We had two full days of rain in New York last week. Like non-stop.

I honestly don’t mind the cold, the heat, the humidity, but I hate rain. It’s uncomfortable, water seems to get everywhere, and wet clothes just isn’t my cup of tea. We actually went to a Studio one of those day and I was wearing my new favorite pink faux fur jacket (I got a great deal on it during Black Friday) with a pair of flared jeans and Chelsea boots. I loved my look.

But, I had no idea it was raining and had no time to go back and change and wound up soaking wet and cold. My hair had gone wild, my boots were completely ruined (suede + water = disaster), and my mood became gloomy.

The whole incident got me thinking about what fashion girls wear when it rains like that. First, you have to be aware of the fabric and materials – never get faux fur or suede wet (unless the suede has been treated). The first one can develop a smell (which it luckily didn’t), and the second one stains hard (which it did).

Of course there’s an ideal uniform, but I don’t want to spend the whole winter puffed.

Then it hit me – I was on to feasible and creative solutions for when it pours. #ootd

#1 Embrace the umbrella as an accessory

Your umbrella has to become part of your outfit. Up until recently, I had a transparent umbrella – it makes a perfect pairing with anything. If you have an old, boring umbrella, play with your outfit. Mix prints or use bold colors. Turn it up!

#2 Trench coats

This is why they exist. Sure, they’re cool and represent the ultimate Brit-girl look, but they are made for situations where the rain leads. And since they are such a timeless piece, you can go all out with the accessories. We’re talking (waterproof) fun shoes, patches in your jeans, and statement anything.

#3 Embrace it

Rain-proof garments are how you deal with it. No opportunity is to be wasted. The thing about fashion is, it’s meant to be playful. There are no faux pas, so you can go all out and be creative. Even if you’re wearing the so-called “ugly trends“, there’s always a way to make it work.

I always think that women with great style are one of the most powerful and intimidating figures because they’re always exuding confidence – even if they were wearing a trash bag! Whether it’s socks and sandals, a huge puffer jacket, or raincoat and rain boots, they just kill it!

What do you wear when it rains?

Shop some of our rain-approved items:

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

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The post What Fashion Girls Wear When It Rains Cats and Dogs appeared first on Zanita Studio.

‘Tis the season for holiday parties! Ho! Ho! Ho!

For most, it’s just another reason to get together with co-workers, friends, and maybe family. But it doesn’t matter – this time of year is the most famous time for holiday parties. It might sound frivolous, but it’s v. important to us fashion girls…

There seems to be a lot of rules, as opposed to the no faux pas mentality I was dwelling on the other day. Obviously, you want to look amazing, and there are so many options to pick from. You can try casual chic, festive in reds and gold, or provocative. Thank goodness fast, and now even high, fashion brands have made it easy for us althought the options do feel overwhelming at times.

We hear you. Holidays are stressful enough with gift giving (have you seen our gift guides?), travel plans, and indulging much in hot chocolate and Christmas movies. We’re going to save you some time – here are 3 different options for the season’s holiday parties. You can definitely take credit yourself and we won’t even be mad.

#1 The office party

Gucci Dress, Marco de Vicenzo Heels, Jimmy Choo Clutch, Chloé Coat, Cornelia Webb Rings (1, 2)

For the office party, you’ll want to bring your A-game. Of course, you might have to lean classic, but do so as bold as you can. Have fun, show your peers how creative you can be.

Shop more dresses below:

#2 The Secret Santa party

Tibi Culottes, See by Chloé Blouse, Gucci Leather Mules, Catbird Ring, Dolce & Gabbana Bucket Bag, Kevin Aucoin Palette

Secret Santa parties are always a bit more casual, comprising of close friends or co-workers. Of course you still want to dress it up a notch – it’s a party after all. So, go with a pair of silk pants, your favorite mules, and a ruffle shirt. Keep the make up and accessories simple. Voilá!

Shop more pants below:

#3 The OMG I might see my ex-boyfriend party

Self Portrait Dress, Rochas Leather Sandals, Sonia Rykiel Clutch, Leur Logette Coat, Sophie Buhai Earrings, By Terry Lipstick

If your ex-boyfriend is going to be at the Christmas party, you’re surely going to want to look your best. It’s not a question of should, but MUST. I would totally wear this gorgeous Self-Portrait dress with a pair of gorgeous heels, hair up and make-up on point.

Shop more dresses below:

What are you wearing this holiday season?

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

5 Outfit Formulas All Women Should Have Ready To Wear
The Winter Uniform Every Cool Girl Will Be Wearing
What Fashion Girls Wear When It Rains Cats and Dogs

The post 3 Looks for This Season’s Holiday Parties appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Life can get pretty tough, complicated and busy. We definitely know it. And even though 2016 is approaching its end, there’s still time to do everything you set out for.

Here, at the Studio, we are guilty of multitasking and maybe taking on more than we should, but we have a system. And part of that system involves personal projects, hobbies or goals we might have. It’s important to never forget to treat yourself and keep in mind you matter most.

Whether it’s a DIY, learn a skill, lose 3 pounds, you have to find the time. And we are providing you the tools to get there:

#1 Stop procrastinating

Procrastination is our own worst enemy – after our own mind. Nowadays there are so many ways to do it – but we’re not giving you any more. Make sure you focus on what you have to do before you can relax at the end of the day and binge watch the new season of your favorite TV show.

#2 Focus

Do everything else before you focus on you. If you work from home, make sure your bed is made, the dishes are clean and lit some candles. If you work in an office, answer all important e-mails, attend the mid-day meeting and then, listen to some music and tackle your project. The important thing is to completely focus when it’s time to do it.

#3 No excuses

We tend to find lots of excuses not to do something. Pretty much like procrastinating, either it’s because we don’t think we can do it, or it’s hard or you’ve never done it before. If you want to start a blog, start it, if you want to go to a gym, go. At this point, there shouldn’t be any excuses stopping you.

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The post How to Finish Your Personal Projects Before It’s Too Late appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It still baffles me why there aren’t more bloggers who talk about the most important issues going on in the world right now and I’m not talking about politics. The destruction of forests, depletion of the orangutan population (down to 7,300 in the entire world) for Palm oil, Native American rights being oppressed for the Dakota pipeline, and our overall neglect for the environment through climate change (this past October was the warmest October in history).

Whether you believe in climate change or not, the litter and pollution we’re putting into this earth is not good, we can all agree about that.

This isn’t the most fun stuff to read about, let alone think about, but it’s real and we can’t ignore it anymore.

If we don’t do something about it, our world will be completely different. Animals will become extinct, wars will break out not because of religion but resources like food and water. All hope isn’t lost, though, Sweden is setting an amazing example by becoming the first country to run mostly on clean energy. And right now the U.S. is part of the Paris Climate Agreement which pledges to “go green” and reduce, if not eliminate, our reliance on fossil fuels. But we need more people to get in on the action, so here’s something unconventional you can do to make your blog stand out for the holidays…

Blog about giving back

Again, I can’t believe more bloggers aren’t doing this already. Blogging about important issues in the world is one of the most important things a blogger can do.

