A Day in Central Park

Last week's Fall Mini Session left me inspired to shoot more of this glorious Fall weather before everything becomes bare and brittle. Did I mention frigid? We lucked out yet again today, here in New York City, with 70°F+ temps. So, with my rollerblades intact and MaQ by my side, I ventured the nearly 3 mile-trip uptown to Central Park. The workout wasn't exactly easy, given the backpack I was carrying which included my camera, a change of clothes, my boots, treats, a large bottle of water, his ball, and then some! Phew! I would say it was about an extra 20 pounds on my back during the trek! To say the least, we did it and it was totally worth it!

Isn't that just a spectacular view?! I was so glad to visit there today. It reminded me why I live here again. The hustle & bustle of the streets; the competition, the raw honesty in it's purest form; the smells of every kind of food you can imagine; the beauty within the park; and those wondrous skyscrapers that can't help but make you dream big. Live big. Love big. This is my city and I'm so proud to call New York my home. It ain't always pretty, but it's undeniably f*cking real to me! So is life.

When we first entered the park, MaQ was really excited about the horses! I remember when my husband and I got married in Strawberry Fields he totally went bananas over 'em and desperately wanted to make friends. Regardless, he's quite the stud muffin, isn't he? Plus, Fall makes for the best pictures! And trust me when I say this folks, the foliage is looking pretty groovy at this point! Y'all need to go for a stroll before all the beautiful colors are gone!

I really wanted to do a nice Fall portrait with the both of us, so I brought my little remote and snapped away. The light is a little harsh, but I only have my distraction to blame from the magnificent beauty Central Park holds! It just makes you think you have all the time in the world, I almost forgot I wanted to photograph us! Ha ha ha!

I tried to take several shots in many forms of light. The park is perfect for that, at some point, (being a hardcore perfectionist) I wasn't ready to leave because it was just too enjoyable! But there are only 24 hours in a day and I only have a zillion things to do! I love the little lens flare from the light in the shot above. He looks like Rainbow Brite! Plus I'm still that young rebel who doesn't like to follow the rules so yeah, I like to shoot against the light sometimes. ;)

MaQ is adored everywhere he goes, like today when I was right in the middle of shooting (on a non-sturdy rock of all places) and this sweet maybe 12-year old Eastern European kid bravely walked up to me, and shamelessly asked if he could pet my dog. At first, I was kind of annoyed since he didn't seem to care that I was in the middle of trying to take a shot (of MaQ unleashed all the while), but when I looked into his piercing blue eyes, there was something so familiar and peaceful at the same time, I couldn't help but say yes. I wanted him to meet MaQ. And it made him so very happy, where it, in return, made me so happy!

We also visited The Pond, which is also where the first crime scene takes place in my debut novel, 'The Fisherman's Lily'. It's nice to go back to places where you've researched, and this being one of the very first chapters I wrote in the very beginnings of writing my book, I of course had to stop by and pay homage to my special place. I took a shot of MaQ on the bridge (right above The Pond) to encapsulate the feelings I had with the initials ideas of writing fiction many, many years ago.

Toward the very end of our photo taking, we played a long, rewarding game of fetch. We played out in an open field, and it was such a pleasure to watch him at full speed. I think the day completely wiped him out because he's been asleep for the past 5 hours! He really did a lot, so it's good he's resting. I seriously had the best time up there today! I wish we lived closer to Central Park, because we'd go there everyday!

We hope you enjoyed in taking a glimpse into our adventures! We love sharing them with you and the world. Would you like to do a Fall photo of some kind in the park? Please feel free to contact me about any inquiries you may have!

Thanks so much for reading! Please pass on & share! Happy Thursday! ♡

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

maQ-o'-lantern

Are you ready for Halloween? We are! With less than ten days to go, I wanted to get into the 'Trick or Treat' spirit and do something I used to do as a kid with my mom especially, who was the ultimate master at this; carving pumpkins. And I'm not talking about the typical easy-faced jack-o'-lanterns, we did everything from spiders to Frankenstein, to mummies and skeletons. The more difficult sketches were left for my mom, who happily accepted the challenge. (And I wonder where I get my competitive nature from...)

