Adult life, also known as life after college, seems to exude excitement as it symbolizes freedom, success, lavish indulgence in anything and everything, an amazing social life, and an even more amazing career.

Unfortunately, the majority of us will realize quickly that this life we’ve envisioned all these years is truly a fairytale that precedes adult reality.

It has officially been one year since I entered the world of merchandising and I’ve come to find out that the majority of the 12 individuals who embarked on this path with me are unhappy – a few have quit, a few more plan on quitting, and only one person absolutely loves the job. I’m appalled at the high turnover within just one year and it’s starting to dawn on me that the majority of us are unhappy with our lives fresh out of college and what we’re doing in our real first year working. So whatever the reason for your unhappiness, here are a few ways you can cope with this rough stage:

– Trust that this phase is a part of the process.

You know that quote says something about there being nothing like old fashion hard work? Well, your struggle is basically just that. We all start from the bottom and that’s really the only way to prove yourself – how hard you’re willing to work and how far you’re willing to go. I think a lot of us start to think that we’re going to be miserable forever since time can really feel infinite when you’re not enjoying a particular task. So just constantly remind yourself that the struggle is a part of the process and continue to put forth your best. As generic as it sounds, this is really just a reminder we all can use often and before you know it, it’ll be over.

– Change Your Attitude.

Most of our feelings and perspective on life is dependent on our attitude. Train your mind to steer away from seeing only the negative aspects and feeling only negative emotions. Give yourself some pep talk and think about how fortunate you really are to even have a job opportunity. You’ll find that work is easier to wake up to when you’re not feeling so bitter and angry all the time.

– Find something you enjoy and do it often.

It’s so important for people to make time for themselves because it’s what helps us keep our sanity. Finding something that you enjoy allows you to de-stress and have something to look forward to, which makes life that much better. It also balances the negative energy and feelings you have towards your job. Take note that this was also how a lot of the big name bloggers became superstars – they started blogs as creative outlets to break free from their ordinary jobs.

– Find a support network.

Sometimes, we just need to talk through our feelings with people that actually care. Venting is healthy so make sure you surround yourself with people you genuinely enjoy being around and trust. You might find that a lot of you are in the same boat, which will make your work life easier to bear knowing you’re not alone.

– Prepare for Plan B.

Leaving a job and finding another one you enjoy isn’t as easy as it sounds. While you’re at your current job, you should be honing in on transferrable skills that are important to the job you want and learning as many systems and methodologies as you can. You should also be saving money in case you decide to quit before you have another gig lined up. In the interim, work on building an effective portfolio, constructing an impactful resume, and writing a killer cover letter. Practice your interviewing skills over and over and restart the job application process.

As I always say, it’s most important that you don’t give up and lose hope.

XO,

Susan

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Image Source Credits – Vogue, Fashion Gone Rogue

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It’s easy to find some incredible interviews online from extremely motivated figures like Ariana Huffington, Hugh Jackman, Richard Branson or Mary Barra and use those to become greatly inspired. I pride myself in being a dedicated reader and applying advice learned from not only people of great success in the field of business but perhaps more importantly, in the field of happiness. So what is it that creates happiness in our lives?

I read an interview back in February on Refinery 29 with Mary Barra, who is the CEO of General Motors and recently named Time Magazines “100 Most Influential People in the World”. I’ll never forget her words –

“Being dedicated to your work, your family and to yourself doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

This might mean different things for different people but for me it really takes me back to when I graduated from University, ready to attack the world of business. I took on an Account Management job with the key focus to make as much money as possible, thinking that was the pathway to success. After a couple of years I realised that a single achievement isn’t really success – at least not for me. Even if I made a million dollars or I climbed to the top of Mount Everest, that single goal would only gain me a temporary high of achievement.

Last year in Nice, I completed an Ironman Race, which gave me a wondrous sense of self and achievement. What’s different here is that awesome feeling has extended out through a whole year because this time I had the opportunity to share that achievement with the person I love the most. I also connected that accomplishment with more then just crossing the finish line, I was emotionally invested in this goal in a way I have never been before. I made changes to my life during training, firstly I started to read more, then I started to engage in spiritual activities to help me rest and recover better. These two made this journey not just about finishing a race but it also made me a better boyfriend. I had more energy at work, began eating healthier – I became a more rounded person. 

