Happy 4th of July weekend!

This weekend we are going to our family lake house in Wisconsin. I am so excited to go to the beach, ride the wave runner, attempt to water ski (maybe), have a bon fire, and just enjoy nature. I won’t be able to post for a couple of days, since we are going to be Wi-Fi free, but I will be posting photo updates on twitter, so follow me @Zahra_Sandberg!



It is a little known, and incomprehensible to some, fact that there are people in this world who will avoid getting a tan at all costs. This is particularly common with people from South Asia (India and Pakistan, in particular). The extent of it ranges from mild – avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible – to drastic – applying lightening creams, despite the fact that some have been found to be carcinogenic.

I know this because I believed it myself until not long ago. I would never admit it because it is a ridiculous and shameful way to think, in my opinion. It was just ingrained in me from my childhood, even though I wasn’t even consciously aware that I believed it. I think my desire to do fun stuff outside outweighed all of those worries, which is how I personally overcame it. 
There is probably a ton of research on why this is the case, the effects of colonialism and the standard of beauty being some of the reasons, etc. but in this day and age, isn’t it just a silly idea to keep perpetuating? Especially when there are so many people who are doing the opposite to themselves by over tanning in a tanning bed? 

We are lucky to live in a country where were are free to believe whatever we want. This Independence Day, here’s to loving yourself for who you are, just as you are. Happy 4th!

Follow Me! @zahra_sandberg

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!