How I Game On the Go

July 24, 2018

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

Ever have a friend that's always running fifteen minutes late? Ever get anxious while waiting when you're the first to arrive at a meeting? One of my favorite activities to help me relax along with killing some time includes Words with Friends 2. It is also the perfect mobile game to exercise your brain and keeping you focused. So in today's post, I'll be sharing the new features on the game as well why I love to play this particular game while on the go, or rather, in some cases, while waiting for others. ;)

The first new addition is the Solo Challenges mode. In here you will find unique word challenges that you must complete by beating themed WordMaster characters. The further you progress in this mode, the harder the gameplay will get. I find this is a great optional section to play around in when you are waiting for players to take their turns in player-versus-player mode. Then there's the new Lightning Round mode. This is a team-based multiplayer section that has you competing with a team of up to 5 players in order to face off in a match to see whose team can score the most points. This will take a lot of coordination between members and should offer a great way to spend time playing with friends and family that isn't competitive against those you have purposely teamed up with. So it's kind of like a co-op mode where you can team with your friends, with the main difference being that you have to compete against other people in a battle for the most points.

Beyond those two new modes, there are also a few other features worth mentioning. You can now collect unique badges through playing and completing weekly challenges. It is also worth mentioning that 50,000 new words have been added to the dictionary of the game, which was inspired by Words With Friends players and pop culture references. Overall, I enjoy playing in regular mode the most. It's the perfect time to play while in between meetings or waiting to meet up with friends after work. It's at your own pace and you can do other tasks like checking up on your email or posting on social media while you wait for your opponent's turn.

Have you played the new Words with Friends 2 on your mobile yet? Well, what are you waiting for?! Don't forget to look me up @sspiegoski - I love to meet new gamers all over the world! What are some of your favorite mobile app phones to play? Leave your comments down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

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The Importance of Quality Skin Care Products with Lionesse

July 23, 2018

LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION: AMBER EYE SERUM | AMBER DARK CIRCLE EYE CREAM | 
AMBER NEW AGE SYRINGE

This post is brought to you by Lionesse Beauty but all opinions are my own.

Hey guys! I've been getting several questions about my higher-end luxury skin care and a lot relating in the anti-aging & eyecare department so I thought of creating a post to share with you more on my thoughts on this and, especially now that I'm getting older, why it's so important to be using quality skin care products. Some of the main problems I've had with my skin due to age are dark circles and puffiness under the eye area and yes, a few wrinkles are starting to make their grand appearance. Continue reading to learn more about Lionesse Beauty and some of the products I've been using to fight back and prevent these common imperfections in our skin. But first, let's dive into why I choose quality over quantity every time when it comes to skin care products.

1. Your skin is only as healthy as the products you apply.

While some popular products may have designer packaging and celebrity endorsements, it doesn’t mean that the ingredients are of any quality. These ingredients play a critical role and can range significantly. I really take the time to consider the ingredients that are in the products I"m applying to my skin. The reason? Because some lower cost options may list that they use some of the same ingredients as higher-end products, but it’s been found that many of the lower cost options dilute the ingredients or don’t use as much of the same ingredient. For example, there are two main types of ingredients found in skin care – Cosmetic Grade and Pharmaceutical Grade. The latter of these two exceeds US quality standards and is also more highly refined, removing bacteria and impurities from the products. Your skin will benefit, both short and long-term, from using better ingredients. Looking like a million bucks is worth the extra pennies it may cost you. Think of it as a really good investment!

2. The amount of product used

Another factor that plays into using quality skin care products is how much product you actually need to use. When using genuine quality skin care products, you shouldn’t need to use an excess amount of products to get the results you’re looking for. In addition to the amount, you likely shouldn’t need to be using a massive collection of different products in your daily regiment. In which case, less is always more :) Using quality skin care products should allow you to use a minimal amount of product but produce quality results. When the products are created with quality ingredients that are truly beneficial, less product is needed to achieve results.

3. Protection from damaging environmental agitators

Top quality moisturizers and body products help to seal your skin, both retaining important moisture and sealing out damaging particles and products that may be in the environment, like pollution, dust, even UVA, and UVB rays. Your skin is your defense system against foreign substances that can make you sick or cause irreversible damage to your body. Skin is nourished and strengthened by the products you apply, make sure you are protecting this natural barrier and promoting healthy skin for your long-term health. Don't forget to put on that sunscreen before leaving the house! Be mindful to not just protect the face but also the body as well.