My belief now is that one single achievement alone is good – but the reward will always be temporary. It’s when you can combine multiple goals in a long lasting effort, you can truly feel that you are living your life to the fullest. What’s essential in making these goals is that they are extremely important to you, you need to be 100% emotionally invested.  Something as simple as keeping your apartment clean can be a vital piece to the puzzle of your life and contribute to becoming a more rounded self. My biggest tips to create an emotional connection to your goal is to visualise yourself achieving it, see yourself crossing that finish line and think of exactly how it will feel and what you will do when doing it.

“If you love what you do, the blending of personal and professional time seems less intrusive” – Mary Barra

What I’m boiling all of this down to is that life is like wheel divided up in different parts as the image. Every part symbolises a different area of your life – and a wheel rolls the best when it is round! There must be balance in all areas – so you don’t need to be a perfect 10 on every piece, but rather strive to achieve harmony in all. I’ve included a link to the test where you can draw up your own wheel like the one in this article. You can rate the different fields 0-10 and when you’re done, start setting goals on where you want to be in each field and write down what actions will take you there. Striving for balance can be a true formula for Happiness!

Do it online here.

Stay tuned, next time I’m going to discuss how to be more efficient in your everyday life. Hopefully some of my tips can help you achieve your goals! 

Link to Interview with Mary Barra

– Gustav

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Extra extra! On tonight’s episode of Fashion Bloggers, I hang out with the incredibly gorgeous Beauty Youtuber, Chloe Morello.

We discussed all things video content and building your own business – and we also did this photoshoot with some incredible Toni Maticevski dresses. If you’re Down Under you can see it all happen on E! at 9.30pm.

So as you can see, Chloe is a real beauty – but that isn’t the deciding factor on what makes her youtube channel boast over ONE MILLION SUBSCRIBERS, it’s her magnetic energy and sense of humour. As you can probably tell, I’m a big fan – despite not really being a big make-up user myself. Get involved with Chloe’s Channel, you can easy see what makes her so loved.

I’ve always loved watching Youtube and following a lot of well-known Youtubers, not only do I find the videos entertaining but the whole phenomenon is totally fascinating. What is it that makes one person online a million times more popular than another? And what do you do with a million subscribers hanging on your every word?  In my experience, it’s really that these Youtube stars invite you into their world in a very personal way – your privy something really personal, spoken from their homes.

It’s very easy to feel connected with the person in the screen when the content is so genuine.

They have to have really thick skin too – I’ve certainly had my few battles with trolls online – but Youtube is where they really come out and it’s so damn ugly. I spoke to Chloe about how it felt and she’s very level headed about it, choosing to read into the positive rather than the negative. I applaud anyone who can share the way she does online – she rocks it with grace and humour.

So Chloe is really ‘One to Watch’ leading the charge in the new wave of media, as an online celebrity (she’ll hate me for saying that) and a digital enterpreneur. So excited to see what the future brings for this girl!!

Subscribe to Chloe’s Channel

One of my favourite video from Chloe,  so funny and chill!

Photography by Me

Chloe Morello wearing Toni Maticevski 

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Denim is so often the missing link when it comes to styling pieces together – and in that respect – it’s kind of the ultimate ‘neutral’. Here’s a load of versatile dresses that could be the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe!

Anyone of these beauties would be the perfect attire for my weekend-sight seeing escapades, I’m currently in Florence, Italy at an Event for Luisa Via Roma – collaborating with Lucky Shops. Look forward to sharing all that goes down here, I can’t express to you all how excited I am to be back in Europe, almost back home in Sweden! I’ve spent less than one month of this entire year NOT living out of my suitcase. I’m so tired of it! Dying to be back on home base.

Don’t miss a moment of my adventures on SNAPCHAT! Search zanitazanita to find me xxx

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I feel very lucky to say I’m enjoyed a #lifewelltravelled. I feel like I’ve had the greatest education from my experiences, that I’ve met so many people and had some incredible unique connections – not to mention some amazing adventures.

And I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so well!

Thanks so much to Cathay Pacific for making this adventure possible.

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Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. – Earl Nightingale

Just before I decided to write this post, I bumped into someone I went to school with and we had a conversation I never thought I’d have with that particular person. After talking for a while we both agreed that what we were doing was something that we were meant to be doing, going against what is considered normal and doing what we love.

For years I have been torn with what to do. Go to University and make my parents proud but not be passionate or happy with what I was doing – not go to Uni and disappoint them but feel more aligned with my passion and direction. I choose to disappoint. I tried Uni, I can do it – but, it just wasn’t for me. I searched and searched for what I wanted to do and yet all I was drawn to was fashion and fashion design. However, I wasn’t entirely sure what ‘job’ or ‘role’ I wanted. So, I decided that I would focus on gaining knowledge and studying what I loved on my own terms. I choose what I wanted to do. I chose to do it a different way and I have zero regrets.

You need to choose you.

You need to learn and develop yourself to the best you can be. We are dictated and influenced by what society thinks and believes – that’s just how it is. But what happened to pushing boundaries and living an extraordinary life? Why are we all trying to fit a mold that might not suit who we are or what we want to be? If your dream is to be a gypsie – be a gypsie, if your dream is to be a busker in New York – do that, if you want to become a philosopher – be that.  Choose you. Listen to the people around you, take what benefits you and leave what isn’t going to help you, be respectful of the advice you’re given but do what you think is right for you. There are vitally important things you can learn from someone disagreeing with you IF, you are open and willing to analyse what they are saying – it may not even be their intention, but someone who doesn’t believe in your dream for instance, might just give you the gusto to pursue it.

Failing vs achieving

You’re going to fail and your going to fall hard. But what makes an achievement real and wonderful is getting up from a failure and working even harder to reach your dreams.

It might take you a few weeks or months to feel better about your failure but remember why you are doing something and keep going, work towards the person you want to be. Failing at something you love is much harder to recover from, but in the end it’s so much more powerful when you get up and attack it again. I haven’t reached my dream yet, but every day I am taking steps that are getting me closer to what I want to do. Will I get there? I believe so but, we will see – we only have one beautiful life so why not do everything in your power to achieve what you want to achieve. Don’t be subjected to the whims and intentions of others if it does not align with who you are.

Working Hard

For some people things come easily but for others they take damn hard work and commitment. Sometimes you reach a point and you don’t know which way to go and you just want to take the easy road – which, at the time might seem like the perfect idea. But why? You’re likely to get bored and dissatisfied with that, you’ll wind up wanting more and begin the cycle of searching to fill that void in your life. Find what you love and work hard for it. Create your own destination.

Passion

Everyone has a passion or will one day find what his or her passion is. It gives you that feeling you just can’t get rid of – it makes you get up in the morning, it makes you want to live every day to the fullest, it makes you not want to quit. In the end, it’s usually one of the things that simply makes you happy. Find what drives you and go with it. Follow that feeling. 

Choose the life you want to live not the one others expect you to live.

– Mon 

Follow me at M.B Harper – BLOG | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Image: Fashion Gone Rogue

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Florence is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

What I love most about this city is actually the size of the centre. It’s small enough that if you spent a day or two wandering around, you can become familiar really quickly.

The food (like most places in Italy!) is exceptional, Italians are masters of flavour and simplicity.

I hope all of you have the chance to visit Florence once in your lifetime! Meanwhile – if you haven’t been, this video is me giving you a little tour – though I’m not entirely (at all) brushed up on my historical references, so you’ll have to forgive me for that.

I’m love so much creating these videos for you! Gustav and I have vowed to really up the game when it comes to video content so watch this space – and if you don’t want to miss a single one? Subscribe to our channel!

Also! I’m on Snapchat! It’s really just me talking about my day to day life, what I eat and I’m what wearing… search zanitazanita xx

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Sometimes it’s not easy being a fashun blogger – suffering alone in the dark replying to endless emails and trying to come up with new and creative ideas to work midi skirts and flared trousers.

Some people were born into struggle and some people were meant for it.

Zanita was really neither – but she did complain alot about Tennis Thumb – an injury she sustained whilst going on a extended ‘Like Rampage’ on instagram.

