I don’t know about you, but by the time Christmas is over, my skin is parched beyond belief…

My foolproof solution: Beauty Oils!

Only as of late 2015 did I start venturing off into oils, and it sucks I waited that long because every year prior, my skin would be insanely dry and irritated around winter. I’ve had the luxury of testing several oils now over the last three months and wanted to share my top favorites.

If you don’t find oils being hydrating enough, I recommend you go even further and top it off with a super moisturizing cream like something from La Mer or this Saturday Skin one, which I reviewed here.

Tatcha Gold Camellia Oil

It’s no surprise I’ve become an avid Tatcha user by now, and that’s because everything I’ve used has been gentle yet effective not to mention the beautiful packaging! This is a multipurpose oil, which can be disappointing because it’s quite small – you get 1 ounce – but on the upside, a little goes a long way. I find one drop to be plenty for my entire face and it skins in really nicely. It’s super calming, smells lovely, and most importantly, keeps my skin moisturized even through the brisk cold.

Belif Aqua Gel Oil

This product is especially unique because it’s not your expected oil – it’s a gel consistency that would make the perfect starter oil for anyone new to this category. It’s fast-absorbing and feather-weight. The only downside is that I don’t find it as hydrating as some of the other ones on here; however, a light layering of moisturizer does the trick! Normal, combo, oily skin girls who have patchy skin will definitely love this one! If you’re on the drier side, just know it’ll need some help.

Fresh Seaberry Oil

I spoke of the Fresh Seaberry Oil before, but it remains a staple… Holy grail to be exact. I’ve decided to forgo eye cream altogether and use this one instead. It instantly enlivens the skin and gives a nice youthful glow. It’s pretty heavy, feeling greasy at first but goes undetectable once the skin soaks it all up.

Nuxe Dry Oil

I’ve still been using this Nuxe Oil on my skin every night and it’s the fastest absorbing of them all yet just as effective. I love this on my elbows and cuticles – takes care of all my dry patches! It’s best to apply this straight out of the shower! Thanks to this oil, I’m pretty much giving up on creams, lotions, and anything in that range. My only gripe is that I’m not in love with the scent, but it doesn’t linger so it’s not that big of a deal.

Caudalie Divine Oil

Of course, I have to mention the very first oil I ever used – the Divine Oil! My daughter loves this stuff (probably more than I do) – it soothes her eczema and the spray nozzle is just so convenient. It’s light, soothing, and moisturizing all at the same time; I alternate between this one and Nuxe. I’ve found the scent on this one more pleasant – it’s very relaxing especially after a long shower and the bottle lasts a super long time! Love love!

What oils have you been using this season? Let me know in the comments!

SHOP MORE OILS!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

All-Natural Beauty Products That Will Blow Your Mind
New Fall/Winter Lip Products I Can’t Put Down
Beauty Must Haves For Dry Skin This Season

The post The Best Beauty Oils to Soothe Your Winter Skin appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Hard to believe we’re already one week well into the New Year!

While we love resolutions and all – and everyone’s pumped up to work on their new goals – we thought it’d be good to remind you that you’re doing just fine! Several people didn’t seem to have such a dandy 2016, but no matter what happened, it’s always important to take the lessons and move forward. Maybe you didn’t kick a whole lot of ass last year (bravo to those of you who did), but it’s never too late to start. Here are a few ways you can keep kicking ass in 2017…

– Create ongoing projects.

If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time for ongoing projects, which is basically the same as doing lots of little experiments. Most people are too focused on becoming “viral” or getting that “big break”… While it’s possible, it’s R-A-R-E! There’s only one solution: Keep up a series of work that will help inch your way towards your final goal. For instance, if you want to become a better photographer, plan a series of photoshoots. Don’t wait until it’s convenient or until you have substance to shoot… If you want to blog, write 3-4 times a week. You can’t wait until something exciting happens.

– Imagine often.

Don’t know the what you want to do for the rest of your life? No problem. Imagine it… What would an ideal work day look like for you? Where would you be? What would you be doing and who’s there with you? How would you feel? Really think about it because what you visualize you become.

If you already know, but you’re not there yet, keep imagining it until it becomes embedded in your subconscious. You’ll then know what you need to do in order to get there.

– Reflect and reflect.

Backtrack, correct the course, and move along. Everyone makes mistakes – even the most perfect person you can imagine. The key is to not get stuck in those mistakes, but to reflect on what went wrong and either fix it or prevent it the next time. Remember how far you’ve come, what you did to get there, and that good things take time.

– Don’t stop.

You have to keep going. The passion dies down… The desire stops… Inspiration fades… The mind becomes tiresome and the body exhausted, but DON’T stop. Go through the motions even on the bad days and you’ll eventually come out on top.

– Do YOU the best you can.

People will look down on you… Others will move forward at a faster pace than you… But don’t pay too much attention to everyone else around you. Everyone has to find their own way, so you just have to do what makes the most sense for you. Make everything you touch the best extension of yourself.

Good luck and keep kicking ass in 2017!

You Should Also Read

How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions Realistic
How To: Make Your 20’s Count
The 5 Things I Regret Most

The post Tips to Keep Kicking Ass in 2017 appeared first on Zanita Studio.

There is so much information out there about how to start a blog, how to be a successful blogger, how to make your blog stand out – we’ve seen them all.

But what we haven’t seen is what they all have in common which is a domain, hosting service, blogging platform, and email address. Some articles will over complicate the process, while others don’t tell you the process at all, but I’m here to explain the 4 FOOLPROOF steps you need to start a blog.

Step 1: Buy a domain

The first step to making an official blog is to buy a domain name. Your domain is as important as you make it. If you plan on making a brand, your domain should align with that brand name. I know a few bloggers whose domains are totally different from their social media handles and brand names, but I’m sure there’s a strategy behind their choice. It all depends on your personal preference. I personally like to keep everything one name so it’s easily recognizable.

Anyway, a domain isn’t just a .com website like notanotherblonde.COM. You can also have something like befrassy.NET or takeaim.NU. The most common place to get a domain is from GoDaddy.com. You can also buy a domain from Bluehost.com, but we’ll get to that in the next step.

Now don’t panic if the .com version of the domain you pick is taken. There are millions of people out there with millions of domains and it’s likely that someone had the same idea for a domain as you, so you either choose a super creative and unique name or go for your original name with a .net, .org, .blog, or .biz domain.

Whatever you do, take your time in choosing the perfect domain because there is a lot in a name, especially if it is going to represent who you are as a person and the direction you want your blog to go.

Step 2: Self-host your blog

The easiest way to make a blog is by simply signing up on Blogger, WordPress, or Tumblr. But if you want to make a blog like a pro then you’ll need to self-host your blog on a site like Bluehost.

A self-hosting site like Bluehost is the glue that keeps your domain and actual blog together. Without hosting, you have no blog and without a blog, you just have an inactive domain.

The reason why people pay to self-host their blogs over using a free service like Blogger is because self-hosting gives you complete control over every aspect of your blog. You can turn your blog into an eCommerce site, you can have it redirected elsewhere, you can adjust the PHP, FTP, and whatever other 3-letter word web lingo there is.

When you use free services, the service is the one who owns your blog, not you. So any changes they choose to make are out of your control. Even though self-hosting a blog means paying for it, in the long-run it’s worth it if you really want to build a lifelong brand. It’s a small price to pay for a safe home for your blog.

