Quilted Jacket and The Boots With (faux) Fur

2016 is going to be a good year I can tell. I gather from most of my friends and family that this year they are not trying to dramatically change their routines or who they are, instead they are looking to change their perspective to one that is more accepting and grateful. That is a beautiful thing. Even magazines like Vogue and InStyle have themed their January issue ‘Be Yourself’ and ‘The Best Year Ever’ – further promoting the idea that we are all ok as we are. Personally it is something that I am just now starting to feel, after being my own worst critic for years (aren’t most of us though?). There is a difference between pushing yourself to be better and beating yourself up for not being something. The first one comes from a place of love, which will always win in the long run.

In a recent yoga class the teacher explained to us that as humans, we are naturally inclined to constantly think about the next moment, a point in the future, rather than be present in the now. So essentially we could spend our whole lives that way and never really appreciate or enjoy any of it. One of my favorite poems goes like this – when asked by a student, What is God? The Sufi Saint Kabir responded, he is the breath within the breath. This year I plan to breathe a little more deeply and appreciate the moments more fully.

Today’s look I wore over the weekend for what has now become my favorite weekend ritual of running errands, grocery shopping, and then brunching at my favorite place, Egg Harbor, as a family. I’m wearing my favorite Chelsea Charles Count Me Healthy bracelets, that I use to keep track of how many glasses of water I drink and how many times I work out each week. You just slide over a bead any time you do whatever it is you are monitoring, It is an easy way to stick to your New Year’s health goals! I highly recommend.

We are just now getting our usual winter temps so I’m taking the time to really layer up – and a blanket scarf is always good to have on hand. These boots have an extra warm faux fur lining which is so necessary for me because my hands and feet are always cold. Of course, when it comes to bundling up, shoulders don’t  count ~

Have a great week and thanks for visiting! xx
old-navy-quilted-jacket-zara-jeans-seychelles-boots zara-blanket-scarf-old-navy-quilted-jacket-seychelles-boots shoulder-cut-out-zara-chelsea-charles-count-me-healthyTop: Zara | Jacket: Thanks to Old Navy | Blanket Scarf: Zara | Boots: Seychelles | Watch: :Thanks to Folli Follie | Bracelets: Thanks to Chelsea Charles| Rings: Rocksbox (get your free trial of Rocksbox using code Lovezahraxoxo) | Jeans: Zara | Sunnies: Celine

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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!