Do you ever find yourself wondering why you can’t seem to achieve the big things you often dream about?

From personal experience and observation, I’ve concluded that the thing preventing us from doing what we want most is a lack of challenge. Financial security, a guarded sense of belonging, and a fear of failure are all the things keeping us right where we are. No progression. But no discomfort. This year, I challenge you to challenge yourself! If you’re not sure exactly how, here are 3 specific ways to challenge yourself and open up. As you tackle each task one by one, you’ll evolve into that fearless being you always wanted to be.

Do one thing every month that SCARES you.

You know that saying about comfort zones – believe it… Nothing good grows there. The best way to combat comfort is by getting out of there and that means doing something every month that scares you. You want to try to do things like changing up your daily routine. Baby steps will eventually lead into big things – and that’s the perfect way to ease yourself into challenging yourself. This was especially hard for me at first because I was so stuck in my ways. A few things that make me super uncomfortable are promoting myself, going to networking events and talking to people, and traveling alone. All these things make me feel queasy inside… And I’d rather crawl into a hole and disappear. By putting yourself in those exact situations, you’ll learn to overcome those fears. So your first step this year is to get out of your comfort zone.

Try something new.

After you get out of your comfort zone, you should want to try new things. Perhaps it’s trying a new style you wouldn’t typically wear or attending networking events you would have never considered before. Getting out of your comfort zone is one thing, but trying something completely new and out of your element is another. Trying new things doesn’t necessarily mean doing things you don’t want to do. It’s about gaining new experiences that can better shape your future. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know. Last month during fashion week, when I noticed bloggers I admired and respected on Instagram, I walked up and introduce myself – something I have NEVER done at fashion week before. What I’ve learned is that the outcome is irrelevant… Once you have tried or attempted something new, you’ll learn that it wasn’t as scary as you imagine. More importantly, you’ll be surprised at how brave and capable you really are.

Try something HARD.

Aside from trying something new (which could be as simple as testing a new cuisine you’ve never had), try something difficult that tries your knowledge and pushes your skills. This can be planning a trip, learning a new language and traveling across the globe to another country that speaks an entirely foreign language. Learn how to invest your money and watch it grow. Take on a new hobby like photography or videography… Most people will try new things but won’t do something hard because it’s time consuming, progress is slow, and there’s no instant gratification. But do this, and watch how it enhances your vision and view of life.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Branding Guide for Beginner Bloggers
4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

The post 3 Ways to Challenge Yourself This Year appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Spring is finally here after what seemed like an excruciatingly long winter and you know what that means – Spring cleaning time!

If your wardrobe seems to be bursting at the seams, drawers filled to the brim and shoes strewn all about, then I hate to break it you, but it is time for a good cleaning. I am a strong believer in a cluttered space leading to a cluttered mind, so for our own mental health, let’s tackle our closets together.

Out with the Old

If anything should motivate you to get the deed done, think about all the space you can create for those new spring and summer pieces you have been eyeing! It just wouldn’t be right to throw them into an overflowing clothing abyss. With that in mind, let’s get started by putting on your playlist and diving right into it. Here’s how to spring clean your closet the right way.

#1 Empty Everything

To begin the closet purge, I suggest dumping everything out onto the floor. This method is honestly a little frightening at first. However, you may come to the realization of all the clothing you’ve hoarded when it is piled into a mountain that rivals that of Everest. I find this the easiest way to do a complete closet clean out since it allows you to start fresh.

#2 Organize into Categories

Next, go through and analyze each item in the pile individually. By touching every single piece of clothing, you can honestly decide in that moment if you really want it – and will actually wear it again. When determining whether or not you should keep an item, ask yourself when was the last time you wore it. Has it been more than a year where it lied there untouched? If so, it is probably best to let it go. Designate piles with categories such as “Keep”, “Donate” and “Sell”. Continue these steps until you tackled everything!

#3 Reassemble Your Wardrobe

Now that you’ve purified your clothing, it is time to put it back. Do not let your hard work go to waste by jamming everything back in without rhyme or reason! Consider hanging your items according to sleeve length, color, frequency of use, and season – whatever method works best for your lifestyle. This will save you time in the long run. Make sure you maintain this level of organization to prevent mountain-high piles of clothes when next spring rolls around.

#4 Donate or Sell

For items that are still trendy or in good condition, you can consider selling them if you want to make some extra cash. I highly recommend Poshmark for gently used items and The Real Real for any luxury or designer pieces you want to let go of. Everything else that is no longer in style or more loved than some other items, you can drop it off at your local thrift store so it can be repurposed and passed on to someone else!

What tips do you have for spring cleaning your closet?

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Zanita Studio Spring Reading Guide
How to Stand Out By Blogging With a Purpose
How to Start Spring Cleaning Your Life

The post How to Spring Clean Your Closet appeared first on Zanita Studio.

To be quite honest, the fashion industry in its entirety get a bad rep.

For those who do not necessarily see the point or benefits, they think it is an industry filled with self-absorbed, conceited people who heavily splurge on multitudes of clothing. That is certainly one perspective, but if these people looked on a deeper level, fashion is much more than that. It’s a lifestyle – a conduit to confidence. It has the ability to empower and transform you. I firmly believe that clothing has the power to influence a person’s confidence, thus making you a stronger individual. Here’s exactly how fashion affects your self-confidence:

It’s a Phenomenon

In fact, there is a scientific term to describe this occurrence and it is called, “enclothed cognition”. Essentially, it is defined as the influence clothing has on an individual’s cognitive process. So what does this mean for us? To put it simply, the clothing we decide to wear can have an impact on the way we think and the way we feel. Here are a few examples…

Think back to your last job interview. Most likely you were wearing business professional clothing. You might not have realized it at the time but adorning this suit potentially made you feel more confident and ready to take on the task at hand – landing the job. If you happened to show up at the interview in the clothes you rolled out of bed with, I am sure you would not feel as good about the position as you otherwise would have. Some people even get dressed up for phone interviews because of the mental impact!

Also, consider fashion week or a fashion event where you know people will be dressed up. Given the environment, you would show up in pristine condition without question because it’ll put you in a more confident position to network and collaborate with other bloggers and brands.

