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Get to know more about the beautiful Lara Kamnik @your_passport. A blogger traveling the world and sharing her adventures while making us wish we were there! Read on to find out more.  

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Lara and I am 27 years young. With a deep passion for traveling, photography and creativity together with my partner Uroš @your_passage we’ve made a career out of our Instagrams.

What do you love most about being a travel blogger?

The ability to be creative every single day, do what makes me happy, but mostly, do it together with my partner.

You've travelled to such amazing destinations. Where are your must see places?

Top places are Bali and Nusa Penida Island, Italy, Greece, Cappadocia and Sri Lanka.

Do you have any dream destinations?

Hawaii and French Polynesia.

What are your top travelling tips?

• Take half as much clothing and twice as much money.
• Always clean a mini TV-screen on plane with a sanitizer tissue before using it.
• Make a copy of your passport, then carry it somewhere else than where you have your actual passport.
• Choose the itinerary based on the things you have always wanted to try; whether that is eating your way through Italy, learning a language, or trying out meditation – the important thing is that this is your time to explore.

One thing you can't travel without?

My partner obviously, but he is not a thing. :) So, it would be a camera, tooth brush and Ete Swimwear. :)

See more from Lara on her instagram @your_passport and blog https://yourpassport.blog/

Be sure to check out another one of our blogs Top 30 Travel Instagram Bloggers. 

We recently partnered with Somewear Elsewhere on their blogger trip to Bali, and it was a huge success! They had such an amazing team with Yelena from Husskie Press on board taking all the photos, Kimi Juan and her husband Thomas, Emily Gurr, Lara (@your_passport) and Uros (@your_passage) and also the amazing Laura Jade Stone! So we asked them their top Bali travel tips and favourite places.

Where to Stay

Kimi Juan in our Monterey Top

We stayed in Canggu, it was so peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta and Seminyak, but not too far from all the shops and restaurants. We stayed at The Palm House and wow, it was amazing! It was the home of our dreams, beautiful white modern décor, stunning pool surrounded by palm trees and a hospitable team. The villa was large enough for everyone to have their own large bedroom and bathrooms.

Kimi Juan in the Monterey Top  |  Laura Jade Stone in the Venice Swimsuit

Where to Eat

Ulekan: we enjoyed our first dinner at Ulekan Bali in Canggu where we enjoyed their traditional foods in ‘family style’ where we all shared the dishes to get a taste of all the amazing flavours.

SOUQ: for an organic lunch and some shopping in their locally sourced store.

Watercress: in Seminyak for Australian style dinner menu and cocktails.

Neon Palms: We enjoyed a picturesque breakfast at the newest brunch spot in Seminyak, Neon Palms. Not only was it amazingly tasty, the venue and food was instagrammable everywhere you looked.

The Lawn: Is a great spot to relax by the beach and enjoy some cocktails while we enjoyed the most delicious and generously portioned lunch.

Milk & Madu: in Canggu for our last breakfast before having to leave this paradise.

 You can't go to Bali and not take your Ete Swimwear... Here's how the bloggers styled our swim!

Lara @yourpassport in the Venice Swimsuit

Emm Gurr in the Venice Swimsuit

Kimi Juan in the Monterey Top and Seaside bottoms

See more from Somewear Elsewhere at somewearelsewhere.com

Read our Rottnest Island Travel Guide here

If you own one of our swimsuits, you will likely have received them in one of our beautiful Luxe Gift Boxes... They're too pretty to throw away so we have come up with some ideas on how you can recycle and reuse them! By not throwing them away you are helping to reduce waste, plus our boxes are made from recycled materials to do our part in helping toward sustainability!

1. Store your favourite Jewels

Store your favourite jewels safely in our luxe gift boxes. Some of our favourite pieces lately are the amazing shell earrings from Sophia C jewellery and delicate necklaces from Amy-O Jewellery.

2. Keep your favourite memories safe

We all love the memories a Polariod can remind us of... keep them safe in our luxe gift boxes so you can relive the moments.

4. Store your Swimwear

Of course you can keep all your Ete Swimwear pieces together in our luxe gift boxes so they are easy to grab and head down to the beach!

Pictured: Mia bikini top & Harper bikini bottoms

Have fun coming up with your own uses for your boxes, we would love to see them so be sure to tag us on social media! 

@eteswimwear

For the perfect snack, try these tasty banana and date muffins from @healthyhappyhabits! They are quick to make and will be in the oven in less then 10 minutes.  

Ingredients 

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180°C and prepare a 6 x cup muffin pan, line or oil. 

