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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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
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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. ;)

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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

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

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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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The Best Mud Mask

My newest beauty find is Glamglow's SuperMud Clearing Treatment. At the end of each week after running around grimy New York, I like to give myself a deep facial cleanse. I've been looking for something that doesn't contain sulfates or parabens, and this mud mask is the real deal. After just one try, my face felt softer and looked brighter. My skin tone was more balanced and I could visibly see the mud do its work! My face never looked more healthy or vibrant!

I found the packaging to be a little cheesy at first. Hello Sexy... really? But to each his own, I never try to judge a book by its cover. Once I got to what I actually wanted, I could smell the licorice-base in its formula as soon as I opened it! I love that it can be used as a full face mask or for spot treatment, targeting certain areas like your t-zone and chin, that may be more prone to skin problems. If you're looking for a face mask that'll transform your skin, this is a MUST-have in your facial care arsenal :)

While the mask does its magic on your face, you can see literally see and feel it! My face felt tingly and I could see where it was extracting from my pores, essentially getting rid of all that dirt and oil. Check out the photo collage below to see it for yourself!

Even though I poked fun at the labeling, my face sure does feel sexy after this facial treatment! I highly recommend this and will definitely be using this product more often from now on.

And here you have it, folks! Me! At my most natural state! Can you see its results?! Wow, do I feel refreshed! What is your favorite go-to face mask? I'd love to hear more from our readers! Feel free to share and comment your thoughts below. :)

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

SHOP THE MASK