Fashion Affects Us Everyday

Clearly, the theoretical job interview situation is a no-brainer. However, enclothed cognition does affect us on a day-to-day basis, which is why fashion has such an importance in everyone’s life. If you wear clothes, you are participating in fashion. Think of the feeling you might have had when purchasing a new top or pair of shoes and how excited you were to incorporate it into an outfit.

This is the magic of fashion.

Every single morning, we are all faced with the decision of what to wear, so why not maximize this opportunity? It is beneficial to dress up in an outfit that makes us feel good, whether that be wearing high heels to go to the market for milk, sporting a power suit to work or even just putting on your lucky t-shirt with those jeans that make your butt look cute.

Look Good, Feel Good

Fashion is more than just a designer handbag. It is a movement that empowers the everyday person. Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of Christian Dior, took her strong feminist beliefs and weaved it into her Spring 2018 ready-to-wear collection to create looks that she specifically devised to empower women and embolden her confidence. She has certainly integrated the idea of enclothed cognition into her designs.

Next time you need to choose a new outfit, remember to decide with confidence. Do not worry what anyone else might think of you. Dress selfishly. Dress knowing what you wear has a direct impact on how you carry yourself and your self-confidence. Don’t let the small opinions of other around you dictate how you should look and what’s deemed “appropriate”. I promise that just this small psychological change can have a large impact on your life. Just watch how fashion affects your self-confidence.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Branding Guide for Beginner Bloggers
4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

The post How Fashion Affects Your Self-Confidence appeared first on Zanita Studio.

There are two types of bloggers: those who plan their content in advanced and those who merely wing it on a day-to-day basis.

For those who identify as the latter, this post is dedicated to you!

Now, there is certainly nothing wrong with spontaneously posting. In fact, I am pretty sure most bloggers will do this because planning content in advanced takes time – and who has time these days? However, in case you are looking for new organizational ways to plan your blog content, I am here to help! Here are the answers to your most asked questions regarding blog content creation.

Why Bother?

If you need some convincing, planning your content ahead of time is highly beneficial. True, it requires dedicating some time to plan everything out at once, but the benefits are hard to pass up. I love planning ahead because you can get an early start on tasky things that consume a lot of time, like photo shoots, copywriting, and optimizing content for social media. Most importantly, it guarantees consistency!

Personally, I find that I work better with clear guidelines and due dates. It puts more pressure on myself to deliver quality, relevant content as promised. This is important if blogging is or will be your full-time job because you should want to hold yourself accountable. Not only is this organization beneficial for yourself but for other people and brands you happen to be working with.

How do I get started?

The hardest part is always the inception of planned blog content. It requires you to sit down and think ahead. You need to consider what your reader’s expectations are, what you want to deliver, goals you want to accomplish,  current trends, and any other scheduled events/sponsored posts/content you deem relevant. From this, you can derive topics, keywords, and formulate post titles carefully!

Once you have developed a multitude of content ideas, my favorite way to organize the information is through an editorial calendar. This can be created on Excel, handwritten, downloaded from a template, iCal – whichever method works best for you. If you’d like to try a useful app, be sure to check out Trello (my favorite!), which I spoke about here.

You should work on plugging in your content in regards to post date optimization. For example, if your post is about a Halloween DIY costume, make sure to schedule this on your content calendar in a timely matter. Not the day before Halloween when time has run out or their costume has already been decided.

Now what?

If you have successfully crafted your blog editorial calendar, the next steps should be to continue to follow and to update it. Use it to your advantage to work ahead and regularly pump out quality blog content. As a side note, just because you have planned your blog material in advanced, does not mean you can’t change it either. Say an idea comes to you that needs to be posted pronto – go for it. Make changes as you see fit.

I hope this helps you organize your blog scheduling and posting better! It can be a tricky thing to manage. However, I have learned that some organization is truly better than none. Having a clear picture of what is ahead for your blog is better for business and for your state of mind!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Branding Guide for Beginner Bloggers
4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

The post How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Although I have had my fair share of poring through resumes and deciding whether or not someone is worth hiring, it’s a totally different ball game when that person is going to be YOUR employee.

Last month, I began to realize that I needed writers to join my growing team, and in that search, I realized how hard it was to find quality people. Not only did I need writers who had strong mechanics, but those who understood the industry and needs of my clients. I considered writing a blog post and sharing it on social media but was afraid of the overwhelming influx of responses. Time is already limited as is, so more time spent reviewing applications and resumes would only increase the workload.

This is where networking comes into play and changes the game. Back in November, I met a girl on Instagram who I became friends with. I reached out and asked if she could provide some referrals and one of those names became my first writer. I’m extremely blessed and lucky to have someone who can perform with little instruction, so I wanted to share my method of hiring. Here are 4 steps to hiring your first quality employee.

Step 1: Start small

The first step is to start small. Although my needs might be 16 articles per month, I started at 4 so that I can learn my writer’s voice, quirks, and flow. This might be different depending on the business you’re in so you have to “start small” accordingly. Plus, you have to understand that he/she is new and that might require some training. If they’re able to get off the ground running, that’s cue to assign more; but if they’re struggling, that’s where your role as manager intervenes and assists.

Step 2: Watch from afar

From my experience, my favorite bosses were those who gave me freedom and creative control. Therefore, I try to do the same. When it comes to writing, I simply set the deadline which I’m extremely flexible about and let my writer do the rest. I then watch how things unravel… The key elements I’m paying attention to in my laissez faire approach are whether deadlines are being met, if the articles align with current trends, and word count. A sense of urgency and professionalism through timeliness are two things that are unrivaled in this industry. If I can check those two traits off, it’s a great sign! Also, pay attention to how your new employee acts when a job has been completed. For instance, in writing, I love when someone goes back to review my edits once an article goes live without me telling them. It means they care about how their work aligns with mine.

Step 3: Have conversations

Next, be sure to touch base regularly especially if you’re hiring someone who works remotely. Even though you have a sense of purpose, it doesn’t mean your employee understands your vision. Having conversations now and again will instill purpose into what they’re doing and why it matters. After one or a few of these conversations, you should see excitement and desire to learn and grow with you. That’s the sign of a driven, ambitious person (my favorite traits). My biggest pet peeve is a lack of eagerness to learn and/or do better. No one wants to bring someone on who merely wants exposure and then peaces out.

Step 4: Have a proper procedure in place and know the legalities of hiring

In times of growth, legal and tax advice are so important. I recently spoke to my accountant who gave me the lowdown on subcontracting versus hiring and a single-member LLC versus an S-Corp. I’m no expert on this topic but to save yourself the headache down the road, I highly encourage you have a procedure with the proper paperwork and contracts in place. I wish someone told me this earlier! Although you’ll have friends and industry insiders who can share their experience, it doesn’t mean that you can apply it to your situation. Invest in yourself and get the expert guidance you need.

Now, question to all my freelancers and entrepreneurs, do you have tips for hiring?

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Branding Guide for Beginner Bloggers
4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

The post 4 Steps to Hiring Your First Quality Employee appeared first on Zanita Studio.

 

When Winter comes round, two things happen to my skin. One, it tends to become so pale white it takes on a not-so-glamourous grey/blue tone. Two, it seemingly ages five years by the end of the day unless I’m discerning with the moisturiser I apply that morning.

As a self appointed moisture aficionado, I’m not willing to compromise. I’m guilty of breaking budgets for the right creams.  I’m also not the most loyal in the sense that I’ll alternate between 4/5 different ones depending on the weather, the time of the month, the texture of my skin, how many late nights I’ve enjoyed/endured.

Enter Olay Luminous Whip.

I was enlisted by Olay to share my experience with this new product and it’s truly unlike anything I’ve come across yet. As a dry skinned individual and a proponent of extremely rich moisture and oils, I was hesitant. I love matte skin, matte lipstick – but unless the quality is stellar I’m often left a dry mess. What makes this moisturiser different, it IS very rich – while still being a delightful velvet matte, a glow sans the shine. Often rich moisturisers don’t work so well under make-up, I need to really wait for it all to soak in before applying – so I’m grateful to find Olay Whips the perfect middle ground solution. Olay Whips is especially beneficial post work being that my usual moisturisers just tend to sit on top of my skin for a near embarrassing amount of time.

I can’t speak for all skin times, but I can see Olay Whip being pretty versatile – and that’s without getting started on the incredible value of the product, sitting in the lower echelon when it comes to pricing, it’s more nurturing to the ol’ hip pocket.

I’m delighted to find this type of product that works for my winter skin. The proof is in the pudding. Olay’s new ‘Active Rush Technology’ means Luminous Whip holds 1000x its weight in moisture. Grateful to have had the chance to share this with you! Thanks so much to Olay for inviting me to try it out.

Paid post for Olay – all opinions are my own.

The post Whip It Good – Extremely Nourished Skin, Minus The Oil appeared first on Zanita Studio.

So Instagram keeps changing its algorithm and everyone is freaking out…

Now what? Well first, let this be proof that you need your own platform (i.e. a blog) because no matter how many times a platform changes, you will always have this space that is owned AND controlled by YOU. That being said, you still need Instagram for engagement, exposure, and promotion because that’s where everyone’s at!

I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve seen a downward spiral in growth, likes, and comments (because I have too). But rather than being upset about the changes that keep arising, why not play by the rules? You can’t control what goes on behind the scenes, so change what you can control…

If you’re looking to beat the Instagram algorithm the right way, here are some tips to get you started:

Interact and engage!

Despite the swap from chronological to algorithm back in 2016, Instagram has remained true to one thing: Authentic interaction and engagement. And that doesn’t mean receiving one or two word comments like “so pretty” let alone heart eye emojis. The platform is looking for thoughtful conversations. If you haven’t already started driving conversation with your followers, it’s time you train them to interact with you. It could be through your visuals or how you present your caption… When you reply to a comment, do so in a way that stimulates a response. Maybe you ask a question or make an effort to know who your audience is by visiting their page and commenting on their photos. The sooner you respond to comments (like within the first 30 minutes), the more likely your content will be exposed.

Be more thoughtful about what you post.

Since my work and business don’t heavily rely on Instagram, my feelings are pretty neutral whenever there’s a change. But I always encourage my clients to look on the bright side. The algorithm change is an opportunity for the best to stand out! And if you’re one of the best, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s not just about a pretty photo, but a caption that provokes action whether that’s visiting your blog, sharing an opinion, or tagging a friend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new features such as the carousel or video content!

Use your analytics.

What I love about the recent Instagram changes is the ability to see insights on every post. If my reach was 1500 versus 700 on another image, it’s time to make some changes! I don’t encourage you to obsess over the analytics on every posts but it’s probably good to check in once a month and compare your top performing ones to the bottom. Saves are another KPI to gauge whether the content you’ve posted is working or not.

Make the most of stories.

Stories is a great way to engage an audience and let them tell you what’s working or not. My favorite way of doing this is through polls! It’s so fun, interactive, and if used correctly, can tell you a lot about your audience. You can ask probing questions to determine what you need to post more and less of. Or you can take them on a journey through your day and find out what they’re interested in (i.e. workout videos or healthy recipes)!

Hashtag away.

Eva Chen said it, so you better believe it… Hashtags DO still work! I am a proponent of hashtags but make sure you steer away from copying and pasting the same ones over and over again. We all know about the infamous shadow ban – and whether or not that was real, no one really knows, but just switch it up. Also, put some research into the hashtags you use… For instance, if you only have 4k followers, you don’t want to use hashtags with 5 million posts. Stick with those under the 1 million mark and be sure that it’s been used recently. Also, create your own hashtags so that others can follow your journey.

Has the algorithm change been frustrating for you? I’ve you’ve found anything that works, be sure to share them below!
 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Branding Guide for Beginner Bloggers
4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

The post How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way appeared first on Zanita Studio.

On any ordinary day, staying cheerful and positive are effortless tasks…

Where it gets difficult is when everything seems to go wrong. I’ve been reading and preaching The Law of Attraction these last few months because I strongly believe that you attract more of what you feel. That means when you think and feel like your world is crashing down on any given day, more things are likely to go wrong…

The fact that every day isn’t going to be a good day is indisputable, but the choice to go about it with a positive or negative attitude lies in your own hands. In the grand scheme of things, this day will come to be one of many, but the attitude with which you go about it has the power to stick with you for a lifetime. It’s up to you to take the right steps to steer yourself in the right direction. And the mindset, people, and thoughts you drown yourself in can either help you take that step forward to attract more positive things, or they can be the ones to bring you down farther than where you started.

If you struggle with optimism, I’m sharing 3 quick tips for staying positive even on a terrible day. I often employ these tips in my daily life and believe they’ve completely transformed my outlook and my success.

If you can’t change the situation, reframe your mindset.

When things go wrong, it’s easy to hone in on the negative and focus on it. These days, I’ve learned to reframe my mindset when I can’t control the situation.

Did someone just cut you off on the highway? Maybe they have family in the hospital that they’re rushing to see. Did you just get a ticket? Maybe you could have caused an accident – and the ticket is just a warning to prevent it. My point is, try putting yourself in the shoes of the other person and give them the benefit of the doubt. Rising above the situation and replacing negative energy with something positive takes training but it’s so worth it once you realize how much lighter and happier you feel.

Focus on the solution.

When it comes to personal problems that you can’t make any logic of, refrain from focusing on the problem because that only prompts more negativity. Instead focus on the solution, cultivate an attitude of gratitude, and start the process for healing. If you just lost your job, get working on your resume or make a website to kickstart your own business. If you feel like your boss was being unfair in a promotion, view it as an opportunity to pursue something better. You never know how missing out can be a blessing in disguise. When you focus on the good, you attract more of it!

Do something you enjoy.

Sometimes, all you can do is sit back, breath, and do something you enjoy. Personally, I can reach this calm space by surrounding myself in music or watching videos of the people I admire. Right now, Will Smith has me on a high – I never knew how inspirational he was, but a whiff of his Insta always sends good vibes. Finding one’s serenity amidst the turbulence of life may can be achieved through surrounding yourself with people who have the very attitude you’re striving towards. It always works for me!

In what ways do you stay positive on a terrible day?

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

Branding Guide for Beginner Bloggers
4 Key Soft Skills Every Blogger Needs to be Successful
Top 5 Blog Tips in 2 Years Under Zanita

The post 3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Whether you are a full-time blogger or balance both blogging and a 9-to-5 job, staying on top of your work and schedule can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting.

It can seem like there are simply not enough hours in a day to get everything accomplished. Since leaving my job and pursuing self-employment, the task of managing my seemingly never ending list of things to do became quite daunting.

When I am faced with a precarious balancing act of tasks and responsibilities, I find list-making to be of utmost importance. I realize to-do lists are not a method for everyone, but I truly thrive off having every task laid out in front of me. That being said, today’s post is going to focus on how I conquer my responsibilities and seize productivity with the to-do list. If you’re ready to tackle the art of checking things off your to-do list, keep reading below!

Traditional vs. Modern

There are two types of to-do list people: those who need to physically write things down with good ol’ pen and paper and those who take a more modern approach by keeping digital records. I tend to be more old school, however I have tried my share of organizational apps. Evernote and Wunderlist are two of my personal favorites. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, choose a method that will be the most successful for you.

Organize into Categories

This is the part in which you can get creative. What categories I choose to utilize, may not be the same for you and vice versa. It is important to think about how you typically operate, what your day looks like on a daily basis and how your thought process tends to work. After routinely making to-do lists for years, here are some of my preferred methods.

Divide into Sections: If you are balancing multiple projects, consider organizing your tasks into sections. For instance, I may have different categories for all my clients, as well as categories for my personal life. Or maybe categories divided up into things related to events, meetings, phone calls and emails.

Prioritize: Most often, I find myself organizing my duties by urgency. This requires me to stop and ask myself how important each task is and when exactly it needs to get done by. From here, you can arrange in sequential order, allowing you to fully optimize your time and come up with a timeframe for all your work.

Check Things Off

Undeniably, my favorite part when it comes to the art of to-do lists is when a task is officially completed and I am able to check it off the list. Whether this be making a slash with a pen over the assignment or perhaps tapping a toggle to digitally do so, it is truly such a powerful feeling to have an actual indication of having something complete. Make sure to do this, so you can mentally prepare yourself for the next job at hand.

Again, maybe to-do lists are not necessarily your jam, but if you feel yourself getting consumed by an influx of work, consider trying it out. With a trial-and-error period, you will eventually hone in on the perfect method to match your lifestyle. Doing this has helped me manage all my various tasks, while also allowing me to maintain a work-life balance. I promise that to-do lists are an organizational game changer for any professional!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content
3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day
How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way

The post The Art of Checking Things Off Your To-Do List appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Breathing an exhilarating and new chapter for CALVIN KLEIN ETERNITY.

ETERNITY AIR is the moment you dare not to describe, thrilling and unexpected. It’s butterflies in your stomach, a glittering sunrise and a breeze that hints of a distant ocean. It’s falling in love with a thing, a time, a new potential. Thanks so much to CALVIN KLEIN for inviting me to share my vision of their new fragrance CALVIN KLEIN ETERNITY AIR.

Shop ETERNITY AIR

Sponsored post for Calvin Klein – all opinions are my own.

The post This Is Eternity appeared first on Zanita Studio.

From an outside perspective, it generally may look like all bloggers in the public eye are exceptionally outgoing and confident since you often find them hopping from one event to another…

It seems their life can be a whirlwind of attending this fashion show, going to a product launch, or having a blogger meet up – at least that’s what Instagram says. But that is not always the case! Like myself, SO MANY bloggers can be introverts too in reality. You may never know it, but there is a possibility that some of the bloggers you see photographed at a party might have had to sum up the courage to even attend. (Hence, the phrase “fake it til you make it”.)

Honestly, it makes sense as not everyone is an extrovert. There are just as much introvert and ambivert bloggers out there. If you are part of the latter, I am here to tell you are certainly not alone. Next time you get an invite and feel your blood pressure rise, ask yourself the following questions to get yourself to go to blogger events as an introvert.

Why Should I Go?

If you are debating whether or not to attend, contemplate if it would be ideal for networking. A blogger event is a great way to connect with people in the industry, which could definitely lead to future opportunities and collaborations for you and your business. That’s why bloggers are always showing their face. There is always a chance you could find yourself conversing with the PR manager, CEO, or another like-minded blogger that might bloom into a lasting friendship.