And I’m not just talking about a picture on Instagram with #beforetheflood. I’m talking about actually telling us what we can do to help on your blog, in your Instagram caption, on Snapchat, etc.

There are enough complaints and prayers about what’s wrong in the world already. We need formidable actions we can take right now to make it better.

Change.org is a great site I get emails from regularly, and with the click of a button, you can sign a petition and make a difference. We need to make important issues a priority in our blogs, especially during the holidays while people are in the spirit of giving.

Let’s start a blog movement, let’s make giving back cool.

Get your followers involved

Once you start bringing awareness to important issues, you can throw in a few places that your followers can donate to during the holidays. The donations don’t just have to be monetary either. You can give care packages, donate your time, or bring awareness to certain organizations or movements. You can even get your friends super unique gifts that give back and ask your followers to do the same.

For example, a $50 donation to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust allows you to foster an elephant for the year. What a great gift idea! I know I’d be stoked to see I got to foster an elephant for Christmas. Not only is it a great gift idea but you’ll be the blogger that stands out from the crowd. While everyone else is making their “gift ideas for mom” you can be making “gift ideas for the person who hates gifts” or something along those lines.

Here are a few of my favorite nonprofit organizations: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Hope for Paws, International Animal Rescue, and North Shore Animal League.

Document what you’re doing to make a difference

Half the reason no one knows about what they can do to help during the holidays is because no one is showing them! You can be the blogger who leads the way to a new kind of gift: the gift of giving. People are never more inspired than they are around the holidays, so now is your chance to really make an impact.

Bloggers are influencers – we look to them for what’s trendy, what we should be doing, where we should be eating, what we should be buying, etc. By documenting your contribution to the world, you’re making a whole new kind of trend. And most of your followers want to be like you so why not give them the opportunity to be like you by doing good in the world? It’s really a win-win.

Shop & donate your old clothes to H&M

If you’re not into any of the options, the least you can do is shop and share items from H&M. Why? Because H&M is one of the few fast fashion companies that is environmentally conscious. If you’re an avid fashion lover, I’m sure you know of its “Conscious Collection” which is all made from recycled clothing that we, yes we, donate.

Not only that, but when you donate your old clothes you get 15% off your entire purchase every day of the year! During earth week and the holidays, that percent increases. The majority of my shopping guides are filled with H&M products, not only because their pieces are great quality, but because I love what the company stands for.

Are you passionate about a cause or organization? Share with us in the comments!
 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Bows & Sequins

You Should Also Read:

7 Affiliate Programs for Bloggers
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The post 4 Ways to Make Your Blog Stand Out for the Holidays  appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It’s a wonderful time of the year!

But I know that in the back of your mind, you’re thinking, “How am I going to stay on top of health and fitness?” Yes, it’s going to be difficult with all the parties and celebrations but there are a few small things you can do to stay on track.

The first thing is accepting that you might be all over the place. Don’t feel guilty about it, just enjoy it, and know that you’ll be back on track and in your groove come January 1.

With that said, don’t fall of the wagon completely and do your best to keep it clean and moving.

Here are some ways you can stay in shape for the holidays:

Make sure your breakfast is healthy

If you’re worried about the naughty foods, keep breakfast healthy. Skip the bagel and cream cheese, french toast, and eggs benedict. Reach for whole foods packed with nutrients, which will keep you full longer. Like what? My green smoothie with spinach, protein and banana, the infamous avocado toast, or poached eggs with greens and goats cheese seal the deal!

Get some quick exercises in everyday (even if it’s just a run)

My biggest advice is to not break the habit of exercising each day! If you can’t stay on top of eating healthy, make sure you are still winning by going for brisk walks, quick mile runs, taking on a simple indoor workout. Sweating a little is better than none, and it’s super important to keep your fitness levels up so you don’t return huffing and puffing in January.

Snack Wisely

Packing your own snacks help you fight the temptation of just grabbing what’s available. This is especially important if you work in a corporate setting where you’re constantly treated with holiday cookies, cupcakes, or candy. We love fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt.

Limit the Drinks

Who doesn’t love a good glass of wine or cocktail, but limit yourself to only one or two glasses. You also want to make sure you eat before you drink. Alcoholic drinks are typically loaded with sugar and can do some major damage to your digestive system, so let’s keep it to a minimum.

Drink Water

And an obvious, but super important – load up on the aqua. Eating a lot of salty foods and loading up on the alcohol requires you to upkeep your fluid levels! Not only is is a great way to flush out the toxins, but it keeps your skin fresh and makes you feel fuller!

Remember that it’s okay to treat yourself conservatively, but don’t give up on your health and fitness. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

– Mon 

Follow Mon on Instagram
Snapchat: @mb_harper

Image Source Credits: Pinterest, Camille Styles

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The post How to Stay in Shape for the Holidays appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I’ve really been stepping up my game this year with all these new lip products…

That’s usually the last item I ever think about splurging on, but I guess the further I move up into my 20s, the more elevated I want to look. And that means less eyeshadow and more lipstick. I thought now would be a good time to share my favorite lip products this fall/winter, which basically consists of everything I’ll be using for any holiday get-togethers… Whether you’re a lip balm, vampy lip, or high gloss kind of girl, there’s something in this stash you’ll enjoy for sure.

Le Metier de Beaute Moisture Matte Lip Creme

If you’re a girl who loves color, this Moisture Matte Lip Creme is bomb(dot)com. It comes off so vivid and pigmented you’d better be careful when applying because it isn’t very forgiving. I don’t like any lip products that feel sticky, but that’s just the nature of these liquid lipsticks/lipstick-gloss hybrids. So yes, it will feel a little gummy at first, but that vanishes pretty quickly, leaving you with a beautiful velvety, long-lasting finish. I love this product in the shade Mannequin, which you can see in action here – feels like spice and everything fall. It won’t dry out your lips (thank God!) and doesn’t smear. There’s also a huge range of colors to pick from. You can’t go wrong here.

Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme

The lip creme is different from the Moisture Matte Lip Creme in that it’s not full coverage – it’s more for my lipgloss girls. If you prefer a hint of color with long wear-time and beautiful, but understated color, this one is for you. It makes a beautiful finish on top of lipstick or lip liner, which is how I typically wear it. Let it shine!