She sought a real solution for her maladies – not just a quick fix… for too long she’d used Twitter, Whatapp, Tumblr, Instagram, Snapchat and Youtube as a crutch. She had even in her darkest hour – turned to Weibo… But realised she couldn’t read Mandarin. *sad sad music plays from tiny violin*

She was left only to turn to the most trusted place on the internet, a mystical place called Reddit. Help!  – she wrote – I’m a fashion blogger and I’m suffering! I’m drowning in  emails and I’m addicted to social media! What shall I do?

And then, the Oracle spoke.

‘Take your credit card and leave this place. ‘

Zanita couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of it before now. RETAIL THERAPY. Of course!

She grabbed her phone and ran for the door – hailing down the nearest cab and insisting the driver take her straight to the nearest Harvey Norman Store. She knew exactly what she needed.

Zanita was finally taking the right steps to mending her funk – but there was still something missing! After a quick flick through Harper and Harley blog, THIS post inspired the direction of the quest….

THE RIGHT CAMEL COAT FOR HER SKIN TONE!! 

She found what she was searching for HERE – and boy! Was this blogger on the mend. The Retail Method cured her of her woes.

It’s a MIRACLE!

American Express are giving Card Members more than 300,000 chances to save with Amex Offers between May and June. Offers mentioned in this post may be capped out but you can view (existing or available) Amex Offers at www.amexoffers.com.au. To use the offers you log into your online account at American Express and save down the offers to your card to redeem them at the store! This post was sponsored by American Express.

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I’m so excited to finally have the chance to share these images with you – a ‘Selfie’ style editorial and 60’s themed Hair shoot in collaboration with iconic hair care brand, Schwarzkopf.

I’m so lucky to work with the talented team at Schwarzkopf on these looks. Initially we had solid 70’s references for the looks, but in the whole working process recognised that because I have such short hair – these flowing styles weren’t really going to work, so we re-adapted for a more late-60’s/early 70’s vibe. It’s something I’ve grown to learn over my time as a Photographer – if something isn’t working? Adapt, quick smart. Nothing can waste time and ruin a shoot more quickly than trying to ‘push water uphill’.  So often – and with this shoot as example – the results can be even better than the original plan.

So I was playing Brigitte Bardot and Jean Shrimpton for the day – and I haven’t enjoyed getting fancied up like this in quite awhile! One of the downsides of being a fashion blogger, for me, is that can tend to get sick of seeing your own damn face. When you’re transformed by a team this talented? It’s no longer me – and I become an actress and take on a different character. It actually helps me understand why some women change their looks with hair and make-up, because that transformation can represent a more confident version of yourself.

Another valuable lesson I took about from this shoot – that mousse is one of the most valuable products in your styling artillery, especially when it comes to creating looks that hold with volume! I always though that mousse was just something people used in the 80’s – but a little bit used the right way can be transformational! I’m not sure if you have all heard me mention this before – but my hair is actually quite thin. Thankyou Schwarzkopf Strong Styling Mousse!

I’ve got some more exciting things coming with Schwarzkopf in the future so look out for that – and if you’re down under, don’t forget to check out Fashion Bloggers tonight!

Make-up, Rachel Montgomery #talent

star necklace, By Charlotte

This shoot is going to be a featured on an episode of Fashion Bloggers on E! 9.30pm tonight! It’s so cool to be able to share what goes down behind the scenes of a shoot like this. I set up the lighting and framing – and use a clicker attached to my camera to snap the shots! Special thanks needs to go to Hannah on the Fashion Bloggers crew for stepping in to help with the framing and focus…. sometimes you can’t do it all.

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Dear Dad,

I just wanted to write you to tell you that life is good. Actually, my life feels like a miracle – because I’m truly living my dream.

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Maybe you aren’t even aware of it, but I see you and your examples for a life well lived. Rising to life challenges with tenacity and grace, unshaken. Holding love and family above everything. Enjoying the little things.

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Thank you for teaching me me that money isn’t as important as people might think, more of just a means to an end. I know now that I need to work hard to achieve fulfilment in life but the real things that bring us happiness are never the material.

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There are unending ways a child can be guided by their parents. I feel lucky because not all of them wish liberty for their offspring, though they might say otherwise. You taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be. You also said you would be proud of me, whatever I chose. It has been the greatest gift.

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My life is an incredibly exciting journey – and a modern one. Who would have thought a girl from the country would grow to travel the world and run a digital business? The most profound lesson you have taught me is that I should never be limited by my own mind – or someone else’s ideas of what it was to be a woman.

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I’m so grateful for all your smiling encouragement, your unwavering love and support, for being a man of today.

 

All my love,

 

Zanita xo

This post was created in collaboration with Hugo Boss Bottled fragrance and is dedicated to my Dad, Murray Whittington for Father’s Day. 

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Amazing news!! Fashion Bloggers is finally on Youtube!

I’m so happy to share that Fashion Bloggers (the E! channel’s TV show that I feature in) is now available on YouTube for all of you to check out, no matter where you are. So excited for you all to see this insight into my life! Right now, all of season 1 is up, and Season 2 will be coming out weekly online, post the foxtel air dates.

See Season 1 below! I’ll be posting all of Season 2 once it’s all up x

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There’s no denying it – Snapchat is here to stay.

I’ll be the first to admit, I kinda didn’t ‘get it’ when I first tried using the app… I mean, what’s being offered here that isn’t already available through instagram, whatsapp, twitter….?

Now I’m think snapchat is AMAZING. Especially now I understand the ‘stories’ function, which is basically like creating your own movie throughout the space of 24 hours. Fashion bloggers give a whole load of their personality and style to their blogs and social media but it’s always throughly curated and edited –  where snapchat smashes away all of that. BEST OF ALL?! There’s no comments, so the users are more fearless about what they share – because there’s not really much of a chance to be hated on.

Here’s who I think you should be following…

Name: zanitazanita

Well of course I’m going to tell you to follow me! Haha!

Recently I was able to share a whole load of my trips to Dubai, Thredbo and Florence – and this weekend I’m headed in the Swedish heartland for Midsommar. I’m gonna post all that goes down over this famous holiday – including some footage of all the Swedes doing the frog dance around the Maypole… you totally don’t wanna miss out on that.

Following me on snapchat is alot like watching my vlogs on youtube… there’s just a whole lot more of it.

Name: HarperandHarley

I love following Sara, not only because she is one of my besties – but she’s taken to Snapchat like a duck to water which is something I’m very proud, especially those ‘talking to camera’ type videos which can be pretty confronting to get used to.

There’s also a whole lot of Bundy and Ben (the cutest labradors around!) on her channel.

It’s very cool to see what goes on behind the scenes on the world of Harper and Harley.

Don’t miss it.

Name: garypeppergirl

Nicole was the person who got me hooked on snapchat – and she’s probably the one blogger who gives you the most exciting insight into high fashion events.

While her career hits stratospheric levels, Nicole takes you into fittings with luxury brands, along to events (hello Tony Awards!) and shares her fabulous (new) New Yorker lifestyle.

Follow Nicole to really get an insight into her personality and lifestyle –  if you’re a fan it’s everything you would hope for!

Name: raspberrynrouge

Another one of my besties, Rebecca Laurey lives in Amsterdam – which in my opinion is one of the most gorgeous cities in the world!

Recently she’s been snapping from her canal boat and bike rides around the city. She has killer style so you can check out elements of her wardrobe and what goes on behind her blog, Raspberry n Rouge… not to mention for some reason, she’s always eating the most delicious food!

Definitely one to follow!

Name: jessicamaystein

Tuula, aka ‘Death by Wanderlust’  is easily the most travelled fashion blogger you’ll ever meet. Her recent trips to Bali and Japan have made me want to punch her in the face (in the nicest possible way).

Follow my girl Jess for the sweetest kind of escapism, she’s got it down to a tee.

Name: morellomachine

In case you missed THIS POST – Chloe is one of my good friends and an incredible make-up artist and youtuber (over a million subs!) – therefore, she’s an absolute natural when it comes to sharing and snapchat. She loves her followers and is so giving, so when you following Chloe it really feels likes you’re hanging out with her!

Of course – following Chloe will also bring you a bonanza of make-up tips.

Run don’t walk!

Name: stylescrapbook

Andy Torres is one of fashion blogging’s pioneers – also based out of Amsterdam but almost constantly on the move. Like Chloe – she’s a really natural sharer and a heavy user of snapchat.

I love following Andy because she always inspires me to workout – and she has one of the most enviable wardrobes in the business.

So cool to follow this girl on her adventures, it’s always surprising!

Name: realmametown

It doesn’t have to be all fashion – it can be about cocktails too! I love Mamrie Hart – she’s got a youtube channel which basically centres around making cocktails but is actually funny as hell.

So follow Mamrie for some laughs! She’s one of those people I just wish could be my best friend – plus i wanna steal her dog  Beans, he’s also hilarious.

Name: songofstyle

Arguably the biggest thing to come out of the USA Fashion Blogging scene since instagram – Aimee is living the life so many girls dream of – and she’s got the BEST knack for accessorising.

I never know where Aimee is going to pop up next – I remember last year she went swimming with Great White’s in South Africa.

Aimee can’t be stopped! Check her out.

Name: camtyox

Camille ‘So stylish it hurts’ Charriere is a London-based frenchie and another who’s taken to snapchat like it’s on trend.  Her account is not only a ride along to her travels and stylish escapades, but an invite to party with the most gorgeous and stylish people around.

Camille is probably my number one in the ‘want to raid wardrobe’ stakes.

Go follow!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list!

If you guys know anyone else worth following on Snapchat – it’s probably the one thing I dislike about the app, it’s so hard to find great people to follow. Even google doesn’t deliver much! 

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It’s quite hard to believe, but we’re already half way through the year – you know what that means? It’s time to re-evaluate and introspect. At the start of every year, most of us set new goals in hopes of improving ourselves or our lifestyles in some way. I’ve always viewed June as a great checkpoint to rate your progress. You may end up realizing that a few things have completely fallen off the radar, but don’t fret. There’s time to make improvements and even completely start over.

As we move through the year, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life and fall into the standard routine trap where we just drop off tasks (like our New Year’s Resolutions) because they no longer feel relevant when there’s so much to do. We’re all guilty of this so if you’re finding yourself in this impasse, here are 4 ways to keep yourself fresh:

1. Learn something new.

We require our brains to switch gears by learning something new, which is great because we’re preventing it from becoming stale. Learning requires energy, focus, and most importantly, creativity. Note the emphasis on creativity because it allows you to think for yourself without falling in the dogma of reality of those around you. Refining your creativity also lets your individuality shine and that’s the best thing you can allow to happen to stay fresh. Therefore, never stop learning, never stop creating.

2. Start something you can actually finish.

Now’s not the time to focus on big, aggressive goals. You’re probably not feeling so confident since the ones you set early on have fallen off the face of earth. You need to focus on the milestones that will hurl you forward. Being able to check off little targets will give you just enough confidence to set and achieve more. This exercise eventually becomes a cycle that exponentially increases your productivity and focus. The key here is finishing.

3. Focus on experiences, not objects.

If you haven’t gone anywhere new or tried something you’ve never done, go do it now. It’s easy to get caught up in objects and materialism in a world of consumerism and over-sharing that we become focused on our possessions and less on intangible things like experiences.

Unlike experiences, objects get old, we become bored of them, and eventually want something new; however, experiences cannot be bought – it creates lasting memories, opens our perspective, and adds value to our lives.

Spend your money on experiences like traveling and quality time with your loved ones because time is the one thing you will never get back – I can’t say the same about money.

4. Get off social media.

And I don’t mean permanently. I love social media – the idea being able to live vicariously through the dreamy travel images of wanderlusts, being inspired by the artistry of creative types, commitment of health nuts, and being able to share snippets of my own to anyone in the world who happens to pass by. However, there comes a time when it gets to be too much – the entrapment of endless comparison, a standardized lifestyle, and unintentional copying that it actually makes more sense to break off and look at the real world around you with your own eyes. Seeing the world and life for yourself is the real refresher so go for a few days and then come back.

XO,

Susan

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Image Source Credits – Visual Optimism, Harper’s Bazaar

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Hope you’ve all had a gorgeous weekend!