Step 3: Use WordPress.org

WordPress.org is hands down the best CMS (content management system) to use for a blog. Almost every pro blogger uses WordPress. The few who are still with other systems will switch eventually, trust me.

Bluehost gives you control of the backend of your blog and WordPress.org gives you complete control of the frontend. WordPress.org allows you to make your blog as pretty, as plain, or as intricate as you want. It’s as simple as that.

Actually, navigating around WordPress isn’t that simple, which is why so many bloggers love it – it has so many options! Once you play around with it for a week or so, you’ll be a pro in no time. And if that doesn’t work, you can always hire someone to help (Bluehost and WordPress have plenty of choices).

Step 4: Set up a domain email

The final step in making a blog like a pro is setting up an email. An email with your domain’s .com address is as official as it gets for a beginner blogger. This is your contact information for brands, other bloggers, and anyone else who wants to work with you.

Having a gmail account is great, but it’s something anyone can do. An official domain email takes a little more elbow grease than the simple click of a button and it shows that you’re serious about your blog. If you can’t figure out how to make an email address through your domain, again, Bluehost and WordPress are great resources to use for help.

The road to becoming a successful blogger is a long, challenging, and wild journey but these 4 steps will help to get you on your way.

What do you find is the most difficult part about making a blog? Tell us in the comments! 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

How to Handle the Pressure of Being a Blogger
 Maintaining Your Blog in 2017 (OCD Style)
How Bloggers Can Storytell Like a Boss in 3 Steps

The post The 4 Step Foolproof Way to Start a Blog appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Even though the holidays are gone, sale season is officially here!

I always save up a few bucks for this time of year and hunt for the pieces I’ve coveted throughout the season. It’s a great opportunity to get a warm winter coat, great pair of boots, or that cute bag.

The problem can be filtering through all your favorite brands because the options are plenty. The solution? As always, look no further. I’ve done that for you – we wouldn’t want you to miss out on great fashion deals.

#1 Coats

Coats are the epitome of winter and the best purchases you can make during a sale, mainly because you’re getting something you are certainly going to wear every single day at a great price. And given that outfits can get a bit boring in the winter, make sure you find a piece that stands out on its own and makes up for your entire look.

Shop our favorites below:

#2 Knitwear

Second most important part of winter: knits. Oh the coziness! For me, the fluffier the better. But picking out a good knit that will last you a few winters and survive all the coming and going is not necessarily easy. Make sure you look at the fabrics and pick the ones made out of wool or cashmere. Both will keep you warm.

Shop our favorites below:

#3 Jeans

I think jeans are my single most favorite thing. As of this past summer, I only had a few pairs, but through the course of a few months, my collection grew exponentially. Here in New York, I have to wear them with a pair of leggings underneath, but it’s totally worth it.

Shop our favorites below:

#4 Boots

The only acceptable way to survive winter in New York City, are boots. Boots, boots, boots. They have to be mostly comfy, slip-proof, and puddle resistant. I walk through the streets of Manhattan too often, so it’s only natural that a pair of boots lasts me only a season.

Shop our favorites below:

#5 Bags

Last but not least, the bag. Again, something that has to be practical and hold all your stuff. For me, huge totes are the way the go, so I can put away my beanie, camera, gloves, umbrella, tissues, lipstick, and a spare pair of socks – because you never know.

Shop our favorites below:

Happy shopping!

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 Holidays Are Gone, but Sale Season Isn’t appeared first on Zanita Studio.

My journey abroad started back in 2012 when I moved from Portugal to Dubai. I lived in my hometown in Southern Portugal for 17 years, moved to Lisbon for college, and after that to Dubai to find work. My now husband (boyfriend at the time) got a job as a tennis coach there and we both said, why not... With nothing to lose, an open mind, and 2 huge suitcases, off we went.

I still remember how anxious, sad, and lost I felt.

Our trip took an entire day – going on a plane to London and then Dubai. By the time we got there, it was 8 in the morning. That adventure only lasted a year and a half. We found ourselves lacking challenge in a city that seemed to stand still, but Portugal wasn’t our next destination.

We both agreed to come to New York City and ventured off looking for jobs.

Like me, you might not know, but tennis coaches have it easy. They can find a job almost anywhere in the world so within a few days, my husband landed a job and our small idea came to fruition. Little did we know landing in New York a year later would change the course of our lives.

Living abroad in a brand new country is one of the few life experiences that changes you completely. You’re never going to be the same person you were back at home. So much of what we do is taken for granted, and living abroad changes your perspective on life and how you live it – mainly because you start paying close attention to what would normally seem like mundane moments and strangers. If anyone of you are consumed with the travel bug, let me enlighten you…

You start suffering from FOMO.

For me, it’s with my parents. One of the things I miss the most is being able to hang out with them every other week. And, as depressed as it sounds, you’re sort of missing their lives and vice-versa. You also want to be there for important moments like weddings, anniversaries, and baby showers, but you can’t. Some of your friends will get annoyed with your absence, but it’s beyond your control because you’re on the wayside across the world. The distance makes you appreciate your friends and family so much more… I’ve learned that if there’s anything in the world that brings family and friends closer, it’s distance – that’s also the true test of relationships.

You start to appreciate home.

Every time I go back home, it feels magical – the way home should feel… Normal places I frequented every single day in the past suddenly transform into the light of my eyes. I love going around my hometown, taking pictures, and just sulking in its familiarity. It also makes you want to pretend you’re living in old times – just another day of strolling around downtown Lisbon.

You become more aware.

Being transplanted in unknown places definitely heighten your senses in every way. As a result, you just become more aware of your surroundings – the people, places, and landmarks. This starts to play out in your everyday life and in work. Awareness and attention to detail is never a bad thing.

You start to find yourself.

As cheesy as it sounds, it’s so true. You’re never going to spend as much time alone as you do when living abroad. You have to get over the stigma of doing things like navigating an unknown territory alone. You’re going to face the most difficult times of your life, but also come out stronger and develop an incredible sense of self.

I always knew I wanted to live abroad.

Whether it was through study or employment, I just wanted to live. On my wedding day, 4 months prior to coming to New York, one of my best friends told me she knew I would come here one day. We both started crying, hugged, and took a shot. I don’t regret a single day. And even though NYC isn’t really my home, I can’t imagine living anywhere else right now. If you’re even thinking about living abroad, I’d encourage you to GO. Run. Don’t walk.

Have you ever lived abroad? Tell me about your experience!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

The Ultimate Travel Workout
The Unexpected Price of Travelling
The Best Reasons To Travel Alone

The post How Living Abroad Can Change Your Perspective On Life appeared first on Zanita Studio.

When new bloggers get overwhelmed with picking a niche and creating content around that niche I always tell them “Starbucks started with one cup of coffee”. And it’s true!

Starbucks started with one plain black cup of coffee and now they have lattes, espressos, teas, pastries, sandwiches, merchandise, etc. They’re one of the biggest coffee retailers in the world.

So if you want to be one of the biggest bloggers in the world, you have to first become an expert in your niche (one thing) and then let your skills and experience expand with your blog. Here are the steps you can take in getting there:

Write down your passions

Yes, I know this is extremely cliche, yet so many bloggers fail to do it. When you’re starting a blog, you should be as organized as possible and make a projected timeline of where you see your blog headed. That means including what your passions are and if/how you’re going to incorporate them into your blog.

