From Zahra

Meet The Blogger – Mona – Pinch Of Glamour

Today I have a special guest taking over LoveZahra for me…read more about the gorgeous Mona of the blog Pinch of Glamour and you will see why she is one of my daily reads! Thanks for visiting as always and I will be back tomorrow!




Hi! My name is Mona and I blog over at Pinch of Glamour. I’m a born and raised Texan, but have been residing in Chicago for almost 5 years now. While I’m a Texan at heart, I’ve grown to love Chicago – there’s so much young talent and inspiration in every corner. Since my day job doesn’t involve much creativity, I started this blog as my outlet to share my knowledge and thoughts on current trends. Most times I find it difficult for my friends, especially busy moms, to take time out and read up on the latest fashion or products. 

I wanted my blog to be a place people can drop by for easy inspiration and read my reviews on certain products or recipes. I don’t think I could sum up my blog in one word as it’s my space for all sorts of inspiration. One day I may blog about current trends and the next day you may find a recipe for delicious cupcakes! 

Why did you start blogging? 

I’ve been told by countless friends to start a blog because of my interest in fashion, celebrity gossip, trying out new products, and baking. I’m constantly reading up on anything new I can get my hands on. Finally, after contemplating the idea, I decided to go for it. It’s a part of my new year’s resolution to make things happen instead of waiting around – I have to start somewhere, right?  


How has the experience been so far?

I was inspired by many of the bloggers I follow and wanted to tell a story of my own. The experience has been great so far. While I’m still new to the blogging world, I’ve gotten positive feedback and have met some great people through the process. 


What are some of your hobbies or favorite things?

I absolutely love to bake and plan events, though some may disagree, it is a stress reliever for me. I enjoy traveling, architecture, and most recently learning how to use my new toy, a DSLR. Besides my interests, my favorite thing to do is grab a cup of coffee and catch up with a good friend.


What are your favorite places to shop?

Zara, GAP, J.Crew, Nordstrom, Loft, ASOS, Williams Sonoma, Sephora


Your absolute favorite go-to look?
My go-to look would definitely be a crisp, white t-shirt, a blazer, jeans, and a either a wedge or pump, depending on the occasion. You’ll find mainly classics in my wardrobe with a few trendy pieces.


If you weren’t doing what you are doing now career-wise, what would you be?

If I wasn’t working for Corporate America, I would definitely be utilizing my creative side. I would love to have my own bakery or event planning company.



What is your favorite beauty product?

Lorac’s Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed



Hope you enjoyed meeting Mona! Check out her blog at: 

http://pinchofglamour.blogspot.com

xo,

 -Z

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 💕
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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.*
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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!