Ista magazine #summer16 issue

ISTA MAGAZINE

#SUMMER16

THE ART OF BEING

Y O U! THE PASSIONATE LIFE | LIVING IN ABUNDANCE | SPIRITUAL SUCCESS

IN THIS ISSUE: pg. 6 The art of YOU! How to tell your story

pg. 11 Dare to dream: How to keep the faith

pg. 9 3 sure fire ways to Think yourself to success

pg. 13

How to fulfill your passion all #summer16: tips from the Astrofashionista

pg. 10 Get the glow: The perfect daily detox drink

The art of you. . .

!

Summer has always been my least favorite season. As much as I love sunshine and the water, I’m one who thrives on having a set schedule, planned events and living a fast paced lifestyle. It’s always go, go, go.

In an effort to spend my Summertime wisely, I want to take this time to connect with my intuition and spiritual wisdom. I have decided to take on #summer16 and change how I approach at it. I have challenged myself to create a season all about balance.

Cover shoot produced by @homeontherunway Making meditation a top priority, taking on old hobbies like yoga that force me to slow down, focus on nurturing relationships that I cherish and connecting with my community. This Summer will be all about doing what is best for me, in a way that is feminine and soft yet fulfilling for a go-getter like me.

I decided to create ISTA magazine for you, a place where I can go beyond my blog and share all aspects of my life with those who want to live a passionate life as much as I do. I want to share the story of my journey in discovering my passion and finally arriving to a life and career path that lights me up.

Uncovering the beautiful lessons learned, the incredible souls I have met along the way and unleash all that lies within me.

I believe in the beauty of authenticity and sharing our stories so that others can benefit from the magic of synchronicity, intuition, inner wisdom and fate.

I hope that after you read this issue, you become inspired to live a passionate life, become a little bit more aware of your ista (aka your purpose) and a little bit more comfortable being YOU. Mind. Body. Soul.

XOXO, Ashlina

C U R R E NT LY L O V I N G:

SUMMER FAVES TASSLE EARRINGS $36

NEON FLAMINGO LIGHT $50

MICHAEL KORS PERFUME SET $124

DIOR SIDERAL SUNNIES $465

GOLD + MARBLE LAPTOP CASE $66

PRINTED MAXI DRESS $39

SLIM AARONS: GREAT ESCAPES $16

“NO ONE IS YOU

AND THAT IS YOUR POWER”

DISCOVER YOUR TRUE PURPOSE #UNLEASHYOURISTA click here for info

THE ART OF BEING you!

If there is one thing I could go back in time and tell my younger self, it would be that the concept of being yourself is more than what you think. I used to hear the advice “be yourself” all the time but I really didn’t understand it. I wasn’t taught how to take a clear perspective of my heart, emotions and desires and connect with who I really am. I always felt I was being true to who I thought everyone else needed me to be. To be the perfect daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, etc was more about being the best at what I thought the definition of those titles should be. Boy,

One evening, out of the blue, I was watching a movie with my then boyfriend, my mind was spinning with anxiety and all of a sudden I felt like I couldn’t breathe. My chest was so incredibly heavy, I felt like I was being suffocated by an elephant. I thought I was possibly having heart attack so I had my boyfriend rush me to the hospital. After waking up in a hospital bed, the doctors let me know that I suffered a severe panic attack and gave me some medicine for my anxiety. I went home to bed and woke up the next morning

was I wrong.

It really wasn’t until a few years ago that I discovered how to be fully authentic, present and connect to my intuition in a way that serves me to my core and has allowed me to flourish into living a life I used to dream of. If I would have paid attention to my hobbies when I was younger, I would have known how much I wanted to be an interior designer. At 14 years old I was obsessed with Architectural Digest magazine and I would draw in floor plans of my dream home. I would pull out pages of furniture and make collages of mood boards that created a cool environment. At the time I had no idea it was actually a career, I just thought it was something people did for themselves. Everyone in my life told me there was no money to be made in design and decorating, I was made to believe that I would forever be a struggling artist. After college, I did what I felt was best and took a proper job at an oil company making good money, health insurance and a 401k. I thought all I wanted was enough money to afford that dream home and furniture to just be able to decorate for

