Cheers to 2016! Love, Gilles, Suz & MaQ
Best New Year's Party Ever! Self-Portrait, NYC, 2016.
Ready to Pawty!!!
Midnight Kiss. xo. Love. Always.
Happy New Year from MaQ!
Love & xx's,
Happy New Year's Eve! Another year has come and gone, and as always, seems to go by way too fast. 2015 was not exactly what I had thought it was going to be but I am grateful for this year and for new beginnings. Life's full of twists and turns, bumps and bruises - I live, I learn. I'm a fighter. And I know that with a positive mind with positive vibes, this will always bring for a positive life. No one ever gets to have it all, at least not all at once, so with that in mind, I wanted to look back on 2015 to see where I've been and where I'm headed.
New Year Family Photo, 2015.
The Fisherman's Lily: A Novel by Suzanne Spiegoski
The beginning to last year kicked off with a bang! Several years after working on finishing my first work of fiction, my dreams of getting traditionally published finally came true. It was a very exciting time, and to see the fruits of my labor come to life was one for the books. I've always wanted to write a novel and I'm so proud of my accomplishment. A lesson for the dreamers - you can do whatever you set up your mind to do.
I will be writing a full blog post next month, marking my 1 year anniversary since debuting my novel, The Fisherman's Lily. There I will tell you the full story behind how everything came together, from the first creative steps to publication, and all the sacrifices it took to make this happen, I can't wait to share with you guys! Want to read my book beforehand? It's available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, both in digital and paperback.
The rest of the winter and beginning of spring were very difficult times. I had to learn one of the toughest lessons in life, that no matter how you might feel about only wanting the best for those around you; that even if you put their happiness before your own, never ever expect the same in return. Sadly, people can be extremely jealous and spiteful with a mission in life to make you as miserable as they are. Not your problem. The only person responsible for you is ... YOU! If you're not happy, how can trying to make someone else happy give you happiness? It's the same as if trying to love someone when you don't even love yourself. Not going to happen. You can try, but the end result will always be the same. You won't be happy until you decide this is the most important part of you. It's one thing to be a generous, kind and open-hearted person, but it's quite another to be taken advantage of, knowingly of your most genuine intentions. Bottom line? Do more of what makes you happy, dammit!
So after working as a figure skating coach for nearly ten years, I decided to completely walk away from it. (!) I know it seems pretty brash right? Wait. I loved the sport with everything I had and in return, it did not love me back. I never sought out to become an Olympic coach but only went back to the world of figure skating when I wanted to give something back from my pastimes as a skater. I adore children and at the time, I thought, "What better way than to do something like this and truly enjoy it simultaneously?" Sounded like a dream job, right? Not quite. I've always first and foremost have been an artist, someone in the creative field, and for me that was my writing and photography. But at some point, my focus was only on being a coach. I had little to no time for anything else. I managed to write a novel while coaching, but because of my limited time it took me over four years to complete. Upon finishing the book, my heart began to tug at it's strings, as if trying to tell me something wasn't exactly quite right. Like I had found all the missing pieces to a puzzle, except for the very last one I couldn't never seemingly find. And the lack of support amongst peers and colleagues was palpable, most of them acting disappointed that I'd ever want to do anything else with my life besides skating. It was time to go. It was an extremely tough choice to make but now looking back on my decision, it was one of the best choices I've ever made. My state of well-being literally depended on it! So, now what?
I really stepped out of my comfort zone when I chose to leave the skating world, but it was for the ultimate sacrifice. Now I have more time to do what I truly want to be doing, and for me, that was always in the arts. So, when one my of best friends suggested the idea of doing a boudoir photoshoot, I jumped at the opportunity! Agnes, or, 'Agi' is ridiculously talented and I was so honored to work with someone I hold so dear to my heart. Being photographed buck-naked out in the middle of the wilderness? Talk about being out of your comfort zone! I was really nervous about the whole process even though we're so close. Being a photographer, it is a real uphill battle to be the one in front of the camera. And because of my insecurities and lack of self-esteem, I didn't think she'd be able to bring that saucy lil' minx out of me, but...
Boudoir Photoshoot with Yellow Brick Collective, Summer 2015. Photo: © Agnes Fohn
I never felt more beautiful and if you look at more of the photos here, you'll really be able to grasp the sensibility in each of them. It clearly demonstrates a deep friendship filled with so much love and care. Thank you Agi, from the bottom of my heart, for such meaningful photos and for an even more meaningful friendship. I love you. x.
With my confidence in tow, I slowly but surely started working on my second novel. Unfortunately, the creative juices haven't been flowing as easily as I had hoped. To be fair, a sequel, or even a second novel is always more challenging than the first one. Without the first one, you'd have little room to grow and strive. I think the first one is to learn, more so than anything else. But as a writer, I believe there's a reason why one might get stuck on a particular project. Either your heart's not really in it or there's some sort of technical drawback that prevents you from continuing on your writing path.
A few years back I tried starting a food blog (sort of) where I would post a new recipe each week. With my coaching job along with trying to complete a book, I could barely keep it consistent after only doing it for a couple of months. But then during this summer, a lightbulb went off in my head. For so long, I wondered why I wasn't able to put together all my strengths and skills in one format, and then bam! MaQ + Suz popped into my mind and screamed, "DUH!" I had always wanted to incorporate my 'tools of the trade' into one concept, and it just felt so right and so good. I launched my lifestyle blog in August and since then it has taken off!