If you’re a teacher with a passion for fashion, you can teach people/teachers how to be stylish in and out of the classroom. If you’re a travel junkie with a passion for photography, you can travel and take beautiful pictures of your adventures. Even if you have more than 2 passions, it’s important to write them all down and see if you can tie them together in a unique way to make outstanding content for your blog.

The worst thing you can do is avoid your passions altogether and blog about something you think will be popular. You can only fake passion for so long before you’re exposed as a phony. Seriously.

If you’re nervous about your passion not being cool or popular, that’s even more of an opportunity to find your niche. And if you feel passionate about something, no matter what it is, it’s likely there are other people out there who feel the same way and those people will be your target market.

Narrow it down to one “cup of coffee”

Once you have your list of passions, you can hone in on the ONE passion you’re most passionate about. It’s important to remember that by choosing just one topic/niche to focus on doesn’t mean you’re taking away from your other passions, it just means you’re being strategic and wanting to master one thing versus being mediocre at a lot of things.

When you start with “one cup of coffee”, you can always switch to or add lattes, espressos, or teas (aka different blog topics). You will eventually get to the point where you’re a master of many things, but you need to start with one, which is why you pick a niche!

Apply your experience/expertise

A lot of bloggers start blogs to tap into a field they don’t have traditional experience in like fashion, fitness, music, photography, etc. And what bloggers don’t see is how their actual experience can come in handy with their blogs even if it’s seemingly unrelated.

For example, my work experience is in teaching and real estate, but I blog about fashion and blogging as a business. I use my teaching chops to teach people how to blog and I use my real estate experience in taking photos, negotiating, and selling.

The wonderful thing about blogging is that it is so diverse and the creativity is in your hands so you can make it whatever you want. So don’t think for a second your past experience can’t relate to blogging as a business because it absolutely can.

Have a long-term game plan

If you’re blogging about fashion and eventually want to work in fashion or start a clothing line, you’re on the right track. If you’re blogging about health and fitness and you want to start an interior design company, you may need to do some course correcting.

Your niche needs to be aligned with what your tentative end goal is. Of course, all of that can change (which is why I say tentative), but nevertheless every move you make in terms of your blog should be in the direction of your long-term goals. It’s important to have long-term goals because it puts you in the mindset that your blog is going to be long-lasting. And long lasting consistency = success!

What’s your blog niche? Tell us in the comments.

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

Want to Be a Contributor to Popular Blogs? Read This…
How to Blog About Stuff People Want to Read
 The Best Ways to Use Video on Your Blog

The post How to Pick a Niche for Your Blog appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Blogging isn’t easy. There I said it. If blogging was easy, everyone would be successful in doing it.

But that’s not the case, it’s actually quite the opposite. Only 4% of bloggers actually make a full-time living from blogging, 4%! That’s not very much, but it’s also not impossible either.

A big reason bloggers don’t make it to the 4% is because they start a blog thinking ‘How hard could it be? I’ll just take really great pictures and get free stuff’. Even if you’re posting on your blog/Instagram in exchange for products (without monetary compensation), it can still be challenging. Brands are particular in who they work with even if they’re not paying.

None of this stuff is to discourage you, in fact, it’s to encourage you to be the most prepared, hardest working, and determined blogger out there.

So here is what you need to know before starting a blog:

Blogging is 20% creation & 80% promotion…

You can be the best content creator in the world but if you don’t know how to promote and market yourself, it’s pointless. You have to grab your readers’ attention through strategic promotion and then hook them with beautiful, meaningful content. This is the most time-consuming part about blogging in my opinion, but it’s also the most beneficial.

From different social media accounts to groups, to hashtags, specific times, location tags, etc. – all of these things play a role in your blog promotion. If you’re producing content and only putting it on your blog or your personal Facebook page, it won’t reach many people, (unless your friend list is maxed out at 5,000 or whatever the limit is). Even still, 5,000 isn’t that many people to reach. Ideally, you want to reach hundreds of thousands of people if you’re trying to make blogging your full-time job.

You’re always “on”…

Being “on” means that everything you do and put out in the world needs to reflect your brand. If you’re enthusiastic and bubbly, you need to be enthusiastic and bubbly in everything you do on and offline. Obviously, we have our “off” days and that’s ok, but for the most part, you should be on-brand at all times.

Some people will see your dedication to your blog and social media as sacrificing time with family, friends, being in the moment, etc. but the fact that you’re always documenting your experiences is actually a benefit to you. Not only does it create content for your blog and your brand, but it gives you something to look back on while everyone else was too busy “being in the moment” as you captured it.

There is nothing wrong with being super passionate about your blog.

In fact, it’s the bloggers that make their blogs their lives and their lives their blogs who are the most successful. Once you’ve been blogging for some time, your day-to-day life will easily be your inspiration for your blog and social channels. The people in your life will have to understand that, and those who truly support you will.

Success doesn’t happen overnight/isn’t guaranteed…

Our generation is extremely spoiled in that we can have almost anything we want instantly. I say almost because nothing is ever guaranteed. Successful blogging consists of a very unique recipe that is different for everyone.  Just because you start a blog or social media account doesn’t mean you’ll instantly be a star and get all kinds of gifts and get to travel the world for free.

Blog success takes patience, hard work, and a positive attitude. It sounds corny and cliche but ask anyone who’s “made it” and they won’t tell you it’s because they were lazy and pessimistic. You need to go into blogging with the reality that things may not turn out as you hoped. You also need to realize you can make anything happen for yourself by the amount of hard work and perseverance you put forth.

Make sure your resources are readily available…

Because blogging can be quite overwhelming – you basically run an entire business by yourself – you want to make sure you and the tools you need are readily available. So if you need an hour a week to shoot photos for your blog with a DSLR, you need to make sure you have the time, someone to shoot you, and a DSLR.

If you plan to take on all social media platforms you need to have content lined up and ready to be posted in advance. You also need a phone to post on social media from! Without these things, it’s certainly not the end of the world, but it will make things more challenging for you.

For bloggers who are blogging as a side hustle, you should post on your blog 1-3 times a week – once a week at minimum. If you can’t do that, you should reconsider starting a blog. A successful blog is only successful when there’s consistency. You need to be available just as much as your tools.

Blogging full-time is a 24/7 job, but blogging as a side hustle, even if you’re balancing a day job, relationship, family, your health, etc. is 100% manageable. You have to set aside time for your blog; the time isn’t just going to magically appear. You have to make it a point to be available, otherwise you don’t want it (blog success) as badly as you thought.

And I know it’s possible because I do all of the above. And if I can do it, you can too.