feeling so numb and unaffected by any of it, I just felt like a zombie. I didn’t really understand anxiety or what any of that meant so I didn’t want to take any of that medicine. I instinctively felt that I wanted to allow God, my intuition and emotion to guide my path. That morning at my desk, after staring at my computer screen for what-felt-like ever, I came to the realization that if I stayed at that job, my life was officially over and I was only doing what was expected of me. A responsible job with a paycheck, insurance, 401k all wrapped up in a pretty bow. Everyone else was so proud of me but I was completely disappointed with myself. For the first time ever, I experienced what it meant to betray myself, to abandon my dreams and to just live a “normal” life.

By the time 10 am rolled around I was done. I got up told my boss that I quit and walked out of that office building vowing to myself that I would never for one more second suffocate myself with the expectations of anyone around me including society. I committed my life to a path of pursing my

myself. I was fine with that. After getting a huge promotion at my company, I was heavy with responsibility and a big bank account but no time for doing anything that actually made me happy besides spending time with the people I loved. I was miserable but I didn't even really know it.

wildest dreams no matter what. There was a burning desire inside of me that knew I was meant more something more, something bigger.

The very next morning, December 10th, I booked myself a one way ticket to California. I had been to California a few times in my teen years and I always felt that was where I was meant to live. I knew it was time for me to make it happen. I threw out every single ounce of fear inside of me and just went for it. I made a list of everything I truly desired and I became committed to it. I wanted to be the “next Kelly Wearstler”. I wanted to design hotels. I wanted to one day have my very own interior design business. I let go of a lot of things.

Unfortunately for my boyfriend, I let him go too.

He didn’t believe in my dream of becoming a designer, he was totally against me doing anything other than being his future wife and baby mama.

It didn’t take much for me to make these decisions, because of my recent hospital experience, I felt the essence of how short life is and I really had nothing to lose.

On my journey in life, I have learned that my situation is not so uncommon. Almost every coaching client of mine goes through these struggles in one way or another. I understand how hard it can be leaving comfort zones. It’s almost as if giving up things that don’t serve you, can be the hardest thing in the world to actually do. Easier said than done, right? No, not at all. If you feel you are trying to get the strength to let something go or you simply want to connect to what is really meant for you. Here are 3 things you can do to help you begin. . .

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU: ONE: Check in. Do you feel good?

Are you always stressed out? Feeling anxious? Tired or overwhelmed? Truth is your body will let you know exactly what it needs and respond accordingly. If you aren’t feeling radiant in your life, chances are changes need to be made. You can start small by incorporating exercise or a meditation practice. Once you start feeling a little bit better you will begin to see things from a different perspective.

!

TWO: How are your relationships?

Does everyone seem to annoy you? Are you arguing with loved ones frequently?

Does it seem like no one gets or understands you? If so, it is highly likely that you aren’t giving enough time, patience and love to yourself. You are your biggest teammate. Forgive yourself and others for unpleasant situations and see what you can do to take responsibility for your part of the situation. Get rid of toxic people and dream killers. Separate yourself from things that stress you out, at least give yourself a break and some space to sort things out.

!

THREE: Do you feel like you are going upstream or downstream?

Does it seem like doors are closing every time you try to walk through them? It’s okay. That is just a sign you are meant to go a different route. You want to make sure that you are going with the current in life. If things are a struggle and tough to make happen, let it go. Try something different. It doesn’t always mean NO, it just means NOT RIGHT NOW. If you stay on a path of going downstream or as some like to call it “the path of least resistance” its a sign that you are on the right track.

M I N D: On my journey of being in business for myself one of the most important things I have learned is the importance of my thoughts. When I first began, I let my mind run wild with all kinds of thoughts like fear, self-doubt, insecurity, comparison, lack. . .you name it.

After working with my business mentors, I quickly learned the benefits of being mindful. I put myself through a method I now call MINDSET DETOX and completely reprogrammed the way I think. This is where everything changed for me, it’s the place I took back my power!