Since it's launch 5 months ago, I've worked with over 20 brands ranging from jewelry to skincare products, to food & drink collaborations to dog-related events. MaQ + Suz is living up to it's statement, sharing our everyday lives with you, and I couldn't be happier doing it! Not only do I consider it to be the newest chapter in my life, but the most challenging workload I've ever taken on. And it feels absolutely fantastic to truly be able to do what I love for a living. It wasn't easy, but anything worth having takes non-stop hard work. That "can't stop, won't stop" mentality runs in the Spiegoski blood.
The highlight of the Autumn season was the season itself. Any chance I can get I'll bring MaQ with me to take in the scenery and of course to gulp down some of that crisp, fresh air. The older I get, the more I appreciate nature and it's special rejuvenating, healing powers. The best part in life is not the destination, but the journey. I don't care how much money is to be made, or how much travelling I'll get crossed off my to-do/bucket list, because all of it wouldn't even matter if I didn't have my health and spirit. And it'd be meaningless without the ones I love and cherish in my life. My husband and MaQ show me on a daily basis the greatest lesson in life, and that is to love and be loved in return. Without love, without hope, without positivity, it'd all be irrelevant.
Life shouldn't always be a plan. You never know what you're going to expect but that's the best part of the journey. Remember to work hard, hope for the best (but don't be a fool and forget to prepare for the worst) and stay true to the ones you love most in life because without them, it'd be awfully lonely and the idea of making memories less and less important.
Me & MaQ in Harriman State Park, November 2015.
Cheers to the last blog post of 2015! I'm looking forward to what the new year may bring, and all the more excited to continue in sharing with you in what's to come. Life will bring disappointments and heartache, but it's all a matter of perspective. We are all blessed. Have a great night, be safe out there and take care!
Love & xx's,
Hope everyone is enjoying the seasonal celebrations so far! Today's post is all about my most recent bath essentials. One of the main pluses of our apartment in the city is having an actual bathtub! I never realized how much I missed taking baths after living in our older apartment for seven years. Our older apartment's bathroom was tiny, fitting only a standup shower, a toilet and a sink. Not much space for anything else. But now, for the past couple of years, I really enjoy taking baths. It calms the body and mind, in my opinion, and who doesn't enjoy a little R & R?
As much as I love a good bubble bath, sometimes I just like to soak in the tub without the bubbles. And these luxury soaps from SAVONBOX are terrific! Fine glycerin bars for day and night, the Blue Opal and Black Raspberry Vanilla soap bars are fresh and fragrant, perfect for everyday use. My skin tends to get dry during the winter but these bad boys are hygroscopic, which means it attracts moisture, making it one of the most moisturizing varieties of soap. And my skin is so smooth!
The Blue Opal bar is a fragrance of joy, the essence of a sunny, happy morning. Fresh apple, plums and bergamot as top notes proceed into the floral heart composed of freesia, lily, rose and morning orchid with Amber. Trust me when I tell you this, it is heavenly! Such a great smell to get your day going.
The Black Raspberry Vanilla bar has a burst of black raspberry with the soothing warmth of vanilla undertones. Raspberry is a known aphrodisiac, and vanilla inspires love. <3 I use this one at night. Just the scent itself is extremely calming.
And what better scented candle for the Holiday season? The Thymes Frasier Fir Pine Needle Candle is crisp with it's just-cut forest fragrance, making it smell like there's a Christmas tree in your bathroom! :)
I know I will definitely be getting more for the Winter time. The smell is so contagious, I want one for every room!
You can get the Blue Opal & Black Raspberry Vanilla soap bars together for this month's SAVONBOX, now for only $20! And if you subscribe, you can get it for $15! Go check their other variety of soap bars here, and for other Thymes Frasier Fir products, go here.
What are some of your favorite bath time essentials? Are you a bath lover like me? MaQ does not, but he's a really good boy about it. You can see him in all his glory here from the archive. ;) Happy Monday!
Love & xx's,
Christmas Tree, My Christmas Tree!
Happy the Day Before the Day Before You Know What! It's a rainy one here in New York and the perfect kind of day for endless amounts of baking! My apartment smells like a gingerbread house - and it's perfectly delightful! It's the first time I've ever baked actual gingerbread cookies (shocker!), but I have to say it was really easy! And the best part? The decorating of course!
3 cups flour
½ cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla
1. In a large bowl or standing mixer, combine the dry ingredients: Flour, salt, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.
2. To the same bowl, add your butter, egg, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla and lemon zest. Mix until your dough comes together. Just beyond the stage seen in this photo, it'll become shiny and more like play dough.
3. Shape your dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap and let the whole thing rest at room temperature for 1 hour (or you can leave it out for up to 8 hours if needed.)
4. Working in two batches, roll out your dough with a rolling pin. It should be about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough sticks to your rolling pin, use just a little extra flour on the pin.
Using a cookie cutter, cut out your gingerbread men from the rolled dough. Place the cookies about an inch apart on a baking sheet lined with either silicone, parchment paper or greased. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes (depending on the size of your cookies) at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Whatever shape you choose, cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting.
6. Use a small tipped pastry bag to make lines, polka dots, or any other finely detailed pattern. I use 3 large egg whites mixed with 14 oz. of confectioner's sugar. Whisk until it begins to form peaks and voila!
The shapes I used were Christmas trees, German Shepherds, dog bones, stars, and cute little gingerbread men. Of course I had to write MaQ's name on one of them!
I went with green, red, and white colors, though you can use whatever you want! Next time I would definitely like to add in some more sparkle, with a touch of silver and/or gold.
This is a great activity to do with the kids. It's not only fun but the time spent with the ones you love is what's priceless. Enjoy and be Merry! We can't wait to show you our annual Christmas photo! Stay tuned!
Love & xx's,