Tatcha Red Camellia Lip Balm

I could go on & on how amazing Tatcha products are, and this lip balm just adds to its already glorious collection. This lip balm is limited (only available for the 2016 holiday season), so don’t wait if you have the slightest thirst for it. If you’re afraid of the color, don’t be – the red is evocative of the bright rich color often seen on the lips of the geisha, but it comes off so faint… You get just enough color to slightly brighten up the lips – I honestly wish it showed more color; however, I can’t complain given the soft and silky after effect. I love that it looks glossy, but doesn’t feel sticky or tacky like your traditional lip gloss. If you suffer from dry lips, you’ll really love this product because it delivers all-day moisture and feels really lovely on. It’s become my everyday lip balm of choice.

Bobbi Brown Lip Color – True Rose

I’ve never tried a Bobbi Brown lipstick, but got a mini in one of the holiday kits, and was just blown away. Bobbi Brown has just been winning me over one thing at a time. This lipstick is creamy, matte, and pigmented while keeping the lips nice and healthy looking (and feeling). Best of all, it doesn’t accentuate dryness or peeling. This color

Ilia Lipsticks

I spoke of the Ilia Lipsticks here, but needed to show you exactly how gorgeous they are. The three I have are Ilia’s latest launch this fall and I can’t tell you how lovely they are. I’m always drawn to a nude lip… Yes, reds are so glam and posh, and plums so forward, but nothing strikes me like a beautiful nude lip, but better. The three colors are Lucy’s Party (a deep oxblood – worn above), Madam Mina (a mauve tan – bottom right), and The Brides (a warm nude – bottom left). Madam Nina is the perfect everyday lip color while Lucy’s Party will amp you up for the parties. The Brides came on more pink than I anticipated, which threw me off a little, but I’m surprised at how much I liked it. The buttery soft finish and hydrating properties of these just can’t be surpassed. I highly recommend them.

 Tarte Lip Paint

Tarte is definitely leading the pack in progressive natural beauty brands. First off, there’s an infinite amount of gorgeous colors to choose from. Below, I’m wearing Bling – you can see how matte and pigmented it is, which is very representative of every color I’ve tried. It goes on opaque in one swipe and feels a little goopy at first, but dries quickly and comfortably into your lips. I didn’t find them drying at all, so if you’re wanting long-lasting vibrant lips for those parties, this one is highly impressive.

SHOP MY FAVORITES!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

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The post New Fall/Winter Lip Products I Can’t Put Down appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Reading is an important task at the Studio – it’s a great breakaway from technology and reality.

There’s a sense of accomplishment in reading something cover to cover, but aside from that, books serve several purposes. They can be entertaining, become an escape, educational, comical, or inspirational – even all at once. Sometimes, we’re old school and like have a physical book in hand…plus, they make lovely decorative pieces on our shelves.

If you’re having trouble finding great books to read this season, and need a good excuse to stay in with a cup of hot chocolate or tea, here are 5 books we’ve been loving.

#1 Capture Your Style, by Aimee Song

This year, Aimee Song released her first book, Capture Your Style. In a witty and very simple way, Aimee takes us through the journey of creating the perfect Instagram feed. She talks about her journey and how she conquered the social media world. Her great style is beautifully documented on this one-afternoon-read book. It makes a great coffee table book too.

#2 Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion

If you’re into soft and easy-to-read novels, the Rosie Project is perfect for you. Don is the most rational guy you’ll ever meet, but he finds himself in astray of different and unusual situations. Find out what happens to this not-so-easy to like character in a funny, clever, and very intelligent novel.

#3 Bloom, by Estée Lalonde

Again, supporting our fellow bloggers… Bloom is Estée’s first book and talks about navigating life and style. It’s very well written and goes deep into Estée’s life and her deepest candid conversations. If you follow her on YouTube you know, the whole book screams her name. It’s simple, aesthetically beautiful and exceptionally written.

#4 The Food Lovers Cleanse, by Sara Dickerman

Love food? Can’t stop eating the good stuff? Then The Food Lovers Cleanse is definitely for you. It’s mainly designed to help you cleanse after the holidays. You get four two-week seasonal plans and 140 different recipes. But unlike other books, it helps you recycle leftovers – which can be somewhat annoying and wasteful to have and not use. The pictures are delightful and the whole book is a very easy read.

#5 The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt

This fiction Pulitzer Prize winner is a serious page turner. The Goldfinch starts off with a twist and latches you on to what’s happening next, and next, and next. It’s written from a 13 year-old boy’s perspective and how he lives after his mother dies in an accident. He’s taken in by a rich family, living in Park Avenue, New York.

Any books you recommend for this season? We would love to know!

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he 5 Best Autobiographies to Read if You Want to Work in Fashion

The post 5 Books That Will Make You Want to Stay Home appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Bloggers tend to slow down around the holidays.

After Thanksgiving and before the New Year, it’s just a generally slow time for everyone. We’re spending time with family, watching classic Christmas movies, and attending parties.

You may be thinking, “But I’m seeing this blogger do that for Christmas, and that blogger do this for Hannakuh.” Well, let me tell you that all those campaigns you’re seeing were planned way in advance, like sometimes as early as September, which is actually extremely smart. Planning ahead gets you ahead for sure. So if you find yourself bored and your blog is slow around the holidays, here’s what you can do to set you up for success:

Schedule your content calendar into the New Year

If you follow me on Snapchat (un: notanothrblonde), you’ll know that I just started planning for 2017 a few nights ago. I have my content planned for 2 weeks into January, 7 days a week.

With this slow time you can prepare for the new year with new projects and new content. This way when the holidays come and go, you’re not left scratching your head for what to do next.

Extra time off around the holidays means extra time in general. So don’t waste it relaxing – use it and hustle! I know you’re tired, we’re all tired, but if you really want it, you’ll stop at nothing to make it happen. Start working on your New Year content now.

Recycle old content with different mediums

Recycling old blog content is one of my favorite things to do. It saves time and inspires you when you’re uninspired. Recycling old content doesn’t mean you’re copying and pasting. It means you’re expanding on a concept you’ve already talked about. Here’s the thing: bloggers do this all the time! It’s not cheating, it just makes sense. It’s impossible for bloggers to make completely original content 7 days a week. There has to be some overlapping.

For example, if you had a really great blog post from a few weeks ago, it wouldn’t hurt to recycle it into a YouTube video, Instastory, or Snapchat rant. On the flip side, if you have an awesome video, try expanding on it with a blog post. You can use cross promotion for these types of things by referencing the video or blog post too. You could tell your followers something like, “If you liked my video on ::topic::, I dove deeper on ::topic:: in today’s blog post, check it out!” That way you’re giving your audience two chances to hear what you have to say on two different mediums.

You can also try bringing old content back to life through a musical.ly, Periscope, or Anchor segment. These are uncommon apps that could really help you tap into a new audience. Since the audience is new, the content will really be new!

Launch a big project

If your blog collabs are slowing down and your content is at a bit of a standstill, now is the time to work on a really big, new, exciting project. A lot of bloggers launch new stuff in the new year because it makes sense. So why can’t you be one of those bloggers?

