Ajda Sitar /

How blogging has changed me

I’ve been blogging for over 3 years now, and I must admit, it has been quite a journey. I’ve grown a lot as a person in the meantime, my style has changed, my abilities improved. I’ve been browsing through my old blog posts, I realized how blogging has changed both me and my life…

The gift of creativity and inspiration
I wouldn’t call my (law) studies particularly artsy, there’s simply not a lot of room for creativity, especially the visual aspect of it. Blogging is here to help me evolve my creativity, through taking photos, writing as well as overall searching for new creative ways to put my content out there and inspire others. Hours spent on creating imagery, editing and writing are definitely paid off when you see your readers excited, coming back for more and audience growing. Thank you all for your support!

Meeting new people, making some friends
I’ve met some truly amazing people though my blogging days (like Deborah Mitchell herself!), I am lucky to be able to call some of them my true friends. They’re true and genuine, they inspire me, understand my dilemmas and problems, as well as helping solve some (while not judging me when I am taking 100 photos and rearranging their beverages in a cafe to get the perfect flatlay). I believe meeting new people has been one of the main stand-out things I get out from the blogging community.

It has opened up many doors for me
Many exciting projects have come in to my life in the past few years, many of them due to blogging. I got the chance to collaborate with the most amazing beauty and fashion brands, working with them on exciting campaigns, travel around the world, meet new people… I got the chance to write my own beauty column for Grazia magazine, now I am proud to be a beauty editor for one of the most recognized Slovenian online magazines, Etiketa Magazin. Blogging has also helped me understand the fashion and beauty world, marketing and all the things that come along.

It helped me be more confident
I wouldn’t necessarily call myself the least confident person, given being a part of the fashion and media industry for over 7 years now. But still. A few years back for example, I didn’t feel completely comfortable taking outdoor photography. People were (and still are) staring at me in the street, while I am posing for a photo. Now I just ignore it and smile back. I am not ashamed of doing what I do to create good, quality content and stand out of the crowd.

leather jacket from PENNY BLACK
sweater dress from PRIMARK
jewellery from PRIMARK
watch from LENCIA ZLATARNA CELJA
boots from TRGOVINA MASS

photo: Domen Blenkuš

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Ajda Sitar /

Zoeva Spectrum palette

A week ago the German makeup brand Zoeva came out with a bunch of new products. Their newly released Zoeva Spectrum collection consists of 3 eyeshadow palettes and 3 blush palettes. To their already diverse makeup brush range they also added 10 new brushes, some looking rather unusual and/or spectacular. I was very fortunate to get all of the palettes as well as 5 of the brushes, weeks before the official release.

»Just like a raindrop breaks the light of the sun into a spectrum of infinite hues and with the manifestation of a rainbow brings to life one of the most beautiful, ethereal wonders of the universe, the ZOEVA Spectrum Collection worships color in all of Mother Nature’s splendor.«

Zoeva Spectrum eyeshadow palettes, a perfect mix of neutrals with a pop of colour
I always think Zoeva’s products are so well presented. Though the palette packaging is cardboard, it’s elegant and slim, while the absence of a mirror is compensated by a rather large base weight of the shadows. There are 15 shades in total in each of the eyeshadow palettes, all being extremely blendable, creamy (without any fallout) and highly pigmented. All of them have got some light neutrals, which work nicely as your base or/and highlight and some corresponding pops of colour, which are great to play around. Each of the colour spectrums with matte, pearl and satin finishe are perfect for creating versatile day or night makeup looks.

Starting with the most earthly toned of them, Zoeva Nude Spectrum eyeshadow palette was inspired by the beauty of the desert. Stunning earth tones, everything from bronze, coppery and subtle sandy ones represent the ultimate “must have “ palette that would suit anyone.

Zoeva Warm Spectrum eyeshadow palette on the other hand, is even more playful, combining shades you could find at the erupting volcano. You’ve got everything from light neutrals, ashy browns, rocky grey, lava-like and terra cotta reds, as well as some stunning purple-mauve hues. Those who know me well, would probably say the Nude one is my fav, but surprise, surprise, the Warm one is getting all the love (I mean, not all, but it’s definitely my favourite).

Last but not least, Zoeva Cool Spectrum eyeshadow palette reminds of the bright lights in the far north, the magnificent aurora borealis. A bit more frosty brownish-grey, metallic hues, deep greens, icy pink and pale lilac represent a cool, but easily wearable set of shades, that are unique enough to allow you to create a variety of looks.

