Call Me Greta

NARS has done it once again! Last week on my OOTD post, I mentioned one of their lipsticks from the new Audacious Lipstick line I was wearing. I didn't put on as much on as I did today, given the pink hue is very rich, but for fun, I thought why not try putting it fully on instead of dabbing it on my lips like some little chicken. Live a little! Brighten up those lips for Fall! Am I right?!

Creamy, dramatic depth, and long-lasting, I had full coverage with one stroke! Super smooth and hydrating to my lips, I found this pigmentation to work fairly well with my complexion as well. I think I'm in love (swoon)!

The color is called Greta and has now become the name to my alter-ego lol! All kidding aside, do you think I could ever look like a Greta? When I think of a Greta, I think of a voluptuous Swedish blonde bombshell. Writers are weird. Nah, I wouldn't change my imagination for anything! Who do you picture in your mind when you think of the name, Greta?

I've been strangely told many times I look like a Samantha! I told 'em Sam might work, but I actually love my name. My father chose my name, but my closest friends call me Suz. My brother is the one who originated this nickname! It's crazy, but my mother wanted to name me either, Jennifer or Diana, but I'm glad my Dad came through with a more 'unique' name and how my mother loved it just as much when presented with the idea. ♥

I don't know about you, but I always love to hear the story behind a person's name. I like to know this part of their history because it somehow brings more character in a person, rather than just knowing a face. I like to think of it as kind of like a tiny piece of intimacy left behind, but not too much for it to be way too personal. To me, names are truly beautiful and should carry some sort of special message or meaning behind them.

What do you all think about Greta? Both the lipstick and the name? What's in a name to you?

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

SHOP THE LIPSTICK

First Street Graffiti

This week's graffiti is at the First Street Green Art Park, filled with lots of new and colorful street murals. I wanted to first start with a photo of all the many faces of MaQ, in reference to the Global Freedom Exchange Mural behind him. This mural was created last week by 24 female activists from around the world. It was led by artist and activist Panmela Castro. The women had been on a two week mentoring program advocating the stop and prevention to all human trafficking where they met with government officials to "discuss best practices with NGO leaders, provide donors with knowledge about funding needs and the best mechanisms for support, and learn about collaborative approaches to working with local law enforcement." (firststreetgreenartpark.org) During this graffiti workshop, the group discussed the issue of trafficking and then picked up spray cans to express their conversation through the mural. Just like my pooch, there are 4 different faces and I only took a photo with one of the faces to demonstrate this symbolism, as the message is clear: Hope. Change. Love. Justice. And that one voice mantra. We all have it, and we all should be allowed to use it when we feel necessary. And with that one voice, this is where we can get the change, the hope, the love, and the justice we all humanly deserve.

Look at my fur baby! I love this shot of him because not only does he look handsome (of course, he always does), but because his head stands for the letter, 'L', in 'LOVE', becoming a part of the mural. What a lover boy. I never get sick of photographing him. I mean, can you blame me? ;)

A little farther down into this area, we stumbled upon this amazing peacock! This art piece is by D. Gale. partnered with the Centre Fuge Public Art Project. I don't think I have ever seen a graffiti peacock since I've been in New York. This one is so spectacular, you have to see it for yourself! Don't they both look so fly?

The last piece is an Hiss Art mural that's just weird and authentic. Kitty cat, kitty cat, where are you? Clearly, MaQ loves 'em. Ha ha! This was on the end of a gray trailer, where the peacock is also displayed around the side, and this trailer is used as a temporary office for workers on the Houston Restoration Project and the 2nd Avenue subway line. The trailer always exhibits new murals, but since we've haven't been around here as of late, and that we've never blogged this section before, what better day than today? :)

Hope you had fun stopping by! Guess who's got a birthday coming up?! My boy is going to be 3 years old on Thursday and I can't believe it! Where does the time go? When you're having too much fun, I guess. Stay tuned for more adventures coming up soon!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Graffiti Wednesday

Today, I'm sharing with you some of our most recent graffiti art discoveries from our daily strolls around the city. We go everywhere, and when feeling extra blue, I tend to walk it off until I feel better. With my loyal companion in tow, New York City, my city, has a way of turning shitty times into a temporary escape. Whether it's forgetting about the horrible day you just had or even though you've been living in this city for nearly ten years, you can still fall into its energy and get lost in that kind of aura. This place is my home and never fails to keep me moving, both in my heart and in my feet. New York, even though you are one bad, bitch, I still love the fuck out of you. Thanks for always keeping it real.

Looks like maQ's newest #wcw is Jenna Morello's Lioness in Little Italy! Roar! ;) In all seriousness though, I believe the artist did these #forCecil, a male Southwest African lion who was killed in North Zimbabwe by a Minnesota dentist. He was 13 years old. A painting of Cecil can be found to the left of the lioness. We missed out on this shot since there were a lot of people working around it during the Little Italy festival.

This new piece at the Bowery Wall on Houston Street is by the incredibly dope artist, Futura Dos Mil. This mural is titled, "Nuance", and at first glance, is a flurry of subdued emotions. The lines and symmetry are all over the place, yet at the same time, everything is perfectly in place. How could that be?

nu·ance // n(y)o͞oˌäns// noun

• a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

It is really beautiful to see. This installation is extremely large in scale and with the play of light and shadows, it's actually quite breathtaking.

Adam Dare's 'Love is Love' is the polar opposite of Futura's piece, but just as awesome. That's what I love about art. No matter what it is, or in what style or technique, if you feel something from it, anything really, then it matters. It's important. Kind of like love, in it that if you really love someone, then this too, in fact, matters and is important. Regardless of who you are, and even more importantly, who they are. We can't help but feel what we feel.

“And in the end,
The love you take,
Is equal to the love,
You make.””

— The Beatles

Lastly, I leave you with Hektad's hearts of hearts. His work never fails to remind me that it's all about love, but just like anything else in this world, no matter how you try and do it, it won't be perfect. When it comes to matters of the heart, you have to constantly keep working on yourself and with others. It's about that joint effort to make it work. Remember the give-and-take rule, kiddies. If one person is trying and the other isn't, it'll never be enough. 

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Monday: Coffee & Treats

WEARING: EXPRESS STRIPED ONE ELEVEN LONG SLEEVE RIBBED TEE | 

AE ARTIST CROP DENIM JEANS| RAY-BAN CLUBMASTER | VAGABOND OXFORD SHOES

Hey ya'll!

Today's going to be a hot one here in New York City! But first, coffee! I decided to take an early morning stroll for my caffeine pick-me-up and treats with the pooch. maQ loves to go anywhere with me, and since I was craving for biscotti, off to Little Italy we went!

I love heading down there because there's always so much graffiti art to check out. Right now, there's the #100gatesproject going on. Check it out, it's everywhere- especially in the Lower East Side section. Today we ran into Indie184's work in 'full force' and Harif Guzman's Haculla faces. Of course, we stopped for photos. :)

I can't even remember the last time I had a cappuccino! I'm mostly drink coffee at home with some sugar and creamer, but today I was really wanted something different. And since I don't have an espresso machine to make one, it was even more reason to get out and get some goodies!

We stopped at Cafe Roma, on the corner of Mott and Broome St, and sat outside and people-watched. Of course there are always the tourists near that area, taking photos non-stop and always looking up. And then there's those who are off to work, to hustle and grind. So many bicyclists. maQ loves to watch but mostly loves the attention he receives while chillin' on the sidewalk. Not everyone adores him though. Some are afraid, even petrified enough to cross the street, just to avoid my 'big bad wolf.' Even when encouraging some he is more than friendly, they still don't want to take that risk. Understandable. And I'm always respectful of this. He is a definite breed ambassador, and has changed the minds of some people he's met. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and maQ's can definitely make you think twice about dogs. I mean, really, he's just a big ole pussycat! He's the best with children, super gentle and extremely affectionate. <3

I really enjoyed their chocolate biscotti. Sometimes biscotti can be bland or also be too almondy, but this was so delish! Might I add, the little dash of cinnamon on my cappuccino was like the icing on the cake! Everything was so good. Up until I could literally feel the air thickening- the humidity was setting in, so it was time to head back home!

Lastly, I leave you with my Monday Suzism.

“We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories. ”

— Jonathan Gottschall

Keep it cool, kiddies. Back to the writing. We hope you have a wonderful week!

Love & xx's,

maq + suz

SHOP THE LOOK

25 Random Facts About Me

 

Let's Get Personal

I've been back blogging now for a couple of weeks and wanted to help you all get to know maQ and I a little better. I love blogs that help me immerse in their world with photos and videos, but I always like to know more about the person behind all the imagery.

So, I've compiled a list of random facts about myself, including my doggy, maQ. We hope you enjoy reading about us!

Have a great start to your week!

Love + xx's,

maQ + suz

1. My middle name is Sunny. Yes, my first, middle and last name all start with the letter S.

2. I’m half-Korean and half-Polish. So, I’m Eurasian :)

3. Music, like words, is the air I breathe. Music has helped me on so many different levels. My choice in music ranges all the way from Classical to Rap. I love everything (yes, gospel, teen pop, country, original soundtracks) except for heavy metal and jazz. I know Jazz is like a God to many of you, but with me, I'm sorry. #icant

4. Most of you know I have a German Shepherd named maQ, but what most you may not know is his formal name is McQueen. He was named after Steve McQueen for his handsome looks, his style, and of course, his charm. I even share the same birthday as Steve, March 24th!