2. In a medium bowl, combine bananas, oil, egg, milk and vanilla. Whisk together until just combined. Add in almond meal, wholemeal flour and cinnamon.

3. Stir through the dates and pour mixture into muffin tray.  

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes and then allow to cool.

Makes 6.

Enjoy! xx

More from Rachel Scoular:

@healthyhappyhabits

https://www.rachelscoular.com

For more of our favourite recipes read the Choc Almond Cookie Recipe

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12. Simone ~ @si_sichen

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14. Jamie Mansfield ~ @jamienkidd

15. Claudia Padgett ~ @zeebalife

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18. Christine Tran ~ @tourdelust

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Coachella is just around the corner so we have put together our top tips for surviving Coachella and a list of necessities to pack!

TOP 10 COACHELLA FESTIVAL TIPS

1. Leave for the festival early in the morning

If you’re not camping, make sure to leave for the festival early. Traffic can get very congested and it can take hours to get to the festival.

2. Buy merchandise on the first day

Don’t miss out on the pieces you want. Buy your merch at the beginning of the first day before it gets too busy and things sell out.

3. Have a physical meeting spot for you and your friends

Come up with a unique physical spot that you can meet your friends if you get separated. 

4. Porta-pottie necessities

Be sure to bring extra seat covers, toilet paper, baby wipes and hand sanitiser.

5. Save your phone battery

There are no charging stations in the festival grounds. Turn off your wi-fi, bluetooth, data and close any background apps to save battery life.

6. Plan your outfits for each day

Planning your complete outfits for each day helps save time in the morning before heading to the festival and means you wont forget a thing! Take photos of your complete outfits so you have a reference for the day when getting ready.

7. It takes time to get from stage to stage

If there’s an act you really want to see, leave early to get there. It can take a good half hour to walk between stages when it’s crowded.

8. Print out the setlist

Festival staff do hand out set time pamphlets, but don’t spend time looking for one. Print out the set times before you arrive.

9. Make a plan

Highlight the artists you want to see before you get there. Making a plan is the best way to maximize your time.

10. Don’t forget to eat and drink lots of water

Looking after yourself is the number 1 priority to make sure you last the whole weekend. This is the most important Coachella tip!

WHAT TO PACK

• Cute outfits
• Swimsuit – for pool parties or to wear as an outfit
• Comfortable shoes – You will be on your feet for 13 hours a day so while some shoes look cute, you will wish you opted for the practical option.
• Water– Bring an empty water bottle (no metal though), to fill it when you get inside.
• Warm jacket - Always bring something warm for the night time. You will thank us for this one! 
• Cash – Most transactions will require cash.
• Sunscreen– The sunshine and warm weather is what makes Coachella so much fun but you don’t want to be hiding away on day 2 and 3 because you are burnt!
• Poncho
• Phone charger– Because who wants a dead phone?
• Earplugs
• Chapstick 
• Hand Saniriser
• Bandana – to avoid breathing in a tonne of dust
• Spare toilet paper and wet-wipes

For more Coachella inspo check out our festival themed look book shoot here.

Coachella is just around the corner so we have put together some of our favourite festival looks for this festival season! Dreamy skies and a magical vibe...

SHOP THE LOOKS HERE > 

Shot by @_jypsea

Makeup @makeupbymelanie_

Hair @amylee.artistry

Models @shendellhay & @m_narcisa 

SHOP THE LOOKS HERE >

Bikinis in order of appearance:

Bella bikini top Lace & Bailey Bottoms Lace

Luana top & Bailey Reversible bottoms

Harper one-piece swimsuit

Celine top & Chelsea Skirt

Tula top Lace & Luci Bottoms Lace

To see more festival inspiration read our blog Top things to pack for a festival

Looking for a sweet treat? You need to taste these amazing Choc-Almond Cookies from @healthyhappyhabits. These delicious cookies will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients 

Method

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C.

2. In a medium bowl, combine almond meal, flour, flaked almond together. In a separate bowl, mix liquid ingredients (syrup, oil, eggs) until combined. Add to the dry mixture and mix until just comes together. Add in salt and roll into 10 small balls. 

3. Press the balls onto lined paper and add in 4-6 chocolate chips on top of each cookie. 

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes and then allow to cool on a tray. 

Makes 10

Enjoy! xx

More from Rachel Scoular:

@healthyhappyhabits

 We recently caught up with Sabine, Founder of Core Confidence, to find out a bit more about what they do and her thoughts and advice on loving yourself. Core Confidence brings together the benefits of both Movement and Mindfulness to promote body esteem and wellbeing for teens through workshops and mentoring.

What does body positivity mean to you?