Do you have a blog OR are you thinking about starting one? Tell us in the comments!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

How to Make Your Blog Content Shareable
3 Steps to Handling Collaborations Like a Pro Blogger
How to Blog About Stuff People Want to Read

The post 5 Things to Know Before Starting a Blog appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I’m trying to become more selective, edited, and minimal when it comes to my skincare routine…

because the level of sensitivity my skin hits in the bleak winter is serious business – consider yourself beyond lucky if you don’t have dry and acne-prone skin. I’ve learned the hard way that the best approach around this season is to carefully select highly nourishing cleansers, moisturizers, and masks while avoiding abrasive products. At night, I’m even trying to layer on less a few days a week and let the skin work its natural rhythms…

I thought you might be interested in learning about some of the new things in skincare I’ve been using, which aren’t talked about enough in the blogosphere – they’ve really helped me achieve the level of comfort I’ve been reaping in my own skin…

Griffin & Row Skin Cleanser Cream

Ever since the temperatures have dropped, this cleanser has become my first pick morning and night. Although described as a cream cleanser, I think it feels more like a gel-cream hybrid that leaves the skin ultra soft, fresh, and most importantly, nourished. Often times, I’ll start noticing dry patches around this time of the year after cleansing, but it’s been over a month and I haven’t had that issue, which has been the most impressive thing so far. The only thing is it doesn’t remove eye makeup particularly well, but that’s no burden with a little micellar water.

Griffin & Row Natural Skin Moisturizer

I’m not sure if I said it here, but one of my New Year’s resolutions is to incorporate more natural beauty products into my life. Griffin & Row has obviously made that much easier for me at this point (and we’re only ~3 weeks into the new year!). I love that this moisturizer is basically a cocktail of all the oils I love – it doesn’t feel heavy, thick, or greasy, AND you only need a little bit to moisturize the entire face. You can use this one both day and night although I’ve mostly used it during the day and my skin has been enjoying it.

Griffin & Row Exfoliating Cloth

I’m in no way or form trying to promote this line, but it’s just super effective and **affordable**. If anything, the one thing they have reeled me in on is this muslin cloth. I know – I thought the same thing: What could be so special about a muslin cloth? I think it makes a genius gentle exfoliator for everyday. After continued use, I’ve felt that my pores are less clogged and I’ve noticed more clarity in my skin. Another way I like to use it is dousing it in hot water and laying it over my face like a mask for a few minutes – it’s such a versatile little gem…who would’ve known…

Belif Overnight Brightening Mask

I decided late last year that once a week, I’d forgo my retinols and fancy serums, and instead just apply an oil or overnight mask. I’ve never used an overnight mask before so I didn’t know what to expect, but this one by Belif has me convinced that miracles do exist in a jar. I have quite a bit of acne scars and really feel like this one has helped lightened them, but you have to use it consistently. I also feel like it revitalizes the skin beautifully after a rough night or if the chilly temps are just taking a toll on your skin.

Be The Skin Non-Stimulus Face Polisher

My favorite thing about this exfoliator is it’s exactly what I wanted – something nonabrasive, but actually removes the dead skin cells. You literally see bits of skin and debris rolling up as you massage this into your face. It’s gentle enough that I’m sure even the most sensitive skins can appreciate it. It’s for sure a Winter staple. You can pick it up at Peach & Lily,

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

All-Natural Beauty Products That Will Blow Your Mind
New Fall/Winter Lip Products I Can’t Put Down
The Best Beauty Oils to Soothe Your Winter Skin

The post 5 New Things My Skin Absolutely Loves Right Now appeared first on Zanita Studio.

After getting such amazing feedback from this post (thank you for the amazing comments!), I decided to take it further and show you how I make the most of this beautiful city I call home!

I’ve had this idea for a while now, but the new year helped me put it to the test… New York City is one of the greatest places in the world, but when you live here, it sort of becomes like any other place. Which it shouldn’t! Because you should live every day here like your last – there are so many things to see, so many places to eat, and so much to do… I don’t want to merely exist somewhere. I want to live it and breath it – the people, the places, the vibes…

Maybe you don’t live in such an incredible and inspiring city, but that doesn’t mean your locale lacks its own visceral quirks. And maybe you don’t have the free time, but when the opportunity presents itself, you should definitely maximize it.

I made a local bucket list for myself this year (like an actual pen-to-paper list). It’s comprised of all the sights I haven’t seen, things I want to try, and new restaurants I want to taste. I’m so humbled and grateful to be able to experience this city – to live the pace, breathe the air, and drink the water some of the world’s greatest individuals have. And you should do the same.

Here are 3 excellent reasons to make a local bucket list wherever you are in the world:

#1 It creates perspective.

You’re actually making a point to see and explore the hidden treasures of the city you’re living in – no one else outside the boundaries of your city can experience those very things. Going out and touring your own city invigorates you with a sense of purpose. It opens up your eyes to things that often go unnoticed or sights you never cared to pay attention to. I encourage you to try everything even if it’s the most tourist-y thing possible – cross it off your list.

#2 Makes you appreciative.

You know the feeling you get when poring through your archives, childhood photos, or high school year book? Scouting and re-scouting your city creates the same wistful emotions and makes you appreciate where you are even more! An experience doesn’t have to be outrageous to be special… It’s the little things that matter.

#3 Keeps thing fresh.

We tend to become routine animals, discarding the new for the familiar… It isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s far from challenging or rewarding. Sure, make time for your regular things, but never forget to add new ones. New restaurants keep your palate fresh, new experiences keep you young, and new interests make you interesting… Never stop being interested!

What’s on your local bucket list? Last weekend I crossed off one place already!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

How Living Abroad Can Change Your Perspective On Life
The Unexpected Price of Travelling
The Best Reasons To Travel Alone

The post Why You Need to Make a Local Bucket List appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Beyoncé once said you can’t be nice in business.

And while I agree, not being nice in business doesn’t mean not being nice in life, especially when you work in an industry that is pretty cut throat at times. With that said, it’s important you find that balance between being super smart in business and not a total jerk.

Of course, your first priority is yourself and your business. Any business endeavor you get involved in should make you happy, be financially interesting, and challenging. And usually, when those three things collide, you become a nice business savvy blogger/entrepreneur. Here’s how to make it happen:

Detach from the outcome…

Easier said than done – I know, but if you want to be business savvy, you can’t get too attached to the outcome because there is a chance things won’t go as you hoped. You have to recognize that you will be fine no matter what the outcome.

That’s why when you’re cold-emailing brands or big time bloggers, you have to go about business as usual. Never depend on something or someone outside of yourself for your happiness. If said blogger/brand replies, great! If said blogger/brand doesn’t reply, fine. You’re not better or worse off than you were before asking.

After all, when you’re 90 years old, you won’t be sitting there thinking, ‘I can’t believe so and so never replied to my email about that collaboration!’.

Don’t make decisions based on emotion…

Being emotional in business is the worst thing you can do. As they say “it’s not personal, it’s business”.

I mean, you don’t want to be a ruthless monster with no morals, but you can’t think about everybody’s feelings all the time. Feelings are going to get hurt and not everyone is going to get what they want. But I promise you that refraining from rash decisions is best for yourself and your business. You don’t always want to jump right into something because it “feels right” or it’s a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. Think things through, but don’t overthink, and go with a practical, educated decision without letting your emotions get in the way.

Never forget your roots…

No matter how successful you become, it’s important to remember where you came from. There are people from the same background as you, looking to you for guidance. Show them the right way.

Show them anyone is capable of what you’ve accomplished. Show them that you had hard times too – times you wanted to quit and times you failed but brushed yourself off and tried, tried again. No matter what line of work you’re in or how successful you are, you’re an example for someone. So, be a good one.

Meditate & be grateful…

Meditation has changed my life entirely. I literally cannot start my day without meditating for 5 minutes first (probably my OCD kicking in). 5 minutes is really all you need to get you “spiritually aligned”, but if you can do 20 minutes, that’s the sweet spot.