5. I smoked cigarettes for nearly ten years, but am proud to say I haven’t had one in over 3 years.

6. My first love was David Duchovny. When I was 15, I literally cried when I discovered he married Tea Leoni. I can’t believe I’m telling you all this!

7. I would love to say I’ve inherited my mother’s green thumb, but for the most part, I can’t keep a plant around to save my life! What’s interesting though, in the past few months, I’ve managed to keep (most) alive and some have even grown. I know it’s sounds cheesy, but I feel like I’ve grown with those plants.

8. If I was on a deserted island with only one choice of food to survive off of, it would, hands down, without question, be mashed potatoes.

9. I’m not fashion-obsessed, but I am into style. I would have say, like many women, one of my staple style icons is definitely Kate Moss.

10. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve really been into video games. I love GTA, Borderlands, Left 4 Dead, and arcade classics like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and of course I can’t leave out Zelda, Mario, Tetris and Double Dragon yo! If you know Double Dragon, let’s be friends. Extra points if you know the brothers' names right off the bat. I also love Words with Friends on the phone. WARNING: I'm HIGHLY competitive.

11. I’m a writer, and earlier this year debuted my first crime thriller novel to the world. It’s about a manic-depressive, rough-around-the-edges, female Asian detective who’s hunting for a serial killer in New York that’s targeting other Asian women like herself. Let’s just say the ending left a few people in tears and completely in shock. Check it out on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, The Fisherman’s Lily.

12. My favorite authors, in no particular order, are Stephen King, Jeffrey Deaver, Agatha Christie, Tana French, James Ellroy, Haruki Murakami, Thomas Harris, Kyung-sook Shin and John Steinbeck.

13. I’m a die-hard Lakers fan. Take me to a basketball game and I’m one happy gal!

14. Frida Kahlo, Michelle Kwan and my mother, or rather what I called her my whole life, 'my ma', are my super women. I worship and adore each of these extraordinary ladies for several reasons. They've left me inspired and empowered, giving me courage and strength through many hardships in life. They've all kept my boat afloat. And forevermore grateful.

15. I’m a huge foodie and really love to eat and more especially, cook. However, there are two items I really detest and cannot be bothered with. One: coconut flakes. Bleh! There’s something about the texture I can’t get past. I love the flavor of coconut, but no Almond Joy’s or German chocolate cake for me. Two: anything orange flavored. No candy or liquor could change my mind. I love the fruit and orange juice though, but when trying to concoct it with something else, my taste buds go, "yuck!"

16. My favorite restaurant in New York is Indochine. French-Vietnamese cuisine. And the entire waitstaff are drop dead gorgeous. Need I say more? A recent close runner-up: Estela. I’m still dreaming about those ricotta dumplings.

17. I’ve been with a French man for nearly a decade and still can’t speak fluent French! Don’t get me wrong, I know more than I like to admit. I can completely follow conversations and read fairly well, but when it comes to verbal communication I get stage fright. I don't think learning Spanish first helped any either. I tend to roll those R's and L's when I'm not supposed to!

18. I live for peach pie. Speaking of which, I should make a couple more soon before the season comes to an end! New food blog post coming up? Hint hint!

19. Horses are my nemesis. We do not agree. Every time I’ve ever gotten on one, they’ve either taken off or bucked me off. It’s my nerves. They can feel the fear. I find them to be such beautiful, remarkable creatures, but once I get on them I am immediately aware of their strength and power and don’t feel in control. That’s when the fun starts to happen! Giddy up, Suz!

20. One of my favorite things to do is people-watch. Call it trolling, stalking or just plain ole' observing, what can I say, it's the writer in me. I think everyone's got a story to tell. All I want to do is listen, watch and see.

“They motivate us to play, be affectionate, seek adventure and be loyal.”

— Tom Hayden

21. maQ's favorite toys are his plush stuffed animals. We've created the identification game, where he can literally go and ID each and every one of them by certain, specified names. (e.g.; "Where's your monkey? Go get me your crocodile. Can I have your octopus? What about sharky?") Yes, my GSD is hella smart. Who wants to see a vlog about this? :)

22. I have the craziest numeric memory. I still remember my childhood friends' home phone numbers by heart! I can even recall my father's old business numbers too. Give me any number and I'll be able to remember it. It's freaky.

23. I'm an active person. I love to do anything outdoors with my pooch. We love to go running and rollerblading, even if it's just running errands, if I can take maQ with me you won't be surprised to see him with me.

24. Some of my ultimate favorite TV shows are LOST, True Detective (first season), The Leftovers, The Killing, Broadchurch, Damages, Homeland, Game of Thrones, and Californication.

25. If I could be anywhere in the world right now, it'd be a toss up between Santorini and Jeju Island. Definite bucket listings.