It’s actually quite hard to believe that this cake is refined sugar free, it just tastes so sweet and delicious!

I replaced the sugar in the sponge with dates and used honey in the cream cheese frosting, an easy switch without compromise on taste. It’s still delicious despite being not too sweet like other carrot cakes I’ve tried. The sponge is quite dense and has a lovely crunchy texture from the crushed walnuts. The frosting is extremely light and perfectly sweet because of the honey. It’s such a healthy recipe – you get your carrots, which are high in vitamin K (so your bones will be stronger), the nuts and eggs add protein, the dates help the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fats, and finally the cream and cream cheese provide you with an extra dose calcium and protein

I created this wonderful recipe was for two reasons. Number One being, my Mr. Gustav Carlson loves a good carrot cake, but told me that he was done with eating the sugary unhealthy kind and requested a more forgiving recipe. Unfortunately for him, I only had one (this one) on my blog which was filled with refined sugar – so with some research I was able to transform my unhealthy recipe into the one it is today. I hope he likes it! The Second reason is that my granny is a complete health fanatic. She doesn’t eat any sugar because she thinks that it is poison (and it probably is). Over the weekend we celebrated my Auntie’s birthday, the perfect opportunity to make this cake. My granny is never able to sample any of my creations because they are usually filled and covered in sugar (or poison!).  She was delighted she finally had the chance to try some of my baking – AND she even scuffled down two slices. Mission accomplished!

Carrot Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting (no added sugar)

Serves 10-15 people

Ingredients:

Carrot Cake:

• 300g pitted dates
• 230g grated carrots (that’s about 3 carrots)
• 400g plain flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 100g walnuts
• 100g unsweetened desiccated coconut
• the juice of 1 orange
• 300ml sunflower oil

Honey Cream Cheese Frosting & topping:

• 250g cream cheese
• 150g honey
• 250ml whipping cream
• a little orange zest

Method:

Sugar Free Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease two round 18cm/7 inch round baking tins. If you don’t have two, you could use one 20cm/8 inch round baking tin and then slice the cake in half.
2. In a food processor, grind the dates down to a paste. If you don’t have a food processor, you could chop them up with a knife until they become a paste.
3. In a large bowl, mix all of the cake ingredients together until a thick batter forms.
4. Divide the batter in half and place each half in your prepared baking tins. Leave to bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and when you stick a toothpick through the sponge it comes out clean. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely. Once cooled remove from baking tins.

Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Whip the cream in a bowl until soft peeks form.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream cheese and honey together.
3. Mix a little cream into the honey and cream cheese. Gently fold the remainder of the whipped cream into the honey and cream cheese. Leave to one side.

Assembly:

1. Using a knife, flatten the tops of the sponges. Place your first sponge onto your serving plate. Spread some frosting over the top of the sponge. Place your next sponge on top of that one.
2. Thickly spread frosting over the sides of the cakes using a flat knife. Spread the remainder of the cream over the top of the cake.
3. Sprinkle orange zest over the top of the cake.

This article was written, and photographed by Ben Orkin. Visit benskitchenblog.com or his Instagram for more fantastic food!

The post Sugar Free Carrot Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting appeared first on Zanita Studio.

In a perfect world, we’d all be working glamorous jobs with larger than life benefits; however, we all know that a perfect world doesn’t exist. And because we’re working less than ideal jobs, the least we could ask for is people we essentially like and look forward to being around. After all, we spend most of our time working and it’s the people who can help make our jobs that much more bearable…or not.

The workplace is usually filled with all kinds of characters you can imagine – liars, snobs, thieves, brown nosers, copy cats, valley girls, and of course, those we love – which means there will probably be a few you don’t quite fancy. So how do you work with someone you frankly can’t stand? First off, no need to fuss and no absolute reason to quit just yet. Try these methods of coping:

#1 Get to the root cause.

Figure out what’s bothering you – what’s the real reason why don’t you like that specific person? Are they two-faced? Boastful? Demeaning? Once you figure this part out, you’ll be able to determine how to adjust and how to prepare for them next time.

#2 Remove expectations.

I have the tendency to assume that everyone has the same work ethic and standards as I do and when they don’t perform, I become disappointed and irritated. I’ve learned that if I assume nothing, my expectations become more realistic, which helps remediate the source of my negative feelings when one’s performance is mediocre. The point is don’t expect too much.

#3 Don’t judge.

Similar to #2 – we assume too much, but we have no idea what kind of battle someone is fighting, the kind of personal issues they have at home, or even the medical and psychological conditions that may be present. We can turn our heads the other way and expect someone to leave their problems at home, but that’s always easier to say when we’re not in their shoes.

