Monstera Deliciosa

MONSTERA DELICIOSA, SELF-PORTRAIT SERIES, AUGUST 30TH, 2016.

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PHOTOS BY: © Suzanne Spiegoski 

When it comes to my work in self-portraiture I rarely if ever photograph myself in the nude, let alone publicly show any of the photographs. Self-portraits are not easy to do, in fact, it's the most challenging subject I have ever had. Well, so far... we'll see if that'll ever change. ;) But the more involved I become in the torrid affair that is - one with the camera, the more open I am in the relationship. When I first started 'dating' the camera, I was always so anxious to start clicking away. Now, don't get me wrong. I still get that feeling to this day. But there's a more calm formality to it now. With time and effort, a shitload of patience, and experience, I've learned quite a bit. But that shouldn't stop there. Never stop learning. 

This past year has been all about taking risks, good and bad, perhaps even downright ugly when I come to think of it. But the more chances I've taken, the more rewards I've been given. Does it have anything to do with money? No. Vanity purposes? Not at all. To me, self-portraiture is all about the relationship you have with yourself and with the camera. To know oneself is to know many, in my belief. What better way to know how to photograph anyone or anything? No, not every photographer does self-portraits, and they shouldn't have to nor need to be a good photographer, but it's a wonderful path to self-discovery and in my opinion, one of the best forms of self-expression. Being first and foremost a writer, there are sometimes feelings... stories... concepts that I cannot put down in words. With photography being my other medium, it aids me in releasing vulnerabilities I didn't even know were there. 'A picture is worth a thousand words', and sometimes the image of a subject can convey its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does. I get the best of both worlds as someone in the arts. I'm very fortunate to be able to do what I do. And I never forget it.

Lastly, today I had the immense pleasure and honor of interviewing the wonderful Henry Leutwyler at his studio in downtown Manhattan. He is a wonderful photographer with a new book coming out this Fall that'll I'll be writing about on the blog! I can't wait to share my experience with Henry and his amazingly talented work. You are going to be blown away! Just utterly spectacular. I'm so excited about this story! Stay tuned... in the meantime I'm doing another recipe this week and step-by-step video! It's got a ton of avocados by the way..... :)  

LOVE & XX'S,

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The Crème de la Crème

WEARING: F21 GRAPHIC TEE | HOLLISTER CO. RIPPED DENIM MINI-SKIRT |

VINTAGE BLACK SATIN RIBBON | THE SAVVY HEART NECKLACE | BLACK BANDANA PAISLEY  

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My intentions today were to delight you in a wonderful new gastronomy recipe, but it was one of those Monday's where some things just didn't work in my favor. Especially this morning. After mistakingly thinking Windfall Farms (where I get edible flowers) was stationed at the Union Square Farmer's market on Monday's, I quickly came to realize they were only there on Wednesdays and Saturdays. So I went with plan B, looking for other gourmet-type of grocery stores (I mean, you can't find anything on the island of Manhattan, right?!) that had available edible flowers. I've been wanting to incorporate them into my dishes not just for taste, but also for styling/plating. I searched through several Whole Foods where at my last one, and my FIFTH store, I called before heading over because of the heat. I thought it was my lucky day! They had a few left and they were going to hold them for me! Win! No. When I arrived to customer service where they had told me to pick up my reserved flowers, the poor woman's face immediately changed when I told her what I was there for. She informed me that the second the guy got off the phone with me and went to go get the flowers to hold them for me, someone had already grabbed them in the store! WHAAAAAAA! I walked over 20 blocks to get them. So I may not have a new recipe for you, but I'm tanner and not getting fatter so there is truth to always staying positive! Ha ha ha! 

Since I had such an awesome response from my 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' story, I wanted to share a little more on the subject, like this crème de la crème graphics tee I've had over the years from Forever 21. When it comes to a lot of pieces from my closet, they've been around. Ha! Of course, I love updating staple pieces but I'm a little bit of a secret hoarder! I just can't throw any of my clothes out! I can't even give them away, which I've been doing a lot of this year, in terms of cleaning out my closet (sorry for the Eminem phrase). But I'm like Carrie in the episode where Aidan has moved in and she has to make room for his stuff, which proves to be rather challenging for her. This is exactly me! I just can't bear to part from any of my clothes. Why? I think it's because I get my clothes from all sorts of places and they carry memories and special meanings within them. Like the Hollister Co. ripped denim mini-skirt? I fell hard in 'em with my first love while in college. And while I still wear them because not only do they still fit, but because more importantly, they're a reminder of who I was and who I still am today. 

Like most other girls, I've really been into the 90s comeback vibes lately, especially in the last year. I'm all for chokers, platform shoes and gothic emo looks. When I collaborated with The Savvy Heart almost a year ago, I was immediately drawn to their flair & style. They were one of the first brands I worked with when embarking my journey into the world of blogging. The black satin ribbon I'm wearing around my waist as a belt? This is the exact same 'belt' I wore when I married my husband! I love wearing satin, and when I wear this one in particular, I can't help but feel closer to my boo. Wearing it makes me all mushy, but I don't care, I love how I feel wearing it! And that's what really matters when it comes to what you put on. 

Coming up this week? Definitely my gastronomy post, recipe included, you know I'm all on it! Wish I could give you a clue, but for this one I'm keeping it a surprise. I also have another anniversary coming up, my very first 'blogversary'! I will be doing a special giveaway, along with a post reflecting from the past year, so keep your eye peeled! Lastly, I'd love to hear some of your shared memories with pieces of clothing in your closets! Comment down below. Thanks for stopping by! We hope everyone has a wonderful, 'cool' week! :) 

Photos by: Suzanne Spiegoski (Self-Portrait) 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Minimalistic Monday

I don't know about everyone else but today has been a drag! Not in a negative way... but more so in (what seems to be) the extra weight I've been carrying from yesterday's food. I blame it on the Super Bowl! 😜 And it's Monday. And it's cold. I miss carefree, warm summer days, man!

Minimalistic Monday Vibes, Self-Portrait,

February 2016, New York City, New York. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Today's post is more on my personal style. To me, your style is a reflection of who you are and what you feel. An important part of expression. Now if you just don't care because you're one of those people who's 'got better things to do', well... dressing like you don't care will not only make you look like you don't care about yourself (which isn't very appealing), but most likely you'll eventually resonate with that type of feeling. And who wants to feel like that?

Now, I've never been a girly-girl. I'm rough around the edges but keep my style minimal. A great inspiration derived from that kind of look is of course, Kate Moss, tell me a girl who doesn't idolize her is some aspect (because she's the bomb.com) I love to mix different trends and looks with just a little bit of rock -n- roll/rebelliousness. I'm definitely not the type of gal to always follow the rules, in fact, I like to break them. Challenge me at something you think I can't do and I'll make it a point just to prove you wrong. Because no one's got the right to tell you what you can and cannot do, whether in fashion or in life! When it comes to sheer will-power, I'm far from simple-minded. 

Bejeweled. 🌟

Since I was born in Cali but call New York City home, I have a tendency to mix East Coast and West Coast looks. I'd say my style is edgy yet sporty with a touch of the free-spirited bohemian, but I also spent most of my childhood in Detroit and I think that's where that's where the brazenness originates from. I'm that classy girl who cusses a little, okay (LIE), maybe more than a little! 🤐 Ha ha ha!

But if we're strong enough to let it in, we're strong enough to let it go. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Adorned with jewels. 💍💕

Jewelry has always been a passion of mine. I adore earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, toe rings, anklets, etc; you name it I love it! I think they're the perfect addition to any outfit. These embellishments, both bold or minimal, can enhance any style. Jewelry can also be a personal statement, like monograms, names, birth stones - even Angelina Jolie's tattoos that include all the latitude- longitude coordinates of where she met her husband, Brad, and their children's places of birth is so meaningful and in a way, archaic. Obviously tattoos are not adorned jewels but in my opinion, they're just as beautiful and significant. I've always wanted a few (!) but I've never been courageous enough to go for it. Plus, I want to be 200% sure about the artwork before I permanently ink that onto my skin! Are you yay or nay when it comes to tattoos?

Look who came by to join in a couple of the shots? I call MaQ my 'Velcro Dog' because no matter where I am, he's right next to me. German shepherds are extraordinarily loyal. I love him so much! (Not apparent at all, clearly.) Lol! I guess my boy is not much of a fan for Monday's either! I love these shots of us because even though he's not giving the camera his pearly whites, he still looks so incredibly handsome! Every day when I wake up and see that face I am so unbelievably grateful. He definitely makes the start to any week that much more tolerable. Be thankful for each day, keep things simple and style away! Might as well enjoy life while you're still around. Catch y'all next time! ❤️

Love & xx's,

Inner Katie Girl // OOTD

WEARING: WET SEAL GRAY SLEEVELESS JERSEY DRESS | BERGDORF GOODMAN BLACK 

CASHMERE CARDIGAN | RALPH LAUREN RIDING BOOTS 

“Hello! C-C-C-Curly!!”

— Carrie Bradshaw

If any of you gals are huge fans of SATC, you'll know what I'm referencing to. How many of you are Katie girls? We're talking about the ones with that 'wild curly hair'. When I was in college, and also when SATC was still airing on TV, I had become quite infatuated with the character, Carrie Bradshaw's Boticelli-esque, ever-flowing ringlets. (Not to mention her all-around adorableness.) And I had begun a new hair cycle.

But I stopped doing this regularly because quite frankly, I don't have the time! It takes me about an hour to complete curling my hair! Sometimes I'll straighten it because it isn't as time-consuming as it is with the curling iron but for the most part I just leave my hair all-natural. Since I haven't really done my hair like this in many years, I was really in the mood to have some big hair today! What's even better? The morning-after hair! The curls will still be intact, but looser and more bedhead. Which is my favorite because it's carefree yet rebellious. What do you think of my curls? Are you into this style?

I have a confession to make on top of secretly crushing on Ms. Bradshaw. The cardigan I'm wearing from Bergdorf's belongs to my husband! It's my favorite cashmere piece and I'll admit that I stole it! He barely ever wears it because I always do during this season! Ha ha ha! It's so soft and comfortable, plus the lil' after smell of the hubs is always a plus.

I've had this jersey dress since I first moved to New York City! That's nearly 10 years ago! I love the versatility of it. You can wear it all four seasons and playing around to mix and match the dress with different pieces is always so much fun. I love that you can even wear it off the shoulder, making it a bit more romantic and sexy. 

Last but not least are the riding boots I'm wearing from Ralph Lauren. I love wearing these during the Fall. They pair perfectly with leggings, mid-skirts or dresses. Tights too! I love boots that aren't too high-heeled. I have a ton of running around to do and need something that won't kill me by the end of the day. I know some of you ladies only wear heels, and I have to say, I don't know how you do it!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my outfit of the day along with my new C-C-C-Crazy do! ;) In case you're wondering, all photos were taken by me. Self-portrait, all the way baby!

We'll be back on Halloween, in costume! All 3 of us. Me, my boo, and my other boo, MaQ! I'm so pumped for you to see! I think it's gonna be a hit this year! Stay tuned... you're going to love it! Until then, check out my other blog posts on fashion & beauty, food recipes, photography, street art, and more!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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A Day in Central Park

Last week's Fall Mini Session left me inspired to shoot more of this glorious Fall weather before everything becomes bare and brittle. Did I mention frigid? We lucked out yet again today, here in New York City, with 70°F+ temps. So, with my rollerblades intact and MaQ by my side, I ventured the nearly 3 mile-trip uptown to Central Park. The workout wasn't exactly easy, given the backpack I was carrying which included my camera, a change of clothes, my boots, treats, a large bottle of water, his ball, and then some! Phew! I would say it was about an extra 20 pounds on my back during the trek! To say the least, we did it and it was totally worth it!

Isn't that just a spectacular view?! I was so glad to visit there today. It reminded me why I live here again. The hustle & bustle of the streets; the competition, the raw honesty in it's purest form; the smells of every kind of food you can imagine; the beauty within the park; and those wondrous skyscrapers that can't help but make you dream big. Live big. Love big. This is my city and I'm so proud to call New York my home. It ain't always pretty, but it's undeniably f*cking real to me! So is life.

When we first entered the park, MaQ was really excited about the horses! I remember when my husband and I got married in Strawberry Fields he totally went bananas over 'em and desperately wanted to make friends. Regardless, he's quite the stud muffin, isn't he? Plus, Fall makes for the best pictures! And trust me when I say this folks, the foliage is looking pretty groovy at this point! Y'all need to go for a stroll before all the beautiful colors are gone!

I really wanted to do a nice Fall portrait with the both of us, so I brought my little remote and snapped away. The light is a little harsh, but I only have my distraction to blame from the magnificent beauty Central Park holds! It just makes you think you have all the time in the world, I almost forgot I wanted to photograph us! Ha ha ha!

I tried to take several shots in many forms of light. The park is perfect for that, at some point, (being a hardcore perfectionist) I wasn't ready to leave because it was just too enjoyable! But there are only 24 hours in a day and I only have a zillion things to do! I love the little lens flare from the light in the shot above. He looks like Rainbow Brite! Plus I'm still that young rebel who doesn't like to follow the rules so yeah, I like to shoot against the light sometimes. ;)

MaQ is adored everywhere he goes, like today when I was right in the middle of shooting (on a non-sturdy rock of all places) and this sweet maybe 12-year old Eastern European kid bravely walked up to me, and shamelessly asked if he could pet my dog. At first, I was kind of annoyed since he didn't seem to care that I was in the middle of trying to take a shot (of MaQ unleashed all the while), but when I looked into his piercing blue eyes, there was something so familiar and peaceful at the same time, I couldn't help but say yes. I wanted him to meet MaQ. And it made him so very happy, where it, in return, made me so happy!

We also visited The Pond, which is also where the first crime scene takes place in my debut novel, 'The Fisherman's Lily'. It's nice to go back to places where you've researched, and this being one of the very first chapters I wrote in the very beginnings of writing my book, I of course had to stop by and pay homage to my special place. I took a shot of MaQ on the bridge (right above The Pond) to encapsulate the feelings I had with the initials ideas of writing fiction many, many years ago.

Toward the very end of our photo taking, we played a long, rewarding game of fetch. We played out in an open field, and it was such a pleasure to watch him at full speed. I think the day completely wiped him out because he's been asleep for the past 5 hours! He really did a lot, so it's good he's resting. I seriously had the best time up there today! I wish we lived closer to Central Park, because we'd go there everyday!

We hope you enjoyed in taking a glimpse into our adventures! We love sharing them with you and the world. Would you like to do a Fall photo of some kind in the park? Please feel free to contact me about any inquiries you may have!

Thanks so much for reading! Please pass on & share! Happy Thursday! ♡

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz