North Polar Bear London Winter Wear

November 26, 2016

WEARING: NORTH POLAR BEAR SWEATSHIRT | NPB PIN |

NIKE REVOLUTION 3 RUNNING SHOES IN BLACK | TASC LEGGINGS | DIOR SUNGLASSES

SPONSORED POST IN COLLABORATION WITH NORTH POLAR BEAR.

I hope (to all it applies to) had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Last year I showcased our dinner with tips & tricks on how to make a good ass turkey. One would know as I've been making our Thanksgiving dinners for the past nine years! Yes, that means a whole turkey and all the trimmings. You can take a look at that post here. I would also love to hear if you missed seeing our spread this year! In all honesty, I've been so busy with work I didn't have it in me to do a post on it. I definitely have a holiday recipe or two coming up on the blog soon though. :)

We also kept it pretty quiet this year, didn't travel and stayed in New York. I love to cook on Thanksgiving and had one of our dear friend's over, but if you know me, we're not too big on the holidays. We do celebrate but we certainly don't go crazy. (If you do do that, please don't ever stop - I love you just the way you are!) I also discovered the cutest new luxe minimal wear from East London that's been keeping me awfully cozy and casually chic at the same time, especially around this time of the year where the colder season is kicking in!

North Polar Bear is a small business clothing & accessories company based across the Pond, but from it's packaging, delivery service, to even the quality of the grey pullover I received is absolutely amazing! The 100% organic cotton sweater is soft to the touch and extremely comfortable to wear. I didn't want to take it off! And I simply adore the minimal but cute geometric designs of NPB logo, straight down to their pins. NPB also carries other high-quality accessories such as mittens (totally obsessed with them), and now Christmas stockings! For other great holiday gift ideas and pieces from their collection, click here.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Fall Staples: Unique Watch, Plaid Thermos & Chic Camel Coat

November 21, 2016

FALL STAPLES: JORD FRANKIE SERIES WOOD WATCH | 
GENIUINE THERMOS® RED HERITAGE PLAID BOTTLE | VIP ME CAMEL LAPEL LONG COAT | 
PUMA VIKKY PLATFORM SUEDE SNEAKERS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY THERMOS L.L.C., JORD WOOD WATCHES, VIP ME FASHION & BLOG LOVIN' BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

The wintry chill is finally setting into the streets of Gotham and brrr! I need a warm cup of something to keep me going in the next colder months. That's why I've partnered with Genuine Thermos® Brand and created a non-dairy drink recipe to share with you guys!

Non-Dairy Chai Latte

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 heaping Tbsp loose leaf black tea

1 whole anise pod

2 Tbsp whole chai spice blend - use less if ground

Cane sugar, honey or other sweetener of choice

1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (e.g; almond milk)

Dash of nutmeg

Directions:

Add water, tea, anise and spices to a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10-15 minutes to fully steep.
Remove from heat and add non-dairy milk and sweetener of choice and stir. Warm for 2-3 minutes off the heat, and then pour over Geniuine Thermos® bottle using a fine mesh strainer.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more for sugar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan) for sweetness, and ground cinnamon for a little extra warmth.

The Thermos® brand heritage plaid tumbler is an amazing vacuumed insulated beverage bottle. What's great about not just the design (how freaking cute is the red?!) but also its double purpose to being able to serve both hot and cold drinks. A perfect drink holder for someone like me that's always on the go! It's also a great stocking stuffer for the upcoming season. :)

Thermos® brand will be offering a limited time promotion that gives you guys the chance to enter to win Genuine Thermos® Brand products through a promotion that is hosted on the Thermos brand Facebook page. There will be a total of 10 randomly selected winners for the promotion. Thermos brand and Spong will be facilitating the shipments. Don't miss out! Click here now!

Along with my new favorite Thermos brand tumbler, there are a few other fall pieces I've been wearing nonstop that I know will transition into my winter wardrobe as well! The JORD wood watch I received is from the beautiful Frankie series in dark sandalwood and an emerald face. I was appreciative of their custom wrist measuring and the incredible green emerald face. It is such a cool, chic watch!