!

In an effort to create the life that you dream of, you’ve got to understand that you have all the power. If you are one who allows events and life experiences to happen to you, you have given up all of your power. You can easily shift your mindset to begin thinking on purpose and take control of your life.

Ask yourself a few key questions: What do I WANT to experience?

How do I WANT to grow?

What do I WANT to contribute to the world?

!

If you don’t have a clear picture of where you want to go, you will most likely not end up there. You may feel frustrated, stuck, tired, etc. I really encourage you to connect with your desires so that you can create changes that are lasting and fulfilling.

You will be one of those women who is irresistible and has that glow about her. Journal it all out. Tap into your desires. See them as available to you.

These desires should be unique to you and only YOU!

3 WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR MINDSET I highly recommend reading the book THINK AND GROW RICH by NAPOLEON HILL. You will learn practical tools that are key in developing a successful life by changing the way you think. I can tell you first hand that this book had a massive impact on my life and my career.

I highly recommend journaling in whatever way works best for you. It’s important to move your dreams, desires and ideas from your mind to paper. This way your mind has the freedom to be open and ready for inspiration and a healthy new mindset.

Repeat affirmations that feel good to you daily.

I keep a small gold journal of my favorite affirmations and I read them to myself every morning. Some of my clients make post-its and find that extremely helpful and exciting.

THIS IS PIVOTAL FOR YOUR MIND!

MORNING DAILY

BODY:

DETOX Typically during the Summers warmest months I find myself dehydrated. I reach for my Bkr water bottle almost every few minutes. In an effort to refresh my body and quench my morning thirst, I like to make carafes of my favorite infused waters and teas. Cucumber water is always in my fridge.

This month I have decided to mix it up.

After getting the disheartening news of one of my family members having cancer, we’ve been reading up on Cancer fighting foods and drink.

This morning detox drink is high in cancer fighting properties and absolutely wonderful for any stomach issues or illness you might encounter.

Even if you are ailment free, this drink will keep you glowing all Summer long!

LEMON GINGER MORNING DETOX DRINK yield: 2 servings total time: 35 minutes

!

INGREDIENTS:

!

2-1/2 cups boiling water 1 organic lemon cut into slices 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 teaspoons honey (optional)

!

DIRECTIONS:

!

Bring the water to a boil.

Turn the heat off and add the lemon, ginger and turmeric.

Let steep for 30 minutes.

Strain and drink at room temperature or reheat (but don't bring to a boil).

SOUL:

DARE TO dream

It’s pretty amazing what happens when you allow your spirit to guide you along your journey in life. Through my church, I discovered the book ‘Remember the Roses’ by Lynette Lewis and read it cover to cover in 2 days. I was so inspired by her stories of success, loss and dreams fulfilled. So I signed up for a talk she was giving in NYC and went with a few of my girlfriends.

As I walked into the auditorium so eager to grab a seat close to the stage, this blonde woman ran over to me and screamed “OMG! The Decorista’s here!” I literally was in shock, it was Lynette!

She then let me know she had been praying about meeting me and asking me to come speak at one of her events. I didn’t even know what to say. I was so absolutely humbled because I felt I was more excited to meet her than she could possibly be to meet me. For her, it was a dream fulfilled. It was one of my most favorite God moments, you know those times you know it was just meant to be.

From that moment on she has been a dear friend and my mentor. I have watched this woman create for herself, every single dream she has ever had in life. She is SUCH an inspiration to me so of course I wanted to share her with all of you. She gave a TED talk this Spring and it almost brought me to tears. Okay, it totally did. I want to leave you with this video to watch and hope it inspires you to keep faith in your dreams. As she always tells me, if its in your heart then its meant to be yours! What is for you will not miss you. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Nothing thrills me more than seeing a girl pursuing her dreams and living her life to the fullest. This is why I created this e-zine. To inspire everyone to live a passionate and fulfilled life.

