Backless Sweater and Bomber Jacket

Last night Tom reminded me of a time when I was so upset about the fact that I didn’t have any hobbies. My life was basically work and then just socializing. Before any kids, I had tons of free time but I didn’t really fill it with anything worthwhile. Tom on the other hand, has always had many interests, including maintaining a salt water fish tank, building a koi pond in our backyard, building and fixing things for the home, and also working out and lifting weights.

Shortly after Adam was born I found my passion for writing and sharing my love for fashion and interior design via this blog. It quickly became my obsession and permeated every aspect of my life.

Ever since I started my blog in 2012, I’ve taught myself everything about blogging along the way – first by doing my research, and then by much (I repeat, MUCH) trial and error. Figuring out how to run a website, html coding, learning digital photography, and then of course photo and video editing, have been some of my biggest challenges – all skills that I am still working really hard to improve upon right now. Then there is the Fashion Industry aspect of blogging, coming from a corporate background I had no clue nor did I have any contacts – learning how it all works, how to get invited to fashion shows, and how to properly utilize social media to grow my personal brand as a fashion influencer has been a huge undertaking.

Sometimes that feeling of running into a brick wall with something new I’m trying to do can be so frustrating, I just want to cry, quit, and lay on the couch and eat a whole chocolate cake instead.

But what I’ve learned is that all of that work I put in to understanding concepts that were once completely foreign to me, makes me feel such a huge sense of accomplishment. I can truly appreciate some of the amazing opportunities I’ve been given, from hosting tv segments and meeting celebrities at New York Fashion Week, to all of the incredible people I’ve been lucky to meet and become real friends with along the way.

I didn’t catapult to success in terms of straight numbers, and I see a lot of newer bloggers come on to the scene and surpass my stats fairly quickly. (However, I do know the followers I have are probably the smartest, most thoughtful, and most loyal people in the world- thank you all)! 

I definitely still sometimes question where all my years of effort creating this space will eventually take me. That’s the risk you take when you take on a non-traditional career path I suppose. But what I do know is that I put my heart into everything I do, and I trust that my instincts are pointing me in the right direction. Basically what I’m saying is I’ve realized it is ok to not have a five year plan, or even a one year plan. Wherever you are in life, in love or career, is just where you should be at the moment. So instead of wasting time worrying about things out of your control, spend it appreciating the blessings you do have and continue working on you.  One day looking back everything will all make perfect sense.
nordstrom-backless-sweater-glamorous-bomber-jacket- quay-sunglasses-bomber-jacket-acne-jensen Nordstrom-backless-sweater-bomber-jacket

Sweater: Thanks to Nordstrom Bomber Jacket | Maternity Denim thanks to Pink Blush Maternity |  Non-Maternity Distressed Denim |Acne Booties | Similar Booties | Sunnies: Quay

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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!