MaQ Bath

I don't wash MaQ often because being a German Shepherd, it's not very good for their skin and coats. During the summer, I'll always hose him down when we're out running around not only to keep him cool, but that fresh water cleans him right up after one of our workouts! But now that the season's have changed, I do tend to give him more baths inside. Given that my husband and I live in NYC, most of us aren't blessed with a backyard, where I could be giving him a wash and rinse there. So instead, MaQ has a little rub-a-dub-dub in the tub!

I swear by the dog shampoo line from Kiehl's. Call me a snob but I only dare to put the best products on my baby pooch. His skin is sensitive enough so I'm really selective in his shampoo. I love their Spray-N-Play Cleansing Spray, (kind of like dry shampoo) that I regularly use in between his monthly baths. It's got a lovely chamomile flower extract, always leaving MaQ fresh and as I always say, "smelling like sugar cookies." :) 

Their Cuddly-Coat Grooming Shampoo is top of the line. I've been using this shampoo since he outgrew his puppy soap. And his coat is nothing but shiny, silky and smooth. The 3 S's in my book for any shampoo! They also have a conditioning rinse but I have yet to try this one.

Like any experience with MaQ, I want it to be a positive one. And since he's not exactly a fan of taking baths (he loves any water that's not clean!), I reinforce with lots of treats and some of his favorite toys. He is absolutely bananas for his Chuck-It Balls. And he loves this new rubber crocodile I got him specifically for bath time. I know, I know. But look at this boy's balancing skills!

You got to admit, he is such a trooper with everything. I know so many dogs that would look absolutely miserable while getting washed but MaQ's demeanor is all about the good vibes. He enjoys nothing more than the happiness life brings to him every day.

♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ Splish-splash I was taking a bath!♩ ♪ ♫ ♬

Okay, okay. Can I get out of the tub now?! Awe!

How many of you have a dog who uses YOU as their personal towel to dry off on?! Ha ha ha! If it's raining, MaQ shamelessly dries his face in between my legs. He's been doing that since he was a puppy! And especially after a bath, it's almost like a "here, this is what you deserve after washing me with that foul crap momma!" LOL! Doesn't he look so silly with the black towel?

And there ya have it! Oh so fresh! And oh so clean! Outkast would be proud. ;)

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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Shark Attack!

WEARING: ANIMAL HEARTED 'PAWS' TANK TOP | TOP PAW™ PET HALLOWEEN SHARK COSTUME

Duh nuh. Duh nuh. Duh nuh duh nuh...

I love Halloween, and what I love even more is dressing MaQ up in all sorts of absurdities. Last year we were Cowboy & Indian. I have several ideas for this year, but have yet to make a final decision. To get into the Halloween spirit, I decided to play around with a tank top I got from Animal Hearted with the word 'PAWS' on it, a hilarious reference to the movie, 'Jaws'.

I am actually terrified of sharks, finding them to be one of mankind's most primitive and powerful creatures on Earth, I'm like that African American woman who made a video that went viral about the growing concerns of shark attacks. "When you go to the beach, go to the beach. Not the ocean! That's home to the sharks." Don't get me wrong, I love the ocean. I love to boogie board. I love the taste of salt. BUT, I'm now more aware of it. So instead, we played with sharks on dry land (and with one land shark in particular)... !

Look at my baby shark! Isn't this the cutest shark dog costume?! We found this one at PetSmart when we went looking for something that would go with my 'PAWS' tank top. Here we are together, having the grandest time. Photo shoots are never a dull moment with this guy. ::: Heart Literally Melting :::

What I love about Animal Hearted is their apparel and gifts save animals! 25% of proceeds from every order go directly to help animals in need. What a win-win for everyone! I love this clothing company! Check them out at www.animalhearted.com for all their adorable products!

I have to say it's a kinda hard finding dog outfits for a XXL dog like MaQ who is about 100lbs! Even somewhere like here in NYC, the majority of doggy costumes are intended for smaller sized ones. But dang it! My pooch likes to play dress-up just as much as his mommy! ;)

Yup. You heard it here first. Sharkies playing against other sharkies. Only in different forms. LOL! MaQ is always such a trooper with these kind of shoots. I think he just loves spending time with me just as much as I love spending time with him! Or maybe he does, in fact, enjoy being ridiculed... tee-hee!

Whoops! The costume came undone while playing. I love adding candid shots with portrait shots to make it more engaging. They're like behind the scene shots, where you can see what's going on during a shoot. With us, they're always so much fun and a pleasure to do!

Clearly, we never have an entertaining time. This fella makes me smile every single day and just for that, I'm grateful for every day spent with him. You betcha #iflmdog! ♡♡♡

Looking for a dog photographer? Or need some pet portraits done? How about a fun Halloween shoot like this one? Please go to my Contact page for further details on how to reach me!

Are you a dog costume company that carries much larger sizes for dogs like MaQ? We NEED to link up! Want to suggest your ideas on what our Halloween costumes should be this year? We would LOVE to hear from you! Like, share and/or comment below.

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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October Beauty Favorites

TGIF! October is officially here and there are a few beauty products that are my must-haves at the moment. And one of them, you will laugh at, but it's something I love to have from time to time! Don't judge me, I fully embrace myself just the way I am!

From left to right, clockwise.