This issue I am overjoyed to introduce you to my fabulous friend, and coaching client, Tamerri. She is a total ISTA, dubs herself the Astro-Fashionista, a practicing astrologist, who teaches women how to use the stars to guide you to achieving your dreams.

Through her work, she shows you how the stars can help you learn more about yourself, improve your relationships or attract one and use astrological timing to maximize your personal success.

!

Check out her tips for you according to your sign to be a success all #summer16

#Summer16 is here! What’s in store for your zodiac sign??

Rapper Drake is looking for revenge all #summer16 but if you’re like me, you’re looking to maximize your success! The sun moved into perceptive water sign Cancer on June 20th marking the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere and first day of winter in the southern hemisphere. No matter where you are this summer/winter, you can use the energy of the planets to improve your life. Keep reading to find out what’s in store for your sign this month!

Tip: If you know your rising sign read for that sign and you “sun” (zodiac) sign.

HOROSCOPES: ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

This month is all about your home life and how you can improve it. New décor, starting a family, purchasing a home or all three could be in the cards for you!

Your oratory and writing skills are on point this month so use that to your advantage. Thinking of starting a blog? Interested in creative writing or journaling? Go for it. The planets are in your favor.

You’ve got money on your mind and there’s nothing wrong with that. The full moon on 7/19 could bring some important financial news that you’ve been waiting for.

Career: Pluto is in your 10th house until 2024, giving you the power to take over your destiny and set your status in the world. The force is with you so use it!

Career: You’re a natural-born hard worker – the bull plowing through life’s every-day challenges. It’s time to have some fun. Plan a weekend trip or a staycation.

Love: Venus, the love planet is moving into your 5th house of romance & creativity on July 12th.

All the single Aries ladies (and gents) should get out there and flirt. Coupled? Plan a romantic date with your boo or…make a baby!

Love: Feisty action planet Mars is in your 7th house of partnerships and it’s up to you to decide how you want this energy to be expressed. Try to refrain from being combative in your relationship. Use Mars’ restless energy in the bedroom instead…if you know what I mean.

Career: Action planet Mars is in your 6th house of work and service giving you the drive and energy to make some power plays. If it’s a raise you’re looking for, ask and you shall receive!

CANCER

It’s all about you, boo! It’s your birthday month and although Cancers aren’t necessarily known for loving the spotlight, sometimes you have to channel your inner Sasha Fierce and rise to the occasion. It’s your birthday and you can cry or do whatever you want to!

Career: Saturn, the planet of structure and hard work is in your 6th house of work until the end of 2017. It may feel like you are constantly being tested in your day job which can be frustrating. Don’t give up. Saturn loves to reward those who work hard and the payoff is oh so sweet.

Love: Single? Hopefully you’ve been working on becoming the best person you can be so that you can attract the partner you’ve been waiting for. It’s a good chance they may appear around the full moon on July 19th. Partnered? Get outside for a fun and flirty outdoor activity with your bae.

LEO

This is your time to rest and recharge before the sun moves into your sign on July 22nd. With Mercury and Venus in your 1st house of self, book a relaxing massage, get a trendy mani/ pedi or a new haircut. Your birthday is right around the corner and if you stay ready you don’t have to get ready!

Career: An important development on the work front may happen around the full moon on July 19th. Whatever happens should be for the best with blessings from the planet of good luck, Jupiter.

Love: Saturn, planet of hard lessons is in your 5th house of love, romance, creativity and children until the end of 2017. This is not an easy placement for you since Leo naturally rules this house and you want your relationships to be light and playful. Pay attention to the “signs” you’ve been receiving over the past year. Saturn wants you to make better decisions in your love life.

Love: Time to communicate what you want to your partner or love interest. Communicating is what you were born do to so you shouldn’t have a problem letting your feelings be known. Closed mouths don’t get fed.

VIRGO

Fun with friends and associates is what this time is about. Networking or joining a new group/club could prove to be very beneficial for you in the long run. Mercury and Venus in your 12th house of subconscious may have you feeling like a loner but once you force yourself to get out, you will be glad you did.