Here’s some of my favourite songs lately, perfect for wiling away a sunny afternoon – especially that Joy Williams track which I’m totally obsessed with. Would love to hear some of your music recommendations!

Photo by Me – snapped in Perast, Montenegro Summer 2013

The post Songs I Can’t Stop Listening To Right Now appeared first on Zanita.

I’ve been enjoying so much sharing with all of you over the past months things I’ve learnt along the way as part of my journey to being a full time fashion blogger. It’s for this reason it felt like an obvious choice to take part in Dr. LeWinn’s #idiscovered campaign, an initiative encouraging people to share their life’s learnings.

Something I’ve read years ago was the theory that everyone should have at least 3 friends in their life that play a very specific role, those being Mentor – Peer – Protege. Having someone to fill each of these roles can teach you so much about yourself – and in the context of me, teaching photography through my courses really helped me define my knowledge and understand how far I’d come and how far I’d yet to go.

#idiscovered that by examining what I knew – I gained a better understanding of how much I still had to learn.

I had trouble taking myself seriously as a photographer because of my lack of technical experience, I certainly don’t speak the lingo… you could almost say I learnt through ‘button bashing’.  I don’t really consider photography a skill of machinery and numbers and measurements – but only of beauty. The settings don’t matter on your camera (to an extent), it’s the end result on the screen. I began to understand that because I didn’t believe there were any ‘technical rules‘ when it came to shooting I was more free to explore creatively. There’s no right and wrong when you’re just looking for beauty in a picture!

#idiscovered that sometimes learning though an unconventional path can be an advantage.

Girls can be jealous. Very jealous. I’ve seen some pretty nasty cases of the green eyed monster, especially among those in the blogging industry. It’s so easy to feel envious of those who seem to have more… but how do you move past it? I’ve found by sharing what I know and have instead of hoarding you can receive positivity in spades. I feel like it’s the cure for the green monster within!

#idiscovered that sharing knowledge can be one of the most rewarding experiences.

The most beautiful part of creating my courses was connecting with those who participated – mostly not personally – but when I created each lesson, I had speaking direct to my subject in mind. It was wonderful to know I could be speaking directly to someone who was interested in my passion and could maybe even learn something from those words. Sometimes I feel like my life is quite shallow – most people in this world think that about fashion, that what I do is trivial – but I’m so inspired about it. If I can share that part of myself and help someone else also find that, seriously there’s nothing better.

#idiscovered that a passion shared is worth more to the soul.

I hope you didn’t miss my post about how I evolved as a businesswoman through growing my own blog? Also, have a look here and you’ll see what other people have shared under the #idiscovered hashtag. If you share your own discoveries you’ll be in the running to win a $270 Dr. LeWinn’s product kit. And ever better: the first 5 of you that share a discovery under that hashtag – also tag me and @DrLeWinns– will win an additional secret gift!

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I’m SO happy to be back in Stockholm…

In fact, I may have shed a few (many) tears of joy and relief because my arrival here represents 6 weeks of not living out of my suitcase… Except for this past weekend that I spent in Leksand and next weekend when I’m going to Gothenburg and next month when I go to Amsterdam. Short trips anyway. Same timezone so it doesn’t count right?

Either way, I’m done with the long hauls for awhile, which is wonderful because it’s worn me down. I’m singing the virtues of routine and home living – it’s beautiful!

So talking about Gothenburg – I’m actually leaving here on Wednesday for just two nights, to go and check out the Volvo Ocean Race. It’s a yacht race around the world that takes around 9 months to complete – and this year there’s an all women team who I’m going to meet! I’m going to see if I can interview some of the ladies on the boat so I can share some inspiration with all of you. Gothenburg is the final leg of the journey so I’m sure there’ll be alot to share – and don’t forget to follow me on Snapchat (zanitazanita) to get the real inside scoop!

Beyond that – the next weeks are going to be a bit of down time for me – which doesn’t mean downtime for the site at all, in fact I’ll have more time to dedicate to writing and shooting which is what I love best! There’ll be lots of video content and editorial shoots, so stay tuned! Knowing you’re all following me after all these years is what it’s really about, so thanks again as always.

