MULA Stylebook - Jan 2022 : simplebooklet.com

January 2022CreditsCover photo, lifestyle photos, &Fashion PhotographyIG: mharrisstudios_studiosCover art: LaKisa B. Taylorwww.mharris.comPhoto Shoot Stylist:Team MulaHair: Paris Kennedy@theparisbeautybarMake-Up: Make up by Andy All projects featured, furniture,exterior & interior work, décor, design,concepts, project management andworks featured belong to MULAdesign team, LaKisa B Taylor, AmuAllson, or all parties mentioned@copyright2022 For inquiries, please emailmulastylebook@gmail.com 3 Monthly Planner4 Couples Goal Setting5 From the Editor6 Self Care Tips and Tricks7 When Love Works8 Guest Reflections9 Recipe of the Month10 Style File11 Wardrobe Checklist12 Saving Our Marriage13 Date Night14 Date Night Checklist15 Made Us Love Absolutelywww.mula4life.commulaEditor-in-Chief  LaKisa Taylor - AllstonTable of Contents2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

BACK TOBASICSWe've both been told to settle down, keepit simple and make the necessary lifestylechanges so that we can live....Yes! If you're reading this, you've made it through 2021. ThankYou Lord! I mean really, Thank You Lord. The pandemic years will change us forever. Hopefully for thegood and not the bad. Many are dealing with loss of lovedones, health challenges, and trying to maintain our mentalhealth. There's one thing my Pastor Dad keeps saying inchurch and that is that we have to re-imagine ministry. I'mapplying that motto to life and realizing that we have to alsore-imagine our living. I personally believe that we have the opportunity to takeinventory and get back to some very basic things. It's thebasics that have become the foundation of you, as a spouse,parent, boss, entrepreneur, etc. I'm not going to tell you the"basics," because your list will differ from mine, and it should.However, I'll provide you with one hint. The basics of your lifeare typically the premises of your faith and the things that aremost simple for you to complete.I encourage you to use this thought in setting your 2022 goals,New Year's resolutions, and Intensions in the new year. 5

Page 6

Self-Caretips and tricksTake a relaxing bubble bathTry a new recipeDIY - Cosmetic Mask/ Men's FacialSleep with wellness in mindTake in nature around you and just breathe.Run that personal errand that you've been putting off.Treat yourself to something good.Go OutEach month, I celebrate ME on the day that I was born. This way, I'm guaranteed toset at least one day aside monthly, to check in with myself and simply feel good.Sometimes, we don't know how to slow down, but here are some tips and tricks tohelp you. Pick at least one and try it. Get up and dance like nobody is watching.Read a book 6

Page 7

www.mula4life.comOur recent anniversary DIY (Doit Yourself) at home photo shootinspired a few of our friends totake some at home couple selfiesof their own. Our friends text ustheir pics and it made us smile.We only posted a few of ourphotos on Instragram, but wehad so much fun in the process. Taking photos together issometimes for content,sometimes, just because we liketo dress up and look good. Thesedays professional photography isa big thing and we love seeingcouples take the time to getstyled and take pics, but our "athome" DIY photo shoots havebeen the most special. It creates a bonding experiencein which we can be the mostrelaxed and vulnerable with eachother. We don't have to be soperfect or pulled together. Men, you're most resistant toparticipating, but don't be.You will help your mate to feelvery confident and beautiful. Itdoesn't matter what age orphase you are in yourmarriage or relationship; a DIYphotoshoot will reignite theflame. You likely will not find yourselfdoing a photo shoot justbecause, but it's a perfect athome date night, valentine'sday activity or celebrating aspecial occasion. Check out our tips on pullingtogether your own "at home"couples' shoot. THE OFFICIAL PHOTO SHOOT CHALLENGEFix Up: Be intentional with yourwardrobe selection. Selectcomplimentary colors to wear.Try a sexy look. Key suggestion:Look attractive for your mate.Set the mood: The "Soul" sound ofthe 70s is probably our favoriteplaylist, but the idea is to create anambiance of intimacy in hopes toyou feeling giddy. If need be, have aglass of wine and do not attemptthis on an empty stomach. Create Your Photo Booth: It may sound crazy anduncomfortable, but the best place topull this off is on the stairs or in thepowder room. Mainly because theseareas force you to be close and theyhave good lighting. whenloveworksDIYTechnical Components: Use a basictripod stand or selfie stick. The tripodstand is the best way to make ithappen. You'll need the camera holderattachment. Last, use the timer onyour cell phone. Just remember, oneof you will have to push the button. 7

Page 8

In the world today, good and healthyrelationships can be very challenging.They may be hard to find and developand even more difficult to manage. It isnormal for people to engage andinteract with others. We are socialbeings, with the desire and capacity tobe around other persons. We often seek relationships along someunderstanding of established socialnorms or preconceived ideas about ourneeds, like appearance (what they looklike), how they make me feel, where they work, what my friends think, (the opinions of others matter) and so on and so on. The truth is relationships can be tricky,the good ones and bad. A relationshipcan start off suspect and develop intosomething meaningful and lasting...But also, a relationship can begin withmore warning signs than a 747 aboutto fly into a mountain. These types ofmodern aircrafts are equipped with alltype of radar, early warning devicesand collision avoidance systems andthey are most effective when they arelistened to. The point remains, good relationshipsand lasting meaningful friendships, arewhere you find them. They sometimescan be found in some unlikely orunexpected places. So, go slow, use caution, and do not befearful. Do not over commit. Try not tobe overly influenced by the last toxicone, so that you will not miss the nextpositive one and enjoy the journey.Life is worth living well!Just some thoughts,Guest ReflectionsRelationships?Are they worth it?Try not to reflect on thelast toxic one, so youdon't miss out on the nextpositive one.....BM Taylor8

Page 9

What's For Dinner?Mom's Quick Vegetable SoupDifficulty: Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 60 min Servings: 8INGREDIENTSNOTESDIRECTION32oz of Vegetable or Chicken BrothFrozen mixed vegetables;Additional vegetables of choice(corn, carrots, lima beans and string beans)A sprinkle of Onion Soup MixGarlic PowderBay Leaves 2 can of 8oz Tomato SoupSugar1 Teaspoon of Black PepperSlap Your Mamma SeasoningBoiled PotatoesYou can also dice up fresh onions,but not too much as not tooverpower soup. Taste your liquid asyou go along to be sure it's flavorful. 123Select frozen mixed vegetables; add additionalcorn, carrots, lima beans and string beans.(Mom's tip, add only a half of bag each)Place in a large soup pot to cook on top of stove.Add to pot a 32 oz carton of or chicken orvegetable broth, sprinkle in onion soup mixseasoning, black pepper, Slap Your mammaseasoning and a little garlic powder. Add inBay Leaves. Cook for 40 mins or untilvegetables are tender. Final step; add 2 cans of tomato soup andstir. Once stirred, add boiled potatoes and letsimmer for another 15 mins. 4Bonus Step: You can add beef or chicken; cookseparately and add with the potatoesTip: Compliment with a Grill Cheese Sandwich. 9

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Saving MarriagesWe've been married four years and we've had tolearn quickly survival tactics, so that we don't killeach other. Each month, we will share wisdomand list from other couples. It's never too late tolearn a new skill. LaKisa's Survival list1.) More than one toilet 2.) Lysol3.) Your own laundry day and schedule4.) Separate toothbrush holders/cup5.) The Calm Sleep AppAmu'sSurvival List1.) More than one TV/Television2.) Plenty of food; I need options3.) More than one space and a guest room4.) Headphones5.) A TherapistThe AllstonsMarried 4 yearsDecember 31, 201712

Page 13

AnniversaryBrunchAnniversaryDinnerLaKisa had the task of preparing dinner anddecided to step it up a notch with acandlelight setting. The table was dressedwith a cloth, linen napkins, and confettisince it was also New Year's Eve. Next toAmu's floral arrangement, candles wereadded to set the final ambiance.The menu: Asian flare Sea Bass, asparagus,Thai fried rice, lobster claws and dinner rolls.Appetizer: Charcuterie - Red grapes, SharpCheddar Cheese, New York Cheese, TurkeyPepperoni, Danny's Olives, Ritz Crackers,and wafers.Dr, SuessYou know you are in love when you can'tfall asleep because reality is finally betterthan your dreams.Amu tackled the first part of theday by making brunch for ouranniversary. It was casual, butnice. We ate in our PJs, but he setthe table with a simple vase ofroses, plates and "faux" mimosas. The menu: Shrimp and grits, fried eggs,shredded cheddar, and Englishmuffins. datenight13

Page 14

Romantic Brunch/DinnerTips & checklist2341MoodUnplungLoveAttractBONUS TIP: (If you have kids.) Your kids can serve as wait staff. Have themdress in all black and give them assignments to make the evening special.Warning: Do not allow them to take your spotlight or moment away. Sendthem away for your private moment together. It's now time to connect. Older couples don't be afraid to ask your adult children to come over andbe of service. After all, you fed them for years. It's a date with an at home dinner for two. Whether you cook your own meal or plateyour nearest favorite restaurant. It's actually the experience that you create that makesit special. Pick one person to create the experience and the receiving partner should gowith the flow. The planning partner should make every effort to get things right. SET THE MOOD:Besides the food, appeal to the senses. Create thevisual. Have scented candles or diffusers in thebackground. How does it feel? Add linens, florals,textures help to level up the experience. PHONES AND TV'S:Engage in each other in conversation. Keepconversation to subjects about each other or yourindividual selves; things like goals and dreams.Likes and dislikes. All the surface date stuff. SHOW LOVE:Actions are always the best way to show love.Maybe you have a gift, card, or memory to share.Doing something with intension to make them feelspecial. At least one slow dance to a favorite tune.DRESS TO IMPRESS:Whether it's brunch or dinner, to truly pull off thisromance, get "jiggy" for one another. You can wearyour slippers if you'd like. Just remember to dressfor your mate.14

Page 15

MADE US LOVE ABSOLUTELYThe Watergate Hotel will forever be a special place, because it's the place that we became engaged onNew Year's Eve 2017. However, we've enjoyed many outings together in the winter and summer months.Each time the Watergate just sets the stage for a wonderful experience with great ambiance.The Kingbird restaurant is available for both fine and casual dining. They offer many seasonal menus andcurated experience that make planning a date night very easy. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.The Argentine Spa is amazing and has an indoor hot tub and pool. You can book a spa treatment and enjoythe amenities. Follow TravelZoo and you may get an alert for a Spa Voucher to receive a treatment at adiscount price. The Watergate also has amazing views out on the rooftop overlooking the Potomac and Iglooexperiences in the winter. You can plan to stay overnight if you'd like to make it a staycation or simplyjust take it all in for a day. Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy. - LaKisa and AmuThe Watergate Hotel - Washington, DC15

MULA Stylebook - Jan 2022

Page 1

Page 2