9 things I am currently obsessed with : November 2020

Most of my closest friends live in different cities than I do. One of my longtime besties lives in Los Angeles and every time we get on the phone, we both just start listing out the things that we have been obsessed with. It’s usually anything that deals with making our lives just a little bit easier, skincare, weight-loss/fitness, time management tips and mom hacks. So, I thought I would do the same for you today. Give you a list of the things that currently have my attention because I haven’t done a post like this in a while.

1. Alice & Olivia Dia Cropped Sweater. In Houston, we recently had a city wide sale happening for charity. Lots of stores participated in the 20% off for holiday shopping and I noticed Alice & Olivia on the list. Let me just start by saying this designer makes clothes that fit women well and make them look fabulous so naturally, when I saw them on the holiday sale list I had to go by. I grabbed a few things but this perfectly peachy pink cropped sweater is my current obsession. I wear it almost every day. The pink is a pink that flatters everybody and it fits really well for an hourglass shaped person but hides tummy imperfections, if you moms know what I mean.

2. Amazonite bracelet from Love Ashlina Jewelry. I recently got my jewelry website back up because the orders on instagram were sucking the life out of me. Thank goodness it has helped so much. Anyway, the stress of the election, Mercury Rx and just all the things has been incredibly tense the past month or so. I knew I had to start wearing more Amazonite because it is the crystal of calming the emotions and soothing anxiety. I am obsessed. I wear it daily along with this moonstone.

3. L’oreal Voluminous Superstar Waterproof Mascara. Omg. This mascara is amazing. First of all, I am all about wearing the mascara primer, it really helps the lashes to lift up. So, I tried this one while traveling because I wanted a 2 in 1 mascara/primer combo to save space in my makeup bag and even though I have a few $30 high end mascaras, this one is my go-to. Something about how it lifts and curls the lash is just different. I wear the washable blackest black.

4. Globe Electric Mushroom Lamp. My girlfriend Allison is moving to Paris and was hosting a garage sale of sorts. I snagged these gold/brass mushroom lamps for my office because they were exactly what I was looking for and I am in love. They each have 2 lightbulbs which means really good lighting for the room they are in (which I use in my jewelry studio). All I have to say is that if you are looking for some chic modern lamps, these are awesome. And they come in rose gold too.

5. Leichtrum A5 dotted notebook in berry. We all know my obsession with bullet journaling. I’ve actually found myself writing slower because I am running out of space in my current journal. The other day I was at the art store and saw this berry colored notebook and it stopped me in my tracks. I snagged this one for 2021 and I could not be more obsessed with it. I may even have to start it sooner.

6. T3 Single Pass 1 1/2” Curling Iron. So, I have been recording lots of videos for the House of Bliss and Soul Aligned (my new 21 day video course) and so I decided to splurge on this and start learning how to curl my hair. It’s so pretty to look at, it actually makes me want to get up and make some effort on my hair.

7. Adidas Silver Luxe Running Shoe. I’ve been working out with my trainer consistently for 3 months and I have been so proud of myself for the commitment. As a treat, I wanted to get some shoes and I am obsessed with these Luxe Silver Running Shoes. They are so sleek and pretty. I am so excited about these.

8. Arbonne Ginsing Energy sticks, Strawberry. I started using Arbonne supplements when I learned about my leaky gut situation (maybe ill do a post on this soon). I made the decision to quit coffee for 30 days to see how my body would react and these energy sticks literally changed my life. I actually started using these at the start of the year and I have 2 every single day. One in the AM and One in the afternoon around that 2:30 mid day slump. They give me the boost of energy I need with a little fun, fizz and flavor. I add my grapefruit Lacroix for an added sparkle and I am obsessed. I also add a digestion pack to it in the AM. And for the first time probably ever in my life, I am not bloated everyday. More on that in another post but honestly. I love these too much not to share. (I also signed up as a distributor, so I do make $$ if you buy these using my link but no pressure. I truly am just sharing what I LOVE!) Side Note: On mornings when I workout with my trainer - i drink this pink drink when I don’t drink coffee)

9. Dr. Teals Cannabis Sativa Bath Salts. OMG. This is just divine. My girlfriend Cara introduced me to this because we both are bubble bath-a-holics. This is totally not what you think, at first I was apprehensive about the smell but it smells so beautifully in my bath it feels like spa. It’s a must try.