I'm so crazy for these unique watches I've partnered with JORD to bring you a special giveaway. Enter your name and email into the giveaway here to get a $20 gift card to any JORD watch. One lucky winner will receive a $75 gift card, but here's the score: Even if you don't win the giveaway, you still get the $20 gift card regardless, so what're waiting for?! The giveaway ends November 27th, so enter here now!

The other two fall staple pieces I've been obsessed with are the VIP ME camel lapel long coat with a belt and the cutest silver brooch. The coat fits me well and I love the back of it that flares out just a bit to bring a subtle, feminine touch. Use 'Suzanne379' to get $5 off your purchase of any order over $50! The PUMA suede Vikky platform sneakers are super comfy. I feel as if I'm walking on clouds when in them. They're truly amazing and know I'll be wearing them a lot more before the wet, snowy weather kicks in. These sneakers will be released on Dec. 15th in stores, so keep your eyes peeled for them! Also makes for another great holiday gift (or treat for yourself).

Lastly, even though I stopped working as a figure skating coach (yup, that's right – on & off for ten years) before making the change the focus more on my career as a writer and digital content creator, I still love to go skating when possible! Before I even taught skating, I was a trained figure skater. The sport has always been a big part of my life, and though I've built a love/hate relationship with it – I still miss skating from time to time and am definitely thinking about doing a get-together with bloggers for a day of skating, more chai lattes and laughter! What do you guys think? I'd love to share this with you, imagine the fun to be had!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

GENIUNE THERMOS RED HERITAGE PLAID BOTTLE

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At-Home Workspace with OttLite

November 8, 2016

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY OTTLITE, BUT MY DESIRE TO TRY OUT LIFE IN A BETTER LIGHT IS MY OWN. :)

I've recently rearranged my workspace desk with OttLite lighting. What's different about their lights? OttLite lighting was created by photobiologist (omg how cool is that) Dr. John Nash Ott (awe) who studied how natural daylight affects all living things. From his amazing research OttLite Technology was born, bringing the magic of natural daylight indoors! They combine low heat and low glare, OttLite natural daylight illumination comes with smart features such as magnification, convenient storage, flexible necks and more. What I love most about their lights is how you can see everything more clearly and comfortably.

I am on my computer 5-7 hours a day either editing, writing, answering emails or having phone conferences, I need lighting that will alleviate the eyestrain from glaring at the computer for long periods of time. And the new LED crane lamp I received from OffLite is perfect for the new workspace. With its flexible neck I can easily adjust it where needed and it doesn't clutter up space at my desk.

The clarity is unreal! Just look at the photos for yourself! I really have little to no eyestrain after I started using the LED crane lamp. It is light and portable on top of its flexibility and sleek cool design. It really complements with my new minimally- styled desk, and this new desk lamp is in great company! Ha ha! But it really has made such a difference in every day work! I can officially say goodbye to eyestrain! Yay!

If you like what you see, there's a chance for you to win a free lamp of your own! OttLite is hosting a giveaway where 5 lucky winners will receive a lamp, plus one for a friend! Holidays are fast approaching us... do you know someone who is in need of a new lamp, or two? Perhaps you do too? :::hint hint::: 😉

Check out the Before & After shot down below! It is clear that life is brighter and better with OttLite. I'm all for a healthy approach when it come to my eyesight, especially since I'm near a computer screen all the time. It never stops. I'm glad I can't count on Ottlite for their high-quality lights. Don't miss your chance to enter in the giveaway – it's a really great one!

So what is currently on my desk? I have my classic Olympia typewriter that I've been using a lot lately along with recent invitations and photography books containing the works of some of my favorite photographers: Mr. Penn, Avedon, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Leutwyler, Araki and more. (In no particular order.) I also have my go-to 'unobtrusive' camera, the Olympus OM-D E 5. It's my baby. I also keep coasters at bay, these agate coasters from West Elm have been around for a few years now, but I love the deep blue hue in them. I really can't stand ring marks from drinks!

“We live in a world that turns over in a moment.”