Body positivity to me means living my life (mostly!) free of worry or concern about my size, shape or what I look like. This isn't a constant state of mind but rather a choice I get to make in each moment.  And sometimes on occasion I don't choose the body positive choice. For me it's equally as important to recognize when I'm not feeling 100% positive about whatever it may be (breakouts on skin, fit of clothes etc) and not judging myself for feeling that way. This might seem anti - body positivity but it's totally not! Just like it's unreasonable to expect every day in our lives to be sunny and carefree, I think it's unreasonable to expect ourselves to be body positive ALL the time.

Have there been times in your life when you’ve struggle with your body image? If so how did you overcome this?

Yup! My lowest point of body esteem was between the ages of 19 - 22. There was a lot of factors involved (moving towns, new relationship etc etc) but at the crux of it my low body esteem was a projection of me not feeling good enough. This thought pattern led me to behaviours which saw the development of an eating disorder. This is an extreme end of low body esteem but one which sadly many of Australians are facing. I overcame my disorder by seeking medical help. Finding a therapy that worked for me (group!) and professionals who I connected with. This was a lot harder than I thought. I was studying Physiotherapy at the time and I thought I was an expert on what my body needed but this was far from the case. Google wasn’t helping the situation either. The Butterfly Foundation helpline (1800 33 4673) is a great resource to tap into if any of your readers are struggling. I am very thankful that my family encouraged me to reach out and talk, even whilst I was in denial about what was going on.

How do you feel your best?

By talking! As an extrovert I need to talk - about everything and anything. It helps me think and get rid of negative feelings. Secondly, by moving my body. Taking my dog for a walk or doing some simple stretches on my home office floor all put a smile on my dial (Bonus points for moving my body and talking at the same time haha).

Have you made changes in your life that have helped you on your journey to body-positivity?

One HUGE thing for me was getting off social media. Giving myself a break from comparing every bit of myself and my life with a friend’s instagram reel, influencers filtered vlog or celeb living-the-high-life snapchat. I think it’s about time I have one of these “detox’s” again!

The second is practising gratitude. Listing a few things I am grateful for each night really helps put body image into perspective. Perspective is key!

Tell us about Core Confidence and the idea behind it

I started Core Confidence because of my own issues with low body esteem, lack of self love and feeling completely alone in my struggles throughout it all. I wish I’d known even just a little about what an inner critic is, what self care rituals can do and the importance of mindfulness amongst a multitude of other lessons I’ve learnt via my journey, my qualification and from other experts.  Core Confidence aims to equip young people to feel empowered, confident and in love with who they are today. We combine the benefits of movement with the practise of mindfulness at our workshops, events, social media pages and soon to come online course to promote Self Love and Self Acceptance amongst a supportive community.  I just don’t want anyone to feel the loneliness that I did.

That’s why supporting campaigns such as #etelove is so important to me. Not only is the campaign raising money for important service providers but it’s also spreading much needed awareness on topics very close to my heart that impact almost all of us. Thank you :)

How can we all use movement in our daily lives to improve self image?

By firstly letting go of this notion that we must move our bodies to lose weight, tone up or look good in a bikini. In my opinion that’s forcing exercise from a place of fear. One of the greatest things I’ve learnt is to move my body from a place of love. Finding what I enjoy and listening to what my body needs. Whether this is a walk, group Pilates session, High Intensity Training, swim at the ocean, stretch in the living room, or sometimes - nothing… the list is endless. From this place of love we can then start to appreciate our body for all the amazing things it does rather than focusing on what it looks like.

What 3 tips would you give to someone about embracing the body they have?

1. Accept that embracing your body doesn’t necessarily mean having to love it 100% all of the time. Just like we love our families/boyfriends/girlfriends/friends/pets despite their flaws and annoyances - so too can we love ourselves.
2. Surround yourself with people who talk less about the latest diet they’re on and more about what epic adventure they’re planning or challenge they are overcoming.
3. Remember: Your body is simply a vessel for your greatness. Just be you.

See more from Sabine on her Instagram @core_confidence_ and website 

For more #EteLove stories read our Q&A with Ete Swimwear Founder Jess

To help support the Positive Body Image movement, we are donating 100% of Profits from the sale of our Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful T-Shirts to the Butterfly Foundation and ProjectHEAL - Shop the T-Shirts here (as worn by Sabine)

We absolutely adore Sydney Ness, LA Model, so we just had to sit down with her to dig a little deeper into her thoughts on body positivity and her journey with it. 

What does body positivity mean to you?

Have there been times in your life when you've struggled with your body image? If so, how did you overcome this?