You can launch a service, course, book, podcast, video series, etc. (I may or may not be launching something myself!) Like I always say, the sky is the limit, so don’t hold yourself back because you think you don’t have the skills, the time, or the expertise. You most certainly do.

It’s a big year to make a big splash so what are you waiting for?

Do you have any exciting new things in the works right now? Tell us about it. Now is your time to promote it right here in the comments! 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Drifting Nomad, Gary Pepper Girl

You Should Also Read:

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The post What to Do If Your Blog is Slow Around the Holidays appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The first thing I do when I go on Instagram is read and respond to my comments.

Then I’ll go to the people’s profiles who commented to see who they are, where they’re from, and what they do. I do this because I like to feel connected to my audience and show my appreciation for them taking the time out to comment on my stuff.

There are a few people in the Instagram industry who have an outrageously high engagement rate, like 170 comments and the person only has 19K followers or something. 19K followers is a lot for bloggers who have less than 19K, but compared to those with millions, it’s really not that much. Bloggers who have millions of followers usually get an average of 100-200 comments per picture. So to see a blogger with 19K followers getting that much is a bit alarming to me.

When I check these people out the comments range from the standard “so cute babe!” to “love your dress!” – nothing more. This is inauthentic and spammy engagement aka it’s not real. So, what’s my point? My point is that there are 2 places bloggers can choose to spend their time: 1. On other bloggers’ blogs, 2. On their own blogs. I choose the latter.

In other blogger’s businesses

When a blogger’s engagement to follower ratio is off, it’s most likely because they’re spending time in other people’s business more than their own. This is fine if you’re trying to grow your Instagram following, but as I’ve mentioned before, Instagram doesn’t make you money, your blog/business does. In fact, the only social media platform that does make you money is YouTube because of the ads.

So instead of trying to convince the unconvinced by forcing yourself onto these other bloggers through spam commenting/liking, focus on the people who are your most loyal fans, who actually want to see your content.

So much time is wasted when you’re focusing on other people’s businesses rather than your own. Even if you’re “just watching a quick video” or reading another blogger’s post, it’s taking time away from growing your own business because you’re ultimately helping them grow their businesses.

I’m not saying disconnect yourself completely from the industry – in fact, you need to stay up on current trends, strategies, and content curation if you want to stay relevant. But what I am saying is to spend the majority of your time on your blog/business. Stop browsing the web watching the latest blogger hauls and admiring how many followers blogger x, y, and z has. Hustle your own content!

On their own businesses

Now I’m going to talk about the bloggers who have turned/are turning their blogs into businesses…

The bloggers who aren’t “keeping up with the Kardashians” are too busy to stop and watch any tutorial or reality show because they’re working on their own stuff. They’re constantly creating, innovating, and marketing their own projects. The hustle doesn’t stop for these bloggers. From the time they wake up, ’til the time they go to bed, they’re making moves in the direction of their dreams.

They’re not concerned with how many inauthentic likes and comments they get on their social media channels because they are building an empire. These bloggers are communicating with their most loyal fan base and creating content they’re asking for.

The consumers are the bread and butter of your business and bloggers who are focused on their own businesses know that. So these bloggers are the ones who work on creating the best content, making attainable goals, and developing products/services that are going to better the lives of their readers. These bloggers are in it for the long haul and know the true value of adding value instead of trying to make a quick buck.

Ultimately it’s your blog and your business and only you can determine what is the best method for how you spend your time growing it.

Now the question is where do you spend your time? Tell us in the comments! 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

4 Ways to Make Your Blog Stand Out for the Holidays
The Best Way to Monetize Your Blog
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The post Best & Worst Place for Bloggers to Grow Their Business appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We’ve all been there, done that. We always forget someone or someone forgets us.

This is for those in the moment adrenaline-seeking lovers.

Because last minute gifts are, well, last minute, they should be extra special. In a way that maybe other presents aren’t. We can always go for the mixed tape, scrapbook, or even homemade video. But if you really want to impress someone and ain’t really got time for the sentimental DIYs, go in for the wow factor.

Here are a few items that have the big sparkle your last minute gifts need. They seem basic, but not so basic, which means they’re a perfect fit for every kind of woman.

Most of these items are on sale, so you don’t have to worry too much about that swipe. And you can even get something for yourself.

Shop our picks: Leather Bag, Jumpsuit, Studded Jacket, Watch, Chiffon Tie Neck Blouse & Skirt, iPhone 6 Case, Velvet Flares, Loafers, Necklace, Crossbody Bag, Sunglasses, Ankle Boots

Shop more options below:

Do you have any last minute gifts to buy?

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The post Last Minute Gifts for Everyone on Your List appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Winter has officially set in New York and most of North America. While we love cozying up inside, hot cocoa (or tea), and snuggling up for Netfix, most of us have work to frequent, holiday parties to attend, and Christmas shopping to undertake (catch our under $150, $250 and $500 gift guides).

To fight off this harsh cold, there’s only one possible solution:

Layer up!

But it’s not easy and even considered an art to some… We admit, getting one garment over another while still looking fabulous is tricky. There’s a bit of science behind it, but that’s what we’re here for. Get ready to brave the low temps with these solutions!

#1 Find a good coat

The most important thing, is to find a good, warm coat – make it your splurge of the year if you must. No pair of heels or special handbag is going to save you when the temperatures hit the negatives. So it’s imperative to pick it right!

#2 Invest in basics

A small trick is to start with basics – that’s your first layer and it’s going to trap in your body heat. Then top it off with knit followed by another layer.

#3 Find good knits

You can’t go walking around in just anything, so pay attention to your labels and look for wool specifically. Wool is one of the best fabrics for winter – even pants!

#4 Grab a hot beverage

In winter, there’s no worrying about calories. Every now and then, grab a cup of hot cocoa – unless you really mind the chocolate, then there’s always tea. Hot beverages are always a great pick-me-up and they warm your insides.

#5 Bundle up

Once you’ve mastered layering, bring on the accessories – scarves, gloves, beanies and/or hats. There’s no such thing as too much when it concerns your health especially on days where the wind decides to blow in your direction. You don’t want to find yourself in a crossroad of looking good vs freezing your scalp off. It’s not worth it.

#6 Boots, boots, boots

During the winter, we normally say our farewells to sneakers, loafers, and welcome every kind of boot. Make sure you get the right ones and don’t forget that suede gets ruined by water (aka ice, snow, rain).

All in all, we can’t complain that much.

Yes, it gets stark cold in New York, but it’s also a great place to eat, hang out, and well… blog. And who doesn’t need a little winter – it helps us truly appreciate when the blooms loom over.

What are your winter essentials?

Shop some of our picks below:

You Should Also Read

The Winter Uniform Every Cool Girl Will Be Wearing
3 Looks for This Season’s Holiday Parties
What Fashion Girls Wear When It Rains Cats and Dogs

The post Winter Essentials to Fight the Harsh Cold appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It’s been a while, but I swear I’m not procrastinating – not at work anyway, but I’m quite behind my Christmas shopping.