Plus, it could be beneficial content for your brand if you seize the chance to take photos, vlog, Instagram stories, etc. In fact, this is why companies and brands spend so much money to make the event as photographable and eye-catching as possible. Use this occasion to garner website traffic by establishing yourself as an expert and writing a killer blog post on the launch of a new lipstick. Attending a blogger event expands your portfolio and can open new doors.

What if I Don’t Know Anyone?

This could be the toughest part for an introvert because generally, social settings require lots of energy from the individual. Plus, to not have anyone to go with or meet up with on top of that could be quite daunting and may deter you from going. However, it is important to try and be as open-minded as possible. One option could be making the announcement and outreaching to bloggers in your niche to see if they’d like to meet up. Plus, there is always a chance you may run into someone you know whilst there. Or it could be a perfect opportunity to go out of your comfort zone a little. Again, you never know who will meet without trying.

Can I Change My Mind Last Minute?

Of course, BUT I encourage you to make a commitment and stay the course! Always remember no one is forcing you to go to any blogger event. If you already know you are drained of energy and the prospect of having to socialize is overwhelming, do what is best for you. Even if that means skipping out on this one. There will always be another event in the future, but you can’t always use this excuse or you’ll wind up exactly where you are.

All in all, it is almost always beneficial to attend a blogger event, even if it is just for a bit. There are many potential opportunities that can advance your career in the industry or get you the right connection. You also learn so much by observing behavior. My best advice is to recognize your introverted tendencies and take small steps to overcome them (it’s usually a mental struggle). I’m one of the most introverted people I know so I realize how ridiculous this can sound but also that it’s a very real challenge that can take years, if not a lifetime, to overcome.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content
3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day
How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way

The post How to Get Yourself to go to Blogger Events as an Introvert appeared first on Zanita Studio.

There aren’t many places that compare to New Zealand. I have to thank my newlywed friends, Nicole Warne and Luke Shadbolt, for creating a great excuse to go there – and the iconic outdoor clothing brand Woolrich for giving me the inspiration to explore.

My boyfriend, Gabriel, and I spend a couple weeks adventuring through the mountainous region surrounding Wanaka and Queenstown in a “Kiwi Kombi”, a mustard yellow 1974 VW Westfalia camper van. I felt quite the part in head-to-toe Woolrich, living simply and practically – cooking on the camp stove in our van or an open fire by our own construction (perhaps my favourite pastime). The entire trip was a meditation in scenic vistas, driving through valleys peppered with waterfalls, through snow capped mountain passes and into valleys with aqua blue rivers, past mirrored lakes and then through rolling golden hills, protect by a mountain’s rain shadow that caused the landscape to drastically change. Driving around each corner would lead us to another scene – unique from the last – gasping for all it’s vast and epic beauty.

Thank you so much to Woolrich for helping us dress the part and giving us the best excuse to create, share and experience one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Shop Woolrich

Photographer, Director, Editor and Colourist – Gabriel Tick

Some Photography, Styling and  Talent – Zanita Whittington

The post We Found Heaven On Earth appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Summer is quickly approaching and with it, the return of bikini season, but there are so many more reasons to get in shape now!

I’m constantly reading in business books how exercising is such an important part of the lives of CEOs. I’ve always pondered how accurate this was and now I know… A few months ago, I found myself tired all the time, lacking clarity and easily irritated. And every morning, my stomach felt achey and uncomfortable. I knew it was time for a change… In a previous life, I was far more active, but since making the leap to working for myself, time was just nonexistent. I’ve learned that you only have time what you make time for! So, I made time to get in shape without going to the gym.

The gym is honestly not for everyone. I have tried on numerous occasions to get in the routine of going, but I find it hard to make the time to have an effective workout. Instead, the past couple of weeks, I have established a healthy routine and it is all from the comfort of my own home. It is a combination of nutrition and working out, but I have definitely noticed results and find myself feeling more confident in my body and mind – which is what is most important! Here are some easy ways for getting started on a journey of transformation:

Eat Clean

I refuse to utilize the dreaded word “diet” because it is not a strict regimen by any means. However, if you want to see results, it truly does start in the kitchen. You can cook healthier meals at home, try to limit red meat intake and cut down on the snacking – and especially SUGAR.

Also, make it a point to consciously include more greens into your eating habits whether that means sticking to a salad for lunch or drinking more green smoothies. Another tip, implement your best self-control when going food shopping. You will seriously consume a lot less junk food and sugary drinks if you simply don’t bring them home to begin with! These days, my stomach feels much better!

At Home Workouts

As I was saying, you certainly do not need to hit the gym to get in shape. Dedicate at least half an hour of your time each day for a short workout session. This could be right when you wakeup or in the evening – whatever works best for your schedule. The beauty of working out from home is the flexibility of being able to do it whenever you want and wherever you want.

My home workout gear consists of a yoga mat, leg weights, handheld weights and a resistance band. As far as the workout itself, I absolutely love going to YouTube where there is a treasure chest of amazing content that is free! Blogilates is a great channel for Pilates based workouts and Boho Beautiful has challenging yoga routines that definitely make you feel the burn! What this has helped me with is focus! I’m finally doing one thing at a time instead of having my mind in so many different places.

Go for a short run around the neighborhood

I don’t think there’s any exercise better than running! Aside from pumping out those endorphins, you get time to clear your mind and break through something extremely difficult. All you need is 20 minutes! It’s always been a difficult activity for me, but also a reminder that if I can push through the hills and through that next quarter mile, I can do anything. I love bringing this mindset into my business. It leaves me feeling sharper and more determine. And it doesn’t cost a thing!

Stop Comparing

My last workout tip for you applies to everyone, whether you workout at the gym or from home. Never compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone works at their own pace and you should not measure your progress against someone else’s.

As long as you know that you are improving your lifestyle by making healthier eating choices and incorporating some physical activity to your daily routine. Doing so is truly beneficial to both your mind and body. Your goal should not only to look good, but to feel good and full of self-confidence.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content
3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day
How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way

The post How to Get in Shape Without Going to the Gym & Why appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The word “manifestation” has been thrown around quite a lot recently. But what exactly is it and how can we harness it to achieve blogging success?

You may not realize it, but we are already manifesting experiences, people and goals all the time. However, the art of manifesting all boils down to awareness, intention, and action. When you understand the process better, success shall follow. I’ll be sharing my steps for how to manifest blogging success today. But before we begin, I want you to close your eyes and visualize a current blog goal you have been trying to achieve. For instance, some objectives could be to increase monthly page views, reach 30k followers on Instagram, gain more email subscribers, or publish blog posts twice a week. Whatever your current blog ambitions may be, take a moment to define it and even write it down for yourself.

Clear Intentions

Now that you have a blog goal fresh in your mind, one of the most important steps to manifestation is to make sure you approach with clear intentions. Map out how the achievement of this task will bring you happiness. For instance, say your goal is to grow your blog’s unique page views. This is beneficial because it will increase exposure and boost your SEO score. Knowing exactly what you want is the inception to the entire creation process.

Visualization

The next step to a efficacious manifestation, is to take these clear intentions and dedicate yourself to them. Personally, I like to integrate my day’s manifestations into my morning ritual by laying out what I can do that day to get me closer to my end goal. Next, it is crucial to mediate and visualize yourself already reaching blogging success. Reflect on how rewarding it feels. In our case, tell yourself how your page views already skyrocketed in comparison to last month.

When your intentions, vision, and emotions all align, the faster your success will manifest. I know this sounds simple and too good to be true, but where many of us fall short in the manifestation process is in the alignment of those very three things.

Belief

This goes hand-in-hand with visualization. You cannot imagine yourself being successful without first believing in what you can do. If you have a mental roadblock of comparing yourself to more successful bloggers or thinking your content isn’t worthy enough to be read, then the manifestation process comes to a standstill. You need to recognize your doubts and push them to the side. Tell yourself that your blog is worth it and you are an amazing content-creator who deserves success.

Not only that, but you have to believe it WILL come without you having to force it. That means potential opportunities may slip and you will have bad days, but don’t like that deter you from what you want to achieve. Let others be as they are. Let the situation be what it is. When you’re ready, that success will come right to you.

Patience is Key

Lastly, the manifestation victory does not happen overnight. You need to recognize this is a cognitive process that leads you in the right direction. The universe has a plan for your blog’s prosperity and you need to trust in yourself and results will follow.

Manifesting blog success is definitely possible if done correctly. Essentially, it boils down to recognizing your own talent and ambitions in order to attain a set goal. Once you adapt this mentality, you can apply it to other facets of your life outside of blogging too. I encourage to you manifest your career, relationships, finances and happiness that will lead you towards a more fulfilling existence.

If you already use this method, I’d love to hear your results below!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content
3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day
How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way

The post How to Manifest Blogging Success appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Brand new hair gives you a brand new confidence. There’s really nothing like it!

But if you’re going for an unusual hue, a step away from your natural colour – then that feeling isn’t really going to last as long as you might hope. I’m sure you might know, I’ve gone with vibrant colour before – but frankly that colour will only last the one wash. In fact after 3/4 washes, it’s been totally unrecognisable from the intended colour. So now I’m rocking this fabulous rose pink and as I write this post, I’ve washed it three times with the Moroccanoil Colour Continue Shampoo and Conditioner and I challenge anyone to recognise the difference from the day it was originally transformed. Not to mention it’s feeling glossy and healthy, another rare effect considering such a big change.

I’m super proud to be working with Moroccanoil on this shoot. I remember first discovering their signature product, the Moroccan Treatment, while I was modelling almost ten years ago. Within the space of a few months, every hair stylist I worked with on shoots had it in their styling kit – despite many of them being sponsored by other brands (cheeky!). I couldn’t think of a better vouch of confidence and it became my go-to rescue for my overly styled hair which was brutalised by regular styling.

I’m so grateful to be partnering with Moroccanoil on this – and I’m really looking forward to sharing so much more with you in the future. My hair is a huge part of my identity and I’m lucky to have such fantastic parter who understands the value of healthy vibrant hair. Watch this space!

Paid Partnership with Moroccanoil – All opinions are my own.

The post Celebrate Good Hair Colour! appeared first on Zanita Studio.

As we all try to beat the Instagram algorithm and boost our engagement, you probably know that posting frequently is a great way to garner exposure.

But oftentimes, we run dry of ideas and have no clue what to post on Instagram… I run into this all the time. On one hand, I may have shoots lined up for days and content planned ahead of time, which is really helpful when planning out my feed and organizing my content calendar. However, this does not always play out so well.

Other times, which is really most of the time, I find myself in an Instagram rut and I struggle with coming up with new ideas and fresh content to post. That is why I wanted to share some foolproof photo suggestions that are amazing for when have nothing else to post on Instagram.

Go Out for Food

You can never go wrong with food photography, right? Call up a friend or fellow blogger and make plans to grab some brunch. Make sure to plan ahead by browsing Yelp and checking out the user’s photo uploads or try and locate the restaurant’s own Instagram account to make sure the lighting is good and the food is gram-worthy. Kill two birds with one stone by eating well and shooting new content! Better yet, make that three birds because if the space is photogenic, you can grab a few #ootds on the spot.

Visit a Flower Market

Everyone loves a good flower shot on Instagram – especially in the spring and summer. Visit a local flower market and take some cute photos while browsing through all the fresh beauty. You can also purchase a cute bouquet to bring home and shoot additional content as well!

Create a Flatlay

A flatlay is a blogger classic. Although, they can be overdone on Instagram, challenge yourself to find a way to put a creative spin on it. For instance, you could try not making it look so staged by arranging the featured items in a more natural way. You can also play with interesting lighting and compositions. This is a great option for when you are out of Instagram post ideas!

Love Your Selfie

Apply your favorite lipstick, find some natural lighting and take a selfie! This is a great way to add a touch of personalization to your Instagram feed, especially when you are not sure of what else to post. Don’t forget to smile!

Throwback Thursday

…Or any day of the week for that matter. Who says it just has to be Thursdays anyway? Go back through your photography archives and find a photo that has not made it to the Instagram feed yet. It is a great for reminiscing too! If there’s an oldie that you really like, no shame in reposting!

Introduce a Furry Friend

The internet has a fascination with cats for a reason. Borrow your pet, whether it be a dog, hamster or rabbit, and turn them into little pet models. Who would refuse an adorable photo of a furry friend? Not me!

There you have it! These are some of my default photo ideas for Instagram when I seemingly have nothing else to post. Make sure to take the concept and make it your own by adding your personal touch and flair. Doing so well ensure these photo ideas will blend harmoniously with your feed.