1. Formula X For Sephora Nail Polish in Ignite
2. Fresh Sugar Cherry Tinted Lip Treatment - Sunscreen SPF 15
3. Cartier Pasha Édition Noire Travel Rollerball Cologne
4. Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Lashes Mascara
5. L'Oreal Glam Bronze GG Cream

I actually wore this Formula X nail polish the day I married my husband. We married in the Fall almost two years ago, and ever since, I have been constantly stocking on this particular deep red for the Autumn/Winter seasons here in New York. A definite must-have! They give my nails a modern, classic look and the rich hue complements my skin complexion very well, even when my summer tan is starting to taper off. ;)

Okay, let me just say, I cannot get enough of Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment! This season is the first time I'm trying an actual color from this line, and I went with 'Cherry' to go with my red nails. It provides 6 hours of moisture, leaving you with only soft, supple lips. Most women I know can rock full red lips, but I look like a blow fish if I go the scenic bright rouge route! I am loving it's subtle tint!

Normally I'd talk about my current perfume, but my current aromatic obsession is this new cologne by Cartier I got for my hubby. It's style is authentic and elegant (just like my man) with hints of mint, rose wood, coriander, mandarin, thyme and lavender. It's a very masculine perfume, and you cannot deny the expressions of virility and pure sophistication in it's scent. Perfect sexy vibes for Fall. I'd recommend it for any man who enjoys the finer and more beautiful things in life. And... (here's the laughable part), I like to spritz it on one of my hubby's shirts and wear it around the house sometimes, especially on rainy days like today! ❤︎❤︎❤︎

I've been using Lancôme's mascara for years. I sometimes use one from Kiehl's, but for everyday usage, this doll lash effect mascara gives a wide-eye look but also with perfect volumized, extended, luscious lashes. (Without looking like some cartoon character!) And the comb is really good in those hard-to-reach corners.

And now, last but not least, my favorite current bronze cream from L'Oreal. I love how weightless it feels and the coverage is very natural, giving my skin the perfect glow. It is a very sheer cream and has a very summery, floral scent to it. I love it! It doesn't give you much coverage, but I'd like to think of it as a lighter kind of contour for your face.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed some of my monthly beauty faves! Have a wonderful, super cozy weekend!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

PS The beauty products laid out on that super snugly faux fur blanket is from one of my all-time favorite stores, West Elm. :)

SHOP BEAUTY

Exclusive Necklace Giveway!

Hi everyone!

I've teamed up with The Savvy Heart to give away this necklace, of your choice- in black or white, to one lucky winner! The onyx stone and spike details make it classic and edgy. Perfect for dressing up or down. Take a look at how irresistibly gorgeous they are!

To enter, you first and foremost have to have an Instagram account. Please go to my Instagram and follow further details! Only 3 simple rules: a like, 2 follows and 2 tags to win!

The winner will be contacted directly through private message on Instagram this Friday (9/25/15)!

The winner will also receive a polishing cloth and an exclusive promo code of 15% off toward an online purchase! Please go and enter now! :)

Here is a little preview for tomorrow's blog! Tuesday's post will include an OOTD, graffiti and of course, strolling around with my main furry squeeze, MaQ Attack!

Got a question? Feel free to leave something down in the comment box! We can't wait to announce the winner to this gorgeous piece of jewelry!

Have a great Monday!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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INSTAGRAM: @SUZANNESPIEGOSKI

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Favorite Hair Products of All Time

In my last favorites, I chatted about some of my most favorite spices of all time. Today, I wanted to share with you all my essentials when it comes to that big mane on top of my head. It is minimal, but when it comes to my hair, I have a few ground rules.

• Don't wash your hair every single day! It rids of all nutrients and oils you need to make your hair look fabulous! I actually will wash my hair every few days and will only give it one deep condition in, once per week for 30 minutes. Is your hair extra oily? Dry some dry shampoo in between washes.
• Do NOT- I REPEAT, DO NOT use shampoos that carry sulfate! This stuff ruins any amazing dye job, and will also dull out your beautiful natural hair color! I use Alfaparf Milano Shampoo & their nutritive mask for my weekly conditioning. It is specifically for drier/coarser hair like mine, with thorough moisturizing.
• I don't like to blow dry my air. One I literally have too much hair to blow-dry, and two, I sweat like a pig while doing it! I only usually do this during the winter when air drying my hair would take days. (I'm not kidding) I use two different irons when it comes to doing my hair. For curling, I use Conair's Double Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 1/4 inches. For straightening, since my hair is not naturally straight (see below) I use Hot Tools 1.5" Tourmaline Ceramic Titanium Flat Iron
• I HATE hairspray. Ever since my figure skating days, I've been avoiding it like the plague. It's sticky (even when the bottle says it's not), you smell like some fumigated bug and it never ever holds my texture in place! Because of the thickness of my hair, I use Kiehl's Creative Cream Wax to hold curls or waves in place. Not only is Kiehl's one of my favorite NYC stores, I love how many of their products can be used for both men and women. My hubby will use the wax from time to time! ;) My favorite spray of all time is NYM's Sea Salt Spray. Your hair will not only smell like you just came from the beach, but your hair will look perfectly textured from the sea salt! Win!

I included links to all the products below. For any product that is not directed to store where you can purchase, google the name of it and you’ll be able to find somewhere near you (or amazon) where you can purchase.

Got questions? Want to add something to my hair product list that I should know about? Please like, share and comment below!

SPREAD THE WORD!