After my morning meditation, I say a little prayer and give thanks to the Universe for all I have. This gets me in the mood to start my day on the right foot even if some things go wrong.

Gratitude is actually hard to acquire in our abundant society. Thanks to the internet, these things that we absolutely “need” are right at our fingertips so we click, click, click, spend, spend, spend and still it never seems like we have enough. It’s easy to forget how much we really do have and how little other people in the world have. So, meditate and keep a gratitude journal.

Contribute to the greater good

I told you 2017 was going to be my year to bring as much awareness as possible to overlooked issues in the world. As savvy of a business person you may be, you can quickly turn off biz mode and turn on give mode by contributing to the greater good. This means giving back to society through charities by donating your time or money.

And don’t just think locally, think globally! There are so many organizations that could use your help and/or expertise. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Hope for Paws, and International Animal Rescue are a few of my favorites. If you follow The Dodo on Facebook they post about great organizations too.

Key takeaways: Use your head not your heart, remember you’re still “Jenny from the Block”, be grateful for the money you have and the air you breathe, give back to the world and you will win at life. 

How do you find the balance between being business savvy and a nice person? Tell us in the comments!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

How to Handle the Pressure of Being a Blogger
Best & Worst Place for Bloggers to Grow Their Business
 The One Thing All Bloggers Need to Know in 2017

The post How to Be Business Savvy & a Nice Person appeared first on Zanita Studio.

However, I also create content for myself at Le Jolie.

In the beginning, it was overwhelming to manage content for two – and now even three sites (Azalle included); of course, my priorities are my job whereas my personal blog remains a hobby, so at one point, everything started to mesh together and became extremely convoluted and overwhelming. I felt like I was doing the same thing all the time – in my job, outside my job, and during my free time. As a result, I neglected and took a year-long hiatus from Le Jolie.

Once 2016 came to a close, I started missing the process of creating for myself and decided to resuscitate my personal space in 2017 whilst continuing to do the best I can for Zanita Studio & Azalle.

I figure many of us sit in the same boat (i.e. full-time job & part-time blog)… I’m on a winning streak so far as to striking that balance, so I thought I’d share one of my most effective tricks: maximize my Sundays.

#1 Research

From personal experience, I think one of the biggest obstacles for most people in blogging is generating fresh ideas and staying excited. These two things often result in quitting or short-to-long-term breaks. With a full-time job and the routine demands of life, it’s often difficult to keep up with your favorite bloggers and the 1000 mph pace of this industry. I give myself 1-2 hours to browse blog content on Sundays and research trends or topics I might be interested in. I also journal and recap on the previous week to see if there were any life lessons I learned that I can share with you all. As silly as it sounds, you have to make time for this or else you’ll find yourself frazzled with nothing to share. You can’t wait until something substantial happens because it often won’t. You must also learn to look for beauty in the everyday.

#2 Planning & preparing

This is important for me because as a mom, I need to be able to work around my kids’ school schedule. If I know I’m shooting flatlays and I want flowers, I need to go out and buy flowers on Sunday for the rest of the week. If I know I need to takes tons of pictures, I need to make time for it so that I’m not cutting into my work schedule during the week to make it happen. I also just recently dabbled into YouTube, committing to sharing video content at least bi-monthly, which means I need to plan for this especially since I’m new to the platform and it’s supremely time consuming. Whatever ideas you come up with in your research process, you need to prepare to materialize it, otherwise you’re parlaying on it never moving out of the conceptual phase.

#3 Photos/filming

I love taking pictures as a hobby and I know it’s a skill set I want to improve, so I make it a priority to practice especially on Sundays. And again, I’m attempting YouTube, which requires tons of time and attention. I make time for both because it’s really my only down day. Light is also super important, so they need to be priorities during the day. It’s near impossible to shoot and film during the week with the sun going down so much faster. I’ve learned that if I don’t make shit happen on Sundays, I have nothing concrete to work with once the week rolls in (no bueno!).

#4 The writing process

If there’s enough time, I like to start the writing process for my posts on Sundays as well – even if I don’t finish a full post. My goal right now is 3 blog posts per week, so I like to go into my blog and input titles into drafts while my mind is clear and focused. I usually become flustered during the week because there’s so much going on that these titles give me clear direction once 8 pm hits on a random day like Wednesday night!
 

If you need a little more pep talk, here you go:

How do you like to spend your Sundays and what does your content creation process look like right now? I love new ideas so don’t forget to share below!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin YouTube

You Should Also Read:

Tips to Keep Kicking Ass in 2017
How to Be Business Savvy & a Nice Person
5 Things to Know Before Starting a Blog

The post How I Maximize My Sundays as a Content Creator appeared first on Zanita Studio.

One of the things we struggle with most as bloggers outside of generating content is creativity.

Being a social influencer with several outlets to share content can be tiresome. You have to constantly keep up with what others are doing and writing while being mindful of what your audience wants to read.

We’ve talked about it before, but 2017 is the year of story telling. With apps like Snapchat and Instagram, it’s easy to give your audience an all-access pass into the BTS of your life. People are more and more interested in finding out what happens before you snap that gorgeous picture you just posted. Or what your process is like for creating flatlays. Or even what you do on a Sunday morning. It’s about engaging with them in an intimate real-time way, and showing them what’s happening in between the time you conceive something to the time you finish it…

Most influencers won’t publish just anything. There’s an entire system & team behind it, which means it’s normal if you struggle with finding the right things to talk about or subjects to approach. Not everything is newsworthy and maybe you haven’t exactly found your course of action. Plus, everything can feel bland when everyone’s doing the same thing… However, you always have a choice. It’s up to you to decide what’s more relevant: your new purchases or the bigger things in life like the Women’s March…

We’re no expert in politics or bigger issues despite our strong opinions and high respect for the opinions of others. But, we choose to be a place that drowns out negativity… We love to talk beauty routines, fashion trends, and the simplest places and things that inspire.

Before we get there though, there’s this massive process in between called research! And do we love doing our research, so if you haven’t nailed down your resources, here’s a start – where we personally like to find inspiration!

Our main source of research are the blogs we’ve come to love and fashion publications everyone loves (e.g. Vogue & Harper’s Bazaar). Depending on what your focus or preference is, you can follow fashion, lifestyle, beauty, travel, food, or magazine-style blogs. However, don’t flat out copy any of them – use them as a starting point and sprinkle your own fairy dust on it.

We also LOVE Pinterest. It’s one of the greatest sources of inspiration and you can find almost everything there from interesting articles to visual inspiration or DIY projects. Venture out and explore. We guarantee you’ll be hooked.

Print media whether that’s books, magazines, or catalogs can be very refreshing to go through. They can transport you to different places, which can birth your best ideas! Just be sure to keep a pen handy so you can write them down.

Lastly, go out into the world and reflect. Look at your own experience. You’re a wealth of possibilities on your own. The best story you can tell is always your own, so go for a walk, take some pictures, have a drink with a friend, and then reflect & write.

Don’t worry about getting stuck. Creating nonstop is the key to getting unstuck. We all go have ups and downs when it comes to the creative process so take advantage of the times you’re super inspired and let it all out. We know that not everyday is content creation day and that’s why we make the most out of the ones that are.

Where do you find inspiration? We’re always up for new ideas!

You Should Also Read

The 4 Step Foolproof Way to Start a Blog
How Living Abroad Can Change Your Perspective On Life
How I Maximize My Sundays as a Content Creator

The post Where to Find Inspiration if You’re a Creative appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Behind every blogger is a blogger bestie.

More often than not, having a blogger bestie or “girl gang” is no coincidence. It is yet another pro blogger tip that you too can use to grow your blog/following. No matter what niche you’re in, having a blogger bestie will give you someone who understands the biz, someone to bounce ideas off, and someone who challenges your creativity. And that’s just on the emotional support side of things.

On the strategy side of things, tagging each other in your Instagram photos and linking to each other’s blogs will spread brand awareness between the two of you. Your audience is now being introduced to your bestie and your bestie’s audience is being introduced to you. You’re reaching twice the amount of people that you would reach if you were trying to do things on your own.

A blogger bestie will also be the first person to become a brand ambassador for any new projects you’re working on. Fellow bloggers have the credibility for the testimonial you need to be successful. Now that is #girlpower at its finest.

Before you find a blogger bestie ask yourself…

How can I tie this person into my blog story?

You want the friendship to seem as authentic as possible. A good way to incorporate your blogger bestie is to slowly start showing her/him on social media. Maybe you Snapchat/Instastory a coffee date with your bestie, or you take an Instagram picture of your “date” and mention your bestie in the caption, then maybe you interview each other on your blogs.

There is no right or wrong way to do this. Though I would avoid making an announcement like “This is my bestie Brittany and she’s super cool, you should follow her on Instagram”. That sounds a little phony to me.

You want your readers to get a sense of your bestie’s personality and the best way to do that is by documenting your activities with this person naturally. Zanita does this particularly well with Rebecca Laurey and vice versa.

Will this friendship make sense?

Obviously, the best friendship is a real one. And you will find that one blogger you really mesh with; it just might take you a few “bad dates” beforehand. Ideally, if you’re a food blogger, you want to find another food blogger bestie. If you’re a minimal blogger, you want to find a minimal blogger bestie… so on and so forth. That way, your audiences will have no problem overlapping since you know they already like the food or minimal blogger vibe.

But sometimes, you can’t help who you mesh with, so if you’re a minimal blogger and your blogger bestie is a shoe blogger, fine, it’ll work. It might even work better because now you’re able to tap into a totally new audience you never would have before. Still with me?

What can I bring to the table?

You want to make sure the friendship is mutually beneficial and you’re not just sucking your blogger bestie dry. Friendship is friendship, after all. Say your blogger bestie is really great at video content and you’re really great at Instagram content. Combine your strengths so you grow together.

When you offer your talents to someone in the same line of work as you (blogging), a respect is formed and the other person knows you’re not just in it for yourself – which is a great quality to have especially in the blogging biz.

Where to find like-minded bloggers

Events

Going to events is not my favorite way to network; in fact, it’s actually my least. But since we’re being honest, I’ve met the majority of my blogger besties from this one event I attended last year that I was invited to via…

Instagram

Searching Instagram is the easiest and my personal favorite way to find blogger besties. I feel you can really get a sense for who the blogger is by her aesthetic, captions, pictures, Instastory, etc.

You can use location hashtags like #nycblogger or the discovery page in search of your blogger bestie. I personally like to look at what bloggers are commenting on other bloggers’ pictures and engage in a conversation that way.

If I think this is a potential blogger bestie, I’ll follow her/him. Then, when you follow one blogger, Instagram will give you “suggestions” for bloggers with a similar aesthetic and/or following which is another great way to find more besties.

New Apps

It may sound weird but new apps are a cool way to find a blogger bestie, especially if you’re younger or a new blogger. Young bloggers (16-21) are more likely to take a risk on an app than older bloggers.

Houseparty is a great new networking app that allows you to group chat with 8 or so people at one time so it’s like a house party. One of your friends may know another blogger and invite her/him to the “house party” and boom you become best friends.

You can also try Musical.ly. It’s a little older but still relatively new and popular amongst 8-18 years olds. If you’re not sure what emerging apps are trending, go to the iTunes store and look in the most popular or new app section.

Facebook groups

Facebook groups, for the most part, have become drowned out with a bunch of self-promotion BUT you can break the noise by asking members for new Instagrams to follow, Snapchats to add, or blogs to read. People will give you honest answers and you should be directed to a few blogger bestie contenders.

Your blogger bestie could be anywhere, you just have to know where to look for him/her. So be proactive, get out there and find someone you’d like to grow with.

Who’s your blogger bestie? Tag her/him in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

How to Be Business Savvy & a Nice Person
5 Things to Know Before Starting a Blog
How to Handle the Pressure of Being a Blogger

The post Why You Need a Blogger Bestie & Where to Find One appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We’re having a much warmer winter than average, but that’s not to say my skin doesn’t demand its moisturizers…

I’ve learned the hard way that ultra-nourishing skincare products need to be within arm’s reach these early months so I’m not scrambling for emergency moisturizers when I start flaking like a reptile. I shared my favorite beauty oils here, which I still love and stand by, but sometimes I’m not really in the mood for an oil… That’s where these come in handy.

Le Metier de Beaute Ultimate Hydrator

Le Metier de Beaute is a brand I just discovered late last year and I’m surprised it’s not talked about enough. It deserves to be as revered as La Mer and La Prairie. It looks and feels like a light-weight moisturizer, but don’t be fooled – it locks in maximum moisture overnight. If you notice any redness or flakiness on the skin, one pump of this stuff will cure it all. I don’t find it too heavy or irritating, but it does have quite a strong grandma aroma that lingers a while. Anyone who can’t seem to find something that works will be startled by this one.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Ultra Comfortable Night Cream

I absolutely LOVE honey as a skincare ingredient. I recently had a horrendous outbreak of acne again… my last bout was in 2013 so you can imagine how horrified I’ve been. Honey has become my go-to so I’m happy that it’s a key ingredient in this product. This cream may appear to be thick, but you only need a little – it doesn’t make your face greasy or shiny. It goes on so easily and keeps my skin super smooth. The one thing I have noticed about Nuxe products is that I usually don’t like how they smell. If you can get over that, you’ll love this!

Le Metier de Beaute Vital ET Recovery Boost

I’ve basically given up on body moisturizers and have stuck solely with oils, and then I stumbled upon this one. I don’t know what LMDB put in this formulation but it works gloriously. I’m very surprised given its liquidy texture… It goes on the skin like milk, but magically replenishes and repairs it. My daughter suffers from a mild case of eczema, which flares up in the winter and even she loves this stuff.

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

I’m not new to this Aesop hand cream, but it remains a favorite from 2016 up until now. For one, I’m crazy in love with the citrus scent – just splendid! It’s fast-absorbing, which most hand creams lack (a HUGE deal-breaker for me) and keeps my hands and cuticles soft without the annoying slip. It’s a travel-must when out and about in the winter. And as a bonus, I LOVE Aesop’s packaging…they’re the most photogenic products ever

Shop the Post

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin YouTube

You Should Also Read:

Tips to Keep Kicking Ass in 2017
How to Be Business Savvy & a Nice Person
5 Things to Know Before Starting a Blog

The post Emergency Moisturizers That Actually Work appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Every single one of us at Zanita Studio is a millennial…

Therefore, we think we’re qualified to talk about the top mistakes millennials make when talking to potential employers… After all, we’ve also been the hiring manager and potential employee. Although there are quite a lot of misconceptions about our generation, we can understand why they exist. They don’t necessarily apply to you or anyone specific, but we’ve witnessed the infractions ourselves… So let’s take a step back and review exactly what those mistakes are.