Absolutely! I think it's very normal to feel insecure about your body at times. It took me a very long time to be grateful for the body that I have. 

A few years ago I struggled with my eating in a very negative way. At first I honestly didn't realize I wasn't eating. I was going through an extremely stressful time in my life and always felt sick to my stomach and didn't feel like eating. I started to lose some weight and people started to take notice. Boys I used to have crushes on in high school were telling me how great I looked now that I was losing weight.

There was so much going on in my life that I had absolutely no control of and I realized I could control that I didn't eat so I could continue to get the positive response from people around me. I went down a very dark path for almost a year with my eating. I couldn't work out anymore because I was too weak from not eating and I lost all of my muscle mass. I had no idea the amount of damage I was doing to myself- physically and emotionally. I lost a lot of my hair and muscle definition and my metabolism would take a few years to get back to normal.

Because I wasn't eating, I was much more irritable with the people I loved and I slowly started pushing everyone out of my life that cared about me and were concerned about my eating. I've struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life. But because I wasn't eating both of those things heightened. I was at the lowest point I've ever been at in my life. I lost 55 pounds in under 4 months. I went from a size 10-12 to a 4. But even at a size 4, I wasn't small enough to be a regular model and I almost lost my modelling career because of my disordered eating.

I had lots of people trying to help me but I didn't see that when I was going through this. At my smallest I still saw myself as huge. I honestly can't pinpoint one moment where things changed in myself. After losing my hair and damaging the relationship I had with my modelling agent and my loved ones I eventually realized I had a problem and started to see a therapist who helped me get back on track.

There's always going to be something that I wish I could change about my body. But that is very normal for most things in life- there's always something we want to change. And once we change it, there's something else we want to change. I think it's always important to focus on the positive. I'm so grateful that my body can take me on incredible hikes and I'm so grateful for my health. I focus on those things rather than things I dislike.

What do you do to help yourself feel more positive about your body?

I exercise! I do it for my mental and physical health. But I always feel better after a good workout! 

There's been times where I've had to stand in front of my mirror and list out loud the things I'm grateful for about my body to change my perspective.

Has anything changed since becoming more positive about your body?

All changes take time. I still have moments where I don't feel confident with my body.

I try and focus on how grateful I am for the body I have instead of all of my "flaws". We all create these imaginary flaws in our heads about ourselves that nobody would ever see in us. It's much easier said than done, but allowing what thoughts come into your mind about your body makes a big difference. If you allow negative thoughts into your mind and feed those negative thoughts it's much more difficult to see yourself as the beautiful person that you are.

As a model you put yourself out there frequently, how do you remain body positive in the digital & social media age?

This day and age is incredibly difficult to remain positive about my body some days. Each app you open or billboard or commercial you see is filled with beautiful people who have most likely been photoshopped. Media manipulation is a very real thing. So many ads are focused on our fundamental problem of always wanting to change ourselves. That could be something as simple as a new hair color or as dramatic as a "new you".

How often do you walk by a rack of magazines to see articles on magazine covers guaranteeing you to "lose 10 pounds in two weeks"? Why don't we see more ads and articles teaching us to love the bodies we have in two weeks? Katie Willcox, founder of Healthy is The New Skinny, really opened my eyes to how manipulative the media really is. Once you're able to realize this, it's so much easier to scroll through social media or a magazine without constantly comparing yourself!

If you could tell your younger self one thing from your loving yourself journey, what would you say?

Stop buying size 5 jeans when you're a size 7! When I was younger, I used to try and squeeze into the smallest pair of jeans that I could. I was much more concerned about the number of the size on the jeans instead of how I felt wearing them. Now I buy and wear clothes based on how they fit instead of the number.

Never in a million years would I think I would be answering body positive questions and giving advice. Loving yourself is a process, it doesn't happen overnight. Surround yourself with real friends and give energy to the people who support you and believe in you.

What tips would you give to someone about embracing the body they have?

• You can choose to focus on the good, or the bad. You can focus on what you don't have, or what you do.
• everything you see on social media and in the media isn't always reality. You can't compare your body to someone else's when their body doesn't even look like that!
• live a balanced life. It's okay to not work out everyday and eat a cupcake every once in a while.
• don't feed negative thoughts that enter your mind about your body. Dismiss them and realize you've been blessed with an incredible body and you have a lot to be grateful for.

See more from Sydney on her Instagram

For more #EteLove stories read our Q&A with Ete Swimwear Founder Jess

To help support the Positive Body Image movement, we are donating 100% of Profits from the sale of our Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful T-Shirts to the Butterfly Foundation and ProjectHEAL - Shop the T-Shirts here (as worn by Sydney)