— Azzedine Alaïa

You can read more on the benefits of Ottlite lighting here. Besides showing colors accurately and seeing fine print and details more clearly, more tips for healthier eyes can be read in this awesome article from Ottlite! They even have a collection of bedroom lamps if you're interested. The LED crane clamp is portable and can be used on your night stand. Check it out here!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

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OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection

November 5, 2016

OROGOLD COSMETICS 24K WHITE GOLD COLLECTION: PURIFYING TONER | 
AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL | CLASSIC BODY BUTTER | 
DEEP MOISTURIZER | MOUSSE CLEANSER | 
CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM | MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This post is brought to you by OROGOLD Cosmetics.

The latest skincare products I've been using literally has gold in its products. Not just one product, but in all of 'em. It's killer good. I've never had such smooth, supple skin before! OROGOLD Cosmetics has a variety of skin collections to best suit your needs and since I have a combination of oily/dry skin, I chose their 24K White Gold Collection. A total of seven products amongst the collection, it has all the essentials for face & body including a facial mousse cleanser and purifying toner, aromatherapy body oil, body butter, deep moisturizer, hand & body cream, and a multi-vitamin deep peeling gel. Let me tell you more about the products individually!

1. 24K MOUSSE CLEANSER

This gentle cleanser transforms into a creamy lather to effectively diminish the look of impurities such as dirt and makeup. I simply loved how fresh and clean my face was afterward. A thorough rich lather-type cleanser is my go-to's for face wash.

Orogold Cosmetics 24K Classic Body Butter

2. PURIFYING TONER

After cleansing, this gentle toner helps diminish any remaining traces of excess oils and impurities to leave your skin with a healthier looking complexion.

3. AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL

With floral and citrus notes, The 24K Aromatherapy Body Oil is made with a blend of precious, nourishing oils and natural botanical extracts. With no synthetic fragrance, this luxurious oil is especially formulated to leave skin feeling moisturized, healthy and radiant. I'm completely obsessed with the fragrance let alone how amazing my skin feels after use!

4. CLASSIC BODY BUTTER

Made with a magnificent blend of rich ingredients, this classic cream delivers a new kind of softness to your skin. Suitable for dry skin types to leave you in luxurious comfort all day, it's the perfect body butter for the winter season and an even better stocking stuffer for the holidays.

5. 24K DEEP MOISTURIZER

This moisturizer has a light, non-greasy texture that offers hydrating ingredients for healthier looking skin. The 24K Deep Moisturizer really helps replenish your appearance.

6. CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM

This light-weight hand and body cream is infused with organic argan oil and chamomile to help protect against dryness. Perfect for those extra cold days! The Classic Hand and Body Cream offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience.

7. MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This unique peeling gel is formulated with superb ingredients such as bamboo stem powder, mandelic acid and vitamin C. The combination of these powerful ingredients with walnut shell powder help gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it with a soft refreshed sensation. I'm not big on peels because of my extremely sensitive skin but this one left my face looking youthful and bright. I was really happy with the results of this peel!

The OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays. With its rich, luxurious ingredients (even the package design is off the chain) and high-quality care, OROGOLD Cosmetics will have your skin covered for the dry wintry season and left feeling like a queen (or king). :)

Collaboration sourced via Shopping Links.

Photos by: Suzanne Spiegoski

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

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How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Dog

October 17, 2016

WEARING: LASSO DOGS LEASH & CAMERA STRAP | UNIQLO DOWN VEST | 
BDG JEANS | CHIC ALLOY MATTED SUNGLASSES |
NIKE REVOLUTION 3 RUNNING SHOES IN BLACK | LULULEMON RUN WITH ME NECK WARMER

Happy Monday! I've been working hard on creating the best content I can for you guys! I'm booked up solid until the end of the first week of November with new upcoming stories, as overwhelming and crazy as it's ever been, I cannot wait to share everything we have in store for you! From more fall looks to even a special feature interview, today we're covering how to take the best pictures of your dog! Here are 8 tips on making this somewhat challenging task more enjoyable for everyone involved. :)