Finally – how cute is my Heavenly Lotus Necklace?? It’s designed by my friend Charlotte who has the most incredible jewellery line called By Charlotte. Let’s hear it for women in business! xx

heavenly lotus necklace, By Charlotte

sweater, J Brand

skirt, Zara – Similar

watch, Larsson & Jennings 

bag, Louis Vuitton (Retiro in Aurore)

sandals, Tibi

sunglasses, Celine

Get the Look…

The post Checking In: Life Update From Stockholm appeared first on Zanita.

I’m a minimalist when it comes to beauty.

Not really by choice – more just lack of interest. But alas! My skin is ageing and suddenly I’m wanting to press the panic button… meaning I’m caring more and more, and developing higher standards and a more critical eye for what goes on my skin and in and around my eye balls.

1. Dr Jart’s Beauty Balm

I first scored this product in a gift bag around 6 months ago and I’m about to run out – it’s saying something because I NEVER run out of products. Probably because every time I attend a fashion show I score a new moisturiser/shampoo/nail polish/mascara.

This formula is rich – goes on quite glossy but soaks in after about ten minutes. Looks like I’m wearing nothing but helps my complexion look clear and bright – plus it’s got killer sun protection. I wear the light/medium shade instead of foundation. The Koreans do it right!!

2. Dior Diorshow Maximiser Lash Plumping Serum

Ok wait a minute guys… were you even AWARE they made primer for lashes? What the hell is primer anyway?

I’ll be honest here and again say I scored this puppy for free, not totally understanding what it was for – but I just figured it was for under mascara. I’m usually pretty rushed and lazy when it comes to applying mascara properly but once I kinda took the time to apply this nicely, let it dry for a minute – my lashes look WOW. I always get compliments about them when I use this product… plus it acts like a conditioner and contains ‘hydrolyzed soy proteins that promote long-term lash growth, strength, and vitality.’

Basically it’s like miracle juice for your lashes. So good.

3. SK II Facial Treatment Masks

Speaking of miracle juice! These masks by SK II are so damn good, I’m yet to meet someone who’s tried them and hasn’t been into them. The downside? They are REALLY expensive. I haven’t actually owned a set of them for sometime because it feels a bit out there to buy them but really – they actually work. If you have some kind of special occasion like a wedding (maybe your OWN wedding) then they are definitely worth the splurge. My skin is always left feeling nourished and glowing afterwards.

Top tip I heard from a certain streetstyle photographer you might all know, use the mask – then save the extra goop left in the package (there’s usually alot of it!) and apply it to your face another day. That’s savvy!

4. Lancome Les Sourcils Définis

I love a good ‘twofer’ – that is, two for one – like this product. It’s a pencil for your brow but also a little comb that works like a bouncer, keeping the hairs in tow.

What I do love about this product is that you don’t need a sharpener – whenever I have a product that is an actual pencil, I use it till it’s flat and then don’t ever get around to sharpening them.

It works so well to create a really beautifully defined line, which I usually make great use of at the end of the brows. I always say, if eyes are windows – then brows are the curtains! A good brow can really complete a beauty look with one fell swoop.

Yay brows!

       5. Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics

It’s all about taupe. And matte.

So  I finally got this after seeing about a million different beauty bloggers and vloggers rave about the sets from Urban Decay. I find most palettes are filled with colours I’m not into – but this one is pretty much everything I need. Kinda feel like now that I have this one, I won’t ever buy another eyeshadow.

I’m still learning! And hint hint, you’ll be seeing more of those escapades really soon.

Hope you all enjoyed my Top 5! Love to hear if any of you have tried any of this items and what your thoughts are.

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The post My Top 5 Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without appeared first on Zanita.

Tonight another episode of Fashion Bloggers is airing on E! at 9.30pm – this means we’re halfway through the season already! I can’t believe it! Have all of you had a chance to catch Season 1 and earlier Season 2 episodes on the new Fashion Bloggers Youtube Channel yet?!

Products featured in the video are

The post Natural Hair Volume Tutorial appeared first on Zanita.

The weekend is about to land!

Here’s three looks I’m loving right now… Hope you all have an awesome weekend! xx

Outfit 1 – Dress – Shoes – Bag

Outfit 2 – Dress – Shoes – Bag

Outfit 3 – Dress – Shoes – Bag

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