#1 Only talking about the “self”

In a world of “me, me, me”, it’s super easy to only think about yourself. But never forget, it pays to focus on the matter at hand: the potential employer and your potential job. In any conversation related to your career, you’ll often be asked about your career goals, your interests, and what you see yourself doing. Even if your plans somewhere along the way are to be self-employed (e.g. blogger, freelancer, etc), now’s not the time to discuss that… Why would anyone want to bring you on board to share their contacts with you and teach you the ins and outs of the business if your goal is to be on your own? That’s a waste of time and resources when it comes to investing in you.

Solution: Sure, talk about your interests but be sure to relay it back to the potential employer – how does that benefit them? What will you do for them (not yourself)? This might sound like brown-nosing – and it’s not. It’s about offering them the best you can because when you do that, the returns are eternal.

#2 Non-committal

Everyone wants to work their own schedule, right? Guess what – we do too! But to voice that from the start is quite the blunder. Saying things like, “Oh, I’m not really interested in a corporate structure, I like the flexibility, etc” is essentially the same as “I only care about myself”. Obviously if you’re speaking to a potential employer, you’re doing so because maybe the lack of structure (especially in blogging) entices you, but no need to state the obvious. It’s especially a misstep if you specifically say something like, “I still like to do my own thing…etcetera etcetera”. Again, waste of time and resources and stamps “implausible” all over you.

Solution: Show that you’re committed to them and their organization. Perhaps say something along the lines of “I love flexibility, but that also means I’m flexible”… “I do have a blog, but that is a hobby and I’m committed to XXX”… Again, this isn’t about you. If you commit to them, they will commit to you. Don’t blow your chances.

#3 Entitlement

Just because you’ve landed the internship or entry-level position doesn’t make you irreplaceable. Everyone is replaceable. It also doesn’t entitle you to promotion. By nature, we’re inclined to worry about the future… Where will we be? How can we make more money? But sometimes, it’s better to slow down and focus on what you’re doing right now. If you’re honestly working hard, the rewards will come. No one is entitled to anything in this world – even if it seems like it’s already yours.

Solution: Work hard at all times, upkeep the momentum, and strive to make the best impression of yourself even a year later. Document your successes and accomplishments. When it’s time, ask for that raise or promotion. If the employer hasn’t invested in you even after all that, it’s time to move on.

You Should Also Read:

3 Key Skills You Must Have to be Indispensable at Work
The Truth About Blogging for a Living (after 1 year at Zanita Studio)
Last Minute Steps to Take Before Accepting a Job Offer

The post Top 3 Mistakes Millennials Make When Talking to Potential Employers appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Well the moment has finally arrived…

I’m actually stumped on what to say… This feels like an incredible exhalation…

Azalle is live!

I guess I can just talk to you about my course! I’ve been fortunate to share my photographic journey with all of you over the past few years (actually… 8 years!) and I’ve loved every minute. I’m self-taught and wouldn’t have it any other way. Self-learning makes you reflective, intuitive, and resourceful, but the downside is it’s a slower process. My course is all about photography as I see it.

The idea that great, editorial photographs can only be taken by professionals with a team of assistants and extravagant equipment is over. With access to digital cameras and countless resources today, anyone can create an impactful image. This is what I’m going to share with you on Azalle.

(right, Nadia Fairfax by me)

(left, Brittany Darling by me)

If you purchased the course on the previous platform, you should have received an email to regain access. I’m excited to hear what you think of the new and improved version! The Azalle learning experience is totally dynamic and a breeze to go through, filled with videos, audio files, and interactive slides.

Azalle is a subscription service, which means if you’re signing up for my course, you’ll also get incredible learning opportunities from digital titans like Sonya Esman, Chloe Morello, and Jenny Cipoletti – but we also have so many more to come! Overall, we hope to deliver a holistic understanding of what it takes to communicate effectively online while sharing a multitude of experiences you can learn from. This is valuable, not only if you’re a blogger, but for anyone who has any interest in social media, marketing, branding, or just wanting to finesse their brand’s outlets of communication.

We are at the forefront of a new social era and our digital footprint is part of our resumé. Knowing what works for you isn’t just about following one person and emulating them; it’s about seeing a wide spectrum of social media entrepreneurs – how they are changing and adapting, how they communicate, and applying strategies that drive people to drown out the noise and hear only your voice. It’s about getting a foot ahead because digital and social communication is the biggest evolution of our technological era.

So with that, I’m thrilled to share with you this labour of love – not possible without my partners in crime, Gustav and Susan – for whom I’m forever indebted to!

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Azalle!!

– Zanita xx

(below, Sonya Esman by me)

You Should Also Read:

Lifestyle The Influencer Economy Isn’t Collapsing – It’s Just Getting Better
The Truth About Blogging for a Living (after 1 year at Zanita Studio)
Bloggers Vs Vogue – Why is this still a thing?

The post The Greatest Thing I’ve Ever Done appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Yet again, here we are…approaching Valentine’s Day…

America goes crazy over it and with a good reason. I honestly like the premise of the day – remembering the relationships in your life – or even lack thereof. But I’m also for the cliché that, every day should be special when you’re with that special someone.

And every day should be national doughnut day #ftw

I reckon now’s a great time to start thinking about your relationships and deciding what gifts to get each other… Hell, it can even be your bestie – ain’t gotta be a lover. Whether you’re a Valentine’s Day aficionado or not, you can always use a gift guide. After all, it gets confusing rifling through the noise out there…

So, here are 2 different gift guides for the girls and boys in your life.

#For Her

Getting gifts FOR HER is my specialty. Truth be told, I have it easy. It’s not to say that I don’t know how to handle the other side of the equation, but being a girl, makes it far easier to relate. You know the classics: lingerie, make-up, a pretty scarf, et al. But if you’re ready to go over the top, add a little more…a nice purse, a candle, or a fun print t-shirt. We love surprises! And be sure you’re paying attention to any tips she might’ve been hinting…

SHOP FOR HER

And if you really want to go outside the box, what about a one year subscription to Azalle? Now that’s real value money-can’t-buy!

#For Him

Guys can sometimes be hard when it comes to gift giving. If he’s anything like my husband, he never needs/wants anything. It’s a nightmare finding something, but fortunately he always ends up liking it. The trick is to be thoughtful – maybe something unexpected. But there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the classics. We’re talking a great watch, a fancy pair of socks, even cologne. Tech isn’t a bad investment… maybe he needs a pair of headphones or a camera. A cashmere scarf always does the trick.

SHOP FOR HIM

What’s on your V-Day shopping list?

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

Holidays Are Gone, But Sale Season Isn’t
Winter Essentials to Fight the Harsh Cold
New Fall/Winter Lip Products I Can’t Put Down

The post Here’s What We’re Giving on Valentine’s Day (for him & her) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I have a very hypocritical relationship with competition. I think collaboration gets you further, but I also think some healthy competition is necessary to be successful.

It’s just the name of the game, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it. One thing that is certain though, is if you’re a blogger, you are 100% fighting for the same limelight as thousands of others. Not every blogger (especially if you’re a beginner) will get to work with every brand that they want to. You’re all fighting to be seen, heard, and accepted in the industry. You’re fighting to make a living doing what you love, and it’s not easy. In fact, it really sucks at times and there’s a lot of physical and emotional pain involved… Here are a few strategies to get ahead of the competition.

Use the zig zag theory

The Zig-Zag Theory is when you do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. While all the other bloggers are zigging (i.e. trying to get brand collaborations, getting featured in publications), you can be zagging (doing the opposite). For example, you could be the blogger who creates an Instagram account that features bloggers instead of trying to get featured. You could also be the one helping bloggers get brand collaborations instead of trying to get them yourself. See what I’m saying?

You can apply the zig zag theory to any business, any niche, anything. Going against the grain will allow you to stand out and get noticed. Look at @ihavethisthingwithfloors and @muradosmann. No one had Instagram accounts that focused on photography from those particular angles, hence why they’re both so successful today.

Take risks

Another way to beat your competition in blogging is by taking risks. Sincerely Jules took a huge risk when she started her clothing line, as did Emily Weiss from Into the Gloss when she started Glossier. But now, these girls are running multi-million dollar empires all because of a risk.

I’m not saying sell all your belongings and buy a factory to start a clothing line. But I am saying there are small risks you can take that could have big rewards. Sincerely Jules started with 3 t-shirts – she may have even started with one t-shirt – I don’t remember. Anyway, those shirts turned into more shirts and sweatshirts and pants and jackets. Now she has a full-blown clothing company.

Again, that’s not to say you have to start a business. You can take risks by incorporating video tutorials or creating a podcast or expanding your brand and exploring new topics. When you start taking small risks you become confident in the unknown instead of fearing it which ultimately sets you up to take bigger risks.

Figure out what people are going to do before they do it

Determining what people are going to do before they do it isn’t easy. In fact, it’s kind of a crap shoot and it’s really hard if you’ve never been an observer. Being an observer means you stop doing and really pay attention to what is happening around you. What’s going on in the news, what’s happening on Facebook, what pictures are popular on Instagram, where people are spending their time.

My mom’s a psych major and I think she passed that onto me (if that’s even possible) because I’m big on studying human behavior, seeing how people interact with one another and the world around them. But anyway, the scenarios I described above are what you need to start incorporating in order to figure out what people are going to do before they do it. The reason this is so important is because it puts you at an advantage. There’s great power in being the first one to do anything. Being the first to be a fashion blogger, being the first to create YouTube videos, being the first to get on Musical.ly, etc. are all things that make you the OG and deem you as an expert in your field. Make sense?

Ultimately utilizing your power of being “the first” will make you money, and that’s what needs to happen if you want to make blogging your full-time job. Period.

What is your take on beating your competition? Are you competitive or not? We’d love to know in the comments below! 

xx Britt

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It seems like yesterday we were just talking about NYFW in September 2016.

Now, here we are again, getting ready for another season of NYFW. Men’s just ended and we certainly saw some great and revolutionary designs on the runway – most brimming with political charge and aspirational revolutions. It seems like the current political environment spurred designers to carefully craft collections that represent the breeding tension in our society and offers a little hope and brightness. It’s an intelligent way to spread awareness.

But anyway, soon to start is fashion week in New York, and we could not be more excited, especially since the big boss ( @ZanitaZanita) will join in.

What’s interesting about fashion week in February is that we get to see all the street style starlets impressive methods of surviving the cold. The freezing cold temperatures of New York are an impulse for layer!It’s definitely the most creative season to binge watch outside the shows.

Before all the craziness begins, we get into trend spotting and predictions – what are we going to be seeing out there and what might we wear…

We love prying on style.com – its tumblr-esq website serves a great sourcing point if you’re looking for the hottest in fashion right now. You can scroll through endless inspiration…

Based on what we’ve seen, here’s our trend forecast for New York Fashion Week:

#1 Architectural Sleeves

Sleeves have blown up over the last few seasons. We started out with bell sleeves, off-the-shoulder tops, and frills. But now, they’ve gained a life of their own and are standing alone. You could be just wearing huge sleeves and no bottoms. Ha! Totally joking. But you can surely bet that they’re getting bigger & better as tread along.

Shop our favorites below:

#2 Color Block Accessories

Color Blocking is all about spotlighting. What this ultimately means is that, you pick one single accessory that’s going to speak for your entire outfit. Draw attention by pairing a bright yellow bag with an all-black outfit…
 

Shop our favorites below:

#3 Athluxury

That’s right. I said it. Vogue classified 2017’s athleisure as athluxury. Major brands, like Outdoor Voices and Supreme, are endorsing this upcoming trend, which enables us to go to a party dinner decked out in hoodies and heels. Do you like it?

Shop our favorites below:

#4 Boho Americana

There’s a huge Americana movement happening in fashion right now. With so much going on in North America, we’re predicting the new boho spanning the 60s and all things western and cowboy. Chloé is doing this particularly well!

Shop our favorites below:

You Should Also Read:

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The post Our New York Fashion Week Trend Forecast appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I began using essence a year ago when I decided to experiment with the 10-step Korean beauty regimen, and I’ve had mixed feelings about whether I need to keep using it…

I’ve gone through two entire bottles (the Cremor Lab Mineral Treatment Essence & highly revered SK-II Facial Treatment Essence) – both of which I felt were nice, but not life changing. I’ve had no intentions of purchasing another bottle of essence until I got a hold of Tatcha’s Essence… So, I wanted to share why…

Tatcha’s Essence

One of the reasons I was initially drawn to the Tatcha Essence was its claims to smooth and resurface the skin as it’s comprised of natural fermentation ingredients that produce lactic acid. I’ve also have had more reasons lately to maximize hydration since I’ve seriously been over cleansing, exfoliating, etc. Although it hasn’t done much for my acne, which I didn’t expect but was optimistic with the lactic acid, I’ve felt like my skin is much softer and smoother in texture with continued use. It has also been super gentle on my ultra-sensitive skin that’s been laden with chemical peels, retinols, and all acids. It’s honestly everything I expected an Essence to be and more. While the Cremorlab & SK-II helped retain moisture, I didn’t feel they did more beyond that…

Saturday Skin Freeze Frame Essence

On the topic of essence, I’ve also been using the Saturday Skin Freeze Frame Essence. This is not your normal essence because it feels more like a light-weight lotion compared to the typical viscous water texture of most. It claims to increase firmness, hydration, and provide a youthful appearance – I think it excelled best at hydration and that was about it. Of the Saturday Skin products I have tried, this essence wasn’t exactly my favorite. I love that it’s infused with pomegranate, but really, it felt like nothing more than a lightweight moisturizer – something I’d use under makeup in the summer.

So, is essence essential?

Ultimately, essence is worth a shot especially if you lean on the drier side. And if you’re looking for some added benefits along the way, the Tatcha essence truly delivers. If you lean combo, oily, and acne-prone, I don’t think you’re missing out.

What do you think? Have you tried essence and do you love it?

Shop the Post

xo,
Susan
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You Should Also Read:

How to Put Your Best Face Forward for Fall
The Best Beauty Oils to Soothe Your Winter Skin
6 Killer Beauty Products that Perform Wonders

The post Is Essence Essential in Your Skincare Routine? appeared first on Zanita Studio.