What's Your Spice?

Lately, my spice rack has been looking like a hot mess and the tiny little OCD in me had to rearrange it (Monica-style, naturally)! So I spent the morning carefully pouring in different spices and therefore, making a mess along the way! What a fragrant day it has been so far!

I wanted to discuss about some of my favorite spices I use in every day cooking. What I love about herbs & spices is it not only brings out flavors in other foods to make a dish a whole, but it's very healthy for you. You see, to me, in order to cook well, you really need to know your spices and flavors. It was like a mini-mental exercise re-familiarizing all the different spices, including some I don't use on a consistent basis. 

For example, I love, love, love the smell and flavor of star anise! It's bouquet is powerful and licorice-like, more pungent and stronger than regular anise . Sometimes called Chinese star anise, it should not be confused with Japanese star anise, which is highly toxic.

Star anise goes really well with pork and duck. It is very much contributed in Chinese cuisine, where ingredients are simmered for a long period in soy sauce, and star anise is nearly always added to beef and chicken dishes. Chinese stocks and soups usually contain the spice. This spice is also frequently used in Malaysian curries. It can also be added in fruit compotes and jams, pairs awesomely with tomatoes, and even braised beef dishes - I even use it when I make pickled red onion. Mm mm... the secret ingredient can elevate several dishes to a whole new level.

For everyday cooking, I always use s & p, and if I'm not going to use garlic cloves or actual onion, I'll turn to the powders for an easier substitute. As much as I love garlic, I don't always want to be smelling like one! I also regularly use dried herbs as well, which include rosemary, parsley, basil, bay leaves, and thyme. I incorporate many of these into potato dishes, poultry meats and roasted earthy vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets. If I'm making fajitas or tacos, I will never go without cumin. Did you know it stimulates appetite? Maybe that's why I always eat way too many tacos... you tricksters! ;)

Another spice essential in Asian cuisine is ginger. And I can never get enough of it. I make a really tasty beef & kale stir-fry using either freshly grated ginger root or ginger powder, as a substitute. I will have to share the stir-fry recipe! Ginger is a super aphrodisiac, and has an endless list of health benefits. It is most commonly known as a digestive aid. Hello, Ginger Ale! And of course, ginger is used to cleanse the palate in between different pieces of sushi.

What are your everyday spices? Do you have a particular favorite? Or perhaps, a really snazzy recipe with a unique ingredient you're dying to share? Well, come on aboard and let's hear it! Please like and share, and of course, comment below your favorite spice!

Have a spicerrific day! ;)

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

Stripy Wednesday

WEARING: EXPRESS DENIM VEST | GOLD MOVADO WATCH | RAY-BAN CLUBMASTERS
FOREVER 21 BLACK PENCIL SKIRT |ALDO BLACK STUDDED ANKLE BOOTS | 

First and foremost, I have to mention (to my horror) what I woke up to today. You see, I have a ritual. Every morning, I have a cup of coffee while watching CNN. I like to know what's going on in the world. Well, it's a sad day in TV news. I woke up and saw the breaking news of photographer, Adam Ward, and reporter, Alison Parker, from the WDBJ7 TV station in Virgina, shot killed while reporting a story at a water park All of this happened while filming live. So awful. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at the station as well as their families and loved ones through this difficult time. I don't need to go into how terrible this is, because who needs to read the obvious? I will state this though: We're with you #WDBJ. Keep broadcasting. Keep filming. Keep writing.

In light of this dark news, here is something to cheer you up and make your day a little more colorful. Perhaps, brighter. Or more stripy :)

Want to hear a pretty dope name? At least to me it is. Chamberlin Newsome. She's a street artist // graffiti extraordinaire! A graffiti art lover myself, maQ and I had to get down to the Lower East Side and check out her most recent work! And of course, get in some shots of this gorgeous piece! I see inspirations of Modernism, Abstract, Expressionism, Color Field Painting -- Chamberlin's art utilizes color, repetition, and linear form; and this #makeyougodream piece is pure wall porn! Two thumbs up, Chamberlin!

Check out the photos below. Photo credit goes out to my awesome hubby, Gilles Decamps. :)

We hope everyone has an awesome Hump Day! Remember, the only thing to fear, is fear itself.

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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.

Wednesday: My Kind of Naked Dress

WEARING: FOREVER 21 CONTEMPORARY HALTER NUDE DRESS | EXPRESS BRACELET

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Good morning! Can you believe we're nearing the end of August?! This entire summer I've been wearing this dress from Forever 21. It's been constant. I love how the color accentuates my tanned skin and the highlights in my hair. And the detail in the back with the zipper is super fun and clean. I like to mix things up in my closet, but 'less is more' is key to me. I like the basics. And like any true New Yorker, I f*%k)@! LOVE BLACK. But only so much. I can get tired of it from time to time, so I mix in some white, grey, and nude tones like this halter dress. Of course I can't forget my obsession for denim, suede and (duh) leather.

I know I won't be able to wear this dress for that much longer, so I decided to do a mini self-portrait session with it before the season changes! I'm kind of looking forward to it, but don't tell anyone. Shh! ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