Ashley Lyvia .

[ashleylyvworks]

Verses

They may look the same or different but for everyone they hold some kind of meaning. Some days we are bold ready to start the day with everything picked out, other days not so much. On countless occasions at some point in our life we have all stared into our closet thinking unanimous thoughts.

What will I wear!? It happens to everyone at some point in their life; what top to wear, what bottom to put on? 

What shoes go with this outfit? 

Like a well played song we run around racking our brains when the answer is simple.  

For myself and a countless number of people before me we turn to dear old chuck. 

Converses are the most versatile shoe on the market. They look great with everything and on everyone. Fom all ages, genders, and background they highly fashionable staple. Cute skirts, boyfriend jeans to a well taliored suit the converse is a true and tried sneaker that we invest in. Not only as a reminder of the rebellion inside but the comfort of knowing you look good no matter what. 

Dear Chuck, 

   I will never give you up.  

[ashleylyvworks]

Skincare ladies!

My little sister and I are very close, as we grew up I was the one who went to makeup stores, watched French films, and learned what worked for my face and skin. As time moved along I perfected my everyday glamour look and my skincare routine. I was obsessed with French skincare and the language. If you ever look at a French woman you will see her staples and how important skincare is to them. Because of that influence till this day I still prefer a skincare products before new makeup. Treat your body like a temple because it's the only one you have. She always watched, and I always taught. It's about knowing the products and listening to your body. 

I had grown up with rosey cheeks and my mother always telling me to put sunscreen on. Later on I learned from the dermatologist that I had a case of rosacea. After that everything made sense. I started to do research, learning what made me worse vs what relaxed my skin. Turns out, me and Mario are gonna be together for a while. As I passed my knowledge down to my sister I began to give her samples of things she grew concerned about. I started showing her how to find her wings, which kept turning in the wrong direction. Showed her what eyeshadow looked good for enhancing her eyes. I gave her soaps, lotions, dry lotion, moisturizers, mud masks and lipsticks.

I'm sure I will never stop giving her skincare/makeup and trying to explain why I'm amazed by French woman. I'm also sure that she will never stop listening. 

[ashleylyvworks]

Skincare ladies!

My little sister and I are very close, as we grew up I was the one who went to makeup stores, watched French films, and learned what worked for my face and skin. As time moved along I perfected my everyday glamour look and my skincare routine. I was obsessed with French skincare and the language. If you ever look at a French woman you will see her staples and how important skincare is to them. Because of that influence till this day I still prefer a skincare products before new makeup. Treat your body like a temple because it's the only one you have. She always watched, and I always taught. It's about knowing the products and listening to your body. 

I had grown up with rosey cheeks and my mother always telling me to put sunscreen on. Later on I learned from the dermatologist that I had a case of rosacea. After that everything made sense. I started to do research, learning what made me worse vs what relaxed my skin. Turns out, me and Mario are gonna be together for a while. As I passed my knowledge down to my sister I began to give her samples of things she grew concerned about. I started showing her how to find her wings, which kept turning in the wrong direction. Showed her what eyeshadow looked good for enhancing her eyes. I gave her soaps, lotions, dry lotion, moisturizers, mud masks and lipsticks.

I'm sure I will never stop giving her skincare/makeup and trying to explain why I'm amazed by French woman. I'm also sure that she will never stop listening. 

[ashleylyvworks]

Recently I've been working on the little things, my health, skincare routine, making sure my home is a place of comfort. I have learned several things: 

1. I love food, like maybe more so then I anyone could actually think possible. Then again everyone has a food Pinterest blog and if you don't I suggest to look at one.   

Can we describe how delicious that looks. I'm a huge Instagram junkie, and when I see food like this my initial reaction is please get in my belly, and how can I make this.  

2. I totally believe your home is a foundation of a good start to your day. Recently I have been working on furnishing it with things I love, cherish and simple put items that make me happy.  

So I've come to thinking carefully about every piece of furniture, clothing and possession I purchase or receive. Everything has place and a reason. Everyone's home is different but we all love the things we buy.

Right now my biggest struggle is finding the perfect couch. I know you're probably rolling your eyes at this point but we all want something comfy that we can nap in, watch movies in, and lastly not worry so much about the dog/cat/other half making a mess on it with fur/slober/nails/food. 