When we try to understand where someone may be coming from, we become compassionate and less angry.

#4 Be Vocal.

Tell them, but obviously in an appropriate manner and in private. Some people need to know that their attitude, whether prideful, whiny, or pessimistic, is negatively impacting the work environment – they might not even realize it. Feel free to suggest ways to improve if you get this far.

#5 Focus on the end result.

You’re ultimately at work to accomplish something – that could be to hit a sales target, win a client, or treat a patient –so focus on that goal without becoming too emotionally involved. When we let our emotions overtake us, we tend to lose sight of what we’re doing and we start to say irrational things or make irrational decisions.

And if at the end of the day, you still can’t stand being around that person even after attempting a few adjustments yourself, then it might be time to have that conversation with your manager to review the possibilities of being placed elsewhere. However, know that:

You won’t like everyone you work with and not everyone will like you in return.

XO,

– Susan

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

Image Source Credits – Vogue, Fashion Gone Rogue

The post Working With Someone You Don’t Like? appeared first on Zanita Studio.

How to look Casual and Chic, at the same time? Zanita knows!

Gotta love a cozy outfit on a Tuesday without feeling like wearing your PJ’s right? So, to break Zanita’s look up here down for you: all you need is a midi skirt, a long sleeve top and some really cool booties.

See her full outfit post HERE and shop the look below:

1. Pocket T-SHIRT With Long Sleeves by Asos
2. Structured Jersey SKIRT by Weekday
3. Pointed Cut Out Ankle BOOTS by Asos

– This article was edited by Sania Claus Demina

The post Get The Look: Khaki Green Long Sleeves, A Midi Skirt And (Awesome) Boots appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I am so excited to announce my new role as one of the Myer ‘Finders’  in their latest Spring Campaign.

It’s kinda hard to put into words… if you told me two years ago that I would have the chance to dream up a campaign for one of Australia’s premium retailers,  Myer, I would have laughed at you. It’s the dream for me, to bring an idea to life for a client in this way – and share it with thousands. Fashion is my chosen vehicle for creativity, because it allows to share different ideas and versions of myself. Thanks to Myer – I’ve been able to stretch an idea that little bit further. I hope you like the result!

Gustav and I shot this in studio, I set up the lighting and framing and Gustav manned the camera while I leapt around like a maniac. If you have followed my blog since it’s inception, you’ll know I’m no stranger to the ol’ leaping picture. I’ve posted some total doozies… Special thanks to the talented Linda Jefferyes, who is one of Australia’s most respected Hair and Make-Up Artists. Whenever I was booked as a model for a job, and Linda was on the callsheet – I knew I was working on a great gig. It’s a real personal milestone for me to work with her in this capacity, feeling very lucky.

You can see more of this campaign on the Myer Blog – along with Q&A’s with my fellow Finders, discussing all things Spring trends and more.

Photography – Gustav Carlson and Zanita Whittington

Art Direction, Styling and Editing – Zanita Whittington

Hair and Make-up – Linda Jefferyes

Styling Assistant – Bella (Bones Styling)

Full outfit credits on the Myer HERE

The post Myer – The Finders appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I have a love/hate relationship with the pace of the fashion industry.

One minute, a trend will be the hottest thing out – then it’ll be dropped like a hot potato. I was just getting used to boyfriend jeans! Alas – put those away – the time for flares is here.

I’m not exactly following Sara’s philosophy when it comes to dressing – so often I find myself a few seasons gone with too plenty garments deemed *gasp* out of fashion. As a dedicated fashion lover – does this mean that the piece has got to go? Or perhaps put on ice for ten years, when the style comes around again?

I believe there’s a way – you can pull trends forward, will some ingenuity and creativity, by using statement pieces that are neither on trend or off. Some creative styling – and that’s the key word, STYLE. Style stands apart from Fashion and transcends seasons. I really believe that commendable and creative personal style comes instinctively, influenced by not only fashion, but all things around us, movies, art, society, culture – and of course the love of expression through style.

So wear the cargo pants! But be sure to add a two tone woolly coat, a good white sneaker, a cowl neck and a bucket bag for extra character. Or pull together your own recipe.

I firmly believe that “I can’t pull that off” is a statement about confidence more than clothes. If you wanna wear, you gotta own it – and don’t let the clothes or the fashion wear you.

xx

sweater, Staple the Label

coat, Sportmax

cargo pants, Set

bucket bag, Oroton

sneakers, Adidas

Get the Look…

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Also – follow me on snapchat! I’m – zanitazanita

The post Can We Wear Cargo Pants Yet? appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I guess life isn’t really about viewing everything through a camera or screen – but we’re certainly giving it a red hot go!

Take this shoot for example, not really our best work technically because the light and conditions were VERY challenging – but my girl Nadia and I just went for it anyway. The location is ‘Inflight Dubai’, an indoor skydiving venue in on the edge of the Arabian Desert. We were filming there for Fashion Bloggers and I can report that all of us had an incredible time, floating around in the air.

It was Nadia (surprise!) who took the initiative to bring some fashun to the venue, while I was practically attired in a parachute onesie, she hauled out in this incredibly vivid Manning Cartel skirt.

The skirt was an unfortunate casualty of the shoot – as you can see, we had a little bit of ‘underbreeze’ for these snaps – but we did actually try and shoot while Nadia was floating up. The force of the wind beat the skirt to shreds… and even worse news, the photos just didn’t work. Strangely enough, it’s not really a flattering look pose in so much wind your cheeks are flapping and your hair is standing directly up! You can catch all the hijinks in the episode.

So this shoot was more of an experiment than anything else, which sort of failed. We do have this imagery to tell the tale – but I wasn’t delighted with the flat light… I needed to have the settings too low on my camera for real action shots. I won’t detail more of what I think is wrong with these pictures because it really detracts from any romance, or the details that actually do work. In the 90’s – because photographers were working with film and you couldn’t take thousands of images and instantly adapt to any variables – sometimes images would go to publish that were grainy, blurry, out of focus. It’s not always a flaw to have ‘mistakes’ in an image – because there’s also beauty in the imperfect. So often photography these days has a clinical element about it, too perfect, losing that in the moment feeling. It’s why I love shooting spontaneously! It’s such a thrill.

Hope you like these snaps!

Photography, Me

Model, Nadia Fairfax

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Also – follow me on snapchat! I’m – zanitazanita 

The post Life Is A Photoshoot appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Whether you’re a new graduate, seasoned worker, or a full-blown professional, nothing speaks volume to a potential employer like your resume – something you already have, but does it resound so you’re not overlooked? You may think you’re qualified, hardworking, and dedicated, but does your resume reflect that in the best possible way? Take a look again and do these five things to take your resume to the next level.

#1 Objective, Summary, or None?

If you’re a new graduate with little experience, DO write a well thought out career objective. Your resume does not contain enough information for someone to guess the kind of position you may be qualified for – this is how you get passed on.

If you have a few years of experience and you’re looking to stay in the industry, you can skip the objective and summary. However, if you’re looking to move, write a summary-objective combo.

And for a real professional? If you’re confident in the way your resume is written, feel free to drop it; otherwise, a summary could make an impactful statement.

#2 Be Specific.

Too many times have I read resumes that contain standard phrases like “hardworking individual, strong communication skills, team player”, etc. If you’re guilty, change it now. You need to be as specific as possible but still concise because most resumes submitted will contain the same boring descriptions.

#3 Show, Don’t Tell.

You can tell anyone anything, but showing always makes a bigger impression.

I know how easy it can be to fall into a rhythm of just stating generic tasks, but you need to show how you added value to your former employer. Can you describe it in a way that the employer can visualize and feel it? As you write it out, ask the following questions:

– How did I do that particular task?
– What did I contribute to?
– How and why was it relevant?
– What were the results?

#4 Watch the Jargon.

If you already have experience in an industry you’re applying to, use the jargon and key words the hiring manager will be familiar with so your experience shines. Otherwise, you might want to generalize the terminology on your resume.

For instance, when I worked in finance, we would use words like “securities and dividend income” – those words mean nothing to someone in the fashion industry so there’s no point in emphasizing them.

The other thing you can do is incorporate key words that are common in the field you want to step foot in. You should probably snoop around on LinkedIn to see what those words might be.

#5 Purge.

Don’t be afraid to delete history.

Anything that happened 5+ years ago that doesn’t benefit your current skill set should be excluded. No one wants to know that you worked at McDonalds in high school when you’re applying for a job after college. Also, no one really cares what you did 10 years ago if it was in a completely different field. Yes, the skills may be transferrable but you can bring that up in your interview if you feel strongly about it. Your resume should remain relevant and current at all times.

And one last tip – just like a cover letter, you should be willing to customize and tailor your resume as needed for every single job you apply to.

XO,

– Susan

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

Image Source Credits – The Honest Jones, Trend Hunter, Total Beauty

The post 5 Things To Change On Your Resume Now appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Let’s give our wardrobes some love, shall we?

Sundays are like made for online shopping and we’ve been looking for the absolutely best and expensive looking cheap finds out there to save your time (and money). ♥

1. Black tie up flat shoes by Aldo (HERE)

2. Super cute white knit by Noisy May (HERE)

3. Crescent mismatch earrings (how cool?!)(HERE)

Happy shopping!

– This article was edited by Sania Claus Demina

Our Top 3 Weekly Bargains 

The post Our Top 3 Weekly Bargains appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I’d have to say, around 50 percent of my style choices are inspired by androgyny.

When I was a kid running around on the farm, I was even dubbed a proper tomboy, lopping off my hair and wearing check shirts with jeans and boots. There’s a particle ease about masculine inspired dressing, which I actually think stems from it’s conservatism. Nothing form fitting or skin exposing, very much a safe choice. Could it be that feminine dressing, being fashionable, is more complicated?

Of course!

Enter the all navy ensemble. I probably have more navy in my wardrobe than any other colour – because it’s as close to black as I’m usually willing to go. Strange thing about my nonaffinity for black,  it stems from the fact that all my close friends are monochromaniacs (that’s an oxymoron if I’ve ever heard one). I just don’t wanna wear what other people are wearing! Chloe Drew in exception.

So this is the second and final part in my series working with Karen Millen (check the first here!) – it’s always an privilege to have the creative freedom to share my view, combining brand identities. Hope you all like the results!

dot blouse, Karen Millen

trousers, Karen Millen

grey waist belt, Karen Millen

perforated brogue, Karen Millen

Photographed at the Vaucluse Lighthouse

Photography, Gustav Carlson

Modeling, Me

Thanks so much to Karen Millen

Get the Look….

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Also – follow me on snapchat! I’m – zanitazanita

The post Boyish Dressing, Like A Woman appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Have you ever made homemade pasta? Chances are no – because it’s most often thought that you need one of those heavy pasta machines. I’m here to tell you how simple it is to make it without a machine!

People have been making pasta for centuries, long before the age of these shiny, new age machines. It’s probably one of the simple  and delicious recipes to put together. The trick is to roll out little pieces of dough as thin as possible and then slice them into tagliatelle, aka the long flat kind of pasta.

All you need for this recipe are eggs, flour and a little water. When I first attempted making it for myself I was pleasantly surprised how simple it was. The recipe is adaptable so you could reduce the quantities or increase them depending on how many people you will be serving. It’s basically 1 egg to 100 grams of flour and a drop of water to bring the dough together. This recipe serves a family of 4-5 people, depending on how hungry everyone is. Also keeping in mind how filling pasta can be.

This is one of those recipes that bring people together. Everyone can get involved in the process of making pasta. One person could mix the dough, while another rolls it out. You can prepare the dough up to a few days in advance and then simply store it in the refrigerator and it will be perfect for a dinner with friends or even a dinner for one. Homemade pasta takes the shortest amount of time to cook, literally 1 minute, which means you can spend as little time in the kitchen as possible and more time with your guests. I think that it’s very impressive to show off your culinary skills to your friends by making your own pasta… just be sure not to give away how easy it is!

Did I mention how incredibly delicious homemade pasta is? I don’t know what they are selling at my local supermarket, because it sure doesn’t taste like this! Homemade pasta has a soft velvety texture and a delicate flavour. It soaks up all the deliciousness from the sauce and the other ingredients beautifully.

Pasta is full of carbohydrates, which give you a great source of energy. That means it’s the perfect meal for before a big race or even a gym day – and a decadent and likely well deserved treat on any other day!

So here’s how to make the perfect pasta – without a pasta machine!

Makes enough for 4-5 people

Ingredients:

• 5 eggs
• 500g plain flour
• 1 tbs or so of chilled water

Method:

1. Place your flour on a large board or plate. Make a well in the centre and crack your eggs into the well. Whisk your eggs in the well with a fork. Slowly add a little flour to the eggs from the sides. Mix the flour and eggs together. Add a little chilled water to bring the mixture together. Knead the dough for 2 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and eave to rest in the refrigerator for half an hour.

2. Once the dough has rested remove from the fridge. Cut a small piece off of the pasta dough and roll into a sausage shape. Sprinkle flour over a clean working surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the sausage out as thin as possible. It’s important to get it as thin as possible, because it will swell slightly when it comes time to cooking it.