4. Help fight the looks of Aging

Keeping your skin sufficiently hydrated is key to keeping your skin looking young but more important, healthy. Starting skin care at a young age helps to defy some of the aging effects on our skin. Don't fret if you haven't because it's always better late than never! Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, discoloration, dryness and problem skin, that can start as early as the late 20’s, can all be cared for with a dedicated skin care regiment. Quality products will help to alleviate some of the concerns about aging while nourishing and restoring your skin’s vitality.

5. I'm all about confidence, baby!

Who else here agrees that first impressions matter? Within a matter of seconds after meeting someone new, they will make their first judgment about you. Skin care is important to help you give your very best first impression. Your skin’s appearance is a check to your general health. A radiant and healthy complexion mirrors the health of your body on the inside and reflects a healthy lifestyle. Nourishing your skin with quality products is just as important as taking vitamins, drinking water, eating healthy foods, and getting enough rest. The way you feel about yourself also projects onto others- if you are feeling great and looking good, your confidence will shine throughout!

SHOP THE LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION

Speaking of lasting impressions, there's nothing worse when you have that big meeting in the morning and you wake up with the puffiest, darkest circles ever. But no need to fear: Lionesse is here! Roar! As I mentioned at the beginning of my post, these common imperfections are such a buzzkill, but look no further - I got your eyes covered with the Amber Collection by Lionesse Beauty, a beauty brand that brings you a range of skin care, hair care products and tools that are as diverse as your needs and as unique as your beauty. Eyes that sparkle are eyes without puffiness and dark circles. Let's take a deeper look at the three most favorite items within this collection:

1. Amber Eye Serum

This is the first product I apply out of the three. I love to use it thoroughly around the eye area, to get the full usage out the serum. You can instantly feel how much tighter the skin is where you apply the product and my skin around the eye area looked immediately more radiant as well. Definitely reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this soothing, light-weight serum. Formulated with Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and Aloe, this serum will leave the skin surrounding your eyes looking younger and tighter. Apply a small amount of serum to the eye area and lightly dab until fully absorbed. For best results, use in combination with Lionesse Amber Eye Cream.

2. Amber Dark Circle Eye Cream

Once the eye serum is completely absorbed, I move onto this delight: this shimmery lightweight dark circle eye cream that is everything. I've been trying to find a cream that can really combat with my dark circles and voila! I finally met my match. Formulated with Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) and Caffeine, this light eye cream instantly reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness under the eye area for brighter, well-rested look. Apply to freshly cleansed skin. Gently apply Amber Dark Circle Eye Cream under eye area and massage until fully absorbed. For best results, use in combination with Lionesse Amber Eye Serum.

3. Amber New Age Syringe

I'm going, to be honest... when I first received this final and last product of the three, I was a little intimidated to use it! I think my exact words to my husband were, "Want to play 'Operation'?" Haha! But all kidding aside, the luxuriously wonderful New Age Syringe's properties will help you refine the look of wrinkles while moisturizing your skin. Formulated with Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil) this rich formula immediately reduces the look of deep wrinkles while moisturizing your skin with this innovative formulation and advanced application method. I've been applying it the edges of my eyes where I've obtained what I call my, "smiley wrinkles" from all the years of laughter! You can definitely see a major improvement and it's shed years off to my face! I literally look and feel like a young teenager again! Just apply to clean skin. Gently press the top of syringe down until product comes out and apply directly to wrinkle. If necessary, remove excess product with a cotton swab.

Now before you come at me with how expensive these products may be, remember what I talked about in this post. When it comes to skincare, the earlier you start the better, ALWAYS quality over quantity, and yes, less is more when it comes to luxury skincare beauty products! Like I said, think of it as an investment, just like the quality pieces you choose to hang in your closet, it's the same concept with your skin! Let all those delicious, high-quality ingredients hang from your beautiful, radiant face! Which product are you most intrigued to try? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section down below. I can't wait to hear what your guys' thoughts on this skincare post! And as always, you can shop the beauty products featured in each individual blog post at the beginning or at the end of each post! Since this post is a little longer than my usual ones, I've also linked them in the middle of the article - that way you don't have to scroll as much to get to the links. Happy reading and happy skincare ya'll! Follow Lionesse® on Facebook and Instagram!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LIONESSE® AMBER COLLECTION

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Pepper Lady

July 16, 2018

WEARING: ELLY PISTOL BOMBER | TOPSHOP SHORTS | EGO BOOTS | 
SMALL THINGS EARRINGS | FOREVER 21 SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ELLY PISTOL & SMALL THINGS.

It's a fresh start to a brand new week! And it's time to spice things up! Pepper is the symbol of spice and excitement. And in today's post, I'm sharing a relatively new clothing brand based in Stockholm, and their athleisure wear is literally the bomb! One of my favorite pieces from the collection is this edgy, fun Pepper Lady bomber jacket. It's the perfect new addition to my Fall wardrobe! Continue reading to see how I styled the bomber in a fierce, summery look with ripped denim shorts and over-the-knee boots! What does it mean to you to be a 'Pepper Girl'?

Pepper Lady has a super strong orange lining and just like all Elly Pistol jackets you can easily roll up the arm sleeves to show off even more of the orange goodness. The bomber comes in a completely new design with quilted arms only, and color blocking on the rib both in front and on the back. Stretchy rib on arms and waist gives you that super comfortable fit. There are large chunky metal zippers in silver, 4 pockets- 2 in front and one on each arm sleeve. The jacket includes our popular Elly Pistol arm tag in rubber, that can easily be hooked off and placed anywhere you can possibly imagine. Use it as a bag accessory or keychain. Whatever floats your boat. Use my discount code, 18SUZANNE10 and gives 10% off everything on their website.

To keep the style super-edgy, I paired it with black denim shorts and all-black over-the-knee boots. The floating pearl double hoop earrings are double the trouble! These modern, geometric earrings with front and back hoops and orbiting pearls are artfully created for a minimal, chic look. I also styled my hair halfway up and tied it with a thin black ribbon. I found the ribbon and pearls to bring a tiny bit of feminine features in the overall edgy look. My retro sunnies are from Forever 21 and less than $8!!! You can get them directly here.

And of course, what girl isn't complete without her beloved furry companion?! What can I say, I just love my boy to bits! He is the best. Fun lil' tidbit from behind the scenes: MaQ literally walks offset when we have the shot. He's our cue to know when it's a wrap. Ha ha! And it's hilarious because when we check the photos, he is right everytime! I think after awhile, having taken so many photos with me around the city, it's become second nature to him. It's truly amazing. We will have another Q&A up next month. Would you like a video Q & A? Blog post and/or both? I'd love to hear feedback from our readers! Wishing you a great week!

LOVE & XX'S,

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How I'm Helping Break My Diet Coke Habit

July 12, 2018

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

Happy Thirsty Thursday! To say I'm attached to Diet Coke is an understatement. On average, I have one to two cans a day. I know, not healthy in the slightest but everyone has to have at least one vice, right? I heard about Sparkling ICE from a couple of friends who completely raved about it and I figured maybe it could help me kick my dirty little soda secret. Continue reading to learn more about my new favorite refreshment while on the go in the sweltering heat here in New York City! There's literally a rainbow of assorted flavors to choose from!

TASTE

Sparkling ICE Water comes in 16 different flavors.
My favorite is lemon-lime and kiwi strawberry.
Amazon has different variety packs to choose from, and if you're a prime member you get free shipping!
The flavors are made from natural fruit juices.

PRICE

They are around $2.00 here in NYC
They sell them individually or in bundles
Amazon has a great price - you can usually get a 12-pk for $10.37. (view the deal)

INGREDIENTS

First off, these refreshments are not a water substitute by any means. I've been choosing Sparkling ICE over Diet Cokes to help with my habit. I love carbonated drinks and these have vitamins, anti-oxidants, and real flavor. Did I mention they contain zero calories?! It's been a really great soda replacement.

Want to know more about these fruit-flavored waters? Well, #GetFizzy with it! Click here to shop while also saving up to 15% plus get free delivery if you subscribe & save as a Prime member on Amazon! Learn more about Sparkling ICE at sparklingice.com and facebook.com/sparklingice

LOVE & XX'S,

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You've Got to Feel to Heal

July 9, 2018

WEARING: VIPSHOP SHIRT DRESS | MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES | BRAHMIN BAG | GUCCI SLIDES | 
BING BANG NYC RING | BING BANG NYC INITIAL STUDS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPSHOP.COM, MAUI JIM & BING BANG NYC.

