Veggie-Packed Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

January 30, 2017

A childhood friend of mine passed away last week. She was the eldest daughter of two families that lived next door to me. I am saddened by this and have been thinking a lot about them and that time period in my life. I think about the other people I grew up with on that block as well. The other family that lived next door to me happened to be one my mom's best friends. I too was and still am close to her, as she was the one to notify me of the unfortunate news.

The first time I ever tried a grilled cheese sandwich of any kind came from her, my mom's best friend. It wasn't anything special. Just an open faced grilled cheese with a slice of tomato and green pepper on it. I was playing in their backyard with the kids and she brought it out for lunch. I loved it so much and even to this day, it's one of my favorite ways to eat a grilled cheese sandwich. So I put my own twist on a Korean fusion-inspired one. Because one, I've been missing creating food content and two, it's been more than THREE months since I've last done one!

DOWNLOAD RECIPE

Veggie-Packed Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Serves 2

Ingredients:

4 slices whole wheat bread 3 Tbsp butter 4 slices Colby Jack cheese 1/2 cup kimchi Few slices green, red & yellow pepper 5-6 cherry tomatoes

Directions:

Melt one third of butter in a large non-stick skillet (or grill pan in my case) over medium heat until foaming subsides. Add 2 slices of bread, then 2 slices of cheese on top, press firmly into pan and cook until golden brown on bottom side (approx 2 min.)
Char kimchi, peppers & cherry tomatoes while the bread is grilling for approx. 4-5minutes.
Chop up kimchi and veggies, then add on top of cheese. Remove sandwich using a flexible metal spatula. Add the remaining butter. Repeat steps 1-3 with second sandwich. Serve & enjoy immediately. :)

Twists include using a cast iron grill pan to give a nicer design on the bread. I always use whole wheat bread unless it's homemade stuffing. That's the only time I'll make an exception for white bread. I charred all the veggies while grilling the cheese and in the same skillet. It gave the cherry tomatoes and peppers a nice tiny roast, which in turn brought more flavor in my opinion. I also grilled the kimchi in the pan for a few minutes to soften the cabbage. And whenever I am making a grilled cheese sandwich I always, nine out of ten times, use Colby Jack cheese. It's a favorite aside from Havarti and Emmental. What's your favorite cheese to grill?

I have some really exciting content coming to the blog soon! This week I'll be shooting more fashion + style content. I'll be heading down to the Financial District on Tuesday for one of them so stay tuned on my Insta Stories for some BTS! There will also be a brand new cocktail recipe posted more toward the end of the week. And lastly, I'll be attending NYFW again in the next couple of weeks but this time I'll be getting to go backstage to some pretty cool designers... I can't wait to share! Did I mention travel content is also coming to MaQ + Suz in the next few months? Clue? It's international... Looks like 2017 is off to a great start! ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Crop Top and Trench with a Side of Maroon

January 27, 2017

WEARING: SHOPFW RIB KNIT STRAPPY CROP TOP | 
MICHAEL KORS BLACK TRENCH | BDG HIGH-WAISTED JEANS | 
JILL-E DESIGNS SMART TABLET PURSE BERRY | HUNTER LACE-UP RAIN BOOTS | 
ESPERE DIAMOND PAVE WAVE RING

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHOPFW, JILL-E DESIGNS & ESPERE JEWELRY.

First, I got to get something off my chest. I read a quote the other day. It said, "I have a bad habit of searching for beauty in beasts and forever in temporary people." Sure, nothing lasts forever. But dammit, I'm a die hard romanticist and just absolutely LOVE falling in love with people. Why can't it be forever always? Because most people you'll come across in your life aren't meant to be with you permanently. Meaning, the majority of people you know will not be there for you when you hit rock bottom and are at the end of your pitiful rope. Sadly but truly, from one human to the next, people are bound to disappoint you, and even worse, hurt you. (Grrrr face.)

Have you ever had such a connection with someone, one from the inner depths of your soul; one that was so strong, as if you knew them from a past life? Can be a lover or a friend. It's a rarity to come by these days and I've only experienced it a few times. But something always goes awry - you're just a passing distraction to one's amusement, or the timing isn't right, or somebody never follows through. Perhaps one grew easily tired of the other or it's just a fleeting moment/chance encounter. People drift apart and can change. I believe you meet everyone for a reason, though, and yes, it's all for the better because you LIVE and LEARN. My best relationships were all happy accidents.

