Monday: Hot Child in the City

August 17, 2015

WEARING: EXPRESS DENIM VEST | BDG ALOHA STRAW PANAMA HAT | H&M BLACK ROMPER | ALDO BLACK STUDDED ANKLE BOOTS

It's Monday! Hope you all had a nice weekend. I just got a new denim vest from Express that's definitely chasing away those Monday blues. Isn't it lovely? You can pretty much put it with any outfit, I love its versatility! Even though it's going to be a scorcher here today (we're reaching what will feel like 105°F), I've never been a big fan of wearing sandals while running around the mean streets of New York City. When it gets this hot out, the grit and grime of this town is just gross. The idea of who knows what getting on my feet is not a pleasantry in my mind. These pair from Aldo's are my go-to boots for all seasons. I love the gold plates on the heels and the studded design. The best part? They're actually comfortable! I do a lot of walking in this town so I've never been the type to wear 5-inch heels while doing so. Why take a cab when you can watch the world go by at your pace? I really do enjoy taking time out of my day for a good, long walk with the pooch. It helps clear my head and it's time with my favorite buddy. We always have such a good time, no matter what it is we're doing. :)

Today's Monday Suzism is brought to you by Kurt Vonnegut. A little motivation to help you start off to a great week!

It's going to be hot, I can already feel it! Ick! Try to keep cool, stay hydrated and get those hats and sunscreen out! Have a good one!

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Sunday's Are Just Peachy

August 16, 2015

“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”

— Dita Von Teese

Peach Season

Fresh Peach Crisp

If I Call You Handsome Will You Wash The Dishes? If I Call You Darling Will You Make Me Pancakes?

The NYT, Harpaar's Bazaar and More Reads

Sunday's Are Just Peachy

Delicious

G'morning! Before peach season is over, I'm trying to eat as many as I possibly can. Clearly I'm an avid fan—they're quite possibly my favorite fruit. So, I wanted to bring you a yummy recipe for your Sunday! Don't like peaches? (In which case, you and I can't be friends. Just kidding!) You can easily substitute with a different kind of fruit, such as apricot, raspberry, cherry, etc.

While baking this, the smell in your entire apartment will be sublime. I guess you can take the girl out of the Midwest but you can't take the Midwest out of the girl! Alright, I'm running back to bed with the hubby for massive cudding, coffee-sipping and NYT's + Fall fashion reading. And of course, nomming down on this delicious summery crisp!

Happy Sunday! Catch you all tomorrow!

FRESH PEACH CRISP

INGREDIENTS

6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced – about 6-7 peaches
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar 1 cup + 3 tablespoons flour
1 cup old fashioned oats 1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, cold, cut into cubes

DIRECTIONS

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
In a large bowl, toss peaches with cinnamon, vanilla, 3 tablespoons sugar and 3 tablespoons flour. Pour the peaches into the greased casserole dish.
In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup flour with old fashioned oats, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until you have a crumbly consistency.
Pour the crumbly topping on top of the peaches.
Bake in the oven, uncovered for 45-50 minutes.
*Notes: Some of you think there's too much butter? If so, feel free to reduce the amount to 1/2 cup like I did. As much as I love butter, I wanted to cut it in half since I overloaded on a grilled porterhouse steak last night with some shallot + parsley butter on top. Yes, I'm still dreaming about that steak. I might have to do one later this week! Anyway, if you want your Fresh Peach Crisp to be extra crisp, bake for 5-10 minutes longer, making sure to keep a close eye on it. I personally love the end result using a full cup of butter.

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Wednesday: Boudoir Sneak Peek

August 12, 2015

WEARING: NOTHING BUT TULLE. LOTS OF TULLE.

Happy Hump Day! We've made it halfway, phew! This week has been going supremely well! Blogging again has put a new pep in my step. I can't wait to get up the next day just to share with you all another piece of me! It has been a lot of fun and I'm so happy doing it! Today's blog post is talking about boudoir!

When I graduated from college I was approached by a photographer to do a boudoir shoot, unfortunately to my dismay, it was NOT a very good experience. It made swear off these types of shoots because the photographer made me uncomfortable. I felt exposed. A few months ago, I took a mini-retreat up to Sherman, Connecticut and stayed at my dear friend Agnes's magical tree house for some much-needed R & R. Agnes is a wonderful, talented NYC photographer and a close, personal friend. She had been asking to work on a shoot together for the longest time and when she presented me with the opportunity, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and to get jiggy with it! I'm a firm believer in whatever you are in fear of, face it and then you will conquer it. And I did just that!

I felt the overall experience was empowering, uplifting and joyful. She made me feel 100% woman and completely confident and secure, which is not at all how I feel about myself. I actually couldn't believe how carefree I felt throughout the entire shoot! Below are few sneak peek shots from our shoot. Kudos to you, my lady! You made me feel like an enchanting fairy! I cannot wait to see the other shots! Thank you for your friendship, love, and support through the years. I hold a very special place in my heart for my favorite Hungarian photographer! If you'd like to see more of Agnes's work, feel free to check out her website, Yellow Brick Collective.

Now, I'm not saying boudoir is a risk to take or that it's for everyone, but it should be light, fun, engaging and most of all, trusting. If you don't feel right about it, trust your gut! Don't do it if you think you'll be more a deer in headlights than anything else. I'm so grateful to be able to have done this with such a close friend, it just made it that much more meaningful and personal!

Enjoy the rest of your day, my beautiful peeps! Take care of each other and yourselves.