Zoeva Spectrum blush palettes, everything you need for your cheeks (and more)
Zoeva is definitely the to go make up brand, when it comes to eyebrushes and eyeshadows. With their newest range of 3 blush palettes they’ve proven me, Zoeva is much more than that. They’ve done a fantastic job creating these quads. Owning all three, I believe, I could survive without using any other blusher for sure (though I’d still keep my darker bronzers and contour products. And my much loved highlighters.). Pink, nude, coral, matte, satin, easily blendable and buildable. Zoeva got them all.

Starting with the most neutral one, once again, Zoeva Nude Spectrum blush palette is a quad of sublime bronze shades, which are perfect for adding some warmth to cheeks and enhancing healthy, genuine, soft sun-kissed finish. For me, it represents summer in a makeup product, which is a reason strong enough to earn it’s place on my regular makeup menu.

For all the rosy cheek lovers, the Zoeva Pink Spectrum blush palette is the ultimate essential. You’ve got everything from two soft rosy shades, to popping pink and a bit more pinky-coral shimmer. The lesson I’ve learnt from this palette is not to be scared to add a noticeable touch of pink to the cheeks. It’s the easiest way to make yourself more fresh and alive, regardless your skin tone.

Although it’s all freezing cold here in Slovenia at the moment, Zoeva Coral Spectrum blush palette takes me to the lush, tropical island with surrounding reefs in a second. This might be the most Spring-appropriate one out of the bunch. Light peaches and bright coral pinks are still getting a lot of love from me even in winter months. To be completely honest, I could easily teleport myself to a sunny Mauritius beach right know and only take this one with me.

Zoeva brushes, it doesn’t get better than this
Sure, there might be some better makeup brushes on the market, but for sure, non of them beat Zoeva’s price and quality ratio. I am sure you won’t find a better deal anywhere. Their products won’t cost you a fortune, but I am 100% sure you’ll be more than happy with their quality and performance. I cannot recommend them enough.

They’ve added 10 new eye and face brushes to their already large brush range (there are more than 60 already existing ones to choose from). They use the finest natural and synthetic hair, making their brushes extremely soft. I’ve tried 5 out of the newest 10 ones.

90 Luxe Grand Powder is the best acquisition ever, being ultra soft and large. It’s perfect for applying loose or pressed powder or bronzer to your face. It’s pure pleasure using it.

132 Luxe Powder Finish is my new favourite for applying highlighter on the top of the cheeks, nose and forehead. It could also work nicely as a soft setting brush for the under eye area.

134 Luxe Powder Fusion is the brush I didn’t know I needed until I got it. It’s a rather huge and a bit pointy eyeshadow brush that will help you blend all the shades on your eyelid seamlessly together. Zoeva also recommends it for applying highlighter, powder or contouring products.

140 Luxe Petit Buffer, “what on Earth is this” I was wondering when I first got my hands on it. With it’s sleek profile and compact size it’s actually the brush to ensure a smoothing effect in the areas, that are usually the most problematic (around the eyes or nose). I wouldn’t say it’s a complete must have, however a true makeup enthusiast will find it very usefull.

240 Luxe Petit Pencil is the smallest of the bunch, perfectly suited for all the precise applications around the eyes. It can help you create the perfect V on the outer part of the eyelid, it’s precise enough to add some sparkly eyeshadows in the inner corner, as well as outlining right next to the lash line.

The overall verdict: Zoeva did it again.
The Spectrum shades in the eyeshadow and blush palettes are here to suit all tastes, allowing unlimited makeup looks, while the Zoeva makeup brushes are the ultimate tool for a (more or less) professional result. The eyeshadow palettes start at 35€, blusher palettes at 18€, while you can pick up the individual brushes from 8,50€ to 29€. Considering the price, Zoeva still fits the high street price range, while the quality beats many luxurious brands.

Which of the newest Zoeva products is taking your fancy?

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Ajda Sitar /

Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj wellness

Probably the majority of us struggle to put down our work and take time to relax. I know, sometimes it can be a bit hard to take your mind off work and the busy schedule, but relaxation can be extremely important. Relaxation will most definitely refill your batteries, help rejuvenate yourself and fill your mind with new ideas and motivation. In theory, I know, but sometimes it can be hard to put into practice. Luckily, Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj came to the rescue and gave me and a few other Slovenian bloggers a true 2 day pampering experience.

During our time there, we had the opportunity to fully explore the treats of Valens Augusta Wellness at the Grand Hotel Primus. With its invigorating Roman-style thermal springs, it offers hedonistic pampering of the whole body and soul. We had the chance to try out their Emperor and Vespasianus swimming pool complexes, Flavia thermal baths and saunas, as well as the topical VIP rooms (Japanese, Oriental and Roman – Katja, Anela, Tesa and I opted for the Japanese one). They pampered all of our senses.

