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A Workout for your Lounge Room

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These last few weeks, the weather has been absolutely rubbish – is it even summer? PLUS the Gym is closed for the “Christmas shut down period” so I’ve had to resort to training in my lounge room. This is not my ideal training location as I like to keep relaxation and fitness separate, not to mention, I also love to get some fresh air or workout at the gym with a friend. However, seeing that I need to workout even when things don’t go according to plan, I shoved the couch out the way and got to work! 

Working out at home is awesome if you don’t have a lot of time to go to the gym or if the weather is a bit dodgy. Body weight exercises are just as good as training with equipment and a hell of a lot better than not working out at all. Sometimes we use bad weather or lack of time etc. as an excuse to avoid training and ultimately trick ourselves in to being lazy – but I promise that if you just find the time and energy, you’re going to feel amazing, even if it’s only 20 minutes.  

Remember:  Sweat. Move. Smile. 

This workout doesn’t require much space or time – perfect :) I recommend using a yoga mat if you have wooden floors to give you some more grip and padding. 

 test-lunges-

Jumping Lunges

Start with your feet shoulder width apart, step your left leg forward keeping your toes pointed forward and lower down into the lunge position. As your right knee drops towards the ground and your right foot comes onto its toes, your left thigh should be 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. Make this movement continuous.

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10 Single Leg Sit ups (each leg)

Start by lying on your back. Lift your left leg up as high as you can (it helps to bend your knee slightly if you lack flexibility). Raise your right leg an inch off the ground and hold it there. Now place your hands behind your head or on your temple, this is the starting position. Breath out and crunch up by curling and keeping your ABS tight while simultaneously reaching up with your right hand and touching the inside of your left shoe. Lower yourself down slowly back into the starting position and bring your hand back to your head. Repeat.

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You Should Also Read: A Quick Full Body Beach Session | Three Exercises to Get Killer Abs | The Ultimate Travel Workout

10 Donkey Kicks (each leg)

Start on your hands and knees. Lift your left knee slightly off the ground and kick your left leg back behind you towards the ceiling. Lower your leg back to the starting position repeat 10 times and then swap legs. 

mountain climbers

20 Mountain Climbers

Start in a pushup position by placing your hands directly under your chest, shoulder width apart with straight arms. Lift your right foot off the floor and raise your knee to your chest. Return your foot back to the starting position and repeat with your left leg. Try to keep your hips in the same position throughout the movement.

plank

1minute Plank

Kneel down and place your forearms on the floor and step your feet back onto your toes. Your body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Activate the core and don’t let your body drop or raise at the hips. Hold for 1min. 

 So guys, give it a go and let me know how it feels!

#TheHarperMovement

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

Follow me on: Instagram, FacebookTwitterYoutubeBlogLovin

Get Motivated

The post A Workout for your Lounge Room appeared first on Zanita Studio.


Introducing: Dream Catcher Brittany Grace

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There’s been much discussion over the last few months about what’s becoming of Zanita Studio. And one thing is for sure – we’ve been hustling hard over the last year to evolve something that was once a traditional fashion blog into a new kind of creative space. We’re all about staying fresh and keeping you inspired so we’re putting forward kick ass personalities alongside Zanita to provide you with all the cool content you need to stay empowered and excited as you endure your journey to success.

Next up is Brittany Grace from Not Another Blonde.

Brittany’s energy is contagious and her ambitions are high. What we were most drawn to though is her desire to go out and make shit happen. She’s got lots of things in the works – a new city to explore, a blog makeover, and podcast series. And in the process of juggling all that work, she’s sharing her story and life lessons at Zanita Studio. We’re sure you’ll love to hear what she has to say about blogging and chasing dreams! Here’s a bit about Brittany:

#1 Describe your story in 5 words.

Coincidental rollercoaster worth every minute.

#2 What are you most inspired by right now?

The world’s awakening to higher consciousness and deeper meaning. We all want a better life and it’s amazing to see everyone, women, especially striving for that and inspiring other women to do the same. I love that I’m seeing more people doing good and realizing that when you give, you get back tenfold. Even with all the chaos, there’s so much good that’s contagious and more powerful than ever.

#3 Three things you can’t live without.

My mom, boyfriend, pop-pop…
My laptop, Burt’s Bees lip balm, sneakers

#4 Any style icons?

The Olsens, Nicole Richie, Jane Birkin, Alexa Chung, Caroline de Maigret.

#5 Favorite life lesson.

It’s never too early or too late. Don’t let your circumstances define you. Instead, use your situation or story to propel you forward. When your perspective changes your world changes. And if none of that works, just have faith in the universe and know everything will be ok. It always is.

What a cool cat, right? Keep an eye out, her first post is going live tomorrow!

Don’t forget to follow Brittany – BlogInstagram, & Periscope!

Meet the Others: Sania Claus Demina, Ben Orkin

The post Introducing: Dream Catcher Brittany Grace appeared first on Zanita Studio.

How to Master the Art of Getting What You Want

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devil wears pradaI find this topic to be most appropriate as my first post for Zanita since this is exactly what I’m experiencing right now and you can, too!

Getting what you want sounds like a daunting task because we associate it with luck or special skills, and while those things can very well contribute to our success, it’s definitely not the be-all end-all. So today I’m sharing what’s worked for me over the past 5 years to achieve my goals and get me exactly where I am today: writing for Zanita, (total O.M.G. moment by the way).

1. Ask for it

Step 1 is to ask for it. It sounds easy enough, but you’d be surprised by how many people, women especially, don’t ask for what they want. According to the #GIRLBOSS herself, Sophia Amoruso, you don’t get what you don’t ask for. If that’s the case there’s no harm in asking is there? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

2. Pick yourself up

So often when we hit a roadblock… or 5, we’re easily discouraged and tempted to give up. This is what separates the average from the exceptional. You are not average!

Pick yourself up and go on with the show. It’s statistically proven that you’ll have more setbacks than successes in life, but when you pick yourself up, your successes will make it all worth it. You won’t get what you want if you give up the first time you fall down.

You Should Also Read: How I Evolved as a Business Woman Through Starting My Own Blog | Staying Motivated When You’re Not | 5 Things to Keep in Mind as You Jumpstart Your Career

3. Try a different approach

By definition insanity is when we attempt to do the same thing over again expecting different results. Don’t be insane! If something isn’t working, try a different avenue.

For a while I was blogging 5 days a week about fashion, fitness, advice, travel, books, etc. and I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. Well thanks to Google Analytics and progress tracking I figured out what my readers really wanted, which in turn got me what I really wanted: steady traffic and a growing, loyal readership.

How do you get what you want and if you have what you want, what did you do to get it? Be sure to tell us in the comments below!