3. Lastly nothing feels better like the daily routines in our life. You can't control everything but how you start and end the day matters. In the morning waking up is always the hardest, I'm a big time beauty sleepier until 8am. Then I'm usually up  getting the dog ready to go out. Unless it's winter, then we are both staring at the door hoping it'll all end soon. After that it's the morning skincare routine with Mario Badescu and brushing my teeth with good ol' Toms toothpaste. I'll put on Caudalie Devine Oil and maybe a shade of red lipstick if I'm truly happy about my day ahead. Then off to do whatever I have planned.  At night it's the big dog walk, mainly so she is exhausted and won't wake me. If I'm lucky I'll get some great photos in. 

Then back home to get ready for bed another skincare routine and hiting the sheets.  

Remember putting yourself first doesn't make you selfish, it is necessary to be the strong capable person you are. These are the things that get me through my day, what do you like about your daily routines? 

[ashleylyvworks]

[ashleylyvworks]

Love yourself

Once upon a time you were a child with a open idea of everything. A acceptance for everything. Fast forward you're a adult now, teachings, schooling has moved your knowledge level but wait... It has possible also hindered that creativity you once had. 

We live in a world were as child we believe we can be anything we want. As adults we tend to be more practical and scared about what's in front of us. I think the best thing to be in absolutely yourself. Grow into who you are, love each part of you including what you consider your flaws, because guess what! EVERYONE HAS THEM. Welcome to the human race ladies and gents. Get out of your comfort zone do something spectacular. You want to be amazing at something, all you have to do is actually do it.

I firmly believe the quote "You will always be too much of something to someone, be yourself anyways." So don't pause on life in fear of criticism or failing. Pause only to take in the magic around you. Be happy, have a positive outlook on things, eat amazing food, love amazing people. Smile, laugh, dance, box, sing, swim, grow, be passionate...Just be.

 Btw Happy Belated New Years  

[ashleylyvworks]

December already...

It seems like the years have blurred together and the days just are all continuously the same. With the new year coming up and holiday just around the corner we should spend time to think, refocus, reconnect, continue on our growth.

I love holiday season for this because despite everyone running around buying presents I find the real joy in connecting with the people I love and spending it with family. I love that we poke fun at each other, yell about who is baking the cake this year, complain that we all work too much. 

I even enjoy the fact I know as a person I still need to grow. Yea I have a gym membership and I used it maybe about half the year.

Well that was better then last year! So this year I'm gonna strive to do it even more.

Do I need to practice on a work life balance? Yes!

Do I still need to continue to motivate, inspire,and grow OF COURSE! so new year here I come ready to restart; remember ladies and gents you can push the restart button whenever you choose. 

[ashleylyvworks]

Painted my day away ...plus some accidental injuries :D #art #painting #life #jeez #artist #life #dayoff #redheads #acrylic #paint #colors #sleepytime #nude #ashleylyvia #connect #vibe #deep #moments #igdaily #instagood #iwantataco

[ashleylyvworks]

Enjoy your life, the moments around you #vibes #joy #life #love #ambitions #appreciate #growth #happy #quotes #thinking #thoughts #igdaily

[ashleylyvworks]

Flowers on Friday always a good deal #city #flowers #love #life #dayoff #yay #reasons #endofday #traveling #igdaily #inspiration #pretty #shop #good #happy #happiness #joy #city #nyc

[ashleylyvworks]

40x30 canvas what will tomorrow bring me #art #acrylic #artlife #ambitions #appreciate #reasons #opportunity #painting #dayoff #good #happiness #happy #love #life #city #motivation

[ashleylyvworks]

When you think of Fashion designers a whole list of names come up. Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Dior, Versace, Balenciaga, and of course Oscar De La Renta. Sad to say that he passed away at 82 but will always be remembered as a truly great man.

He designed the most elegant gowns. Had a wonderful journey into the fashion world and top it off only good things were ever said about him.

From designing gowns for Emma Watson, Sarah Jessica Parker, to Hilary Clinton's iconic pant suit. Even designing the current Ms. George Clooney wedding dress Mr. De La Renta has touched so many lives.

He designed with one thing in mind -woman should look and feel beautiful.

I wish only the best for his friends and family.

RIP Mr. De la Renta

July 22, 1932-October 20, 2014

[ashleylyvworks]

When you think of Fashion designers a whole list of names come up. Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Dior, Versace, Balenciaga, and of course Oscar De La Renta. Sad to say that he passed away at 82 but will always be remembered as a truly great man.

He designed the most elegant gowns. Had a wonderful journey into the fashion world and top it off only good things were ever said about him.

From designing gowns for Emma Watson, Sarah Jessica Parker, to Hilary Clinton's iconic pant suit. Even designing the current Ms. George Clooney wedding dress Mr. De La Renta has touched so many lives.

He designed with one thing in mind -woman should look and feel beautiful.

I wish only the best for his friends and family.

RIP Mr. De la Renta

[ashleylyvworks]

Woman and Art

Most of the time when you go into galleries you are left to thinking that this is a position many woman would choose, but as you roam around the museums and galleries you realize that it is strongly held by a man. Now as time moves on woman have begun to be shown more frequently in the arts but still, a huge gap needs to be filled. As quoted by Herbron’s estimation from TheWeek.com “only 30% of represented artist by commercial galleries are woman." Alas ArtNet news is posting the top 100 most powerful woman in the industry. Groups like the Gurilla Girls and many other pride themselves in the feminist nature of getting the word out. While in 2012 only a staggered 4% of the showings at the Met were female artists. Both the Article to read and the list of woman just remind me inspiration, persistence, and a drive to break down the norm is something worth having. To read more http://theweek.com/article/index/259112/why-are-there-so-few-prominent-women-in-the-art-world

[ashleylyvworks]

holiday is upon us....

Slowly but surely fall is on its way. As the time ticks I ponder what are we going to be doing with holiday season. Gifts should be thoughtful and worth the emotional value not just the physical. Take time to really think about what the person is looking for. My father for instance probably wouldn't be happy with a painting of mine but would totally love a pair of sneakers, or a Apple TV. You see he is a die hard shoe collector and loves movies. Now my youngest sister appreciates art as gifts and I was thinking this year not only will I make her a huge contemporary piece to hang above her bed but while she was at comic con she fell in love with grout statues. Lucky me, a fellow artist and friend Brian Cannady is a great sculptor. Check out some of his stuff at http://bcannady-art.squarespace.com 

So lets get our brains working and start preparing for holiday. Otherwise! I salute you in keeping the with tradition and running around last minute.

[ashleylyvworks]

#salvadordali #artist #surrealist #quotes #dayoff #life #quotes #thinking #traveling #inspiration #growth

[ashleylyvworks]

Instagram love.

I am truly a Instagram junkie, following many artist, inspirational people, fashion lovers, bloggers and top editors. Occasionally I'll see the Whitney being posted, or voguemagazine post a photo pertaining to their articles, into the gloss' is a top hit also as I go through the feed. BUT! These are personal favorites that I constantly look forward too.

One of my favorite instagrams to watch is Anne Catherine Frey a amazing blogger and just all around great person. I agree with her fashion sense, her art doodles and she even has a post about fashion and Pokémon! HELLO I'm a 90's kid so I totally agree with this and will forever adore this woman now for this. 

Her Instagram feed and blog totally worth it. I give it two thumbs up. 

below is the link to her article. http://annecatherinefrey.blogspot.com/2014/09/when-two-worlds-collide-pokemon-x.html?m=1

Another big hit for me is a friend of the families instagram. A artist herself full of creativity and a sense of herself. She is bursting with such energy that you can see it in all the mediums she uses. Her name is Brittany Maldonado. She recently had her first solo show and I wish I had gotten there on time because it was totally worth it. Her 1st series pertains to what a lot of woman struggle with; body image. The Body Series shows exactly that. If you're craving a woman with talent and bursting with energy please look her up! 

These are two amazing woman and I have tons of others I'd love to talk about but I'll leave it for a other blog post.

As always stay true to yourself and live the life you want. Be inspired, find inspiration! If it's dancing in your underwear, drinking coffee in a quaint shop, making art, or having intellectual conversations. All of it is up to you! These ladies inspire me daily and Instagram is just that little dose to remind me.