I Am Loved Because...

August 27, 2019

This post is sponsored by Helzberg Diamonds but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

What does love mean, really? Love is complex and quite hard to put down in words. In partnership with Helzberg Diamonds, I'm thrilled to share what love means to me in my life. I could go on forever when it comes to love, but in today's post, I will try to make it short and sweet. There's also a really fun contest with your chance to win a $250 gift card. So continue reading to hear more about my thoughts on love and how you can enter for your chance to win the prize.

I know I am loved because of our unconditional commitment we have for each other. To be fully seen by somebody, through all our failures, stupidities, ugly points, and even then, to be loved anyhow is a miracle in itself. But when it comes down to it - it really is a decision for me. My husband and I have been together for thirteen years. We have been through it all. People and circumstances have tried to break us apart, and through thick and thin we have always chosen each other. We put each other first in our lives and make our marriage a priority. Even when he asked me to marry him, I knew he was for real when he went out of his way to propose at one of my favorite places in New York City, the Met Opera. My love for the opera is unreal so even when I wanted to stop by and take some photos together, specifically for today's shoot, he was more than happy to do so. It's little things like this that also affirm I'm very much loved.

Love is at the heart of what Helzberg stands for. When Barnett Helzberg Jr. proposed to Shirley Bush in 1967, the love he felt sparked a thought - everyone should feel like this. Everyone should feel loved. This wholly romantic notion famously inspired the "I Am Loved" lapel button. Helzberg Jr.’s would say, “Buy her a diamond or give her a button, but in any case, tell her she's loved. Share a photo with #IAmLovedContest and finish the sentence "I know I am loved because..." for a chance to win a $250 gift card to Helzberg Diamonds. See your submission and the official rules HERE.

LOVE & XX’S,

ENTER THE CONTEST

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treStiQue Makeup Sticks

May 19, 2018

WEARING: NICOLE FRANK FRUZSINA TOP | CHICWISH DENIM SKIRT | 
STREET LEVEL HOLOGRAM CROSSBODY | TELEPORT SHOES ECLIPSE BOOTS | 
FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY TRESTIQUE, TELEPORT SHOES AND NICOLE FRANK.

trèStiQue is on a mission to simplify and empower the lives of REAL women of all ages. They believe makeup should be easy to use + apply. Their products enhance your natural beauty (not cover it up). With this mission in mind, they developed their Essential 8 Set to simplify your everyday makeup routine. Everything you need, nothing you don’t: 8 shade matched 2-in-1 essentials that combine high-performance formulas with tools for easy application. Their routine takes 5 minutes, weighs .05lbs and fits in a compact makeup pack. From your home to your office, to your gym or travel bag trèStiQue make touch-ups mess-free with portable makeup in both full and mini sizes for life on-the-go! I love this makeup brand so much, which is why I've got a giveaway going on my Instagram account! Continue reading to learn more about the 3 products that are being given out, how to enter, and where to shop this casual but edgy outfit!

treStiQue Color & Contour Blush Stick St. Barths Pink

1. treStiQue Tint, Moisturize & Blend Face Stick Paradise Island Beige

A two-in-one, weightless tinted moisturizer and built-in face blender. Less is more with this new two-in-one, cream-gel, tinted moisturizer. Light as air and powdery soft, this modern makeup glides onto skin to give you the perfect no-makeup, makeup look. Skin appears fresh and flawless with a naturally radiant, finish. This portable stick with sheer to medium, buildable coverage is perfect for use all-over face, or for quick touch-ups. This weightless tinted moisturizer is infused with Coconut Oil, known for its hydration properties. Its custom magnetic sealing cap keeps your makeup travel-friendly and spill-proof, while the built-in treSwitch Refill Face Blender allows for easy hands-free application on-the-go.

2. treStiQue Color & Contour Blush Stick St. Barths Pink

A lasting cream-gel blush with a built-in blender for the perfect pop of natural-looking color. This two-in-one, high-performance cream-gel blush gives your cheeks an instant pop of customizable color. Just blend it into a subtle flush or layer it on for added intensity. This cream-gel formula has a cushiony light-as-air feel, and it glides seamlessly onto cheeks, leaving skin instantly smoother and softer. It's also infused with coconut oil, and I love to use it on the eyes and lips on top of its functionality as a blush. It's probably my favorite multi-purposed item in my bag right now.