I always wanted to carve a German shepherd onto a pumpkin, but since I never had a dog as a child (I know, such a shame), I never got the right opportunity or time to do one! Being a city girl, I've never carved pumpkins since being in NYC! But now with MaQ, of course I had to make one, just for him! Ladies and gentlemen (and furriends), I present you, the maQ-o'-lantern! :)

Yes, I did this carving all by myself! The most difficult and time-consuming part was the etching, which are the parts that are not cut all the way through, just the skin peeled. I think the funniest part of the whole experience was waddling down the streets of New York with an 18-pound pumpkin! I couldn't stop giggling at myself after I had left the market! Let's just say I got my workout in this morning! ;)

What a pair! MaQ has never had an up close & personal meet up with a pumpkin of this size. He, at first, considered it to be just a big toy for him, (maybe a giant ball perhaps?) but once he got that enormous black snout of his on it, he went crazy! I think he smelled all the gunk and goo and pumpkin seeds inside and got really excited. At some point he started clawing at it but I had to have him stop since I didn't want him scratching the poor thing! He seemed a bit confused watching me scoop out all of the pumpkin's guts, as if he was watching mommy murder his newfound friend... LOL!

Here's a close-up shot of the sketch. I found mine online and just printed it and used it. Should you want to make one of your beloved pooch, there are tons of sketches you can find on the internet just by googling what you're looking for. It's really easy. The actually carving part? Not so much. Be ready to have time and LOTS of patience.

Here are a few outtakes from our shoot! We've got a variety of fun, serious, and oh so model-y! I love the first one where by chance I got him looking like he's saying, "Boo!" but rather just an in between shot where he was just licking his chops. It's too cute though, right? I had to share it with you guys! Below you can find MaQ doing what he does best: modeling. 🎃

Kill them with your smile, dude! I think he started getting more comfy with his pumpkin towards the end of the shoot. I'm still surprised by his initial reaction toward the pumpkin! Do any of you have a dog that wasn't a huge fan of something at first but grew to love it? Most GSDS hate vacuum cleaners, brooms, or golf clubs (I know a sheppy who DESPISES them), but a pumpkin?! I have the silliest fur baby!

I'm glad I introduced him to yet one more thing in life to experience, because that's what life should be all about! And I really do think he started to feel on that pumpkin because when I started putting down the studio, I caught him licking the crap out of it! Someone is in love...! Ha ha ha!

We can't wait to show you our Halloween costume! My hubby is even partaking in the fun! So excited to share! Stay tuned, it'll be up on Halloween Day, naturally. Hope y'all had a great Hump Day!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Autumn Playlist

Well... (take a deep breath) the past few days have been Hell. I've been fighting an awful respiratory infection of some kind (thanks to the temperature drop) and, after nearly ten years of living in New York City, I officially got pick-pocketed this weekend! Just when I thought something like that could never happen to me, alas, it did. Hence, the reason behind my unintentional absence. Bullocks.

Long story short, I'm okay and all is good. Just annoying. And petty. To the person who stole from me, all I gotta say is Karma is a B!TCH and I know she will arrive at your front door when you think you got away with it scots free! Grrrrr! Who wants to send me a pint (yeah, right- let's make it 3 buckets) of Moosetracks ice cream? :-/

But I refuse to take it going down without a fight! I'm a Spiegoski, dammit! Music never fails to cheer me up, get me pumped up and ready to take on the world. One problem at a time. And no matter how bad things might get, music and the power of lyrics always re-center me, bringing me back to my good ole' self, remembering who I am, where I come from, and what I stand for. And that hope is never a bad thing... as Andy Dufresne in Shawshank Redemption once said, "Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies." I like to think of music that way. ♥

And how could this face not cheer you up? A couple of licks and 100lbs of pure love trying to sit on me will always get the job done. MaQ wanted to listen in on my current Autumn Playlist and get the full scoop of what's new in the industry. Ha ha ha! Check out the list below.

Autumn Playlist

1. Nora en Pure - Come With Me
2. X Ambassadors - Gorgeous
3. Odesza ft. Shy Girls - All We Need
4. Drake, Future - Big Rings
5. Drake, Future - Diamonds Dancing
6. Great Food Fine Ok - By My Side
7. Sigala - Easy Love
8. Hayden James - Something About You - Extended Mix
9. GRiZ, Big Wild, Talib Kweli - For the Love - Big Wild Remix
10. Little Giants - Lately (Love, Love, Love) Monsieur Adi Remix
11. Pharrell Williams - Freedom
12. Nu Shooz - I Can't Wait
13. LION BABE, Childish Gambino - Jump Hi
14. Karen Harding - Say Something - Zac Samuel Remix
15. Ella Eyre - Good Times

No, I can't sing to save my life, but it sure looks like MaQ doesn't mind hearing it! Since he was a puppy, he's really been into music. When he was only 4 months old, he heard a man play a saxophone on the streets of New York and was completely taken aback! Truly enamored with the instrument, we sat there and listened to the man play jazz, as MaQ wiggled his butt ever so slightly, getting his jam on. It's probably one of the very few times I've missed out on documenting the pup, because we were actually enjoying a moment together and (oh, the horror!) I forgot to take my phone out. It's funny because out of all the memories I've collected through the years with photographs and even video, the ones I hold deepest in my heart are the memories that are not documented.

Even so, I'm compelled to capture as many photos/videos as I can because life is precious and short. If there was one wish I could have, it would be that MaQ could live forever. Obviously this is not possible, but as a photographer, I find photographs so important and a wonderful tool to help those grieve and mourn, celebrate a new beginning, or just to reflect and remember a certain moment in time, or a feeling you projected during a photo. This is forever. This is everlasting. This is power.

Life can sometimes feel very long, but with this furry pal around, he just lights up my life when I'm feeling blue or down. I'm so grateful I've got him to help brighten up my days and to get me to smile like a little girl again. Thanks for making this less than perfect Monday somehow quite perfect! I love you to bits, Toots.

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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

Happy Birthday, MaQ!

It's my boy's birthday today! In honor of turning '3', I made him 3 doggy burger sliders with a few unseasoned french fries! I know, I know. Say all you want, but my boy is only turning 3 once, so you betcha he got spoiled! :)

I made the burgers as healthy as possible for my pooch. No seasoning on the ground beef, and because he does eat raw meat in his diet, I just grilled them in a cast iron on each side for a couple of minutes, then layering those bad boys with sharp cheddar cheese. The buns are potato rolls and the only addition to his dinner is lettuce (which was of course his least favorite.) LOL! And he loves french fries so I threw in a couple as a side. Oh my goodness, am I something else or what? Whatever, I love my dog!

Don't worry. My boy did not have any Stella Artois. Even though he is technically 21 years old in human years now, I still did not allow my fur baby to consume any beer. It was just a fun prop to go with his birthday meal! Doesn't he look so happy? The camera loves him!

He's never had a burger before! As you can see, he really seemed to dig his dinner! Heck, if it was my birthday and someone presented me with this, I'd be happy myself! Ha ha ha! I love to give MaQ all different experiences in life, and both being foodies at heart, chowing down on some good ole' American burgers is one of them!

So many whiskers! I just love that big black nose!  ♥ ❤ ❥

Happiest Birthday to my guardian angel and my best friend. I am forever grateful for you, faithful pal. Thank you for being my everything. Your unconditional love can move mountains and your loyalty is profound. You enrich my life and make it so meaningful. I love you with every fiber of my being and I am so glad we are together, doing all of it and more, side-by-side. To you, McQueen. I hope you had a wonderful day!
Thanks for stopping by and joining in on our celebration of life and love!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz