ISTA MAGAZINE
FREE FALLIN’16 THE ART OF YOUR
JOURNEY TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
THE PASSIONATE LIFE | LIVING IN ABUNDANCE | SPIRITUAL SUCCESS
IN THIS ISSUE: The art of your journey. . . How to have faith when you seem lost
Curate your vision. . . How to design your dream life
My Fall obsessions. . . and the book you must read
Feel more fabulous this Fall. . . Let the stars guide you
Raise your home office vibes. . . use Glam-Shui to upgrade your work
Fuel your wellness. . . A rich & powerful way to start your day!
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
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Cover shoot produced by @homeontherunway
It was the Fall of 2009 when I took the leap into self-employment. I guess perhaps thats why its my absolute favorite season. While it made absolutely no sense to anyone in my life, I knew deeply in my heart that I was meant for something. . . BIG. Entrepreneurship was one of the biggest risks I could ever imagine taking and it seemed like a path not many of peers were going on. While those closest to me seemed to grow farther and farther from me, I came too see it was me who was the one to leave the nest, so to speak. I decided to take a road less traveled.
As I celebrate the 7 year anniversary of TheDecorista.com, I'm most proud of the magnitude of the faith I had on my journey. As this career path was pretty much unchartered territory, I couldn’t even grasp the sense of what I was actually experiencing. I really didn't have a set plan, In many ways it seems like there was a guardian angel guiding me all along the way. I’m thankful for what I knew and for everything I didn’t know about this path, because it was the passionate quest to learn more, absolute faith my God and a desire to grow that led me to where I am today. Looking back, each roadblock, detour, and intersection seems like it was exactly where I was supposed to be at that time. Not only has it been the most rewarding adventure I have ever experienced, I’ve come to understand that the journey actually never ends. To aid me in the navigation of my journey, I’ve used tools like vision boards, journaling, meditation and connecting with like minded souls. All of which helped me immensely, there is no way I could explain just how grateful for these things I truly am. For the Free Fallin’ 16 issue, I will give you a behind the brand look inside my methods for navigating your journey. I want to inspire you to not be afraid to take the road less traveled. During your trip, it may feel like you are lost but I promise if you hold on tight, you will be closer to home than you could ever even believe or imagine.
! Mind. Body. Soul. XOXO,
Ashlina
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SHAGREEN PENCIL CUP $72
GUCCI LEATHER BACKPACK $1690
SPARKLE DRESS $192
“NO ONE IS YOU
AND THAT IS YOUR POWER”
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Take the Leap DESIGN A LIFE THAT YOU LOVE
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CLICK HERE FOR INFO
THE ART OF DISCOVERING YOUR !
JOURNEY nticipating the upcoming anniversary of being in business for myself for 7 years has been a completely surreal experience. To be honest, I hadn’t even realized that this mark was even approaching until one of my beautiful readers alerted me to the date. I love you guys! I don’t think I could explain in words the amount of gratitude I feel for the support that has come from being a solo-preneur. In retrospect, what I am most humbled by is that the toil, the struggle, the stress, the actual work hasn’t even felt like work. . .it’s been an absolute blast! The real takeaway for me is how important it is to treasure the journey, celebrate the milestones and how fulfilling it is to connect with others who are going down a similar path. If I had to sum up my experience into one underlying message, it would be that taking the road less traveled was the secret to my success. They say hindsight is 20/20 and it’s absolutely the truth. In 2009, when I began this journey, there were only a handful of bloggers, I could name about 5 that I knew of. I had absolutely no idea what in the world I was doing or even how to do it. There were no books, no guides, no Pinterest, no YouTube videos to guide me along the way. What I did have was a desire that was so strong, a passion that lit me up and an understanding of faith. Fortunately for me, I knew from an early age who God was for me and I had enough life experience to know that God had a plan for my life and if I just kept my faith, everything would work out exactly as it was meant to. This freedom allowed me to be daring enough to take a risk, to leave my job and start something different.
When you are on the right path, doors will open and it won’t feel like struggle. After deciding to take the leap of faith, trust my instincts and launch my blog, it all just seemed to flow. In the past, I had experienced so much struggle in doing what I thought I was supposed to do and this new endeavor just came to fruition with ease. Not that I didn’t spend more hours working on my blog than my prior corporate jobs, in fact, I worked twice as many hours on it to get it going. It was the fun that I was having while doing it that made it feel like not work at all. In fact, I think Oprah Winfrey was quoted saying “if you do work you love and it fulfills you, then the rest will come”. This is exactly what happened in my case. I didn’t even have the mind capacity to know that my blog would eventually become a business let alone a full on career for me. The entire experience almost feels like a whirlwind that’s just flashed right by me. This is how you know you are on the right path. You follow the path by staying close to the things that ignite a spark in you, the things that make you glad you are alive. I fully engage in my work and am in absolutely bliss when creating beautiful spaces like this! How could I not love what I do? Just because you may be on a path or in a situation that requires you step outside the norm, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be doing it. In fact I have learned that the things that make us the most uncomfortable are the things that help us grow in the quickest most largest capacity. This is the art of taking the road less traveled, when you go your own way, you will get to a place that is even better than you thought!
Dancing with life is all about going with the flow. Of course along the way there will be times of struggle but when you understand that true passion overcomes all adversity and strong faith understands that when doors close, it just means another one will open. Going through the experience of life and being fully engaged and taking risks is all part of the magic and fun of designing a life you love. This is where you find joy, peace, happiness, fulfillment and overall abundance. You’ll never feel without or in need. You will feel lit up, inspired, accomplished and so many other wonderful things that you aren’t supposed to know yet. After 7 years, I still have so much more that
my heart is just bursting to do. My notebook is filled with ideas and new inspiration I haven’t even put out yet. I’ve learned to be patient and that when the time is right, the universe will organize things you have been wanting to come to fruition, with absolute ease. This very magazine you are reading was just a tiny little idea I had years before I started my blog. It’s always been a passion of mine to share inspiring stories, talk about my spiritual side and what a passionate and faith filled lifestyle looks like. At the right time, God gave me the words to say and voila’. . . A dream fulfilled. I don’t know what the future of ISTA looks like, I can only see right in front of me but the ease and the excitement that I get creating it is what illuminates the path.
KEEPING THE FAITH on the road less traveled. . . !
There is really no secret to knowing how to see exactly how things are going to turn out. When you understand that fun, ease, inspiration and excitement are all signs that you are going the right way, you can rest assured you’re on your path. I love affirmations to help me stay fired up in my faith. Fill your mind with positive reminders when you are feeling a little lost or anxious.
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M I N D: One of my secrets to staying connected to the path that is best for me is filling my mind with the things that make me feel good. When I feel good, I feel powerful and confident which enables me to put forth my best work. To be someone who continually breaks barriers and looks past other peoples opinions you have to be strong in your mindset and train yourself to give excellence in all that you do. It’s important to learn how to make decisions quickly, resist the temptation to procrastinate, be held back by fear, choose loving thoughts instead of judgment, train yourself to feel gratitude in difficult moments, create a wealth consciousness that allows you to accept abundance, etc. For me, I’ve had to work diligently at training my mindset more than anything else.
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Ask yourself. . . “in what ways can I train my mind to serve me in being my best self?” ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________
MY FAVORITE FALL READ. . . When I am feeling the need to grow in this way, I love to read books that fill me up, give me new motivation and open my mind to new possibilities. My dear friend Cara Alwill Leyba, just selfpublished her latest book Stripped, a collection of poetry to inspire women. I just love the whole premise behind the book. She also created her own label, Passionista Publishing. . .obviously a fabulous ISTA herself. I highly recommend having this book on your nightstand for nightly reminders to inspire you to be the best woman you can be on your journey.
Grab your copy HERE.
YOU ARE HER !
We spend so much time looking outside ourselves for the answers, the happiness, the permission. Why can’t we believe that it is all inside? What will it take to realize that the woman you spend so much energy trying to become, is the woman you already are?
! CARA ALWILL LEYBA
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a collection of inspiring poetry entitled
STRIP P E D ! !
DAILY MORNING
BODY:
boost This issue I’m excited to introduce you to Arielle, of Be Well with Arielle, who has a fabulous knack for eating for wellness. She can basically Feng-Shui your eating habits for you to live a balanced and beautiful life. An entrepreneuress, total ISTA and soon to be mommy, I trust her advice when she gives it to me. One thing we discuss is the importance of keeping fueled and feeling fully aligned in the body to get inspired and live our best life. If we make sure to meditate, exercise, journal and eat well, there is no way you won’t have guidance and ideas for new opportunities. For optimal morning wellness, try this delicious smoothie recipe to ensure a workday with wellness.