3. treStiQue Conceal, Cover & Correct Crayon Porcelain

A long-lasting creamy concealer in a portable crayon for under-eye or spot touch-ups. This two-in-one, long-lasting, creamy concealer is paired with a blender sponge for easy application. This high performance concealer crayon glides on in one swipe with smooth, fluid application and blends seamlessly into skin for buildable, medium-to-full coverage. Perfect for both under eye or spot touch ups.

SHOP THE treStiQue SET

treStiQue Tint, Moisturize & Blend Face Stick Paradise Island Beige

treStiQue Conceal, Cover & Correct Crayon Porcelain

If you are interested in winning these three selected items from trèStiQue (in your selected shade of course), all you have to do is go to my Instagram account and find the image above and follow the rules in the caption. It's super simple, I've made the rules in three easy steps: Follow me, follow trèStiQue, and like the photo. That's it! The selected winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, May 21st at the end of the day. I will DM the winner on Instagram for further information. If you have any questions about the products or the giveaway, feel free to send me a message through my blog or on my Instagram! I look forward to announcing the winner on Monday. :)

The Eclipse booties are a wardrobe essential. These silver leather lace-up booties can be paired with any looks, to complete any outfit. Made with 100% leather, they are really comfortable to walk in while looking pretty darn chic doing it! I paired it with this holographic crossbody to bring out the silvery features. Plus I love anything that is a hologram, it is such a trend right now! Definitely bringing back the 90s. Also to keep the black color of the outfit, I wore my favorite Forever 21 fishnet crew socks. They give the boot a little more of a sturdy support while running around in them (which I did the other night - two events back to back) plus an edgy touch within this look.

And just when I thought it was safe to put away what's in my autumn/winter wardrobe, New York wanted to bring back some chilly weather. Thanks to Nicole Frank, this black Fruzsina top can go from day to night with interchangeable zip-on sleeves on top of keeping you warm during those unpredictable spring rainy days. This top comes with your choice of black, leopard print or shearling sleeves (which would be perfect for the colder season). The fabric is mostly made out of nylon so it has that stretchy comfy feel to it. You can even wear it without sleeves to have that 3/4 sleeve look. It's quite the versatile piece, check more of Nicole Frank's designs at nicolefranktwe.com

What do you guys think of this look? Don't forget to enter my giveaway on my Instagram account! My handle is @suzannespiegoski and there are 3 easy steps to enter! Winner will be announced on Monday. I also have a really cute shoot coming the same day, and it's the kind of look that's just perfect for wedding season! Did you watch the Royal Wedding this morning? If so, what was your favorite part? I think mine was the impromptu kiss outside the church - just so sweet and tender. And that Givenchy dress was to die for! Also, the reception dress by Stella McCartney had me swooning along with the Jaguar E-type car of MY DREAMS! Yes, I'm a woman who LOVES cars. :) Have a lovely rest of your weekend!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Cami Over Shirt Trend

October 21, 2016

WEARING: DRESS LILY LEATHER BIKER JACKET | REFUGE GREEN SILK LACE CAMI TOP | 
FOREVER 21 WHITE T-SHIRT | BDG JEANS | PAPERCHASE BLACK SATIN CHOKER | 
MADORA BLACK CROSSBAG W/ GREY POM POM | RAY BAN EYEGLASSES | MADORA METALLIC PUMPS

This post is sponsored by Madora & Dress Lily. All opinions are my own.

Madora is a really great iPhone shopping app where you can easily shop for shoes, bags, and accessories with amazing discounts. Once I downloaded the app, I was immediately drawn to the favorites list. By taking pictures of an item you want and uploading them to the app, Madora will suggest similar items from its stock of more than 30,000 products at an affordable price. This will help the app recognize your style and will suggest other items you might like. How groovy is that?!

The app is easily accessible and fun to navigate through. I did, however, have a bit of a delay when it came to delivery, even though they offer free shipping and free returns. Not too much of a wait so I can't say it was for too long. About a week more than expected, and well worth it! I got a beautiful black cross body bag with a grey pom-pom and a stunning pair of metallic silver snakeskin pumps. I loved my pieces so much, I've partnered with Madora to do a giveaway for you guys!

GIVEAWAY

Madora has generously offered to give one of my followers a $50 gift card to shop their amazing collection. All you have to do is follow Suzanne Spiegoski on Instagram (like the corresponding picture for this post) and follow Madora. This contest will end on Sunday, October 23rd, at midnight EST. I will announce the winner sometime on Monday on my Instagram account, so be sure to keep an eye out for a direct message from me if you enter this contest. Good luck, everyone!

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my experience with Madora. You definitely should give them a try and down the app! It's easy as 1-2-3, and a whole lot of fun while shopping online. :) A couple of extra side notes: insert newly obsessed perfecto jacket by Miranda & Mocha: You can get it from here and yes, I sometimes wear eyeglasses. I'm actually required by law to wear 'em while driving. To get a similar pair of Ray-Ban's like the ones I have, go here.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

The Fisherman's Lily 1 Year Anniversary

January 26, 2016

"DO NOT BITE AT THE BAIT OF PLEASURE, TILL YOU KNOW THERE IS NO HOOK BENEATH IT." - THOMAS JEFFERSON

The Fisherman's Lily: A Novel By Suzanne Spiegoski

The beginning of last year was the start to a very humbling experience. One year ago to this date, after spending over four years writing my first novel, my debut crime-thriller novel, The Fisherman's Lily was published by TouchPoint Press. Some of you may have heard about it, or may have also read it (which I very much so kindly thank you from the bottom of my heart!), but what some of you may not know is the origination of the story. Where it comes from. What made me finally want to put my metaphorical pen down to paper. And with today being my one year anniversary, I wanted to fill my readers with more details about the story behind the written story.

So where on Earth did I get this idea from? Well, it all starts back when I was just a teenager. While in high school I took a creative writing class. The teacher read a short story of mine and afterward insisted that I “should be a writer.” I’ve been writing ever since. I initially wrote several more short stories before taking an immediate interest in poetry. Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Butler Yeats were like long-lost friends to me during my teenage angst. When a few of my poems were published while in high school and in college, that sparked a deeper passion to perhaps take my writing a bit more seriously.

I began working on a memoir for several years before putting it on the back burner because I felt like I had a lot more to accomplish before completing an enormous project of that kind of magnitude. That and it's deeply personal to write about. That's when a lightbulb went off in my head. Why not take a stab (ha, ha I'm #punny) at fiction? And more in particular: crime fiction. How come? Not long ago, and initially wanting a career within law enforcement, I took it upon myself to receive a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. After obtaining my degree, I moved to New York City to continue pursuing my career as a police officer. But two weeks before entering the police academy, I felt I wasn't being true to my heart. For whatever reason, even with good intentions, it didn't feel right. I also wanted to fall in love, get married and have children, but I wasn't going to share my life with someone if I was in that kind of profession. I would've chosen to only be married to the job. Something was still pulling at my heart's strings. That's when I started ferociously writing every night, just to get the ick out of me and what was going on in my life. It didn't take long before I realized I wanted to change careers to pursue my ambitions as a writer, and very quickly was inspired to write about what almost could have been. And the best part? Writing fiction of course!

So, what is my book about? Lily Dietz, is an attractive New York homicide detective who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Her career is hindered by her psychological and physical frailties. Apart from being a borderline alcoholic she is close to being a full-blown manic depressive. With her partner John Fremont, Lily becomes engrossed in the hunt to catch a killer who favors Asian-American women – a category she herself falls into. As the race to unmask the murderer gathers pace, Lily must prevent herself from turning from hunter into prey.

The Fisherman's Lily is like an onion. It has many layers. I would describe the novel to be a mixture of police procedural, detective fiction, thriller/suspense and a family saga. It is dark crime and I would not say it is for everyone (it can get quite gruesome) but other parts of the novel discuss the complexity of our emotions and the human condition, such as feelings of anger, guilt, redemption, sadness … love. And how it all correlates within the relationships we have with others and ourselves.

Book Trailer for The Fisherman's Lily by Suzanne Spiegoski

Here's a fun random fact about my book: I'm a proud German Shepherd owner and in general, a dog lover. I love the breed so much I felt compelled to create a dog character in the book, Cuffs, Lily's beloved K-9 working-line GSD. He is her shadow, her confidant and best friend. It wasn't until after completing The Fisherman's Lily when my real-life dog, MaQ, came into our lives. Now he is my personal cheerleader, muse and hero. ♥

With my muse, MaQ, my German shepherd dog. © Gilles Decamps — With my muse, MaQ, my German shepherd dog. **© Gilles Decamps**

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Are you into crime fiction? Like the thrill of the chase? Perhaps you're a natural-born bookworm who's looking for something a little different from your usual reading? In honor of this special day I'm doing a book giveaway to one lucky reader! To enter your chance of winning a free, signed paperback copy of The Fisherman's Lily go on my Instagram page (@suzannespiegoski) and just follow the rules. :)

Enter your chance to win a free signed copy of The Fisherman's Lily on Instagram NOW! — Enter your chance to win a free signed copy of *The Fisherman's Lily* on **Instagram** NOW!

Got questions about my book or my writing? Leave comments below! I love interacting with new readers and other like-minded blogs, and of course, I can't leave out the familiar faces! Thank you so much for your continued love and support. I am forever grateful for you!

Thanks for stopping by and reading more about my life and my work. Don't forget to go on Instagram and enter your chance to win a free copy of The Fisherman's Lily!

Have a great rest of your Tuesday! The Fisherman's Lily is available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble, in kindle and paperback.

Follow The Fisherman's Lily on Facebook!

Love & xx's,

Source: http://www.suzannespiegoski.com/thefisherm...

Unakite Necklace Giveaway!

November 2, 2015

Happy Monday! I'm starting this week off with another jewelry giveaway! This month I've teamed up with an Etsy store called Breezy Please run by the amazingly talented Shannon Boyce. Located in Las Vegas, Shannon creates wire wrapped necklaces with chakra stones and other unique pieces like pendents and even earrings.

Ain't she a beaut?! Let me tell you a little more about this precious stone, unakite.

Unakite, also called epidote, comes from the Greek epidosis, which means- growing together. It is a combination of red jasper and green epidote solidly bound, originally first discovered in the Unakas Mountains in North Carolina. From the combo, we get the meaning of what comes together, belongs together.

This is a highly Spiritual stone. It will bring though serenity and optimisim in regards to the future and will also aid your spiritual growth. This is a great stone to use during the difficult times the world is currently going through. Unakite has a protective element within its make-up and will help you to release negative energies and addictions that may be holding you back.

Unakite Jasper is a stone that encourages visionary abilities by opening your psychic vision. It works through the third eye chakra and aids you to visualize what you desire in your life. It also has a powerful vibration within the heart and thymus chakras, also known as the higher heart chakra. The higher heart chakra encompasses love and compassion, as well as love of self.

So how do you enter to win this necklace for FREE? All you have to do is go to the end of this post, like the article, then comment about what you are digging most about this necklace! There are also a couple of extra freebies which are loaded in nothing but positive vibes- I'm including a Quartz piece cell phone charm, which fits into the headphone port on any phone or device AND there is also a little bit of white desert sage and a small quartz point, bad energy be gone!

Now, there is also one other way you can enter! If you have an Instagram account, please go to my IG profile (@suzannespiegoski) and do these 3 simple steps:

1. Like the photo of the necklace.

2. Follow me @suzannespiegoski and @callmebreezy42

3. Tag 2 friends in the comment section.

The winner will be contacted directly this Friday, 11-6. 👏 Good luck guys! 😘

Got questions? I aim to answer them :) and happily so! Please feel free to fire away down in the comment box or contact me here. You can also catch me on Twitter and Google+ which I'm frequently on.