These last two weeks have been no-joke crazy and because I’ve been so busy hustling, I’m feeling for everyone who’s also been hustling… We’re now 3 days down til Christmas, and where I live, going from one place to another is not a walk in the park. So, my options are limited: 1. Go to a one-stop shop like Nordstrom, Target, or Sephora, or 2. Get on the Internet. And if you know me, then there’s no guessing that I’m going on the Internet. I’ve got about a dozen people left to shop for so instead of going the big-gift route, I’m opting for miracle stocking stuffers that’ll save me from a Christmas FAIL! I’ve already hauled my top picks and I think you (or your peeps) will love them just as much. (Warning: It’s a hefty list!)

For the girls who obsess over their skin

Peach & Lily Face Masks

Winter is harsh on our skin, and I don’t know any girl who wouldn’t want more face masks. The great thing is, they come in 3, so you can give them individually (maybe something for your co-workers), or keep one to yourself…

Belif Chamomile Cleansing Stick

Anyone who complains about dry skin is bound to love this stick. It’s super gentle, smells earthy and amazing, and keeps the skin soft & supple. The only thing is it doesn’t remove makeup that well…

Dewytree Blackhead Out Nose Patch

I first got a hold of these patches from Beauty Beyond Borders (3bbox), and they were so effective (and painful), I went for the full pack. I love these and use them once every two weeks. No facial required – they extract and remove all the gunk in your pores.

Glossier Super Pure Serum

I love this serum because it effectively combats blemishes without drying my skin out… Anyone struggling with acne would really appreciate this. I was so sad when they were out of stock, but they just got a fresh batch in, so I ordered 3 just to be safe. You can get 20% off your first Glossier purchase with this link!

For the girls who can’t face the world without coverup

Physician’s Formula Cushion Foundation

Anyone who has a thing for cute packaging will fall head over heels for this cushion. That’s just an added bonus though, the real benefits come in the wonderful texture, high SPF coverage, and daily wear. I was really surprised with its performance at such a low price point.

For the girls who need their highlight

Tarte Pro Glow To-Go

I’ve LOVED Tarte blushes for years, got my hands on the revered Park Avenue Princess Bronzer over the summer, and just tapped into its highlighters. All three are heaven sent. Every single person who loves contouring & highlighting will undoubtedly appreciate this mini version.

Physician’s Formula Super BB Contour Trio

Winter is a great time to swap out powder products for creams, and this one’s a great one to rotate in. I found the formulation very creamy, pigmented, and easy to work with. This product will essentially take care of your contour, highlight, and blush for girls on the go.

Zoeva Strobe Gels

I reviewed these lovely strobe gels here and realized how perfect of a gift they’d make. This product is super novel and innovative… It’s rare, so I highly doubt your friends or family have it in their stash. It’ll be perfect for anyone who’s makeup game is strong. I promise, they’ll be surprised.

For the girls all about their eyes

vegaBROW Volumizing Serum

For anyone’s who ever asked if there’s a way to grow your brows, this VegaBrow serum seems really promising. I find it appealing because it’s 100% vegan, cruelty and hormone-free. I haven’t tried it myself, but this one’s for a good friend. I’ll report back if you’re interested (let me know in the comments)!

Tarte Happy Girls Shine Brighter Palette

Tarte killed it with their palette offerings this year. This one in particular gives you a nice range of light, medium, and dark colors to work with. Plus, you get a blush and one eyeshadow that works as a highlight. It’s great for on-the-go and the quality of the shadows are beautiful.

Mac Nutcracker Eyeshadow Palette

The packaging here is super adorable, and I love the color combinations that came with each palette, but I chose the smokey eye one because I’m kinda smokey eye obsessed. All the colors work cohesively with one another. Anyone being introduced to eyeshadow will no doubt love it.

Tarte Maneater Self-Sharpening Eyeliner

I love a good black eyeliner – I didn’t find the black too intense here, but still enjoyed it nonetheless. The self-sharpening concept is genius, it glides on easily, and is long lasting. One of my sisters only wears black eyeliner, so this one’s for her.

Tarte Maneater Volumizing Mascara

The Tarte Lash Paint was so crazy impressive (reviewed here) that I knew I had to try the new Maneater one, and OMG – false lash effect to great heights. I don’t even wear falsies, but I’m not complaining. I’m starting to think Tarte makes the best mascaras!

Tarte Pro to Go Palette

I had a budding love for for warm eyeshadows this past summer, and this little palette completes that part of me. It’s so holiday appropriate and such an appealing price!

For the girls who survive on lipgloss

Tatcha Red Camellia Lip Balm

Full review here, but I’m still loving it. Anyone who complains about dry lips will love you for this.

Tarte Lip Paint & Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme

Both these products were also reviewed here, but they were so good, I deem them giftable!  I don’t really prefer any one over the other, but the Tarte one definitely caters to a younger audience, while luxe-lovers will appreciate the LMDB.

Alright guys, gotta run – that was a mouthful, but hope it was helpful! Talk soon!

Shop My Picks!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

6 Killer Beauty Products that Perform Wonders
Holiday Gift Sets Too Beautiful to Open
Guilt-Free Beauty Splurges You Can Make Now

The post Stocking Stuffers to Save Procrastinators from a Christmas Fail appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Happy Holidays to all of our gorgeous readers! We love you!

Hope you’re all having the chance to step away from screens during the holiday period – if not – well here we are! These three incredibly gorgeous commercials are reminders of what’s important in the season of giving. You’ll need tissues!

We all deserve to be loved, not matter who we are or who we love. Love, acceptance and generosity have the power to cure hate,

Love and best wishes, Zanita

The post Three Videos To Make You Cry And Remind What’s Important This Christmas appeared first on Zanita Studio.

About 2 years ago I gave my blog a makeover for the New Year. I changed my blog name, picked a different niche, switched my color scheme, and upgraded my blog layout. Since then, my blog has gone through several revisions to get it to the place it is now. And every day, I see things I want to change or improve, but such is the life of a blogger!

Anyway, with my blog’s new makeover, I was determined to find my voice, brand my blog, and make it work for real this time. If you want to start your blog off with a bang in 2017, you may want to think about giving it a makeover.

#1 Make your blog legit with a .com name

If you haven’t bought a domain name through a service like GoDaddy or Bluehost, 2017 is the time to do it. The longer you wait, the more chance there is for your domain to be snatched up. .coms go VERY quickly so if you know your name or are looking to change it and solidify your brand with a .com website, do it ASAP!

Even if your .com blog name is taken, there are other alternatives like .blog, .org, .net, .me, .biz, anything you can think of the web world has. 2017 is the year you can finally get rid of your blogname.wordpress.com account and step into the big league with a blogname.com or any self-hosted website.

#2 Change your aesthetic

It’s almost impossible to have a completely original brand anymore. Any color scheme or aesthetic you choose, someone has already done, or is thinking about doing, which is fine.

What someone else can’t do is be you. And no matter how hard you try you will never be able to be anyone but yourself.

Because there’s only one you, there is a way to change your aesthetic that is totally unique to YOU. I can’t tell you what that is but you can certainly experiment with different colors, filters, editing techniques, poses, and fonts.

A fun trick to test out your aesthetic on Instagram is by creating a fake private account and play around with filters and different layout options. Some people go for a picture pattern like shoes, full body outfit, selfie or sitting, standing,  jumping… you get the picture, (no pun intended).

If you need to get some inspiration, just browse Instagram/other bloggers’ blogs. There are hundreds of thousands of bloggers and creatives on there to get ideas from. There are so many ways you could take your new aesthetic – you just have to think creatively and logically about the message you’re trying to send.

#3 Try a new blog layout

As a blogger, you have to be innovative. There are new technologies, platforms, and all kinds of different things emerging so you need to be on top of it! And most of the time that means changing your blog layout to meet the needs of your readers and keep up with technology.

A new blog layout could just mean making your blog mobile friendly, changing your menu bar or side bar, or adding a new feature. It could also mean completely revamping your format, which isn’t a bad idea every once in a while.

The days of blog post after blog post after blog post are over. You want your blog layout to be as interesting and user-friendly as possible while showcasing your latest blog posts, videos, products, etc. If these things aren’t visible right away, people could get bored and leave.

First impressions are everything. You only have a few seconds to make one so you might as well create some intrigue with a clever and clean blog layout.

#4 Pick a different niche

Picking a different niche or niching down definitely requires a little more work than making cosmetic changes to your blog/brand. As some of you may know, my niche in 2014 was totally different from my niche now. In 2014 I was blogging about self-development on a spiritual level and health and wellness.

As my voice and interests grew over the years, it only made sense for my blog to grow with them. It is completely normal and don’t be worried about losing followers or what people will think of you.

Take Zanita for example. What started as an online fashion lookbook has now turned into a full-blown lifestyle digital publication. It’s a one-stop shop!

This is your journey and the people who really support you will stick by you no matter what you blog about.

Tell us, what changes are you going to make on your blog in 2017? 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

4 Ways to Make Your Blog Stand Out for the Holidays 
What to Do If Your Blog is Slow Around the Holidays
 How to Make Your Blog Content Shareable

The post 4 Steps to Give Your Blog a Makeover in 2017 appeared first on Zanita Studio.

2017 is just a breath away.

And while we’re still trying to understand where the year went, it’s that time again. The time to make resolutions and promises – when we look in the mirror and say that this is the year we are getting in shape. Or the year we’re going to stop procrastinating…

While it’s great to make them, we’re almost surely going to break them.

So the question is, how can we commit to defining resolutions that are actually going to stick – or, better yet, commit to any resolution?

First, you have to really want to do it… There’s no way you can do something if you don’t prepare yourself mentally for what you want. No matter how many promises you make, if your mindset is not there, you won’t commit.

Step 1

Make realistic New Year’s resolutions. Don’t go all out to start…a 180º life change takes time. Much like starting to exercise, do it step by step, not rushing any situation. If you do want to get in shape, start by setting small goals like running 3 times a week or cutting back on sugar and only eating it 3 times a week.

Step 2

Know your weaknesses. If you recognize and realize what your weaknesses are, you can work from there. If you want to cut back on your shopping habits, stop browsing online. If your resolution is to break up with someone, be prepared for what the other person might say to you to persuade you not to. If you know you’re not a morning workout person, find time to do it at lunch time or later in the day. Write your weaknesses down if you have to.

Step 3

Be all in. Change is one of the hardest things to do as human beings. It’s not easy – it takes a lot of effort, sweat, tears, and even beating your own fears and insecurities. That’s why making realistic resolutions is the best way for you to be all in. You’re not setting yourself up to failure if you know your weaknesses and know you have the strength to really commit.

Step 4

Find someone to do it with. You can always ask for help – the highest sign of humbleness. If you know that you cannot pursue your resolutions alone, ask for someone to do them with you. Find a workout buddy, learn a language with your mother, take a course with a friend, go on a diet with your husband. As long as you’re both motivating each other, that’s a great way to do it.

Step 5

Don’t beat yourself up about it. The problem with resolutions are the high expectations we throw ourselves into. Motivation in the beginning is at 100%. But day by day, it decreases and we are faced with dealing with our own frustrations. If you’re committing to something and failing, go back to step 1. Set realistic goals, and ask yourself how you can do them without constantly feeling beat up about it.

In the end, resolutions should be about making us better, healthier, more knowledgeable, or whatever it is you want to become. It’s great for us to set goals for ourselves and really go through with them. If you’re waiting for the right time, don’t. Don’t wait around to start your business, to be healthier, to be happier. Make that happen because those decisions are the ones you never regret.

The right time is now!

You Should Also Read

5 Books That Will Make You Want To Stay Home
How To Finish Your Personal Projects Before It’s Too Late
How You Can Make Your Mondays Better

The post How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Realistic appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It seems like 2016 just started last week. Where has this year gone?

At the Studio, it was a whirlwind of things after things and we haven’t quite settled with the new year coming, yet. But that made us think about all that has happened in the past 12 months.

Talk about insanity!

All in all, it seemed to be a down year for most. It feels like we all lost someone or something – even if just faith in humanity – and that’s not good. We also had amazing things happen and a lot of steps forward in our society.

Starting with the bad news…

2016 was the year Donald Trump got elected President of the United States.

2016 was the year terrorism seems unstoppable.

2016 was the year David Bowie, Robin Williams, Alan Rickman, Prince, Fidel Castro and many other iconic figures died.

2016 was the year the Zika virus spreade.

2016 was the year when the highest temperatures in the history – on record – were registered.

2016 was the year of Brexit.

But we also had so much good ones…

2016 was the year that had more TV shows with female protagonists.

2016 was the year a woman president almost won the United States presidency.

2016 was the year Leonardo DiCaprio won an oscar.

2016 was the year Beyoncé released Lemonade.

2016 was the year the Portuguese national team won the European Championship, for the first time in history.

2016 was the year Bob Dylan won a Nobel Prize.

2016 was the year James Charles became the first male face of make-up brand Cover Girl.

Most of all, 2016 was the year we surely became stronger, more aware of what’s going on around us. We like to think that each passing year helps us grow, learn and work harder. We welcomed new members to our little team, we faced new and hard challenges, we set up to launch a learning website and strived to be better because of you.

The reason we do all of this is because of you. You who keeps coming back, supporting, commenting and just dropping by. 2016 was the year we realized how important our readers are to us and how we want to make the digital world a better place for them.