You've got to feel to heal.

Life is tough, but so are you. Most of you come to my blog for style inspiration, whether it's in the realm of fashion, beauty, lifestyle... I aim to make each element beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Maybe some of you come to see my boy, MaQ, as he is just as much a part of my blog as I am and he is truly the mascot of my business. But what I rarely discuss on here is my personal life and all the experiences that led me to here. Since I've had a lot of new readers on here as well as on other social media platforms, I thought today would be a great time to sort of -reintroduce myself. Hey, I'm Suz. I've lost both of my parents in my 20s. I'm completely estranged from the rest of the family, including my brother. Today marks exactly 6 years since my father unexpectedly passed away. Grab some tissues, this isn't going to be an easy read. Listen quietly or talk to me... I'm open either way.

My father, Caz, died from a massive coronary in 2012. The irony? The day he died was the day he finally was hired for a job after struggling for years trying to find work. The morning his sister drove him to the interview he had said he felt like he was finally at peace and one with God. He literally collapsed in the hallway after shaking hands with the woman who just hired him. When my brother called to tell me the news that our father had passed, I thought it was a sick joke. Truly in a state of shock, I was numb until getting on the plane the next day with my fiancé at the time (now husband). I sobbed the entire flight home, knowing I would have no time to shed any tears while handling my family affairs once we landed. My family was unsupportive and cruel. Since my father died, not one member of my family has even called to check in on me. I'm dead to them, therefore, they are dead to me. One of his sisters refused to come to the funeral because she "already said goodbye to him" from a falling out they had. What about everyone else that needed love and support? Forget them too, right? It was as if everyone couldn't wait to just put him in the ground and be done with it. My father's side of the family has never been the best at communication (I plead the fifth) but everyone's true colors were shown after my father's death. It was like being hit with a Double-Whammy.

I lost my mother in 2005. It's still hard to believe it's been over 13 years since being without her. What was different about my mother's passing was being there until the very end. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer and battled it for nine months. I took care of her while holding down a job at the airport, finishing up school to graduate on time, and then some (nearly died twice while she was sick.) I am forever grateful that I was able to say goodbye to her. When people wonder what's worse: Losing a loved one suddenly or watching them slowly deteriorate... after experiencing both, the worst is the unexpected. There's so much I wanted to say to my father before he died and because we were estranged for three years before he passed, I'm eternally haunted from all the things left unsaid and what could have been. Is it normal to think that there's something else I could have done to prevent such a heartbreaking loss? Yes, but that's part of grieving.

How long does the grieving process take? I'm going to have to say, sadly, for the rest of your life. Is it easy for me every day? Fuck no. Some days are so awful, I have trouble getting out of bed. But then I hear my parents, and they'd be damned if I lived an unhappy, unfulfilled life. They wouldn't want that for me. And even though I try my hardest to live a full, rich life, I can't help but feel such sadness at times, knowing I can't share any of my accomplishments or mistakes with them. And in turn, I feel this incredible pressure to honor them - to prove to my parents that I wasn't born in vain and that it was all worth something. That I'm made of both of them, and that's a gift within itself. Do I feel lost half the time? Yep. Do I have moments of profound anger? Rage? You betcha. I feel like I've been robbed. Not one, but both parents? And no family to back me up? Why? I may never know, but I know this. I love them with everything I have and the content I create isn't just for the world to see, but it is more so especially for them. I hope they are proud of what I have done (so far) but I always have the sinking feeling that it'll never be enough, that I just will never be good enough. That's a horrible burden to carry. But I carry it. With pride.

So how do I bounce back on God-awful days as such? I FIGHT. It'll take every single ounce of energy within me. I try to believe that my experiences happened for a reason, and perhaps since I was strong enough to survive it, I do feel responsible to share it with you guys. To tell my story is a privilege. I hope this short but emotional post brings you something. Whether I may inspire you, and/or make you feel less alone, or even just getting to know me a little more and have a better understanding of me: Using my blog and art has helped me tremendously through the healing process. Those of us who have lost our parents are forever changed and we will never forget. I do believe that if you’re dedicated to wanting to live a brighter, lighter life, doing the work, finding the tools, and feeling the feelings will help you move forward. It has helped me. But it's a long, unwinding road. You’ve got to feel to heal.