3. Sprinkle flour over the bottom and top of the pasta strip (this prevents sticking). Roll up the pasta strip so that you again have a sausage, this time it is a spiralled sausage. Be gentle with the pasta. Using a sharp knife, slice thin disks. Unravel your disks and now you have tagliatelle. Hang your pasta over a rail for an hour (I used the back of a chair). Once it has dried out slightly, you can cook it or store it in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

4. Cooking: place in salted bowling water and leave to cook for a minute. Once cooked drain and serve with your desired sauce.

This article was written, and photographed by Ben Orkin. Visit benskitchenblog.com or his Instagram for more fantastic food!

The post How To Make The Perfect Pasta Without A Pasta Machine appeared first on Zanita Studio.

No No! I’m sorry Internet!! I didn’t mean that – I really love you!

Contrasted mindset aside, how much has the internet changed out lives? It boggles my mind to think there are people in their early 20’s who haven’t truly experienced much of what life was like before the the internet or 3g was even around. I remember very clearly when Phones first started to have online connection… it wasn’t even that long ago!

And in the years to come, this era will become known as the connected era. My grandchildren will ask me the question-

“What was it like before people had internet to carry around with them?”

I’m 29 now and I remember when my parents first got dial-up at home, I must have been about 13 or 14 years old. I remember modelling in Germany and having to get my castings by phone call, having to go home to my apartment to check my emails. I remember when the iPhone first became available in Australia, when I was first able to find an address by using Maps on my phone. I remember when Facebook began to become popular  – and now social media is a huge part of all of our lives. People my age have the unique view of experiencing both sides, being around before the internet became huge and young enough to have adapted to the changes as they happened very quickly.

This is the digital revolution! We’re living it!

Maybe its the beginning of the end. I feel constantly distracted. My attention span is so short, I find it difficult to sit through a whole movie, I get bored and fidgety – and I think about my phone. Sometimes when I’m hanging out with my friends, I find it challenging to stay focused on the conversation. I guess it’s because I’m in deep with social media, it’s part of my job to use it regularly – and the more I use it, the more successful I’m likely to become (in a way).  I feel like I’m exposed to so much information everyday that not so much surprises me anymore.

I really wonder if by entering this new age with technology and the internet, we’re losing something else. How will it change the way people interact in the future? Will be all have the attention span of a gnat? Will we be unable to appreciate the real nature and beauty around us or to truly live in the moment?

I’m excited and concerned for the future all at once. Everything changes with a real pace. We are connected like never before – and that’s how I’ve been able to build this business, through sharing with you all – all around the world! More recently I’ve been able to share live video on Facebook Live, and communicate directly with anyone who tunes in. Over the last few days, these videos have been watched by thousands and thousands of people. I feel like this could be a new wave of social, along with Snapchat, Meercat, Periscope.  (You can see my live videos on my Facebook page HERE)

Wonder what else is right around the corner? Would love to hear your thoughts on this too. xx

The post Why I Hate The Internet appeared first on Zanita Studio.

In. Love. With. This. Bikini.

Not sure I really need to say much more than that, but yeah! I’ve been obsessing about scalloped bikinis ever since I saw Swedish (veteran) fashion blogger Elin Kling blog about one by Chloé many many years ago. I got myself a good this one by H&M earlier this summer. It didn’t stop me from adding this MARYSIA one to my shopping bag right this moment. Its so darn cute!! ♥

Shop the bikni HERE

Going through the Instagram of the brand @marysiaswim and seeing it on drop dead gorgeous Natasha Oakley, didn’t make my cravings less intense. I guess all I need now is a ticket to Bahamas or Mexico! My balcony would do, but I don’t have one and Sweden is about to get cold…

What do you think of the scalloped bikini trend?

– This article was edited by Sania Claus Demina

The post Obsession Of The Week: The Ultimate Scalloped Bikini appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Growing up, we’re taught to believe that anything is possible – “if you can dream it, you can achieve it” – it sounds so easy, smells so good, and feels so real.

And as a result, most of us tend to live our lives on this fabricated path of success thinking it’ll be an easy, breezy formula of earning an education, working hard, and gaining some experience. Those of us who’ve been on the battlefield know that all this feel-good stuff isn’t the clear-cut package it was made out to be and even if we followed this recipe, we ended up realizing that we’re unhappy and we don’t enjoy the path we chose as much as we thought we would. This is the part where we begin to re-assess our career path, self-worth, and ultimate life purpose – what is this life anyway? The quarter life crisis is real and if you’re riding this emotional roller coaster, here’s what you need to be doing now:

#1 Do Something.

Life sure would be nice if we could hit a stop, pause, and play button, but nope, the clock is always ticking forward. Days can start to feel like seconds, months become hours, and eventually years feel like yesterday – you don’t ever get younger and time you’ll never get back so you need to be doing something, anything. There’s no point in sitting around because “you’re trying to figure out what you want to do”. What if that light bulb never comes on or better never comes along? By doing something, you have higher chances of coming across someone who can get you somewhere, opportunities you might actually like, and most importantly, you’ll become more self-aware.

#2 Talk to People.

It can feel like we’re struggling alone on this journey, which is obviously not true so talk to someone older who may be able to share some insight as to how they handled their quarter-life crisis. Seek out a counselor or therapist who can get you to ask yourself the right questions that will set you on the right path. Find people who inspire you and those you want to become like because it’s true that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Pick wisely.

#3 Reset.

The enthralling, successful lifestyle you’ve fantasized about all these years– give it up for the time being. These unrealistic expectations are what will shoot you down over and over again so once you eradicate them, you’ll have the energy to start somewhere and start over. Success comprises of a series of unlimited struggles and ongoing battles that frankly take a long time. It is not something that appears overnight. Can you endure?

XO,

– Susan

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

Image Source Credits – Wildfox Kids, The Free Spirited

The post What You Need To Do During An Identity Crisis appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Easily the best perk out of running a blog and my own business is the opportunity to collaborate with my friends. When emerging label We Are Kindred asked me to create something for them as part of a digital campaign I thought immediately of sunny Amsterdam and my girl Rebecca.

It’s potentially one of the most repeated statements ever made on this site – but I Love Amsterdam. For it’s just a city about liberty, it’s the biking – you people from all walks of life on bikes – it’s the foremost form of transport. This city is effortless, spirited and beautiful – exactly like this beautiful collection from We Are Kindred. That white dress is summer perfection!

I hope you like these images snapped by me in one of my favourite places, on one of my favourite people – as much as I do. Thanks so much to the girls at We Are Kindred for allowing me this vision.

Photography, Zanita Whittington

Model, Rebecca Laurey (Raspberry ‘N’ Rouge)

Shop We Are Kindred HERE

The post We Are Kindred appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Some fashion shows have bigger impact than others…

…and I remember clearly how the debut of Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton two (!!) years ago created this very strong cravings for the A-line skirts. It always takes a bit of time for that kind of pieces to become popular enough for every single shop to make them. And finally its EVERYWHERE. Which is why I decided to go through pages and pages of options to put together this post with the best ones out there. But first, some styling tips and inspiration:

5 Ways To Style The A-Line Mini Skirt:

1. Denim generally always looks amazing with white shirts. Loving how the super stylish Swedish fashion blogger (and friend of mine) Hanna Stefansson rocks her denim skirt with a crispy white shirt in New York. (Photo above to the left)
2. Black on black! As the other Hanna, who also is a very stylish friend and fashion blogger from Sweden, I’d like to show you (photo above to the right) who decided to wear her black suede A-line skirt with a black jumper. Then she just added a splash of a perfect green colour to make her outfit more alive.
3. The tan coloured ones will look great with your favourite simple white t-shirt (got a whole bunch of those picked out for you HERE). And a red lip!
4. A turtleneck top is a great thing to wear with your A-line skirt!
5. Another thing to style this skirt with is a big cozy knit jumper.

and now: the 22 best A-line mini skirts out there:

Happy Shopping!

– This article was edited by Sania Claus Demina

PS. Here are some t-shirts and white shirts to wear with the skirts:

The post 22 Perfect A-Line Skirts To Add To Your Closet (And How To Style Them) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Perhaps my largest track list!

I’ve actually not feeling 100 percent right now, I have a cold. Been trying persevere through, if I pretend it’s not there, will it go away?

Apparently not, strangely enough, it just gets worse.

It’s a drag to feel so spaced out, like someone has boxed pillows around my ears, my eyes constantly watering, coughing like an old man smoker. In short – I’m not in a right state to be photographed – and its pretty important to feel fabulous and confident when half your job is to be snapped nearly every day.

So now I’m posting a very long playlist and some very old pics. The last few tracks are a bit random, but that M83 “Skin of The Night” is one of my all time favourites. It’s a dreamy, spacey journey.

Hope you like!

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Bonjour! (even though I’m back in Australia, I’m already wishing I was back in France). I was meant to post this workout a few weeks ago but as you probably know, when you’re travelling time flies – not to mention the fact I couldn’t even upload the video because the South of France has internet about as fast as a tortoise with it’s legs tied!

So, throwing it back to France! What an amazing place!  There is so much to do, see and eat – I wanted to try everything! With the urge to eat everything, it was important to make sure that I still found the time to exercise so I could truly enjoy all that food! When travelling I like to try to incorporate my every day ‘home’ life such as exercise, into my travel life. It keeps a little bit of routine which helps me stay on top of my goals. Exercising is great for your state of mind, improves energy levels and your health, so keeping it up while travelling is very beneficial. You don’t need to do it everyday, but try your hardest to get a few workouts in during the week!

While travelling, exercising can become a little more difficult so I thought I would share a little routine that I love to do which doesn’t require a gym, any equipment, a lot of time or even a large space! Sounds exciting right? So bookmark this one for when you are on the run exploring the world (or even stuck at home!) 

Your step by step guide to a workout while travelling – Workout video included, so be sure to watch that!

1. Get dressed, grab a bottle of water and head on over to your chosen workout location 

2. Start with a simple warm up. This could be a light jog, 100 star jumps – just get your blood pumping – its important to get warm

3. Start the workout. Come on you can do it!

4. Complete the work out. WOO!

5. Do a little happy dance and get on with your day

Travel Workout – Let’s get moving!

Ok guys, we’re going to do the following exercises in order, one after the other with a little rest in-between each set (completing each exercise once in a row equals one set ) with a little rest in-between each set.

• 20 Squats

Stand with your legs shoulder width apart and feet pointing slightly outwards, extend your arms straight out in-front of you. Look straight ahead, breath in as you start to lower your body with control into a sitting position or until you’re thighs are just below parallel.  Keep your back straight, and make sure your knees follow your feet but do not go over your toes. If you need some assistance place a chair or bench behind you and lower till you just tap the bench with your bum! At this bottom position, your weight should be over your heels and on the balls of your feet (you should be able to wiggle your toes). Then rise, pushing up through your heels into your starting position. Focus on squeezing your butt, keeping your abs tight and your back straight! Boom, that’s a squat – KimmyK here I come.

• 20 Squats into Calf Raises 

Just like the regular squat you need to lower your body into a sitting position. Coming back up from the squat is where the action happens. As you squeeze your bum, transfer your weight from your heels to your toes as you raise yourself up onto your toes and squeeze your calves. Lower yourself back down with control onto your feet and back into the squat.

• 20 Jumping Lunges

These are one of my favourite exercises, I think they’re really fun. Start off slowly so you understand the feeling and get used to the movement. Start with your feet shoulder width apart, step your left leg forward keeping your toes pointing forwards and lower down into the lunge. Your right knee lowers towards the ground and your right foot comes onto its toes as your left thigh moves to become parallel to the floor. Just before your right knee touches the ground, push off your left (front) foot and jump up as you switch your legs landing with your right foot in front and left foot behind. You need to make the movement smooth and be sure to land softly on your feet. Repeat the movement by lowering your left knee towards the ground and coming forwards into the lunge. If you need some assistance try holding onto the back of a chair or railing in-front of you while performing the exercise, this will give you some extra stability.

Take a minute to rest between sets. While you are resting do…

• 10 Push-Ups

Place your hands on the ground shoulder width apart, fingers pointing straight ahead. Step your legs back a little bit less than shoulder width apart, your body should be now in a straight line. Make sure your back is not curved, tighten your core and squeeze your butt as you lower your self to the ground, elbows going backwards. As you lower, look at a spot just over your fingernails and then push back up using your arms and chest. Be sure not to drop your hips while lowering. If you can’t do a full pushup that’s fine, I struggle with push-ups too! If you find you just don’t have enough strength to do a full pushup, place your knees on the floor (on a towel or jumper if it’s a hard surface) to make it a little easier.

Then get straight back into it. Do this workout 5 times! 

This is a fast paced workout so as you progress it will get harder and you will get sweaty! Make sure you don’t take too long between sets. This workout should take no more then 20min.  The next few days you are going to feel the burn – so remember to stretch and warm down after you finish with a light jog or walk. 

Along with working out, I make certain other choices while travelling that maximise my health and minimise the impact of all those croissants, cheeses and wines Firstly, Casey Neistat said it best in his travel video for Nike:

“We were always moving, always the stairs, never the escalators”.

We always took the stairs wherever possible, even when we were lugging two 20kg suitcases, a backpack and two overnight bags – we took those bloody leg burning, calve straining, butt busting stairs every time! Remember you have worked so hard back at home – try to minimise the number of steps backwards – try to maintain your hard work! Along with taking the stairs I avoid travelators out of principle, I actually try to race the people on it and beat them to the end…suckers! The final thing I do is make sure I walk as many places as possible. Anything under 5km is manageable and it also allows you to see so much more of a location than taking the Subway or Metro.

So, try the workout and let me know how you go in the comments below!

Au revoir les amis!

Article by Mon – M.B Harper  #TheHarperMovement

Follow me on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, BlogLovin

Snapchat: @mb_harper

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Location: Nice

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I could easily argue that a good camel coat is worth more to your wardrobe than a black one.

A black coat isn’t going to work back so well with lighter tones, pastels and warm tones. In general I think black is pretty challenging to pair with anything other than denim, white and grey – but as you might know, I’m not a fan of the ‘hue’.

A camel coat does work back well with Navy, burgundy and emerald – as well as pairing nicely with pastels  and even bright colours like red! I’ve seen a girl at fashion week pull off a red jumpsuit with a good camel coat like a pro.

One of the reasons I love living in Sweden is the opportunity to layer up in the seasons. It’s my favourite way to dress – and makes me believe that somewhere along the line, I must have viking blood in me. I look like a Swede too! People always ask me for directions…

Hope you’re all charging into the weekend after a wonderful week – I can’t believe another is almost over. My time in Australia is particular intense… for example last Monday, Gustav and I had 7 meetings –  and next week we’ve five projects to shoot! Getting enough sleep and vitamins is going to be a priority, I’ve been suffering a little from a cold and I’m thinking if I push myself too hard it could all come crashing down.

In only a few days, I’m going to be releasing the imagery from a wonderful collaboration I’ve got happening with Bloglovin’ and their newly launched SHOP feature. Can’t wait! Stay tuned. x

coat, Sportmax

jeans, J Brand

scarf, From Markets (similar) 

sneakers, Adidas

Meanwhile…. Here’s a little interview I did with RESCU talking all things blogging, beauty and business. Hope you like!

Get the coat…

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With the ever-growing popularity of social media and everyone around us developing a personal brand, writing is now more important than ever. Just look at the way we connect with each other through blogs, e-mail, social media, and text – all of which require writing. And because it has become the primary way we communicate our ideas and document our daily life occurrences, you should learn how to express your thoughts precisely the way you want. Keep reading to learn how.

#1 Read what you want to write.

Figure out the kind of “voice” you gravitate towards and want to develop for you. Do you want to come off like a casual friend? Professional? Or Comical? Then, go out and read those kinds of articles. I emphasize that you read a lot and pay extra attention to the word placement, vocabulary, and style of those pieces. And after reading enough of them, you’ll start to reference the same tone and structure in your own writing without even trying. You should of course highlight your own personality as well.

#2 Jot everything down.

Whether it’s an idea, phrase, conversation, or image, just write it down (or e-mail it to yourself) because if you don’t, you’re guaranteed to forget. I find that these things come handy when I’m in the process of writing and need a little inspiration or want to switch up my voice and try a new style.

#3 Talk it out.

It’s common for your mind to blank out when you first start – you might even spend hours looking at an empty page before words begin pouring through. To help with this mental block, pretend you’re talking to a sibling or a friend – what would you say about that topic. You should even ask yourself questions and answer them. I find that talking out loud eases me into writing and also helps me compose articles that feel more conversational, which is important because no one wants to feel like they’re reading a thesis when they’re really reading a blog.

#4 Experiment.

Just as style exists in fashion and photography, it exists in writing so try everything. Use your playful voice or write with authority and expertise. Add in anecdotes from different points-of-view. It’s the only way to figure out what truly works for you and your audience.

#5 Start writing.

No need to think or dream about writing if you want to become a better writer or find your voice – simply start writing. I jump around a lot when I dive into it. I’ll typically start with the body and then suddenly, I’ll get an idea for the beginning (or ending) and move wherever my thoughts flow. It’s never a seamless process, but physically writing is the only way to refine your voice and style. Find subjects you care about…what makes your heart beat? And write from there. It doesn’t have to make sense immediately, just write as fast as you can because you can edit later.

Let your words flow and good things will begin trailing shortly after.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Unsplash, Elle Decor

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You don’t need a thick wallet to look stylish…

…it’s Sunday and that means bargain shopping! Knitted dresses are everywhere (we’ll talk more about those later) and this one with a sporty vibe would look amazing with the (super cheap!) sunglasses and gorgeous sneakers. ♥

1. Stripe side split dress by Warehouse (HERE)

2. Round sunglasses with angular arm detail by Asos (HERE)

3. Grey marl & pink trainers by New Balance (aren’t they major?!) (HERE)

Happy shopping!

– This article was edited by Sania Claus Demina

Our Top 3 Weekly Bargains 

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