We are getting ready to face a new year full of challenges, newness and greatness.

2016 was great and terrible in so many ways, but we are always going to be grateful we got to enjoy another 365 days of this world. Happy New Year everyone!

The post 2016 Was The Year Of… appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Savoring the last few days of 2016…

Recovering from a stomach virus is no fun feat, but lucky for makeup (and fashion), we can always look a little livelier, and with New Year’s just around the corner, let’s ring into the new year on the right note…

So, I’ve been testing out a few new product launches, which have all been incredibly wonderful – so wonderful that I decided to throw them all together for a New Year’s Eve look, focusing on the perfect smokey eye. The most interesting thing is, the majority of them are all natural!

Tarte Pro Glow Palette

First up is the Tarte Pro Glow Palette – this is every highlighter-lover’s dream come true. You get 4 powder highlight shades, two that are more golden and suits darker skin tones, and then two that are P.E.R.F.E.C.T for fair-medium skin toned girls like me. They’re drop dead gorgeous and insanely pigmented. One swipe is all you need to glow. You also get one cream contour shade, which is perfect if you like that ultra-sculpted look, and then a block of Tarte’s Pink Avenue Princess – a foolproof bronzer for everyone.

Tarte Pro Palette

It’s been a long time since I dabbled with Tarte eyeshadows – like 10 years long – but I’ve been missing out (and maybe you have too). I’ve become more and more of a matte eye shadow lover over the years and 80% of this palette is matte! You get a decent mix of warm and cool tones, but there are quite a bit of purple, magenta type colors. I’ve been into looking quite grungy, so I’m reaching more and more for those type colors on my eyes. The shadows apply evenly and blend out like a dream.

Griffin + Row Natural Moisturizer

This is my first introduction to Griffin + Row, and certainly won’t be my last encounter. After two full day’s use, I can say I’m in love. This moisturizer is thicker in texture than any I’ve owned, so you don’t need a whole lot of it. But it’s very emollient, blends out very easily, and keeps the skin moisturized even through the wind and crazy cold. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything on the face and smells very light and lovely.

Ilia Multi-Stick

If it isn’t obvious that I’m an Ilia addict yet, I am and these multi-stick add to the magnet. They’re especially perfect for occasions like New Year’s because they’re multi-purpose – eyes, lips, and face! The two colors I have fall in a warm-orange tone, which is all the better as I’ve been really into warm eyes. They feel subtle, non-sticky, and look so pretty on the skin. The lasting power isn’t that great, but they’re so portable, I’m not complaining. I’m taking these through Spring for sure.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer

No sleep + Sickness + Irate skin is no good, but thank god for Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Concealer. This is the big guns… Hides just about anything you want, but the only problem is it isn’t super for dry skin gals like me. So, just make sure you moisturize really well and you won’t have a problem. Good bye acne scars.

Anything new on the market you’ve tested? Be sure to let me know!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

6 Killer Beauty Products that Perform Wonders
New Fall/Winter Lip Products I Can’t Put Down
Quick Holiday Look for Girls on the Go

The post The Perfect Smokey Eye for New Year’s Eve appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I did it! I lasted one full year at Zanita Studio – well that was a few weeks ago, but it still feels amazing as we head into 2017.

I’m lucky to be a part of this booming industry and so many girls remind me every single day how blessed I am to have this kind of opportunity – I know – so humbled and grateful… Anyway, obviously, I’m not really a blogger, but I essentially blog for a living. I’ve talked to many high-caliber bloggers on several occasions, dabbled in the daily activities of a blogger, and worked alongside amazing OG blogger, Zanita. Now that I’ve been on the inside for a smidgen over a year now, I thought it’d be great to let you know the truth about blogging for a living…

Blogging takes painful dedication…

Blogging is not your average past-time. As easy as it looks, it’s no easy feat. The reason only a select few rise to the top and discover true success is because they suck up the painful dedication blogging demands. When you’re THE photographer, model, creative director, copy writer, and assistant, it’s easy to raise up the white flag and quit. It’s easy to say, “I’m sick and I’m not going to post until I get better”, but a true blogger knows, this must go up and the quality must be unparalleled. Posting means showcasing your best work even when you feel your worst.

It can suck the life out of you…

In the process of building a business, you must be willing to sacrifice and put forth your time and effort under all circumstances. Under NO requirement, I found myself up til 2 am or up at 5:30 am trying to make something work for the sake of a “blog” – it’s that serious when it’s your job. It’s physically and mentally exhausting and draining at times, but necessary to make a blog come together – the end result is beyond gratifying though. My point is, blogging can literally suck the life out of you – you have to love the industry that much in order to survive at times. As much fun as it seems, it’s equally as much hard work. A job is a job no matter what you think, and it always requires 110%.

Fashion remains a small part of the business…

Most people want to get into this business for the love of clothes, but a great fashion sense remains a small piece of the pie. You have to be strategic, business-minded, and intelligent in order to be sustainable. Being well-dressed is only 10% of the formula… Are you ready for business? Real bloggers have so much strategy and thought behind their every move – you’d be surprised at how serious of a business this is. Azalle is just days from launching, and you’ll be getting a real taste of what reality is like from several industry insiders and I mean it! We keep saying it, but I mean it – WATCH THIS SPACE!

Photography reigns…

The one thing you can’t afford to flounder in is your visuals. Photography is such a key aspect of blogging and branding today that it’s basically become a non-negotiable. Plan your shoots carefully, source talented, but aspiring photographers, and learn the photo editing game like a retoucher to get your best shots out there. If actions speak louder than words, than photography is IT in blogging. Zanita’s updated Fashion & Blog Photography course available only on Azalle is sure to teach major insider lessons, so stay tuned over the next few days.

There’s no elevator to success…

As often as it seems to happen, success doesn’t happen overnight. Everything takes time… Money and business takes time… Every REAL blogger knows this, that’s why no one just calls quits. Every content piece that you publish gives you room for traction, and over time your conversions build. Everything takes time. Don’t wait to start.

Start now!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

What I Discovered About Top Bloggers By Working at Zanita Studio
4 Actionable Tips on Creating a Kick-Ass Life
Honest Things to Tell Yourself When You Feel Like A Complete Failure

The post The Truth About Blogging for a Living (after 1 year at Zanita Studio) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I don’t think I’ve ever talked about my OCD tendencies. Well now that the cat is out of the bag, I recall refusing to leave the house until I counted my steps and my Barbie dolls were perfectly positioned in my bedroom as a child, which was quite inconvenient for my poor mom. But now I feel my OCD tendencies really come in handy, especially for blogging.

I’m always a week ahead of the game with my blog posts – I have a to-do list every single day with things I know I can actually accomplish, and I won’t stop a photoshoot (even in 18-degree weather) until I know I got “the shot”. I literally won’t do anything else until I know my blog is taken care of – no dinner, no hanging with friends, no boyfriend, and no laundry until my blog baby is ok.