– Brittany

Follow Me – Blog Instagram  Periscope

Photo Credit: Harpers Bazaar, The Toast

The post How to Master the Art of Getting What You Want appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The Wild West

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Vintage-farm-editorial-australia-blogger-shoot

I don’t meet many Australians who could point out on a map the town where I grew up.

It’s an isolated place, so much that it’s actually a two-plane journey from Sydney or one 5 hr flight plus an 8 hr car ride – which is the option we took when Gustav and I went home for the holidays. My parents were gracious enough to drive that long distance for the sole purpose of picking us up from the airport in Perth. Thanks Mum and Dad!

I’m very familiar with that long car journey. Coming from such a small town in an isolated place means the trip is necessary for specialist doctor/orthodontist appointments or a dozen other reasons. I’ve always found those long car journeys therapeutic and exciting, usually because the end of one mostly meant arriving in the ‘big smoke’. There’s much romance to be found in spending hours rolling through the countryside – so much rugged beauty in the sparsely populated state of Western Australia. I’m a little embarrassed to admit – as a kid my favourite part was arriving in Perth at the first set of traffic lights. Crazy to consider now! I couldn’t wait to escape this tiny town where I came from but going back today is just pure zen. Life goes at a different pace here.

I’m never going to settle down in a place like Esperance cos I’m all ’bout that metropolis life – yet there’s always a little piece of me there, a true country girl.

Vintage-farm-editorial-australia-blogger-shoot-2 Vintage-farm-editorial-australia-blogger-shoot-5Vintage-farm-editorial-australia-blogger-shoot-3

My Mum has 10 siblings and most of them still live on farms in the area so I’ll always have Esperance and my ‘dozens of cousins’ to go back to. The area is most famous for its beaches, which I’m sure you’ve seen featured on my Instagram or even on here (or here!) – but the key industry of the area is agriculture, specifically cereal crops and livestock. My parents run cows on their property, as you can see! The farm provided the perfect backdrop for this little spontaneous editorial. I’d hoped for sunny weather but I actually think the moody sky better represents a normal day in these parts. Wild, rugged and windy.

Paradise.

RM Williams Adelaide Boots worn throughout.

Look 1. Ralph Lauren shirt – vintage skirt (similar) – Akubra hat (similar)

Look 2. Topshop tee – vintage skirt (similar) – Akubra Hat  (similar)

Look 3. Driza-Bone coat – Zara Jeans (similar) – Akubra Hat  (similar)

Look 4. Driza-Bone coat – Topshop shirt – Madison Harding skirt

Look 5. Jetset Diaries Sahara skirt – Zara Shirt – Akubra Hat (similar)


You Should Also Read:
The Women and the Desert
Book a Ticket and Leave
A Lesson in Poolside Glamour

The post The Wild West appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Saving Your Face the Korean Way

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korean-sheet-mask-zanita-studio

A former skeptic, it appears I’ve fallen victim to the pervasive Korean skincare regimen and more specifically masking. Three sheets and one traditional hands-on mask later, I’m convinced it’s the biggest breakthrough I’ve had in my skincare routine since benzoyl peroxide. Here’s the low down – they work brilliantly!

Sheet masks are inexpensive and affordable as long as you’re not using one a day and even if you were using one a day, it’s still cheaper than a facial. For the sake of brevity, a sheet mask is basically a sliver of cotton (with cutouts to prevent your eyes, nose, and mouth from suffocating) doused in all the feel-good-stuff your skin needs. There are an abundance to choose from, which caters to all skin types. I chose the anti-aging bundle pack from Peach & Lily as I’ll do anything to preserve the little youth that’s left in me!

I first decided to lay it down following Christmas and New Year’s since I knew the late nights and holiday gluttony would take a toll on my skin and boy did it reverse some damage. Once the mask lays atop your face, you’ll immediately notice the cooling effect that renders divine royalty – like your skin is getting the maximum TLC it deserves. And after about 20 minutes of saturation, you’ll exhibit a fresh angelic glow and soft as a baby’s bottom base. Talk about game changers – the sheet mask is it! In case you’re a skincare minimalist, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s no post-washing involved…simply toss the sheet in the trash and leave the remnants for your skin to love. This convenience also makes it an ideal travel companion – I can see it weighing favorably on long flights too.

You Should Also Read: 6 Beauty Products We All Must Try this Spring | Test Driving Hype Korean Beauty Products: Essence | Beauty Must Haves for Dry Skin this Season

 
caolion-bubble-pore-mask
Now onto the one traditional mask I did put to the test: Caolion Blackhead O2 Bubble Pork Mask. This is science and skincare at its best. In the container, the product looks like a bubbly joy of charcoal, but there’s really substance beneath the froth – a gel-like, beady texture. The interesting thing is it glides on butter smooth, but turns into a nebulous bath within seconds which depletes into nothingness apart from a few beady fragments. This one does require a rinse; however, no complaints as my pores do feel squeaky clean.

No disappointments here! Do your skin a favor and get a mask, especially if you partied a little hard last night!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

The post Saving Your Face the Korean Way appeared first on Zanita Studio.

A Roundup of Our Favorite Fashion Bloggers

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Even fashion bloggers read fashion blogs.

For that reason, we thought it’d be fun to pull together our personal favorites while trying to be mindful of industry credentials (taking the spotlight off Zanita just a little). At the rate fashion blogs pop up these days, the competition is on fire – your styles gotta be sublime, photog’s gotta be killer!, editorial voice on point, and personality relatable! It’s obvious to see why and how only a select few breakthrough – all these supremely personalized feats aren’t easy to master. It takes a hell of a lot of time, patience, creativity, and of course skill to make it look both easy (or should we say effortless) and beautiful. Our favorite 7 here prove time and time again that they have what it takes to be a top fashion blogger:

#1 Pernille Teisbaek of Look de Pernille

pernille-teisbaek-look-de-pernille-fashion-blogger

Why:

The epitome of Scandinavian cool – her modern, minimalistic yet ostensibly refreshing style never has us bored. Take a look for yourself…you’ll be poring over page after page.

#2 Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl

nicole-warne-gary-pepper-girl-fashion-blogger

Why:

Not because we’re good friends, but because Nicole is truly amazing at creating beautiful things and illustrating her life through rose-colored glasses. Her blog is always bursting with vitality and gratitude. Well-deserved!

#3 Camila Coelho of Camila Coelho

camila-coehlo-fashion-blogger

Why:

This Brazilian beaute’s racked up a cult following of over 5 million across all social media channels. With her flirty, eclectic ensembles and masterful makeup skills (must watch her YouTube), it’s no wonder she’s a stunner.

#4 Shini Park of Park & Cube

shini-park-park-and-cube-fashion-blogger

Why:

The multi-talented Shini’s got clean and cool vibes written all over her blog through beautiful graphics, photography, and unique style. Always meticulously written with lust-worthy imagery, her blog resembles a magazine and is always a joy to peruse.

#5 Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage

jessica-stein-tuula-vintage-fashion-blog

Why:

Despite being a fellow Aussie, Jessica really takes you on glorious adventures through her blog. She’s an enviable globe trotter with serious style overflowing with the free spirit that she is.

#6 Kristina Bazan of Kayture

kristina-bazan-kayture-fashion-blogger

Why:

The Swiss blogger turned LA transplant exudes pure luxury and has worked with some of the industry’s most respected brands (e.g. Louis Vuitton). Gorgeousness and covetable wardrobe aside, she’s also making her way into the music industry – talk about vast talents!

#7 Julia Engel Gal Meets Glam

julia-engel-gal-meets-glam-fashion-blog

Why:

Probably the newer of the pack, Julia’s conquered that healthy mix of preppy, feminine, yet still casual Californian vibe, which is stamped all over her closet and lifestyle. It’s obvious to see why young women all over the world are drawn to her.

Stay tuned for a roundup of rising fashion bloggers we’re currently gawking over! Let us know what you think!


Image Source Credits – Harper’s Bazaar, Kenton Magazine, Look de Pernille, Gary Pepper Girl, Camila Coelho, Park & Cube, Tuula Vintage, Kayture, Gal Meets Glam

You Should Also Read:
How to Start an Amazing Fashion Blog
How to Make Your Blog Super Popular
My Fashion Blogger Journey

The post A Roundup of Our Favorite Fashion Bloggers appeared first on Zanita Studio.

What I Discovered About Top Bloggers By Working at Zanita Studio

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zanita-nadia-kate-waterhouse-fashion-blogger-crewLike many of you, I’ve always visualized the life of a top blogger to be near perfect. We all know life isn’t perfect, but a blogger’s gotta be like 99.9% close. But almost always what you see on the front end of your computer is the corollary of long hours harboring creative energies and letting it flow into labor intensive work only to output a few minutes of inspiration (but hopefully life long) for you all – something we as readers are often blind to. It’s been a little over 6 weeks on the job and I’m still learning the ins and outs of fashion blogging – still fascinated by what these super bloggers can achieve day after day. And I know it’s easy to graze the feed of the said bloggers to think they’re not really bloggers, but instead models, spokes people, brand ambassadors – whatever you want to call them – because the work they’ve conceded is no longer relatable, their cynicism is merely a means of generating income. But as a genuine blog enthusiast and now laborer of the industry, I’ve developed a newfound respect for them and have a discovered a few eye-opening truths myself in that process.

– There are no days off.

Not feeling well? Caught a cold? Nope, doesn’t exist, still working. Gotta get across the world by X day, but the weather sucks ass…nope, find a way. There are no sick days, no inclement weather policies. The barrier between work and life is so blurry.

– Fashion is only a fraction of what they do.

Though freebies, sponsored content, and designer frocks seem like a dream come true, it’s only a small portion of what they do. The prep work required to make it all come to life is so real and it’s unfortunate if the fashion piece is all that you can see.

You Should Also Read: Lessons I Learnt Through Failing First | Answering Your Questions About Blogging & Business | What It’s Really Like to Work in Fashion

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– They’re not ignoring you, they’re just really busy.

The tremendous influx of e-mails, comments, and questions they receive is no joke. Top on the endless shoots they’re conceptualizing, business strategies they’re mulling over, writing blog posts, and pausing to enjoy life, there’s just no possible way to get through every single person’s inquiry. I promise you’re not being ignored and it’s not that they’re too good to respond, it’s just a lot.

– They’re actually business-minded.

Who do you think is forging their relationships and growth? Themselves. They are constantly challenging themselves and the evolution of their blogs by setting goals, pitching ideas, evaluating the metrics, and recruiting talent to help them make good things happen. It’s a real business, not some kind of sham.

– They’re human.

They have feelings too. The next time you want to drop an offensive comment about how they’ve changed, how they’ve gotten too skinny, et al, think about what you’re saying. They may not be responding to you, but they’re sure as hell reading every single remark.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

Image Source Credits – Fairfax Journal, Stockholm Streetstyle

The post What I Discovered About Top Bloggers By Working at Zanita Studio appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Let’s Talk Substitutes

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You know those people who hardly have any ingredients in their pantries? Well I am those people.

ben-orkin-laughing

Sure it is a struggle sometimes, but after years of experience I have worked out how to make it work. It basically comes down to making the ingredients yourself or using completely different ones but having the same result in the end. Here are a few ways how a person can practically get away with murder by changing a few essential ingredients.

Turmeric instead of saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world! The reason being is that it is the stamen of a flower called the Saffron Crocus. The stamen of the flower is very small and has to be handpicked. It doesn’t necessarily have a taste, but what makes it so amazing is the colour that it gives off when mixed in warm liquid. A much cheaper alternative is Turmeric. It is a root similar looking to ginger, but has a very subtle flavour and gives off a bright yellow colour just like saffron. It is the perfect alternative to saffron. I suggest using it to sight, but be sure not to use too much because it does affect the flavour of whatever you are cooking ever so slightly.

turmeric

Honey vs. Syrup

I generally have either one of these in my pantry at a time. I was lucky to have them both for this shoot though! Anyway, they can be used in place of each other. Just beware, because they have very different flavours. Honey has a very strong flavour and cannot be used for cooking as it burns very quickly. Whilst syrup’s flavour is less intense and it can be used for cooking as it doesn’t burn as easily.

syrup-vs-honey

Grains

Grains can be used in place of each other. Just beware of different cooking techniques and methods because they vary depending on the grain. For example, you can’t cook rice the same way you cook cous cous and vice versa.

three-grains

You Should Also Read: The Healthiest Beet & Barley Risotto | The Ultimate Gluten Free Frangipane, Peach Tart | Sugar Free Carrot Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon juice instead of vinegar

I love this one simply because I prefer the flavour of lemons to vinegar. It has a much more natural flavour. However, it is much weaker than normal vinegar so I suggest using a little extra.

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Buttermilk

On the odd occasion that I come across a recipe that asks for buttermilk, I always use the milk to buttermilk trick. How you make buttermilk is you add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to every 1 cup of milk.

buttermilk

Icing sugar

This is a very useful trick. To make icing sugar all you need to do is throw or pour (depending on your personality) some castor sugar into the blender and blend it up until fine and it resembles icing sugar.

icing-sugar

Self-rising flour

I literally only stock one kind of flour in my pantry and that’s plain flour. It’s so easy to adapt it into any kind of flour you need. To turn it into self-rising flour, simply add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to every cup of flour.

self-raising-flour-mix

Bonus clean up trick

This is the coolest trick in the book, or in this case the blog post. I love homeopathic alternatives to anything and here is a good one. It basically comes down to mixing an acid with a base. To clean any surface stone or metal surface, combine lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda. What I do is cover the surface with the lemon juice and then sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the lemon juice. Let it sizzle and then rub the mixture into the surface. Leave to sit for a little while and then wipe off.

lemon-clean-table

Happy substituting!
–Ben
Instagram @benorkin Blog + Pinterest
Snapchat: @benorks

The post Let’s Talk Substitutes appeared first on Zanita Studio.


7 Rising Fashion Bloggers You Need to Know

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In regards to fashion blogging, we understand how discouraging it can feel to see repeat names pop up over and over or how dodgy it is to have the same old salad and same old song.

But at the same time it’s imperative to recognize the journey and examine the fruits of laborious work. There’s a perpetual, veritable passage to fashion blogging evidenced by the the cream of the crop. And thanks to them for leading the way, there’s a new wave of influencers prowling the digital space. Whether it was through osmosis feeding creative souls or out of pure desire to abandon a creative rut, they’re proof that those who hustle for it can too climb up the ranks. Here we share our list of 7 rising fashion bloggers you should add to your radar:

 

#1 Gizele Oliveira of Gizelle a Go Go

gizele-oliviera-gizele-a-go-go-fashion-blogger

Why:

Gizele is unpredictable, but always fun and it probably doesn’t hurt that she looks like a model (..or is)! A scroll through her blog will surely take you through a fashionable adventure and give you a glimpse into the reality of a model’s life.

#2 Kaitlyn Ham of Modern Legacy

kaity-ham-modern-legacy

Why:

No one combines architecture and fashion quite like Kaity. She’s somehow minimalistic yet always on trend. She’s also got knack for making black & white feel new so if monochrome is your thing, we assure you, Modern Legacy won’t fail to amaze.

#3 Jenny Tsang of Tsangtastic

jenny-tsang-rising-fashion-blogger

Why:

In-depth edgy and feminine – Jenny is your girl, always flawlessly decked in leather, ruffles, fur, & lace. She’s a city girl with beautiful, editorial-esque images painted all over her blog. It’s the ideal mashup of California x New York.

#4 Paola Alberdi of Blank Itinerary

paola-alberdi-blank-itinerary-rising-fashion-blogger

Why:

Paola can easily be mistaken for a fashion stylist resulting from her ability to cull outfits that strike the perfect balance of classy and trendy. Hailing from So-Cal, she’s got that innate free spirit so many of us find mysteriously alluring.

#5 Maja Wyh Maja Wyh

maja-wyh-rising-fashion-blogger

Why:

She’s a genius mix master who’s truly perfected the art of layering – somehow appearing classic yet so lived-in. Maja is always impeccable in her variability of proportions and we’re constantly amazed by her adroit draping abilities.

#6 Pandora Sykes of Pandora Sykes

pandora-sykes-rising-fashion-blogger

Why:

With an incredible shoe collection and eclectic wardrobe, Pandora never puts together a boring outfit – she’s definitely the coolest of cool. Aside from striking outfits, she’s a witty writer with substance.

#7 Hanna Stefansson of Hanna Stefansson

hanna-stefannson-rising-fashion-blogger

Why:

We can’t get enough of the stylish Scandis and Hanna is the splitting image of that! Aside from masterful minimalism and never trying too hard, she manages to incorporate the right splashes of color and pulls together the finest monochromatic outfits.

Don’t forget to share your favorites below!

 

Image Source Credits – Stockholm Streetstyle, Gizelle a Go Go, Modern Legacy, Tsangtastic, Blank Itinerary, Maja Wyh, Pandora Sykes, Hanna Stefansson

 

You Should Also Read:
How to Start an Amazing Fashion Blog
A Roundup of Our Favorite Fashion Bloggers
My Fashion Blogger Journey

The post 7 Rising Fashion Bloggers You Need to Know appeared first on Zanita Studio.

5 Proven Ways You Can Stick to Exercising

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So, we’re half way through the first month of the year and hopefully we’re all sticking to our health and fitness regimens. A lot of us make New Year goals and resolutions and simply hope for the best, but when it comes to exercise, we shouldn’t just hope for something…we should turn it into a lifestyle and make it a part of our identity. It’s all about working hard, doing your best, and pushing through tough times. But don’t be discouraged, it’ll get better and soon, you’ll be craving a workout all the time! 

To make sure your training stays fixated, I’ve put together 5 proven ways you can stick to exercising. Just remember – we are all different and some tips will work for you and some better for others.

nike - beach - bronteHave a Training Buddy 

Training buddies are awesome – they encourage and motivate you to keep going. They hold you accountable, which means you’re bound to turn up at the gym or face the guilt of letting them down. 

Change it up 

If you’re getting bored with just one type of training, change it up. Take classes and try different types of workouts. Keep a few different activities that you enjoy at the tip of your fingers like running, training in a gym, yoga, or an oval workout – put them on rotation so you keep your body guessing while combating boredom.

Set Goals that are achievable 

It’s important to set goals that you can actually reach. Be sure to set them a little more frequently – this will give you something substantial to aim for and you’ll gain momentum as you achieve these micro-goals. Eventually, you will start to feel like you’re accomplishing things rapidly and this will in return give you the drive to stay the course! These small wins will ultimately push you towards your final goal


You Should Also Read: 7 Songs for an Intense Workout, The Best Reminders When You’re Having a Bad Day, The Best Green Smoothie 

nike - beach - bronteSchedule it 

Just like you schedule meetings, schedule your workouts. Make that appointment and don’t change it. Choose a time that works for you, block it out, and ensure you put 100% into that hour. This is your power hour 😛 

Keep it Fun 

If you don’t like it, don’t do it. Choose exercises that make you smile and things you look forward to doing. If you hate what you’re doing then you’re not going to try as hard and you will more than likely quit altogether. Exercise should and can be fun and rewarding. 

 
Remember we have days where we struggle to get out of bed and become motivated – but force yourself up even if it’s a walk or a slow jog. You’ll only feel much, much better – I promise… 

 

 

SWEAT. MOVE. SMILE. #TheHarperMovement

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

Follow me on: Instagram, FacebookTwitterYoutubeBlogLovin

 

Get Motivated

The post 5 Proven Ways You Can Stick to Exercising appeared first on Zanita Studio.

How You Can Become Fearless in Everything You Do

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zanita-jimmy-choo-green-trench-leopard-bagOne of the biggest components of living and leading a successful life is being fearless in the pursuit. But life is ironic in that we always want to create fantastic things and brew big dreams yet we’re often too fearful to bring it to reality. And the more substantial we want to make it, the more we’ll wager fear against security. Have you ever thought about where your bets are going? Are you risking happiness and fulfillment for the sake of convenience? Time to forgo the aversion and become fearless in everything you do. Let’s make good things happen.

– Make yourself vulnerable.

Nothing is guaranteed, but you can either envision magnificence in your mind all day and never take action or attempt a seemingly impossible, crazy adventure. The choice is yours – you might look stupid, unrealistic, and silly by trying, but this is the kind of discomfort that allows to experience all of you and become perfectly fine with it.

– Accept your weaknesses.

A huge piece in being fearless is recognizing your imperfections so you can let go of perfectionism and become who you really are. Accepting your weaknesses also allow you to cultivate the talents of others; remember, nothing great is ever achieved alone.

– Silence that inner negative voice.

If you’re always criticizing, demeaning, or bashing when things don’t go your way, it’s time you alter that inner voice. Treat yourself like someone important to you – your best friend, mother, or even someone you admire – what would you say to them? Speak that kind of uplifting encouragement to yourself.

– Find a mentor.

Teachers don’t end after school. Ask someone for help – someone who’s been there, done that and someone you admire. You’ll be amazed at the amount of people willing to give you direction and constructive criticism.

– Enjoy the ride.

It get’s easier with time, but only if you’re courageous enough to take the first first step. You’ll rack up major successes almost as equally as you will failures, but the process, the journey is what’s to be embraced.

These things take time!

Image Source Credits – Style Du Monde

You Should Also Read:
The First Step to Living the Life of Your Dreams
5 Steps to Developing Self-Confidence
How to Start a Side Hustle

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Why ‘Fake it til You Make it’ Works

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In the era of the Internet, it’s true that we are anyone and anything we wanna be. And despite the possibility of seeming annoying when there are so many wanna-bes and so much garbage to wade through to get to something good, it often times works.

minimalist-outfit-stan-smith-sneakersWhen it comes to pursuing your passion especially in creative or entrepreneurial endeavors, you’ve got to be your biggest cheerleader and probably the only one at times. The scary thing about that is that in the beginning phases of anything, you’re going to feel ambivalent, incompetent, and insecure. You won’t have all the skills or resources to output what’s ideal, but at 20-something, even 30-something, and inexperienced, you can’t expect to. The only way you’ll ever know if you can create something massive is to test your limitations and you do that by starting the quest.

Everything you take on in life is a process and inevitably, you almost always suck in the beginning. However, by doing it even while sucking at it, you eventually get good at it. It’s true – practice makes perfect. And because nothing is ever perfect, you’re always practicing (by doing or pretending to know what you’re doing).

The thing with ‘fake it til you make it’ is that it’s merely a mindset. No one cares if you’re faking it, they only notice when you’ve made it. And by that time, it’s no longer a pretense, you’re an expert.

In my early days before Zanita Studio, I scrawled incoherently through 4-1/2 years of blogging (which I’m even embarrassed to declare “blogging”), pretending to be a writer, a blogger with no formal training or experience. I just wrote all the time because it was something I wanted to habituate. I never knew I’d be capable of written communications for a MADE FASHION BLOGGER yet here I am – title in hand and all. And though I hate to admit it, I guess I had really faked it all along..

So in fact, it does work – when you fake it, you tend to make it. But only through enough practice to get really good at it.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

Image Source Credits – Nohlita

You Should Also Read:
How You Can Become Fearless in Everything You Do
How to Master the Art of Getting What You Want
5 Reasons to Take More Risks

The post Why ‘Fake it til You Make it’ Works appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The Unexpected Price of Travelling

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I love the thrill of Fashion Week. I still remember the very first time I jumped out of a car to arrive at the shows and the swarm of street style photographers – the way the music thunders just before a show begins, seeing some of my friends after a season away and chatting about all their inspiring successes. There’s not many chances to sleep over the week (or month!) but it’s the adrenalin that keeps you going. THE FASHION.

nyfw-street-day2-11Photo by Phil Oh

So let’s recap.

I’m going to give rough estimates on this because I genuinely don’t have a handle on my next five days of travel let alone what’s been done. All I know is since NYFW in September my travel schedule went something like this…

10 days in NYC – 1 day in Stockholm – 3 days in London – 2 days in Stockholm – 5 days in Milan – 7 days in Paris – 12 days in New York – 14 days in Sydney – 6 days in Fiji – 1 day in Sydney – 6 days in London – 3 days in Stockholm – 1 day in London – 4 days in Sydney – 4 days in Tasmania – 6 days in Sydney – 7 days in Esperance – 4 days in Sydney – 3 days in Las Vegas – 6 days in Sydney – 3 days in London – 4 days in Stockholm… 

marimekko-pink-flowers-maxi-new-york-hillier-bartley-nyfwI’ve always dreamt one day I would find a job that allows me to travel. It’s not really what I had in mind! You can’t imagine how fiercely I’m craving  the simple act of placing my suitcase in storage and unpacking all my clothes away in a wardrobe. Climbing into my own bed. Having full-sized toiletries. Looking forward to the weekend. The opportunity to buy books, homewares, pictures in frames…things that aren’t suitcase friendly.

I do see the light at the end of the tunnel…around April. I might spend the summer laying on a sun bed reading for two weeks straight. I’ll have a phone burning ceremony. Go normcore. Do a vegan cleanse… (who am I kidding?) #steak #wine #yas

So the whole point of this is that we’re approaching round 2.

NYFW, the Freezing February Edition, is right around the corner and I’m terrified. Don’t make me do it!

Thankfully, I’ve got Gustav serving me the positive affirmations – these amazing opportunities aren’t put past me – the constant travel sometimes takes the sheen off things. Kinda like having your favourite meal everyday and suddenly it’s the last thing you want to eat.

I’m doing my best to be as organised as I can and it’s going to be my second season having a team of  people involved so we might create the best content possible. One of the best lessons I’ve learnt as I’ve grown in my success as a blogger is you can’t do everything alone. It’s so wonderful that I can just focus on those things I’m best at – taking pictures and sharing them and my style with you all! Thanks for your patience again these past few months.

Here’s to pushing forward!

