B GREAT Skincare

This post was sponsored by B GREAT as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.


Times have changed. Life is busy and stressful and so much seems out of our control right now, and now is more important than ever to take real good care of ourselves. Look great and feel great, right? Enter: B GREAT, a safe, naturally  based line of CBD-infused products. “CBD”—a THC-free cannabinoid-rich hemp extractor oil from the Cannabis sativa L. plant is a natural alternative for pain relief. CBD benefits vary per person, but benefits include better sleep, minimizing stress, relieving aches, and hydrating our skin. When we actually #selfcare we're better able to take on daily life. And B GREAT definitely helps maximize on that, which is why I'm sharing some of my favorites from their new line. Continue reading to learn more!

I first discovered B GREAT when I was in search of a CBD lip balm to rescue me from my dry, lackluster lips. I also think it's a great way to be introduced to the soothing effects of CBD without having to digest any. Since using B GREAT’s Hemp Lip Defense I feel that my lips are revitalized into the smoothest, softest lips. Infused with full-spectrum whole hemp and vitamin E, coconut oil, and shea butter for intense moisture and ultimate hydration, this lip balm is nourishing and soothing in the best form. And how could I forget the minty-fresh flavor?! So good, I want to eat it!

After my initial discovery, I wanted to see more of what B GREAT had to offer. I immediately fell in love with the Hemp Antioxidant Cream. A great anti-aging cream specially formulated for the face and neck, its CBD components help minimize inflammation and redness. With ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, botanical oils and amino acids, I definitely achieve that 'glow'. This B GREAT cream is gentle enough to use day and night.

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Now, are these products strictly for women? Absolutely not! The Hemp After Shave Serum is jam packed with 100% full-spectrum hemp to help balance the skin and reduce inflammation. My husband is picky with aftershave but loves the benefits of this product! With aloe, witch hazel and chamomile, his skin feels instantly soothed, refreshed and hydrated. No more razor burn for my honey!

Lastly, the Hemp Relief & Recovery Cream is perfect for anyone who is active and loves to workout. I love running to clear my head, but the aches and pains - not so much. With 250 mg of CBD per bottle, this cream's concentrated formula is quickly absorbed and ingredients such as peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils are wonderfully scented and a cooling relief to the touch.

B GREAT is a brand you can trust. B GREAT prioritizes complete transparency, offering consumers the opportunity to trace exact contents within each product on their website. B GREAT products are made in FDA-registered facilities and all products are third party tested for quality-ensured purposes. Grown completely pesticide-free and animal cruelty free. Even their packaging is recyclable which is such a bonus in my book.

Use code LookGreat for 30% off your purchase! Also, the first 100 people to redeem the code will receive a complementary Hemp Lip Defense.  Promotion valid through August 7th, 2020.

For more information visit https://www.bgreat.com/. Check out their blog. See their FAQs.

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Calico Print Matching Set

WEARING: SHEIN CALICO PRINT MATCHING SET | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH | 
URBAN OUTFITTERS BLACK MULE

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHEIN

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Sadly, my mother is no longer with us so this time period always has mixed emotions for me. I don't want to get too far into it as I've dedicated entire posts to her in the past (here and here) but nobody wants a Debbie Downer all the time. Which is why I didn't do one this year. It's hard for me because sometimes I want to share my story, but then there are other times where I feel those times that I did have with my mother are sacred, and not meant to be shared with just anyone. I'm extremely private and guarded - which is something I still struggle with that coincides with what I do in my career. I am supposed to be a public figure, be open to sharing everything about me to the public eye, but I never have nor will be that person. I think one day I will definitely share more, but it's just how I'm built. And I don't want the pity - all the 'I feel sorry for you' looks and those that don't know what to say when you tell them that not one but both of your parents are gone. It sucks. But I'll tell you this. As a creative person, such heartache and pain have brought me closer to the artistic notions in a very complicated world. And I'm grateful. 

It's as if it opened my eyes to something bigger, more profound than anything before. You see - I don't create to get rich, or make friends, or for self-validating purposes. The only reason I have when it comes to creating my work is because I feel compelled to. Without it and if someone were to tell me right now that I no longer could write or take any more photographs for the rest of my days, I'll tell ya what... I'd be seeing you. It's that important to me. Not that I'm a Caravaggio by any means, but that same insanity, that same feeling of release I get other artists may feel when creating their work? That's everything to me. It's the only way I know how to gather every little detail out of life and to put it into one entity and feeling whole afterward. Do any of you feel like that?

But something my mother taught me about passion and art is that once you find what you're looking for, pursue it with all your might, but in turn, be more focused on the journey and not about reaching the destination. You need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. There will always be someone prettier, richer, working with better brands than you. Your life is about breaking your own limits and outgrowing yourself to live your best life. You are not in competition with anyone else. Plan to outdo your past, not people. Which can sometimes be difficult when you're competitive and extremely hard on yourself. Remember this, however - we are all going through shit. Big and/or small, what's important is to be kind, and to be aware. Even And to always try your best to bring forth something new and fresh. Make a little bit of difference, even if it's just for yourself. Or even better, for someone else. 

Which is why I'm gearing more towards creative direction, photography & styling rather than just being a blogger who shoots pretty pics of brunch, outfits and "stuff". (Even though this floral set is only $15 and you should totally check it out! ;)) There's so much more to life than that and I find limiting myself to one box doesn't inspire me or challenge me. I'm currently working on my second book, and though my first book was fiction (crime thriller), I'm pursuing a different genre. Not much to say at the moment, as I've learned, it's better to SHOW rather than to TELL. Wishing you all a kick ass week filled with goals, adventures and love. 