Having a conversation over drinks with a new girlfriend this past week we discussed how important it was to us to have meaningful relationships in our lives. And no, not everything in life has to be deep and intense because you can't take life so seriously. It's true, you'll never get out of it alive. And not everyone you meet is going to shake you to your core (so to speak), but like many of you, I'm sure may feel, I miss my friends. Always. Old and new. What a fool to be bothered with such nonsense, right? Hardly. I'm a highly sensitive, emotional creature. And yeah, it does suck knowing that not everyone wants you to be happy. And yes, (yikes) many are there to either use you, abuse you... (Annie Lennox rolling through ha ha!) Most likely, though, 99% of the time it's because they're unhappy. I don't expect to be lifelong friends with everyone I meet, but to the special ones I've made especially this past year, I'm beyond grateful for you. Without you, I wouldn't have grown the way that I have, and this means more to me than you'll ever know. So, apologies for the semi-LONG rant (HEY, I'm first & foremost a writer so...) but thank you for continuing to inspire me and for always making me want more than 24 hours in a day.

Onward to what's going on in this look today! I'm showing you guys what I normally wear on a typical rainy day here in NYC, but given the mild temps and the fact that my abs got a serious workout at a boxing fitness studio the other day, (yes, I took my first boxing class!) I wasn't as shy to show some skin. :) This crop top from ShopFW is rib knit fabric and has a self-tie strappy midriff which gives an ultra-sexy feel to it. And it's really comfy! I styled the top with my usual rain boots from Hunter and Michael Kors black trench coat. Along with my most worn, and quite possibly, favorite pair of high-waisted skinny jeans to date, is the super cool and tech-savvy smart tablet purse by Jill-E Designs. It's great berry/maroon color is only the icing on the cake. Inside is a Joey Energy charger where you're able to charge your phone, tablet/laptop, etc. on-the-go! It even has a longer strap to make it a crossbody. I know this will come in handy come fashion week! And last but not least is the gorgeous ring by Espere Jewelry. It's such a statement piece and I love its shape and design. Perfect to sparkle up any gloomy, rainy day!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Michael Kors Black Cotton Trench Coat Ladies

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Turquoise, Wool, and Leather – Introducing LuvIt!

January 23, 2017

WEARING: GENUINE PEOPLE HIGH SLIT WOOL SHIRT SWEATER |
DRESS LILY LEATHER BIKER JACKET | MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL 
+ MATCHING TURQUOISE BELT | STEVE MADDEN NOBLE STONE PEEP TOE SHOE BOOT | 
FALKE RIBBED WOOL SOCKS |

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY LUVIT! & MOST WANTED USA GENUINE LEATHER. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

In this day and age of technology, we rely on our phones for almost everything. From texting to social media, to video games and even shopping, I too can say I've been using my iPhone for these reasons, specifically many of my fashion needs aside from work-related ones. Apps are a terrific way to not only avoid hectic crowds and waiting in long lines at stores, but to also find great deals and to get what you're looking for efficiently and effectively. Ever see an outfit post on Instagram by one of your favorite bloggers and immediately want whatever it is they're wearing? Exactly. And what if I told you I discovered an app that pays you to shop?

LuvIt is the app that "luvs" you back. When you set up a style profile, you can automatically sign up using your Instagram and/or Facebook, letting you discover trends your friends are shopping for. The ability to create collections, which are folders filled with items you're "luving" at the moment, gives you full control over your feed. I "luv" that you can follow brands and people for specific categories so that you only see products on your feed that are truly relevant. Basically, less white noise. You can also find new brands each week, in addition to the 70+ that LuvIt already has available to shop from. Similar to other social media apps, you can like/heart (or "luv") products from the brands and friends you follow. The best part? Each time you make a purchase, you earn money back. Yes. You read correctly. And whenever someone else shops something you've "luved", you also make money. How cool is that?!

My most recent purchase through LuvIt was this gorgeous wool shirt sweater from Genuine People, and the whole process down from the ordering to the shipping, to the packaging and quality of the dress was stellar. The wool's dark charcoal nearly-black color complements with one of spring's hottest trending colors: Turquoise. Most Wanted USA is a handcrafted leather handbag and accessory line based in NYC for everyday wear and I absolutely adore this brand. The stunning, matching turquoise accessories – first with the Tiffany satchel in genuine suede and second the western leather belt are wonderful transitional accessory pieces for winter into spring. I believe a pop of color can lively up any kind of look, even mixing colors within different seasons like in this outfit. Being a fan of the socks and sandals trend, I couldn't help but style the wool dress with wool socks. Sometimes matchy-matchy does work!

The LuvIt app is available for download in the Apple store, and you can follow my collections/profile at @suzanne.spiegoski! Check it out and see which current and upcoming trends are happening right now! Believe me, you'll be having fun in no time... happy shopping! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Genuine People High Slit Wool Shirt Sweater

Most Wanted USA Tiffany Satchel – Turquoise

Steve Madden Noble Stone Peep Toe Shoe Boot

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Engagement Shoot – Hilja & Tom

January 21, 2017

TOM & HILJA – PORTRAITS BY SUZANNE SPIEGOSKI

I've known Hilja for nearly 25 years. We met as young kids at a track meet both competing in the chin-up/pull-up category. But it wasn't until six months later where we crossed paths once more - this time at a skating rink and became inseparable. Growing up together she has always been like a sister to me and is one of my closest and dearest friends. So, when she told me was coming to New York with her fiancé, Tom, I wanted to do an engagement shoot as their wedding present.

