From the desk of Ashlina...reflections

It has been quite the week for me. Losing all of my things during my move, learning the lesson of writing without reading before publishing on instagram and dealing with that backlash, shortly after found out that my family dog passed away which is heartbreaking and dealing with other losses in my life. Woah. And I thought living in New York City was hard. Even after all of this, for some reason, I am excited for the change that I know growth and loss bring. When one door closes, another always opens. At this same time while these losses are happening I am gaining so much. I live closer to my grandmother and favorite family members who just nourish my soul, I've gotten to spend more time with my friends who are like soul mates to me, I'm starting a whole new business venture and magical things have happened to my heart. 

The lesson I have learned is to just let life happen as it does and not try to over think and control it. Cry and feel the emotions and then let them go, completely. Look for the opportunities to change and grow and become a different version of yourself. These are the times in life that push you towards your greatness and show you what you are capable of. It's always way more than we think it is. 

So, it's time to move on and walk in that direction. At the same time, I do get to buy all new things to fill my new place, which for a decorista is pretty exciting. Top of my list, is treating myself to things that I am in love with, and I have always wanted a mirrored vanity. I've written plenty of blog posts about them but this time, I am out to find the perfect one. There is something so incredibly Old Hollywood glam about them.  I feel like mine would look something like this...

magazine c / pamela skaist levy

decoist

mary macdonald / house beautiful 

homedit.com

Make your own mirrored vanity...

One Room Challenge: Final Reveal

We finally made it to the final week of the One Room Challenge. I just love being a part of the ORC. It's been the best experience! This round was pretty simple for me since we just styled up my assistants chic loft office space. {She's also the magician who redesigned my website, her skills are pretty amazing} Her style is minimalist and black and white. It's a style I haven't done before but it was enough of a challenge just seeing how you work with less. I've always been one to work with more. Sometimes in life we learn, less is more. 

Let's look back to the bare bones of the space, we started with a super modern shelving unit. 

Then we added all of the amazingness above, which she loves. Antiques, modern organizational items, some fun artwork, etc. We finally were able to hang the Jonathan Adler Havana sconce which creates just the right light for her while editing her photos. Yes, she is pretty amazing at photography too. She took these pics, thankfully.

We had a rug and a big chic bucket ordered for her white photography rolls in the far corner, but I was moving over the weekend and my movers were fraud and robbed almost everything I own. Horrible situation but we will get her another one. It's a simple space so again, less is more here and the best part is, she is over the moon about how it all turned out. Now, she works in an inspiring little nook thats just for her.