Career: You can be a bit of a workaholic and last month was most likely very busy for you on the career front. Now the planets want you to relax and have a little more fun.

Love: Mark July 19th as a lucky day for you in the romance department. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the weather and have a romantic date outside. Try a sunset picnic.

Besides, you’re a master when it comes to details so use this as an opportunity to impress your date and put your Pinterest food board to use.

LIBRA

Like a poet named Rhianna once said, work, work, work, work, work. You’re a busy bee this month working hard and on the scene. Your colleagues and associates are your allies this month so make sure to keep them in the know regarding special projects you’re working on.

Career: The spotlight is on your 10th house of public image so make sure you’re buttoned up and prepared for any meetings you have this month. It’s your time to shine in the work place.

Love: A group outing could be great for your love life. A friend may know someone single and ready to mingle…with you. Attached?

Plan a fun happy hour with your significant other and your friends.

CAPRICORN

Relationships take center stage with the sun and the new moon on July 4th in your 7th house of partnerships. How can you grow to be a better partner in love and/or business?

Looking for a new partner? This is a good time to find one but only if you’ve worked through issues from past relationships.

Career: Capricorn rules the 10th house of career and public image so improving your lot in life is always on your mind. But this month you should take a step back and learn to be present for the most important people in your life.

Love: Apply that famous Capricorn work ethic to your relationship and watch it blossom.

Single? All good relationships start with two fulfilled individuals. Continue to better yourself and you’ll attract the person that complements your life at this stage.

SCORPIO

Travel is on the horizon for you with the sun in your 9th house. Don’t worry if you can’t go on your dream trip just yet. A fun road trip or short weekend getaway can be just what your soul needs this month.

Career: The planets are blessing you with extra charm this month which you should use to your advantage on the job. Start planting seeds now if you’re looking to advance in your career, your wishes could come true in the next couple of months.

Love: Communication planet Mercury and love planet Venus are in your 10th house of public image so if you’re looking for a special someone you could meet them through a work colleague or on the job. If you’re already taken, don’t forget to plan QT with your love so they don’t feel neglected.

AQUARIUS

You may feel torn between work and your important relationships this month. Close friends and partners may feel neglected or you may feel that you’re outgrowing someone who has been in your life for a while.

Career: Action planet Mars was retrograde from April to the end of June in your 10th house of public image, leaving you feeling stuck. But with its recent turn direct on June 29th, you have the drive and determination to make some serious strides in your career.

Love: If a relationship is not working, let it go.

Relationships are hard but they shouldn’t make you miserable. The right person is on the other side of the door you need to walk out of and never re-enter.

SAGittarius It’s a great time to turn inwards for selfreflection and embracing your spirituality.

You love to have a good time but not many people know that you’re a student of life, constantly wanting to explore its mysteries.

Now’s a good time to geek out on all things spiritual.

Career: Jupiter has been blessing your career sector for an entire year. Hopefully you’ve used this energy to your advantage and made some major progress. When Jupiter moves into your 11th house in September, your associates may continue to help you prosper in your career.

Love: You’ve been concerned with finances and getting ahead but don’t forget to look to your partner for support. They may have the tools and support you need to increase your bank account. If you’re single, now would be a great time to define exactly what you’re looking for in a partner.

PIsces

The beginning of summer is always a great time for you with the sun in your 5th house of romance & creativity. Pisces is one of the most creative signs of the zodiac so use this time to pursue a passion of yours that you may have put on the back-burner.

Career: Saturn, planet of hard lessons is in your 10th house of career until the end of 2017. If you work hard, you’ll see success in your career like never before. This would be the perfect time to make a career out of your hobby and/or passion.

Love: You’re feeling flirtier than usual and with luck planet Jupiter in your 7th house of partnerships that flirting can pay off big time and take a casual relationship to serious in no time.

DID YOU ENJOY THIS ISSUE? !

AWESOME! STAY TUNED FOR FALL! !

IN THE MEANTIME, LET’S CONNECT. !

VISIT MY WEBSITE. LET’S WORK TOGETHER

ONE-ON-ONE or just EMAIL ME.