While growing up in Detroit like myself, Hilja met Tom while in grade school. But a romance didn't brew until way later when they reconnected as adults. I'm a firm believer in all the twists & turns that life will lead you to, like moments such as this, where sometimes you don't even know what's been under your nose the entire time. Love ain't easy and I think one has to go through a lot in order to know who and what they want. And with these two, I haven't seen such a happy couple in so many years.

One of the reasons for their visit to New York was for Tom's birthday and part of his gift was a trip to Madison Square Garden to watch his favorite college basketball team, Duke, play. And being that they are both from the Motor City, I wanted to embody their laid-back but gritty attitude. So the first part of the shoot, I took them to Alphabet City and shot in an empty basketball court. This was an easy-breezy moment before the second part of the photo shoot.

I was adamant in shooting part of their engagement series on Top of the Rock during their visit here in New York around the holidays. But on that particular day, there was so much fog there was literally zero visibility. The staff even forewarned us – suggesting we exchange our tickets to another day. My stubborn streak never ceases to shine through and because it was the last day of their visit, I pushed for it anyway.

"Maybe we'll get lucky," I thought.

Going up I had anxiety. You can't control Mother Nature and I was concerned we may be going up but with no NYC skyline. However, when shooting you got to go with the flow. As we started to warm up for our shoot and ease into our environment, the clouds parted and a beautiful incandescent light emerged from above. Much like the weather, you cannot control love and all that comes with it. A definite blessing from the universe. What a day. Are you a believer in spiritual energies as such?

Hilja and Tom will be married In Michigan come this fall. I feel so honored to be a part of her wedding and for our friendship. Life has thrown us many curveballs (even really bad airballs if you will) but we have been there for each other through the thick and thin. Seeing her full of life and joy brings me much happiness. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for all of us! To many more years of love & laughter, adventures and more. I love you guys!

P.S. Want to see more lovey-dovey couple photos? Click here.

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

How to Wear Pink and Not Look Too Girly

January 12, 2017

WEARING: ZAFUL LEOPARD COAT | ASTR THE LABEL DAKOTA TOP |
BROOKS BROTHERS FRENCH CUFF MEN'S DRESS SHIRT | FOREVER 21 RED JEANS |
DRESS LILY BLUE CROSSBODY BAG | STEVE MADDEN BLACK BOOTS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ZAFUL & ASTR THE LABEL.

Happy Friday Eve! A lot of you have been asking about the engagement shoot that's STILL not up. Why? For any photographer, I'm sure you can understand my pain. Ever shoot something so great and meaningful but then when you go back to it for editing, it's an absolute nightmare?! Especially when you're in a bit of a funk? I just can't seem to get the photos to be 'good enough' with my own eye. Call it what you will, but I'm a total perfectionist and am pretty hard on myself let alone with others. Fair? Nah. But it's how I'm built. It's who I am. I promise the photos are coming soon! If you want to see other lovey-dovey couple photo shoots in the meantime, please go here.

What's the one color you're not the biggest fan of? Mine is pink. Any pink. Dusty pinks, blush pinks, neon pinks, anything with the word pink I usually stray from. But with my newfound openness and passion for fashion & style, it's good to challenge oneself even when it comes to certain aesthetics or tastes you're not that into. So when ASTR The Label sent me over their gorgeous Dakota top in pink rather than white, I decided to improvise and take the task at hand. Because when it comes to styling, whatever it may be, sometimes you just gotta make it work, even if it's a piece you're unsure of. Sometimes uncertainty brings out the best outfits!

So how to wear a pink anything without looking too girly? Here are a few tips. Less is more. Layer it up. It's winter out there, folks. (Well, for most of us.) Give contrast. Play with other colors. Bring a touch of masculinity to the already feminine color. Check out this look for example. I paired the Dakota top with a French cut Brooks Brothers shirt from the hubby's closet (I love his style and some of my favorite looks have pieces from his wardrobe in it), and to give an extra punch to the neutral lighter colors I wore red skinny jeans with my favorite Steve Madden black ankle boots. The boots are sleek and chic, polishing up any outfit.

A super hot trend this winter are leopard coats. Mine is faux-fur (even though I love real fur, sorry not sorry). I think this Zaful coat complements really well with the light baby pink of the shirt. Makes it less feminine and more rocker chic; a bit racy. I like intensity. Can you tell? To counter-balance the play with color-blocking, I kept it cool with my fresh blue crossbody bag. Ain't she a beaut? Shop the look down below or just follow the links for similar pieces! Have a great weekend. :)