You Should Also Read:
Checking In and Checking Out of New York
What It’s Like to go to New York Fashion Week
The Music Playlist that Helped Me Survive Fashion Month

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Why a Vision Board is Anything but Average

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vision board

A vision board is one of those things that some people can find a bit hokey. I, on the other hand, happen to love them, swear by them, and use them daily. So before your preconceived notions gain momentum hear me out.

First of all, vision boards are not just a piece of cork with pretty pictures on it, that’s what Pinterest is for. No. Vision boards hold meaning and are pictures or words of significant things you wish to have or achieve in your life. Second of all, they are extremely powerful. Ask Beyonce, Drake, Katy Perry, or Ellen DeGeneres.

As humans we are visual creatures. Visualization is one of the best mind games you can play with yourself, (hello Instagram). We can use the power of visualization for either harm or hope. Let’s aim for hope.

You Should Also Read: How You Can Become Fearless in Everything You Do | Training One’s Mind for Success | How to Focus on What Matters Most: You

blogger vision board

The more you see exactly what you want, the more you’re able to head in the direction of getting it. Your brain associates visualization with feeling and we’re naturally attracted to things that make us feel, taste, look, or sound good.

Have you ever wanted something so badly whether it be a puppy, baby, shoes, or car and then obsessively googled pictures or websites for where to find it?  Whatever you want imprints on you, kind of like in Twilight (yes I went there), through visualization and more often than not you end up getting exactly what your thoughts are focussed on. I’ll say it again, visualizing turns to feeling and feeling is connected to your thoughts and your thoughts control your life. Boom.

Still not convinced a vision board is anything but average? Call Drake, on his cellphone…

What would you put on your vision board? Tell us in the comments below!

xx Brittany

Follow Me – Blog Instagram  Periscope

Photo Credit: Arianna Belle, Mechant Design

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Acne Solutions that Actually Work

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ddf-acne-products-peter-thomas-roth I was one of the lucky few who didn’t fall into the acne battlefield growing up – sure, there was the occasional white head here and there, but never full-fledged encased. No sympathy here, I know. But as I barged into my mid-20s, the imminent imparted: Adult Acne –

incurable, fierce, and deprecating!

Whether or not the phase was triggered by hormonal changes after birthing or rather an element of adulthood, I still haven’t got a clue. All I remember is the desperation and determination that loomed over as soon as it hit and that was how the journey arose. The biggest lesson I learned in trekking through the saturated skincare market though is that there are an unbelievable amount of products readily available. Therefore, much research is absolutely necessary before making final commitments. Understanding your skin-type and the role your lifestyle plays is also important. Luckily, I’ve been able to discover a few gems that remain staples in my rotation today. So here’s a succinct guide on over-the-counter acne-fighting ingredients and solutions that will actually mitigate your problems in a matter of days without scarring you for life.

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Benzoyl Peroxide

I’ve no doubt you’ve heard of benzoyl peroxide – it reduces bacteria, dries out the skin, and causes it to peel. Honestly, I’ve never liked benzoyl peroxide and never believed it to be effective until I finally tested the DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel Acne Treatment. It’s non-drying like most BP products and helps speed up the healing process within a matter of days. I’m a picker by nature and I’m not sure that’s ever going to change, but this product allows me to peel the “old” skin right off minus the discoloration.

Acids (Salicylic, Lactic, Glycolic, Azelaic, Citric)

These chemicals are essentially exfoliants that penetrate the skin to remove dead cells. Not to sound like a crazy person or anything, but I’ve tried all of the above and tend to favor salicylic and glycolic acid. I thought the others were too “weak” for the level of acne I had. And because I had so much luck with the first DDF product, I felt it was appropriate to try another one – the DDF Acne Control Treatment with salicylic acid. It’s not harsh at all and works a miracle when used in conjunction with the Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment. Both in hand accelerate the clarity of my skin and prevent new ones (until that time of the month starts to come around again).

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Sulfur

The newest discovery for me has been sulfur as a spot treatment – it’s supposed to be a major oil controller and at the same time, help shed the pore-clogging gunk. I can definitely vouch for the oil control. My skin is naturally dry, but sulfur makes it even more dry. For you all with dry skin, you can probably ditch the Peter Thomas Roth Acne Spot Treatment and DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask as they’re more suitable for normal/combo/oily skin-types. However, I do really like the DDF Sulfur Mask because it does an excellent job drawing out the crud and prepping pimples for extraction. That part of treating acne is such a pain in the arse for me so it’s a game changer.

And finally, don’t underestimate the power of natural treatments (Turmeric, Tea Tree Oil, Argan Oil, Borage Oil). More to come!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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Saving Your Face the Korean Way
Test Driving Hype Korean Beauty Products: Snail Cream
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Shoes for the Modern Woman

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Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Refinery29 and M. Gemi. All opinions are our own.

mgemi-nude-heel-mixed-print-chunky-knit
It’s funny how drastically times have changed. In the past women were one thing: homemakers. However, today’s modern women are chameleons – liberated and free.

One minute we’re big bosses making the calls and navigating jam-packed schedules; then at a moment’s notice, we instantly transform into mothers, partners, and friends flitting gracefully across all contexts.

Our lives have gotten busier by the minute and in that time, we’re all fighting to advance ourselves and our careers. However, it’s clear that no matter what kind of women we may be and how different our lives appear at the surface, there’s something universal tying us together. The first one being the challenge of doing it all and the other, looking and feeling our best in the process. Though the challenges of a modern women can be mastered with time and experience, the aesthetic piece can be fulfilled with something as simple as a shoe – our favorite accessory.

We learned quickly in our early years from Cinderella that a shoe just isn’t a shoe…with the perfect cut, right color, and standout details, shoes have the magic to empower and inspire us. They transform us into something special like nothing else in the closet – uplifting our posture, our attitude – everything. And nothing beats a classic nude pump that’s high in the heel and seasonless in shape – it’s quite the chameleon that very much embodies ourselves. Just like the women we are at the studio, the Acrobata by M.Gemi is unique in the details from the lace up in the back to the tasseled bows that swing in every walk. Yet it’s still so wearable under all circumstances whether we’re off to work, dashing to another meeting, having dinner with the family, or escaping into the night.

Thank you so much to Refinery 29  and to M.Gemi for these fabulous shoes!

mgemi-nude-heel-mixed-print-ripped-jeans
zanita-winter-style-mgemi-acrobata
mgemi-nude-heel-mixed-print

You Should Also Read:
#Pumprockers
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The post Shoes for the Modern Woman appeared first on Zanita Studio.