The treatment, I was rather curious to try out, was their famous Med Contour treatment. It’s supposed to be one of the most effective non-invasive methods for reducing excessive fat and stubborn cellulite, being a natural alternative to liposuction. Considering its (rather high) price, I expected it to be interesting. A quick theory behind it: »Med Contour shapes the body using ultrasound, vacuum massage, lymph stimulation and lymphatic drainage. In just 45 minutes the size of the treated parts is reduced by as much as 2.5cm. The treatment has a targeted effect on even the deepest parts of fatty tissue. It involves no surgery, no pain and no recovery time.« It sounded promising, the physician and I decided to focus on my upper thigh area and after the treatment I walked out of the room with 1cm less in circumference (crazy, right?). I was escorted to the room where I put on (rather weird) lymph stimulating pants and was instructed a 3-day meal recommendation. I am not sure about doing it again (at least not at this point), considering it’s price, but it was an interesting experience, which turned out to be surprisingly effective. However, I am looking forward to trying out some of their facial treatments, especially the unique Med Visage in the future. The saunas in wine barrels sound great as well.

I will never underestimate the importance of having a complete pampering session, away from the everyday hustle and bustle, it’s a true blast not only for my body and skin, but also for my mindset. Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj, thank you for having me!

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Ajda Sitar /

Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj

A detox weekend just wouldn’t be it without a proper healthy diet. While staying at the Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj during bloggers detox weekend, we were totally spoiled by their wellness offer, as well as being fed with the most delicious healthy meals, prepared in accordance with their Be Fit program. They really thought of everything and by visiting their facilities you really get the whole package. Want to know what we had as our three main meals of the day during our stay there?

The self-service buffet breakfast offered many choices, I opted for a plate of fresh fruit (green melon, pineapple, kiwi or orange), a bowl of plain yogurt filled with flakes, cereals and dried fruit, a glass of orange or grapefruit juice and a cup of aromatic black tea. Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day, so you shouldn’t skip it (like I occasionally do). An energizing and healthy choice of nutrients will give you tons of energy to conquer daily challenges.

For lunch we had a pre-designed detox menu starting with a green spinach smoothie in a wine glass. Our palates were pampered with the following capon soup, served in an interesting way – we were firstly given a plate with slowly cooked vegetables and capon, shortly after they filled our plates with the most delicious liquid. They don’t use genetically modified organisms, hydrogenated fats, flavor enhancers, refined sugar or salt in their dishes. Even though the soup was made without any salt, the taste was amazing. The main course consisted of crispy zander fillet, carrot puree with ginger and orange juice, avocado puree enriched with pumpkin seed oil, accompanied by poached celery and pomegranate. For dessert we had kefir with sour cherries, with no added sugar, which was healthy, but delicious at the same time.

A special feature of our stay was definitely the exclusive Roman Dinner served by the private pool. We were even accompanied by the general Primus himself as well as his servants (actors of course, lol). The dinner was (as breakfast) self-service as well. I decided to go for some chicken with herbs, salmon, Romanesco cauliflower (which I absolutely adore!), rocket and some fresh fruits. The whole “food experience” at the Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj was colorful, delicious and detox appropriate.

For our last meal of the trip, we were invited to check out the restaurant Ribič, which is located right next to Lake Ptuj. This wasn’t my first time tasting their specialties and I knew, I could expect a true gourmet pampering. Everything from starters, soups to main course (spaghetti with lobster), wine and sweet dessert in the end, it was just right up my alley. Definitely one of the best places to eat while visiting Slovenia, they really know what they’re doing, creating playful and unique characters for each of their dishes.

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Ajda Sitar /

Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj

I am sitting down on my sofa, wearing my soft robe and admiring my pampered, soft skin. Feeling “clean”, detoxed, pretending our trip is not over yet (if you follow me on Instagram @ajdasitar, you probably know what I’m talking about). I just came back from a detox weekend, organized especially for us, bloggers. A few Slovenian bloggers, including me, were kindly invited to spend two days wandering around in robes, enjoying pools, bathtubs, saunas and being pampered with special Spa treatments. Seriously, who could say no? The location of our two-day detox was the Grand Hotel Primus at Terme Ptuj, Slovenia.

After a good hour of drive from the capital (Ljubljana) in Mercedes-Benz cars, we were welcomed in a 4* Grand Hotel Primus Ptuj, named after the famous Roman general Marcus Antonius Primus, who was the first to carry the name of Slovenian oldest town, Ptuj out in to the world. This wasn’t my first time visiting this Roman-history-rich town, however I had an amazing time once again. Each of us got their own room, a robe and unlimited excess to the wellness center (which is definitely a great selling point btw). The proximity to the old city center, summer thermal water park right next to the hotel, detox-appropriate culinary delicacies and the fact that hotel is still dedicated to carry on embracing Roman traditions made me appreciate it even more. Stay tuned for more…

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