1. CARRY HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT

This goes without saying. And I'm not talking technical equipment such as the camera or lens, but other factors that need to be considered when doing dog photography. Like a 100+ pound wolflike dog that will need a good steady leash in between takes, which is why I use Lasso's rudder leash and matching camera strap. What's great is the customization options Lasso has - you can choose length, size and colors for each. I went with a 36 inch camera strap because of my small petite frame, but you can choose from a selection of lengths. Same with the leash. And I can't forgot about footwear and eyewear. When photographing MaQ, I will always be in sneakers. My go-to pair for the past year are the Nike 3 Revolution running shoes. And recently, I've been obsessed with the Chic Alloy matted sunglasses. If I can't see and/or move for photo shoots, we might have a problem. :)

2. PERFECT TIMING

I'm not talking about f-stops or shutter speed, but more about being in tune with your dog's energy and vibe. Looking for a regal portrait? Draining your dog's energy with exercise before the shoot can help you and your dog be in a more calm, relaxed state. If you're opting for more action shots, the photo shoot itself will provide the exercise! Save that energy for this kind of shoot. This also goes with trust and training. It has taken a lot of time and work to get MaQ to pose the way he does. Our bond is undeniable and it shows in our pictures, but when people ask me how I get my dog to be so still and focused in photos, it's all on training, timing and dedication.

3. DECIDE ON YOUR LOCATION/BACKGROUND

Will you two be in a park? Or on the streets of a bustling city such as ours in this post? Being prepared comes in handy when shooting with your furry baby. Know what to bring for certain settings and environments, such as warmer months of the year, carry water to stay hydrated. Extra batteries never hurt either. The more aware you are of your surroundings for a shoot will only better your comfortability and chances of getting the shot(s) you really want. That's where the magic really starts to happen!

4. KEEP SETTING/ENVIRONMENT NATURAL & RELAXED

It's important to get your dog used to the sights and sounds of his surroundings as well. And it's even more crucial for you yourself to try and stay as calm and relaxed as possible. I try to stay away from squeaky baby-talk or shouting uncontrollable things to my boy during a shoot. Calling his name once or twice is usually enough, though sometimes like a teenaged kid, his attention span lessens and I have to get a bit more firm with a 'watch me' command. When he hears this, he knows it's time to stay focused. And he is ready to please. All in all, the goal is to always make any experience a positive one. One that is fun & engaging for both of you!

5. TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES

I've always believed in out of the ten times you're trying at something, doesn't matter what it is, you may get one good bite/hit/whatever word you would like to insert here to describe it. This also applies in taking pictures. The more you take, the better chance you'll have in getting those amazing shots. Candid ones are the best in this type of scenario. And the more time you spend with a camera, the more you will learn and grow in the process.

6. TURN OFF FLASH

In my opinion the best form of light is natural sunlight. It is perfect for pet photography too. However, if you really need to use a flash, especially indoors, try to use an off-camera flash and turn it upwards so the light's bouncing off the ceiling and not your dog giving them demon eyes. Ha ha ha!

7. GET YOUR DOG'S ATTENTION

Stock up on dog treats and toys! Positive reinforcement also brings an overall positive experience. Each time you reward your pooch after getting the shot(s) you want, makes the time spent together an awesome one. How can you get your dog to look straight into the lens of the camera? Bring their favorite toy or treat and hover it over the camera to entice them. For example, MaQ, like many German Shepherds, has an extreme high level of ball drive, so we use his all-time favorite Chuck-It ball for photo shoots. He could focus on that ball all day long. This is a great way to get their undivided attention. :)

8. GET ON YOUR DOG'S LEVEL

Literally meeting eye-to-eye with your dog will help them see you as an equal, that it's not an alpha moment but an experience to share together. And a good one at that! By also doing this, you can think outside the box in terms of angles and composition as most think to photograph their pet from above first. So get ready to get on the ground and perhaps get a little dirty... trust me it'll be worth it! ;)

Sponsored post in collaboration with LASSO & DRESS LILY.

photos + videography by Gilles Decamps & Suzanne Spiegoski

Our latest pet lifestyle video, 'How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Dog!' 8 Tips + Full story on the blog at www.suzannespiegoski.com and to get more info on the featured leash & camera strap go to itslasso.com photos + videography by Suzanne Spiegoski & Gilles Decamps Be sure to Subscribe for new videos every week http://bit.ly/21XFK0K