3 Inspiring Cities You Should Visit in 2016

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In case you haven’t noticed, we’re avid travelers for many reasons, but the primal one being the ability to escape and see life in a different light. Out of this very one thing spawns endless possibilities in creativity and of utmost importance, oneself. Though you can always easily trot across the globe to the confinements of a luxurious hotel/resort, there’s no magic in that. We believe the greatest experience comes about by walking around, trying new things at different places, and immersing in the locale. However, crossing boundaries often times requires much research on the destination for the sake of developing a general cultural awareness and ensuring you get to explore the best possible spots amid your excursion. Having been lucky enough to frequent several places on the face of this planet, we’ve rallied up 3 inspiring cities you should add to your itinerary in 2016 along with the best spots to infiltrate:

1. New York City

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The City that Never Sleeps…it’s true, the streets will make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you. There are countless things to experience from the food to the never exhausting scenery and the like-minded personalities that force you to transcend. There are so many reasons this city is becoming our permanent home!

EAT

The NYC food scene never disappoints and the selections are copious! Definitely test out the menu at the Cafeteria – they have an amazing take on classic dishes (if you’re into french toast – the Crunchy French Toast Croissant is a dream)! If you’re within the gaping walls of Chelsea, you’ve got to try Mokbar for ramen which fuses Korean & Japanese flavors delectably. The ABC Kitchen makes a great dinner choice for its amazing service, idyllic decor, and the freshest of fresh ingredients (all organic, non-GMO). Finish off the night with drinks at the grand Polo Bar. But don’t be fooled, they offer a full dinner menu, which is also delightful.

SEE

The MET Museum houses a massive archive of art work and artifacts from all over the globe. However, if museums aren’t your thing, you should visit the Brooklyn Bridge – it makes a beautiful backdrop for photos with its breathtaking view. Times Square is definitely a must-see especially if it’s your first NYC trip because its brightest lights and ever busy streets prove that the city truly never sleeps.

DO

Shop at Catbird for the most stunning selection of all things dainty and sparkly and do take a tour through Bergdorf Goodman for a luxurious NYC shopping experience or just to gloat over the intricate windows (especially during Christmas). If you’re in the mood for small sweets, be sure to hit up Laduree for divine macarons and ornate pastry sculptures.

2. Hong Kong

ferry-hongkong-hong-kong-budgetCat-street-market-vintage-hong-kong

Hong Kong is really the most incredible amalgamation of old and new world. The cityscape ceaselessly amazes, the food scene is equally as good, and the commute options feel infinite (with the addition of the ferry rides). From the bustling city life to the tranquil rawness, there’s much to see, eat, and do.

EAT

When in Hong Kong, dim sum is a must and Dim Dim Sum takes the cake with their great variety and most adorable custard buns. If you have a crazy obsession with Chinese Baos like we do, be sure to drop in Little Bao for the best ever selection. However, if you’re more into that peking duck, Island Tang is definitely the winner. To land a sumptuous Hong Kong experience, set some time aside for afternoon tea at
The Peninsula – they offer a decadent plate of little pastries and canapes. The tea though really is that good!

SEE

For a bit of old world culture, you’ll be dazzled by the charms and antiques you find at the Cat Street Markets. If you’re more so looking to get a serene view of the beautiful slopes, take a hike up the Dragons Back.

DO

For a wide view of the Hong Kong coastline, the inexpensive Star Ferry will give you quite the exposure. If you’re looking for little souvenirs or gifts, Loveramics has the best collection of ceramics that do the job. You can also indulge in the night life by promenading the streets of Wan Chai – the drink and gift shops are sure to keep you up all night.

3. Madrid

madrid-city-guideautumn-vibes-retiro-kling-boyfriend-cortefiel-nike-bikes_madrid-0010

We’ve never actually been to Madrid, but always find ourselves lusting over the exquisite backdrops of our friends at Cup of Couple. If we ever get the chance to go, we know what fun things we’ll be taking in…

EAT

Sacha seems to be the place where chefs dine and after perusing the reviews and images, it’s easy to see why – seemingly delicious homestyle cooking that makes us froth at the mouth. The contemporary, high-ceilings at Bosco de Lobos alone make this place enticing, but the modern American-Italian cuisine looks even better! Lastly, we know tapas is mandatory when in Spain and TriCiclo looks like the perfect place for them.

SEE

Sight seeing is always a must wherever we go and the facades along Gran Via look like the place to be. We also always hear about the breathtaking rooftop bars, so we’d be interested in hopping over to La Terazza del Urban to get a shot of the skylines and old city center.

DO

We’ve learned from experience that the local markets are the best way to immerse in the culture and food of a particular area so we’d definitely hit up the Mercado de San Miguel. With that said, we’d also hit up Rastro Market – one of the oldest markets in Europe.

Did we miss anything you’d recommend? If you’ve been to any of these cities, we’d love to hear all about it!

 

Travel supported by Cathay Pacific Airlines.

 

Image Source Credits – Grease & Glamour, The Styleograph, Cup of Couple, Only You Hotels

You Should Also Read:
The Unexpected Price of Travelling
Dream Destinations: London City Guide
Florence Video Diary

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10 Ways to Transform Your Snow Day into A Beauty Holiday

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zanita-red-lips-portraitThanks to Jonas, the entire East Coast was basically snowed in all weekend. Your initial reaction may have been to delight in the extended time off only to realize that there’s nothing much to do but watch endless hours of Netflix or indulge in a digital shopping spree. Although there’s nothing wrong with lazy days clad in your coziest pajamas, it might be a better idea to satiate in some of life’s more consuming beauty routines. It’s especially paramount on days like these, where shielding your face and your body from the flurries and freezing temperatures is mandatory. If you’re unsure of where to start, here are 10 ideas to jumpstart your beauty holiday:

#1 Try the new invigorating face wash

Sparkling water might just be the next big wave in the world of beauty so if you have any carbonated water lying around, mix it with equal parts of tap water and dip your clean face in the concoction for a few seconds. Let the fizz work it’s magic, then pat dry.

#2 Try multimasking

20 minutes can feel time consuming when you’re flustered with work and other life activities so a snow day is perfect to put on a mask since you’ve got no where to go. But don’t just elect one – we all have multiple skin concerns, which may not subsist within the same vicinity of one another. This is where multimasking comes in handy. You’re basically creating a customized face mask by applying several treatments that serve different purposes all at once.

#3 Put on a Hair Mask

I’m super low maintenance when it comes to my hair mostly due to a lack of interest and hopelessness. My hair is always dry because I don’t use conditioner yet I still can’t seem to remember to put a mask on it until I’m already midway through my shower (ain’t no body got time for that) – it’s already too late. So when I do have all the time in the world and nothing to do, a hair mask makes it feel absolutely soft and healthy. You should tend to yours too.

#4 Indulge in a calming bath

I can’t remember the last time I sat in a bath tub although I’ve had Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Bath Essence in my stash for over a year now. A snowy day is the perfect time to actually light some candles and lay in a tub filled with calming oils. When you put something lavishing off for so long you actually start to forget how grand it feels.

#5 Oil up

My skin can never get enough moisture so the timing has been fitting for oils. I can rub some on the bottom of my feet and all over my hands sans the need to walk or wash my hands within 30 seconds of doing so.
makeup-bag-beauty-products

#6 Pluck your stray hairs

I’m not a waxer or a threader. I don’t have much brow hair anyways so I just pluck them, but I often forget to amongst the daily grind. I realized how many strays sprouted the other night and spent a good 10 minutes grooming my brows.

#7 Clean out your vanity

We all have our tried and true products – the ones we wear day after day and would buy over and over, but we also have those one-offs we buy impulsively and hardly reach for. This is the perfect opportunity to declutter the vanity and scrap those years-old products. Remember, makeup expires!

#8 Wash your makeup brushes

Ideally, I’d love to wash my makeup brushes and beauty blenders daily, but realistically, I get around to doing it maybe once every 10 days. Take 15-20 minutes to perform a deep cleanse. Nothing is better than fresh, spotless tools.

#9 Practice the winged eyeliner

No matter how many tutorials have piled up, it seems there are many out there who struggle crafting that crisp, covet-worthy winged eyeliner. Well now you have a reason to practice – bring out the makeup remover, q-tips, and all the liners you own. Figure out which medium you’re inclined to.

#10 Perfect the bold lip

Lip liner is officially in, but not that 2000s stripper look. If you’re new to lip lining or wearing bold lipstick period, you can now experiment without the embarrassment. Take a soft tip pencil liner and draw those boundaries to perfection.

The post 10 Ways to Transform Your Snow Day into A Beauty Holiday appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The 3 Real Truths About Blogging

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fashion-bloggerI know there’s a ton of articles out there telling you, ‘Blog secrets revealed!’ or ‘How to really make money blogging’, but the truth is there are only 3 real ingredients for any successful blog.

And they’re not hard to figure out; just look at the successful blogs already out there. What do they all have in common? How do they keep you coming back for more? What are they doing that you’re not? How can you do what they’re doing better?

Once you answer those questions, you’ll be in good shape. Lucky for you, we’re going to skip those tough questions that take years to figure out and dive right into the 3 truths about blogging.

1. Exceptionally beautiful pictures are key

Not just one picture, but all of your blog, Insta, Pinterest, and Facebook pictures must be perfect. You have the right amount of bokeh and you stick to a theme. A theme meaning you edit all your pictures the exact same way and add interest to your Insta feed by mixing outfit shots with food, flatlays, and scenery. Happily Grey is an amazing example of this. Not only do all her pictures have the same warm, grey undertone, but her blog name reflects exactly what her blog is about.

P.S. A big misconception is that you need some fancy camera to achieve this. You don’t. Some bloggers strictly use an iPhone and just find super cool walls to stand in front of.

2. You must add massive value

Ever since I discovered Tony Robbins, this has become my mantra: to add massive value to people’s lives. As I mentioned earlier you can do what other people are doing as long as you’re doing it the best way for them. This isn’t about you, this is about your readers. You need to find a way to add massive value to their lives so much that it keeps them coming back for more and they recommend you to everyone they know. Once you have your readers’ best interests in mind, they’ll trust you and love you forever.

blogging-truths3. It’s not what you do, but how you do it

Strategy and success are the peanut butter and jelly to life. One without the other doesn’t work out too well. I don’t care if you’re We Wore What, The Blonde Salad, or The Skinny Confidential, without specific strategy these ladies would not be where they are today.

Every last detail of a successful blog is planned from the times you post on social media, when you promote a product (your own or sponsored), making sure you stay “on brand”, to if/how you utilize Facebook ads. It’s a LOT, but the tedious strategic study is worth it when success comes knocking on your door. If you want something, go after it, but always research the best ways to get there.

Ideally all 3 of these truths will set you up for blogging success but as long as you have one in combination with #3, you can kick a$$ in the blogosphere.

Do you find these truths to be real? Tell us in the comments below!

xx Brittany

Follow Me – Blog Instagram  Periscope

Photo Credit: innovateos, Adenorah, WhoWhatWear

You Should Also Read:
Answering Your Questions About Blogging and Business
How to Start an Amazing Fashion Blog
The Importance of Innovation in Blogging

The post The 3 Real Truths About Blogging appeared first on Zanita Studio.

4 Things to Avoid So You Can Wake Up Happier

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newspaper-in-bed

Alarm goes off – snooze. Just 5 more minutes! Snooze again. Alarm rings for the nth time – shit, I’m late. Forget it, no make up or breakfast. Maybe I’ll apply some mascara in the car or when I get to work and snag a pop tart…

Can you relate? Likely. We’re all fighting to be self-made, constantly on the go, which means living through late nights, tons of pressure and tons of stress , and waking up to unduly early mornings – who can stay sane living life at this pace? It eventually leads to burn out and maybe you have it confused with happiness, or lack thereof. So take back the reins of your days…a happy start usually results in a happy ending. And we always hear people talk about what you should be doing – i.e. eat a healthy breakfast, take a calming bath, etcetera etcetera, but what about things you shouldn’t be doing?! Here are are 4 things you should avoid in order to wake up happier:

#1 Late night snacks

Don’t eat at least 3 hours prior to sleeping at night – no fruits, no nuts, no vegetables. Totally unrelated to weight gain, late night munchies mean your stomach is still working to digest those goods and in turn, you won’t be able to maximize a good night sleep. Ever wake up feeling physically uncomfortable in your gut? That’s probably why.

#2 The snooze

Chances are that if you hit the snooze once, you’ll be hitting it again. Falling back asleep for even 10 minutes will make you even more tired and dazed than if you had just woken up the first time. We know it’s hard, but just get up.

Hyatt-Rooftop-6

#3 Social media

Stay off of social media – it’s not the news and you’re not missing out. Social media is one of those things that will have you browsing for hours without even realizing where time is going – it’ll only make you later than you’re already running. That influx of information also starts to create pressure – are others more successful and happier than you right in that exact moment? There’s no need to start the morning off in that light. Another option is to just lay off your phone for a little while.

#4 E-mails

We know the to-do list never stops…the pile just gets higher, but e-mails create stress. They also tend to make the list longer. So wait a little, take a few minutes to enjoy the little things in life before you jump into the madness.

Image Source Credits – The Reformation

 

You Should Also Read:
The Best Approach to Setting Goals and Achieving Them
5 Little Reminders to Keep You Worry Free
The First Step to Living the Life of Your Dreams

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