laurent Zip Wallet $725
!
Gold series $149
CANCER Think back to what you were working on during #summer16. The start of a new project? New love interest? Whatever was going on during this time could have a culmination or development around January 12th when the full moon is in your sign. You may have spent the holidays coupled and focused more on relationships but it’s time to give some more love to your professional hopes and wishes at the end of January and the months following. There may be a short tug of war between your work and home life at the beginning of March which does not a happy Cancer make. You love being at home but a short sacrifice may need to be made to get all of your work done. There’s nothing better for you than a cozy night in at your favorite place, home. Chillax in style. JA Blanket $295
Life without communication is no life for you. Put the new iPhone 7 on your wish list. Iphone 7 $649
LEO
VIRGO
Passion runs high for you at the beginning of the year which some of you lions live for! Use the energy at the beginning of the year to reconnect with your boo or turn up the heat on a love interest. Coupled Leos should consider a romantic post-holiday getaway to avoid the holiday travel cluster and hit to your pockets. And if you’re single, solotravel could be auspicious with you meeting Mr./Ms. right or right now. I recommend travelling after January 8th when Mercury goes direct and before February 6th when Jupiter goes retrograde in your 2nd house of income. You want the best deal don’t you!?
The most important relationships in your life are supported at the beginning of the year with love planet Venus transiting your 7th house of partnership. Your ruler Mercury, is retrograde at the end of 2016 going into 2017 in your 4th house of home giving you the opportunity to re-focus on your family and home life. Ask yourself what you can do to bring more harmony to your home and how can you show more love to your partner. Single Virgos looking for a relationship should use this time to Feng Shui their home to call in more romance. Adding rose quartz crystals in your bedroom, adding a second nightstand if you only have one, visualizing you and your partner happy together in your home are all simple ways to create space for new love.
You love hard, including yourself. A mirrored vanity named after an old Hollywood actress has your name all over it.
Hayworth vanity $399
Not all Virgos are organizational neat freaks but some of you are hardcore. A stylish planner will keep you on top of your game Erin Condren $62
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Lucky Libra! Auspicious planet Jupiter entered your sign in September of 2016 making you the golden zodiac child for the year. Hopefully you’ve been blessed with unexpected wins since the beginning of this transit which will continue until October of 2017. This could include a promotion or positive recognition of some kind around January 12th when the full moon occurs in your 10th house of fame and recognition. The good news continues into the beginning of February when your ruler, love planet Venus transits your 7th house of partnerships. Libra rules this house so the feeling between you and your boo should be oh so sweet. If you’re single, a new hottie could be right around the corner.
If there is any sign constantly experiencing major life transformations, it’s you Scorpio. You’re a fighter and one of the strongest signs in the zodiac. The past 5 years have not been the easiest with Saturn transiting your first house of self and now your second house of income. Saturn is the planet of hard lessons and he wants you to flourish but you have to do the hard work of being more responsible with how you spend your money. Use the beginning of the year to cut back where you can and wait for the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s coming!
You may feel a little off kilter at the beginning of the year with communication planet Mercury retrograde in your sign for a few days followed by your ruler Jupiter going retrograde on February 6th. Retrograde planets get a bad wrap. It may not be the best time to start something new because chances are you’ll have to re-do what was begun during that time. But they are a great time for planning and revisiting past projects. What dreams have you abandoned over the years? Now is a great time get that Sagittarian enthusiasm going so you can pick up where you left off.
Seduction is your specialty so smelling yummy is a must. Get this perfume and take no prisoners.
Traveling feeds your soul. Makeup enhances your natural beauty. You need a stylish travel makeup case that will last through all of your adventures.
As the sign of partnership you’re in love with love. You’re also in love with pretty things. Doesn’t get much prettier than a love bracelet.
!
Byredo Gypsy Water $110
Gold Love bangle $100
CAPRICORN Winter is your season, Cappy even if you don’t physically like cold weather. Winter officially begins when the sun moves into Capricorn. The goat slowly but confidently climbing a snowy mountain is a great visual representation of your sign - the idea that you keep going no matter what. And because you are usually trying to achieve something — a new job, a home, a business deal, it’s inevitable that you will eventually win. When the sun, new moon and Mercury move into your 2nd house of income you will hopefully have some sort of financial payoff. But let’s be honest, it’s never enough and you will keep on keeping on. You work hard to improve your status. Show it off with this classic handbag.
!
Givenchy Antigona Bag $2435
Trish McEvoy travel beauty tote $82
AQUARIUS
PISCES
!
!
Aquarians are students of life, eternally on the quest for knowledge. The energy at the beginning of the year supports anything that has to do with mastery and expanding your knowledge. Luck planet Jupiter moved into your 9th house of higher education in October 2016 giving you an even bigger urge to learn more. And if you are considering going back to school and/or continuing education check to see if you’re employer will cover your expenses. If you’re self-employed now is a good time to get additional financial support such as grants that could help relieve financial stress. Did you know your sign rules technology? Stay on the cutting edge. New MacBook please! MacBook Air $489
Pisces, you’re deep. Wild imagination, evaluating the meaning of life and what we’re here for deep. As the last sign of the zodiac, you embody traits of all the other 11 signs and are able to use this to connect to people from all walks of life. At the beginning of the year you’ll have to juggle your focus on the spiritual and physical world, which may be exhausting. Spiritual enlightenment is definitely #goals but the bills don’t pay themselves. So make sure you’re handling your business after you leave your meditation or yoga class. Who said spirituality isn’t stylish? Your aquamarine birth stone coupled with a touch of gold is a match made in heaven.
!
Kate Spade studs $38
THE
A-TEAM
HOROSCOPES
EATING WELL INSPIRATION
TAMERRI ATER LOS ANGELES ASTROFASHIONISTA.COM
ARIELLE HASPEL NEW YORK CITY BEWELLWITHARIELLE.COM CARA ALWILL LEYBA NEW YORK CITY CARAALWILL.COM
!
WANT TO JOIN OUR TRIBE & SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE? CONTACT US
DID YOU ENJOY OUR BLISSFUL LIVING ISSUE? !
AWESOME! STAY TUNED FOR 2017! !
IN THE MEANTIME, LET’S CONNECT. !
VISIT MY WEBSITE. LET’S WORK TOGETHER
ONE-ON-ONE or just EMAIL US.