If none of these work out for you, do not sweat it! No one is forcing you to post every single day. If you stress out about your content too much, it is a surefire way to take out the fun of Instagram. Plus, posting just to post may even decrease your engagement if your audience can tell it’s forced. Have a good outlook and do not be afraid to get creative and think outside of the box. Happy posting!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content
3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day
How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way

The post What to Post on Instagram When You Run Out of Ideas appeared first on Zanita Studio.

One of the things I wish I knew before going freelance was insane amount of ups and downs I’d go through.

Sure, I’ve heard entrepreneurs speak of this roller coaster a few times before, but you really have no idea how volatile it is until you’re in a position where everything in your life depends on your efforts – money, relationships, and work itself. It’s a huge responsibility for a single person to carry on their shoulders. I’ve felt defeated far more times than I’ve felt successful – and as a matter of fact, many times up to this point, I’ve felt like an utter failure. But you live, you learn, and you improve…

One of the outlets I’ve used consistently to help me get over these strenuous road humps and propel forward is old-fashion writing and journaling. I think most people are afraid to approach journaling through their struggles because they have no idea what to write about. So in today’s segment, I’ll be sharing 5 things to reflect on when you’re feeling stuck and how journaling helps when you feel defeated.

Make a list of your top 3 strengths and write about how you’ve demonstrated them.

The first step to accomplishing anything in life is believing in yourself. It’s that simple. Throughout my freelance period, I’ve questioned constantly whether or not I have it and whether I’m smart enough. When I start going through these periods of self-doubt, it’s cue to hit the journal where I’ll write what I feel are my top 3 strengths that helped me get to where I am today and how they’ll continue to help me breakthrough in the next segment of my career.

Key Lesson

Re-evaluating your strengths and talking about them in an unbiased manner will reinforce that you are smart enough and that you have it. It builds confidence! Try it and see how you feel afterwards.

Write 3 sentences about your purpose and how you’ve worked on it this year.

The next thing I focus on is purpose. But not just any old purpose like “inspire others” or “create beautiful work”. That’s what you see and know at the surface. You’ve got to get deeper. WHY? Because I write often, I can sum this up pretty quickly but for those of you who haven’t dove deep enough, it might take a few tries.

Key Lesson

Writing about your purpose keeps you on track and takes you back to why you started this lonely path to begin with. Anytime I feel defeated, going back to this “why” gives me a renewed sense of purpose, which ultimately helps me overcome those defeated feelings.

Now illustrate what the results of that purpose would look like.

Literally illustrate what the results of fulfilling that purpose would look like. Sounds childish but I like to get on my iPad Pro and start doodling things that I want to manifest in my life. You’ll often find in my journal drawings of a wide open studio space with lots of window light, flowers, happy people, and computers.

Key Lesson

Like writing, doodling relieves tensions and stress especially when drawing things that make YOU happy.

Write down 3 things you’re struggling with most and how they’re holding you back.

If you’re like me and hate admitting your faults and shortcomings, then write them down. I learned recently that by writing down my top three self-limiting beliefs, I can effectively think through a game plan for removing bad habits and thought processes that are preventing me from getting to that next level I need. By doing so, I immediately gain perspective on the steps I need to take to move forward in my business and life.

Key Lesson

Limiting beliefs are thoughts or ideas that constrain you. By recognizing and addressing them, you’ll be able to find ways to cope with and eventually overcome them. It helps you stay in your lane and get in the zone.

List 3 things you’re most grateful for.

Freelancing and running a business is an endeavor that can really suck out the best of you especially in the beginning. With rejection after rejection and unanticipated slow growth, you’re bound to feel like at some point that maybe you took the wrong path. But hold off on that thought. Express gratitude often and recognize that you’re extremely blessed be in the position you are – to even be feeling this way. If you don’t, negativity will consume you and drive you to a dead end. And when that happens, achieving greatness becomes nearly impossible.

Key Lesson

Every opportunity is a blessing whether you win or lose. Write down the things you’re grateful for most so that you’ll have newfound energy to keep going in whatever path you’re pursuing.

Would love to hear your thoughts on journaling and if this is something you currently do!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Started Planning Your Blog Content
3 Quick Tips for Staying Positive Even On a Terrible Day
How to Beat the Instagram Algorithm the Right Way

The post How Journaling Helps When You Feel Defeated appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Over the years, I have discovered there are a lot of people who confidently know what career they wish to pursue from the time they are young.

For example, many know from a relatively young age they want to be a grade school teacher or a physician. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. What you don’t realize is that it can put others who do not have such a strong sense of direction in a sort of panic because he or she may feel feel pressured to know as well.

I fell victim to this and it induced a lot of anxiety in me when it came time to choose a major at college and even beyond as I started applying to full-time jobs. I thought I was going through this alone, but in reality I realized there are so many others who had the same hardships. Since graduating many moons ago, I have held my fair share of positions and it forced me to realize it is essential to date your jobs until you find “the one”.

Whether or not you agree, finding your perfect job is much like finding the love of your life. It can be a long process, but I promise that it will all be worth it in the end. If you don’t know whether dating your job will work, follow my steps below!

Discover Yourself First

Depending on where you are in a life, you will be in a different stage of the dating cycle. And regardless of where you are right now, you need to be aware of yourself first. Take some time to reflect on your interests, goals, requirements and ask yourself where you want to be 5 years from now, 10 years from now and beyond. Remember that it’s ok if you don’t know…that’s why you start with your interests – or what you think you’re interested in so that you CAN know! Knowing these things is not only essential to discovering yourself as a person, but it narrows down potential career paths.

Go on Dates

Whether you are fresh out of college or deep into your career and looking for a change, it is so important to put yourself out there in the “dating world”. This means apply to jobs you seem interested in, try job shadowing or even interning, research your dream companies and reach out to your personal network. The internet makes all of this so easy and possible today!

Oftentimes, the perfect job will not fall into your lap. You need to put in the gritty work to get there. Make sure to perfect your resume and be confident in your abilities. If you receive offers, evaluate the company culture to see if you would fit in and review the responsibilities of the position. Most importantly, ask yourself if you think you will be happy committing to this career. Sometimes, the only way to know is to dive right into it. Before I worked with Zanita, I had no idea what I was getting myself into and little did I know it would lead me to where I am today.

Commit to a Relationship

After some dating, you begin to learn your own core values and what traits you essentially look for in a partner – or a job in this case. If you are working and find yourself miserable and dreading Mondays, maybe it is worth reconsidering entering the dating force once again. But before jumping the gun, be patient and give yourself time to understand whether or not you’re just in a temporary slump. Everyday won’t be a good day and that’s ok!

Do not be afraid to be selfish. A career is something that should not be taken lightly. This is something you will be doing for years to come and the last thing you want to be is complacent in job depression. Stay true to yourself, don’t be afraid to get assertive and know that it is really never to late to start over, especially when it’s something as important as your career.

Have you tried dating your job? Let me know what your experience has been!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

4 Steps to Hiring Your First Quality Employee
How Journaling Helps When You Feel Defeated
How to Manifest Blogging Success

The post How Dating Your Jobs Help You Find the Perfect One appeared first on Zanita Studio.

As you navigate life, you may realize friends tend to come and go.

Sometimes you may drift apart which happens as interests and other circumstances change over time. In other cases, there may be a falling out. Whatever the case, relationships have a monumental impact on the state of your well being and your general overall happiness. As they say, who you choose to spend your time with, let’s you know who you are as a person.

Now, I realize we are almost all adults now and it is almost ludicrous to think we do not have a hold on our own relationships. However, you would be surprised at the amount of toxic friendships that carry on into adulthood. I am here to tell you should never sacrifice yourself and your beliefs just to appease another party.

Cutting negative people out of your life is simply a form of self-care.

If you’re ready to cleanse your life of less than meaningful relationships, follow my tips for how to deal with toxic friends.

Is This Friendship Causing More Harm Than Good?

There are some people in your life who love you unconditionally and shower you with genuine support and companionship. These types of positive relationships are easy to pinpoint. On the other side, there are some people who have a detrimental impact on one’s mental health and he or she in question may not even realize it…

Relationships should never be one-sided. Examine your daily interactions with the other party and if you find they often belittle, control, criticize, or guilt-trip you, then it is safe to say you will probably be better off cutting him or her out. Another way to determine this is to consider whether you feel emotionally and/or mentally drained after spending time with him or her. A toxic person always takes without giving back.

How do I let go of a toxic friendship?

Summon all your confidence and remember to stick to your gut when telling the other party about your decision. Hopefully he or she respects your choice, but if not, do not feel like you owe them a big explanation. After, I promise it will feel like a cathartic experience and your mental health will thank you. Self-preservation should prevail over any friendship.

In addition, I find it is so helpful to not only cut them off from your life socially, but digitally as well. This means deleting or blocking their cell phone number so you can prevent future conflicts. Also, unfollow or block them on all of your social media channels. You cannot move on from the friendship when they are constantly resurfacing on your timeline.

Takeaways for Future Relationships

It can be upsetting to end a relationship that meant a lot to you. Yet, you have the authority to let go of anything that is causing you harm and you should not feel any guilt by doing so. Letting go of toxic friends is a way of letting yourself know what you have value. Go forth knowing your self-worth and carry this to all of your current and future friendships and your life will improve tenfold.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

4 Steps to Hiring Your First Quality Employee
How Journaling Helps When You Feel Defeated
How to Manifest Blogging Success

The post How to Deal With Toxic Friends appeared first on Zanita Studio.

In an industry where there is so much focus on the material things, it is difficult to take a step back and look at the grand scheme of things.

As I become more conscious of my surroundings and my general impact on the world, being more environmentally friendly has been come increasingly more important to me.

There is no denying the earth is suffering from society’s wasteful tendencies. I am not pointing the finger at any one individual but more as a collective. There is a lot more everyone can do to be green and this really starts being aware of an individual responsibility. If you’re a blogger and this issue has ever crossed your mind, here are some tips for how to be more environmentally friendly as a blogger.

Reduce

One of the first things I think of when it comes to the blogging community is the excessive PR packaging we receive from brands as they all try to outdo each other to see who creates the better “WOW” factor. No discredit to the marketing team, but if the product is amazing it should speak volumes by itself, without the abundance of cardboard. Right?

A way we can try and combat this is to communicate our thoughts with the company. If they happen to reach out to you about sending some PR product, try having a conversation about the packaging. Ask if they can send the product in minimal packaging so there is less waste from the start. You do not have to push this either, but just asking puts the idea in their head and could lead to a change in their future.

Reuse

This idea requires a bit more creativity but if you can discover new and interesting way to breathe some life into old products instead of casting it away, then more power to you! For instance, you can get crafty and try and DIY some of your old clothes. For instance, I love adding distressing and raw hem cuts to some of my old jeans for something fresh and updated.

In addition, I am fully aware thrifting is not for everyone. However, it is a great alternative to fast fashion. Exploring thrift stores for hidden gems and unique pieces is so rewarding and everyone feels happy when they manage to find an amazing deal. Win-win situation.

Recycle

Let’s be honest, how many of my fashion bloggers have a section in their closet of items they have not touched in months, even years? As it is that time of year, maybe it is finally time to conduct some spring cleaning. Instead of throwing old garments away, consider donating items in good condition to your local Goodwill or even upload them online to sell to a new owner. After all, maybe you cannot picture yourself wearing it anymore, but someone out there will.

Buy less, but better

One of my personal favorite tips is to buy less but buy better. You might spend a little more money up front but it’ll wear better, last longer, and you’re guaranteed to not just push it to the back of the closet for the next trend. There are also sustainable fashion brands that I can support 100% like Reformation, Everlane, or HM’s Conscious Sustainable line.

As a society, we all need to work together to be more environmentally aware of our impact on the planet we happen to call home. Certainly, I am not saying this solely relies in the hands of bloggers, but instead I just wanted to make you more aware of the idea because you do you have a powerful voice in your own community. Do not discredit yourself. Although you are only one individual, even the smallest changes can have a large impact.
 

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Bloglovin YouTube Facebook SHOP

You Should Also Read:

4 Steps to Hiring Your First Quality Employee
How Journaling Helps When You Feel Defeated
How to Manifest Blogging Success

The post How To Be More Environmentally Friendly as a Blogger appeared first on Zanita Studio.