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White Christmas Margaritas

This post is brought to you by Código 1530 Rosa but all opinions are my own.


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Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your day was filled with much love & joy a person can hold in their heart. I'm not big on the holiday in particular, but I did enjoy some major quality time with the pup and even squeezed in an old tradition - going to the movies on Christmas Day. I saw The Shape of Water and let me tell you, one of the best films I have seen in years. I balled my eyes out because I'm a hopeless, die-hard romantic, but everything from the cinematography to the story was absolutely phenomenal. Truly inspiring - if you haven't seen it yet, you HAVE to check it out! Lots of Oscar buzz going around on this particular film, you'll be hearing a lot more about it! And even though it's the day after Christmas, I wanted to create a fun, festive cocktail drink in light of National Candy Cane Day! Get hooked on this coconutty- peppermint refreshment with an amazing new tequila I'm trying from Código 1530. Continue reading to get the recipe and to see more photos of this holiday cocktail. 

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White Christmas Margarita Recipe

photos + recipe by ©Suzanne Spiegoski

photos + recipe by ©Suzanne Spiegoski

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

14oz coconut milk

12 oz Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

1/2 c lime juice

8oz peppermint schnapps

2c ice

Directions:

  1. Crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses.

  2. In a blender, mix all ingredients until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes.

There's not much to this quick and easy recipe. First, crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses. I did it with a Ziploc bag and the side of a hammer. Very simple. Then in a blender, combine all ingredients blending until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes and sprinkle a little bit of the crushed ones on top of the drinks. I think it gives it an extra dose of fun and playfulness. As for the Código 1530 Rosa, this particular tequila begins with the purity of their Blanco, then is rested for 1 month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. The result is a refined spirit with a natural color as beautiful as its taste. Their Rosa has rested just long enough in their fine Cabernet barrels to enrich the natural agave juice, without overpowering its delicate floral notes. I think it goes very well with the balances of the freshness of the peppermint along with the slight sweetness of the coconut milk. What do you guys think of this cocktail? Are you a fan of candy canes and what are your plans for #NationalCandyCaneDay?

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Le Coq Rico – The Bistro of Beautiful Birds

This post is brought to you by Le Coq Rico, but all opinions are my own.


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Happy Wednesday, everyone! Yesterday I had the pleasure of experiencing the wonderful downtown restaurant, Le Coq Rico. The original Le Coq Rico (The Bistro of Beautiful Birds) is located on Monmartre's Rue Lepic in Paris. Each Le Coq Rico pays tribute to responsibly raised whole-animal poultry. This restaurant is Chef Antoine Westermann's ode to the local terroir, expressed through the flavors of wild and noble birds. Westermann spent more than a year traveling across the Northeast, particularly through the Hudson Valley and Pennsylvania, to meet farmers and learn their poultry raising philosophies. "Fowl is a world unto itself," noted Westermann. "The flavor and texture change depending on the region, breeder, age, and style of farming." The result of this exchange stands today as Le Coq Rico, NYC. Continue reading to learn more about my time at this attractive, chic bistro.

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Renowned French chef, Antoine Westermann was just 23 years old when he became the Chef and Owner of his first restaurant. In the twenty-five years that followed, he earned three Michelin stars. Then in 2006, he made the exceedingly rare decision to ask Michelin to remove his stars so his creativity would no longer be confined by the rules and regulations of the guide. Specializing in sophisticated poultry dishes, I was more than excited to try their Tuesday's plat du jour, coq au vin. One of my favorite French dishes of all time, they certainly did the bird justice. It was the best I have ever had!

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We started with lovely appetizers of deviled eggs in a bed of octopus, cabbage, and cumin salad along with a creamy mushroom soup with a confit of gizzards (YUM). For our main entrees, along with the coq au vin with egg tagliatelle, we also tried the succulent roasted chicken that is aged 120 days and is served with a side of seasonal salad. Delicious pairings of pinot grigio and pinot noir, we topped it off with dessert, their famous l'ile flotttante (Floating Island) which consists of soft meingue &  crême anglaise and three selections of ice cream: coconut lime sorbet, ginger, and vanilla ice cream. Even the espressos are spot on! A truly magnificent, fulfilling lunch! 

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The service was great, very friendly staff and super helpful when it came to making a selection. I'd recommend Le Coq Rico to anyone! But if you want to avoid the holiday crowds and nightlife scene, lunch is the way to go! And sit at the chef's counter, where you are able to watch the chefs cook for you up close and personal! The only problem with that is it might have your tummy rumbling as you wait! How many of you have experience Le Coq Rico? If you haven't yet, what are you waiting for?! ;)

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The House of the Angel

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THE HOUSE OF THE ANGEL

photographer SUZANNE SPIEGOSKI

stylist SUZANNE SPIEGOSKI

hair STACEY PALANCIA

makeup STACEY PALANCIA

model HANJING (ANGEL) ZHENG

Clothing credits

Look 1 Sarah Swann Two-Piece Track Suit

Look 2 deux A White Shirt Dress

Look 3 & 4 Layana Aguilar Black Dress // LELET NY Butterfly Necklace 

Look 5 & 6 Floriane Fosso Winter Shearling Coat // LELET NY Silver Earrings & Bobbies

Look 7 Sarah Swann Detachable Green Fur Hood

Look 8 Sarah Swann Grey Marl Coat 

Look 9 Forever 21 Burgundy Dress // LELET NY Poppies Wide Headband 

Look 10 deux A White Shirt Dress (Styled differently from Look 2)

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