Now, I may go to some extremes and other bloggers do just the opposite and blog after everything else is taken care of. There’s nothing wrong with either as long as you’re consistent.

Consistency is the ultimate secret to maintaining your blog with or without OCD.

So let’s look at how you can do that for 2017, shall we?

Get a planner & plan content for the month

My Sugar Paper Planner has saved my life. I don’t leave the house without it. I’m able to write down in the little squares what content I’m posting on what day and time. Then further along in the planner, there is a place to jot down your to-do list for each day. And in the back of the planner, there’s a notes section where I brainstorm ideas for Not Another Blonde and write down my goals for the month/year.

You don’t need some fancy online digital planner that costs $99 a month. All you need is a simple, “old-fashioned” planner with space to write stuff down. I think there is something to writing down your goals and to-do list – pen to paper – that solidifies what you’re trying to accomplish.

I read something once that said you’re 3x more likely to accomplish your goals when you write them down, which makes total sense to me. Once I’ve physically written something down, it’s like a switch goes off and I have to follow through, no matter what.

(Side note: Goal making is a controversial topic for me, comment below if you want to know more about making attainable goals for 2017.)

Brand your blog style

Even though I think every day you wake up is a day to start over, the New Year signifies fresh new starts for many. So if you’re one of those people and you want to rebrand your blog style, let 2017 be the year.

The goal of branding is to be unmistakably identified as you.

For example, when you see the big red Target logo, you know that represents the brand Target. Obviously, branding goes beyond big corporations. There are a handful of bloggers who have perfected the art of branding and there are also huge corporations who haven’t perfected branding at all. So it doesn’t matter your size, as much as it matters your strategy.

Branding also goes much further than a logo. Branding is your pictures, your blog layout, your infographics/quotes (if you have any), your color scheme, your voice, etc. For example, I use the exact same editing on all my pictures (my OCD tendencies comes in handy there). I’m a pretty minimal blogger so my blog reflects that. I also will edit all of my blog tip pictures in the exact same way (the title of the post and my URL, outlined by a white or black box).

There are other bloggers whose brands are more colorful, bold, artsy, simple which reflect their personalities. Regardless of how you choose to brand your blog in 2017, again, the key is consistency. Keep grinding, keep branding, and people will catch on.

Edit your content once a month

Every month I conduct a “content audit” where I go through and edit my blog posts to make them relevant to my current brand. When I rebranded Not Another Blonde last year I went through and added entirely new pictures to every single blog post (OCD tendencies at its best).

I also checked, added, and deleted links within my blog posts. And if my views on a certain topic had changed, I either edited some paragraphs or deleted the blog post entirely.

If you’re a new blogger, this is the perfect time to start editing. Your content will be much easier to maintain having only a few blog posts under your belt versus having hundreds, or even thousands of blog posts to edit. No matter where you are in your blogging game, if you start in 2017, it will save you a ton of time later and it will make your blog more “browsable”.

You want your blog to be a relevant, up-to-date, and credible source of information for your readers.

I have a really great feeling about 2017, and I’m not just saying that to get you pumped. I really think we’re going to see some exciting changes in social media and just blogging in general so I hope you take these tips seriously with you into the New Year. And as always if you have any questions, comment below!

How do you plan to maintain your blog in 2017? Tell us in the comments! 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Not Your Standard

You Should Also Read:

4 Steps to Give Your Blog a Makeover in 2017
Best & Worst Place for Bloggers to Grow Their Business
What to Do if Your Blog is Slow Around the Holidays

The post Maintaining Your Blog in 2017 (OCD Style) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Big, small, wealthy, broke, black, white, no matter what kind of blogger you are, you will experience pressure.

With social media innovating at the speed of light, it’s hard to keep up. And when bloggers try to “keep up with the Kardashians”, it can turn into a big ol’ stress mess real quick!

As a blogger, you have a neverending “to-do” list filled with daily blog tasks (Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) upcoming collaborations, and new strategies you want to implement to grow your brand. It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

Then when you feel like you’re gaining momentum and the to-do list becomes shorter and shorter, you’re slapped with some bump in the road (i.e. Instagram changes its algorithm for the 100th time), which puts you back at square one. You start with Plan A and end on Plan D and the pressure to do things bigger and better than the last time is inescapable.

Deep breaths.

So if you’re feeling the pressure of being a blogger, here’s what you can do right now…

Realize you’ll never be anyone else

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you’ll never be Zanita, Chiara Ferragni, Aimee Song, or Danielle Bernstein. You will only ever be you and you’ll only ever be able to offer your gifts that only you have.

What I mean by that is each blogger (Zanita, Chiara, Aimee, Danielle) has a special talent or a unique point-of-view which is what got said blogger to where she is today. There’s no replicating that.

And if you do try to recreate a cheaper version of someone else, it will blow up in your face.

Trust me, I tried it when I first started blogging. I saw other bloggers wearing Jeffery Campbell Litas, so I went out and bought Jeffery Campbell Litas! But I wasn’t a Jeffery Campbell Lita kinda girl and I ended up doing one photoshoot with them and then they collected dust far back in the closet.

And I didn’t stop there… I continued to buy sky high heels because I thought that’s what was appealed to people when really, what appeals to people is authenticity.

The whole point of blogging is to share your story by creating a realistic portrayal of your style, your personality, and your life to some degree. And when you lose your sense of reality, that’s when you lose yourself to the pressure of blogging.

Follow people who keep it real

I’m a HUGE advocate of keepin’ it real and I only follow bloggers/celebrities who do the same. I’m not interested in bloggers who never have a bad moment, who never let their online persona falter, or who say blogging is “easy” or that they just “fell” into success.

When you’re struggling, I want to see it! I mean, not all of it of course, but I want to know you’re a human, like me, with feelings, like me, who struggles from the hustle, like me. This helps keep things in perspective so you don’t fold under the pressure of being a blogger.

Do ONE thing right now

One of the best books I’ve ever read was The ONE Thing by Gary Keller. I read it years ago and I STILL use its principles today. I literally ask myself “the one thing” every day to help keep me focused and organized. I have to. Otherwise, I’d use escapism via YouTube, reality TV, and social media to distract me from growing my business.

So before you get sucked into the compairson game ask yourself, “What’s the one thing I can do right now that will make everything else easier or unnecessary?”

Much of the pressure we experience is brought on by ourselves so step back, take a deep breath, and do ONE thing that will help you get to the next thing. Before you know it those lofty goals won’t be so hard to achieve after all.

Final thoughts: Don’t stress. Take things one step at a time. 2017 is going to be a great year, I feel it.

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read: 

How to Handle Change That’s Out of Your Control
How to Make Your Blog Content Shareable
The One Thing All Bloggers Need to Know in 2017

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