! Speculoos Cookie Butter Smoothie
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INGREDIENTS: – 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened – 1 Tbs sunflower seed butter, unsweetened – 1 Tbs almond butter, unsweetened – 3 dates, pitted – 3/4 tsp speculaas spice (made of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, white pepper, aniseed, ginger, cardamom) – 1/4 tsp vanilla extract – 1 handful (approx 5) ice cubes – pinch sea salt
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DIRECTIONS: Blend ingredients in a blender. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy!
ARIELLE’S TOP 3 TIPS FOR BEING WELL ! 1.
Find your own unique morning ritual. Taking care of yourself first thing in the morning sets the tone for the rest of your day, and helps you put YOU first. Find something you’ll look forward to doing every morning, and stick with it!
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2.
Incorporate Yoga. Arielle says that the quickest way to prep your body and digest efficiently is to drink a cup of warm water first thing in the morning. Then, after 5-10 sun salutations, eat a breakfast that will rev up your digestion and metabolism for the day ahead.
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3. Count ingredients rather than calories. Endeavor to understand ingredients instead of obsessing over calories. Your body will love you for it. You’ll feel good and your weight will normalize naturally.
SOUL:
DESIGN YOUR dream life
PC: @thedesignco
I would never have the career that I do if I wasn’t able to build a specific vision for it. Before I began on my own, I was working in Beverly Hills at an art gallery. I absolutely loved my job but I would find myself sitting at my desk and daydreaming of the lifestyle that I wanted for myself. I imagined not having a set schedule, going to the gym at 10, having a beautiful home office, taking calls while leisurely gazing at the ocean. The entrepreneuress lifestyle was what I craved. I also craved the capacity to be creative every single day. At the time I had no idea how on earth I was going to do it, but I definitely had the vision. One of my favorite things to do was watch the Secret to get me feeling inspired and encouraged. I would make vision boards all the time. My parents tease me because I even used to make them in middle school and put them all over my walls. They have always lit me up, given me dreams to reach for and something beautiful to create. Whether I am decorating your home or helping you create the lifestyle you dream of, part of the process I guide my clients on is creating the vision of your dream life. If you don’t know where you are going, you will never get there. Trust me. Not only does a vision board help you to stay focused on your path, it looks beautiful too. The secret to creating a vision board that actually works, is taking the time to get in tune with your true desires and allow your intuition guide you to the images that really speak to your soul. I have manifested so many things in my life that I truly desired but never understood how they would happen. I’ve seen things come to me in what seems to be out of the blue. Things like, a trip to Italy, my brand new luxurious penthouse condo, this very magazine you are reading, financial amounts I have needed to pay off debt, fitness goals, etc. Many things go into designing your dream life but the vision board is the first step, download my guide here. When it comes to
manifesting all the things you desire for yourself and staying on course in your journey, it’s important to connect to your navigation system or internal compass. This is what I call, my ISTA. My intuition, Holy Spirit my inner knowing. A commitment to staying tuned in to your ISTA, is what will get you there. IF YOU DESIRE THE ABILITY TO
take life to a new level, you must UNLEASH YOUR ISTA. Tapping into your internal navigation system will ensure success on your journey. To begin, try this:
1. GET IN THE DREAM ZONE: Create some chunks in your calendar for some alone time. I like to give myself 15 minutes in the morning before I wake up. You will want to do this for 3 days in a row.
2.SET UP YOUR ROUTINE: During this time, create a ritual for yourself that gets you calm. Try getting to a place where you can look at water, or sip a glass of wine in the bath. I like to sit in my meditation chair and light a candle, breathe in beautiful aromas. Anything that helps you to relax. You will repeat this ritual each time you get in your zone.
3.CONNECT TO YOUR ISTA: I refer to my gut as my inner ISTA. When I sit in my chair, I take long deep breaths and quiet my mind. Then on a fresh page in my journal, I dream write. I make myself write for 10 minutes. Even if I have nothing to say. It’s like talking to your best friend about your wildest dreams.
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GLAM-shui In any passionista’s office, a beautiful vision board is a must. So are beautiful supplies that inspire you. Treat yourself to things that you love working with. This enhances your self-worth and pulls you into a to a new level of excellence, which will encourage you to keep going when you need a boost. (read more)
HOROSCOPES: !
Fabulous Fall! ! #Summer16 has coming to a close but don’t fret because fall brings the opportunity for a fresh start! The sun moves into partnership sign Libra on September 22nd signaling the beginning of fall in the northern hemisphere and encouraging us all to be more diplomatic with friends, family, lovers and business partners. Happy spring to those of you that live in the southern hemisphere! A new season equals a new beginning and a new opportunity to write the next fabulous chapter in your life story. Keep reading to find out what’s in store for your sign for the remainder of 2016! ! Tip: If you know your rising sign read for that sign and you “sun” (zodiac) sign.
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
You’re the first fire sign of the zodiac and you’re on FIRE this fall. Hopefully you had the chance to do some vacationing this summer with your ruling planet Mars perusing through your 9th house of travel. But now it’s time to buckle down and take advantage of the blessings from the zodiac gods that are about to come into your life.
Family issues have been on your mind for most of the summer forcing you to reevaluate what’s really important in your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling work, love and family, look to your friends for support — they have your back!
Your ruling planet Mercury is retrograde for the last few weeks of the summer in your 4th house of home and family, which is the perfect time to renew your personal space. Spend some time decluttering and redecorating your home to start this season off right.
Career: Early November things are going to pick up for you in the career arena when action planet Mars moves into your 10th house career and public recognition. This coupled with luck planet Jupiter in your 6th house of work & service for the next year can kick start the beginning of an important project you’ve been wanting to get off the ground.
Career: A new moon will occur in your 6th house of work at the end of October marking the perfect time for you to manifest changes you’ve been wanting in your everyday work environment. Start putting yourself out there by submitting resumes and setting up informational interviews. You could land a great gig between this November and April of 2017.
Love: Your love life is looking up! Luck planet Jupiter moves into your 7th house of partnerships on September 9th, giving you some pep in your step when it comes to relationships. Aries can be selfish, especially in love so learn from your opposite sign, Libra and try to be more compromising.
Love: Love planet Venus, your ruler moves into your 7th house of partnerships on September 23rd adding a special dose of sensuality to this area of your life. Coupled bulls could be looking to take their relationship to the next level and single bulls may find themselves rekindling a relationship with an old flame.
Love: Luck planet Jupiter will be touring your 5th house of romance for an entire year starting in September. Single? Sign up for every dating app there is and get out there. If anyone can juggle multiple suitors, it’s you! Coupled? Use your wild imagination to plan some extraordinary dates for you and your boo.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
You’ve probably been working hard for the money, honey and hopefully you had the chance to increase your income at the end of the summer. If not, now’s the time to ask for what you want with Jupiter blessing your communication house for an entire year. And if you’ve plateaued in your career, going back to school or taking a class to sharpen your professional skills could payoff big time.
Go Virgo, it’s your birthday…you’re always on at the end of the summer and since Jupiter has been in your sign for a year you’ve had more luck than usual. It’s now time to share the love with Libra but your winning streak will continue with your finances receiving an extra dose of love.
Career: Power planet Pluto is in your 10th house of career but it’s been retrograde since mid-April, meaning all of this planet’s energy has not been accessible for you to use positively. If you feel like you haven’t been able to get the recognition you deserve at work or in your career, that all could change come September 26th when Pluto goes direct and your ruling planet Mars moves into your 10th house of career the day after.
You may start the season off more concerned about your finances than usual, which could be attributed to a move or updates to your residence. Try not to worry too much, Cancer rules the home so beautifying your space or moving to a more desirable location will be good for your soul. Career: Mid-October a full moon lights up your 10th house of career and public image, which could bring some good news to this area of your life. If you’re looking for a creative outlook, writing could bring some extra joy to your life especially if you’ve been thinking about starting a food or home decorating blog. Love: You may have had some power struggles or tests in your relationships since April of 2016 but with Pluto going direct in the area of your life that rules partnerships things may be looking up. At the end of September Mars may add some spice to your love life. Just try not to be too bossy in your relationships.
Career: You’ve got the power to kill it at your day job with Pluto going direct in your 6th house of work. There’s always a hater amongst us so try to be diplomatic at work and don’t give your coworkers or manager a reason to give you a hard time. Love: Your focus on increasing your money in the bank may have depleted your love tank and you were born to love, Leo. Don’t fret. The romance department will open back up for business come November/December.
Career: You’re naturally a worker bee but things will pick up in your day job come October. You may have the itch to find a new gig and that’s not a bad idea. Speak up to your boss or a client and ask for what you deserve. If they don’t oblige, someone else will. #Knowyourworth. Love: In the words of super Virgo, Beyoncé “you’re feeling sexy…”with Mars in your 5th house of romance. Hopefully you have a lucky significant other who can reap the benefits of your vixen vibes but if not, make sure you stay on the prowl in late September/early October. The sexy force is with you.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Congratulations Libra, you’re the new top dog in town. Luck planet Jupiter moves into your sign for an entire year in September adding a little pep to your step and extra swag to your style. Enjoy this time in the spotlight; you’ve been waiting patiently behind the scenes for a while now.
What’s cooking, good looking?” Love and beauty planet Venus moves into your sign at the end of September making you appear more attractive. It’s a great time to get a new haircut, get a new wardrobe or have a total makeover.
This the sign of travel so hopefully you were able to go on a couple of trips in July or early August while the sun was perusing through your 9th house of travel and education. I hope you rested well because now it’s game time. You’re about to get real busy socially and professionally.
Career: You’ve got the magic touch so now’s the time to explore your options and sell yourself as the powerhouse that you are. Before the end of the year you’ll be supported by action planet Mars to make some real progress at work, setting you up for a successful 2017. Love: Relationships are just your thing Libra and chances are you’ve been in one for a while now. Mid-October the full moon in your opposite sign, Aries could take your relationship to a level you’ve been patiently waiting for. Single Libras have a good chance of finding a new love interest with this energy so be on the lookout. Trust me, its for your greater good.
Career: With Saturn in your 2nd house of finances, your spending may have increased and money feels tight. Saturn is cracking the whip so that you get this area of your life in order for the long run. This may mean taking on an extra gig to bring some more cash into your life. An unexpected raise or windfall may come to you mid-October.
Career: The new moon solar eclipse in your 10th house of career at the beginning of September was a reset button for you’re destiny in the world. The end of summer was most likely a busy time for you now have the opportunity to start a new project in the fall that could payoff big time over the next 6 months.
Love: So that makeover you’re going to get…that’s not just for you to admire yourself in the mirror. Your boo or potential new boos will appreciate it. You’ll have your honey or suitors eating out of the palm of your hand from the beginning of fall until your birthday season.
Love: Luck planet Jupiter will be touring your 11th house of friends and groups for an entire year starting in September making you the new social butterfly of the zodiac. Single Sags will have many opportunities to meet new love interests through friends and those of you that are coupled can enjoy the company of your honey while socializing and making new friends.
CANCER
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Cap my friend…you’re a goat that is setting yourself up to be the GOAT — greatest of all time! Power planet Pluto finally goes direct in your sign giving you the power to go for whatever it is that you want. Be careful what you wish for, you will most likely get it.
I see advanced learning in the future for you dear water bearer. You love learning and lately you may have been considering going back to school, taking some online classes or taking up a new hobby. Expansion planet Jupiter is in your 9th house of travel and education for a year, blessing you with the ability to expand your mental horizon.
Investments could be lucrative for you dreamy Pisces from the beginning of fall until October 2017, especially if you’re teaming up with a partner. If you’re drawing up contracts whether it be for a home or business deal it would be best to wait until after October 6th to finalize when Mercury retrograde and its shadow period is over.
Career: If you’re feeling stagnant in your career learning a new skill set will increase your value in the workplace so get to it. Early fall is a good time to ask for a raise or negotiate a new rate with a client. You’ll have extra blessings from Venus in your career sector giving you the power of persuasion.
Career: You may be more concerned with personal relationships and trying to continue your summer fun at the beginning of fall but come late October when the sun moves into your sister sign, Scorpio you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your skill set in your career, setting you up for a successful winning streak on the job at the end of the year.
Career: Simply put, you’re on. Lucky Jupiter is touring your 10th house of career — the house that your sign rules, for an entire year putting you in the right place at the right time over and over again. If anyone knows how to take advantage of good opportunities, it’s you and I know you won’t let the opportunities that come your way between now and October 2017 go to waste. Love: We all know work is your thing but work is not everything. You’re going to have to try to find balance in the midst of all the opportunities that will come your way, particularly in the love department. Love planet Venus is in your social house at the beginning of fall so network for work and you’ll possibly find love while doing so.
Love: I wouldn’t describe you as the typical lovey-dovey type but mid-October could be a romantic time for you with love planet Venus touring your 11th house of friends and groups — the house that your sign governs. There’s a good chance you could meet a new love interest while you’re with the homies. If you’re already tied down, plan some fun group activities with your boo and your besties.
Love: The end of summer may bring an old flame back into the picture with Mercury retrograde in your 7th house of partnerships. Just remember why you broke it off with this person in the first place. Do you really want to start a new season making the same mistake you made in the past? Probably not.
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
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