I hope you find this fun list to be helpful and inspirational. I always love sharing my current obsessions with my girlfriends. Feel free to leave me a comment below and let me know what you are obsessed with. I always love to try new heavenly things!

Love, Ashlina

Blissful Beauty: 4 tips for bombshell hair

Good morning my beautiful friends. Did we love the gift guide yesterday? Now that I am a full time mom and a part time entrepreneuress, I am whole heartedly putting my efforts into my blog and books (podcast, too!). So, when I get a free moment aka strolling Roman around town to grab lunch, I’m always well equipped with my pen and planner so that I can jot down ideas and take notes while listening to podcast. Man, I have become so efficient. (p.s. this stroller is the BEST baby purchase ever!)

Anyway, while sitting down and taking notes, a lovely woman snapped a picture of me to take to her hairdresser. She said to me ‘I want your hair!’ The funny thing is, I told her that this hair look is actually just me coming out of the shower. She couldn’t believe it wasn’t extensions. She asked what products I use. Then I explained to her that I truly believe hair care is so much more than any tool or product. It begins internally. I make intentional effort to care for this mane of locks.

My tips for taking good care of your hair

1. HYDRATION. Water and liquids is everything. I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t good at drinking water for years and I’ve always had thick, long hair. It’s genetics. However, my hair wasn’t always good. It was frizzy and always had dead ends. that was until I made more of an effort to drink water and I noticed a change in my hair immediately. So whatever type of hair you have, try drinking more water. It will make the best of what hair you were given. I definitely learned how to drink water best while I was pregnant. Carry around a big mug of water at all times. Best. Tip. Ever.

2. SUPPLEMENTS. I have taken hair, skin & nail vitamins for years. These are the ones I love, to be specific. When I was pregnant, I took these pre natals and I loved them. They are not the best tasting but I could see the most change in my glow with them compared to a few others I tried. I like to add collagen to my water on some days, too. I also make sure to eat Eggs, Berries, Avocado and Sweet Potatoes. These are the foods I keep in my diet on a daily basis. They all are very good for your hair and skin.

3. NUTRIENT RICH PRODUCTS. I really try to use organic, paraben free products in my hair. I use this hair mask every 2-3 days. I put in my hair after I wash it and leave it in overnight. The next day I wash it out and my hair feels fantastic. I also swear by changing my shampoo and conditioner all the time. I usually use 3 different kinds at once. There is something about switching it up, that makes the hair glow. After a recommendation from some girlfriends, I finally tried the Love beauty & Planet Murumuru Butter & Rose products. Oh my gooooood its soooooo good. Not only does it smell good, your hair feels great after. I’ve been using it for a little over a week now and wow! This stuff is my new favorite, I can’t wait to try the rest. You always want to make sure to pick the products that work best for your hair, I chose this one because its for color treated hair and I dye my greys, I also get glosses. I also like to use hydrating and moisture rich products because my hair can dry out very easily, especially during the Winter months.

4. CONSISTENCY. I think this is a good tip for everything in life but most importantly for the hair. Keeping it on a regular routine of care is important. I try to only blow dry once a week at most. All the heat products dry out the hair, so I don’t overkill it with heat. I always use this SPF spray when I go outside. Just as much as you need an SPF for your face, you need it for your hair or it will fade and get brittle. I also never brush my hair, I use a wide tooth comb to detangle. I hate the effect bristles have on my hair. So keep a steady regimen of caring for your hair and I promise you, it will show!