Like Mother, Like Daughter

WEARING: H&M OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESS |
DKNY DENIM JACKET | GG BOSS OLIVE GREEN FRINGE HANDBAG | 
VIA SPIGA KAMALA ANKLE BOOTS | KENDRA SCOTT CARLA EARRINGS 

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What I would give to spend Mother's Day with my Ma. But I refuse to be sad because my mother would not want me to be this way. She made it clear to live life fully and to make time to enjoy it. Life is endured with its ebbs and flows but also remember that it's short. It goes fast. So, for this week's look, I'm dedicating it to my Ma, Sun-Hui, a.k.a. Sunny.

My outfit I styled (including hair and makeup), is in reflection toward what I'd actually wear this coming Sunday. If I could be with her, we'd definitely start Mother's Day with brunch! New York City style! And this casual chic look is not only something I'd be wearing, but it is also a twist on her style, which was fresh, light, and always feminine. But she was also cheeky. I remember her having a tank top with the words, 'slippery when wet' on the front. I admired her fashion sense and even when I was little, she'd dress me up in girly outfits and hair do's. But that all changed around the age of 6-7, when I started to develop my own individuality. I didn't want her to pick out my outfits anymore because I felt they were no longer my style! I knew it'd hurt her feelings, and when I had told her she did take it badly. I just wasn't a girly-girl and dresses were not really my thing. My favorite piece of clothing as a kid? Colored sweatpants! 😝

Fast forward some decades later and yes, now I like dresses (from time to time). No, I still don't prefer sweatpants, though pajamas are a close runner up especially when working from home. Ha, ha! I'm definitely a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal. Add in some sneakers and I'm good to go. But, lately, I, myself, have been feeling more feminine. Like a flower, in the process of blooming. I can't wait to share with you a brand new story in the next coming days! It has a lot to do with flowers and I've got the perfect gift idea for Mother's Day! A definite must-do if I were to spend Sunday with my Ma. Stay tuned.

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photos + videography by Gilles Decamps | director, editing, styling, hair + makeup by Suzanne Spiegoski

Mother's Day is this Sunday! My fourth 'Suz's Look' video is a play-up on what'd I'd be wearing if my Ma was still here and if I was lucky enough to spend the day with her. A twist on her style, if you will.

To shop the look, please continue below.

Music:

+ARTIST: Flume

+SONG: Never Be Like You Ft. Kai

LOVE & XX'S

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

The Way of Tea

80 bristles made of bamboo, this exquisite Matcha whisk is utterly sublime.

Next and last pick-up: a tea scoop (茶杓 chashaku)

Ready to be whisked!

Starting the process...

Almost finished...

Refreshment at its finest!

Gorgeous Japanese stoneware Matcha bowl from Teavana.

I woke up to some devastating, heartbreaking news. A friend of mine was killed in the line of duty yesterday afternoon in Euless, Texas. Officer David Hofer served with the Euless Police Department for two years and previously served with the New York City Police Department for five years, where during that time frame I met him at a Union Square bar, originally called Forum. He was a giant teddy bear with a quiet but confident demeanor. What first struck me about David was his never-ending wit and sense of humor. Being that I almost became a cop at some point in my life, I found this attribute to be rare and extremely endearing. I liked him immediately. He moved to Texas for a better quality of life and to embark a new beginning with his fiancée. He was only 29. 

I had planned to blog about my new favorite obsession with Japanese matcha tea this morning, but after hearing about David, I'm finding it difficult to write, let alone concentrate. This hits so close to home. Why do the good die young? You never really know when it's going to be your last day, so you better be doing something you abso-FU#*^ng-lutely LOVE. Nothing less than that. So in honor of my friend, I'm going to keep it moving and keep pushing forward. This cup of tea's for you, dude. (Since I don't drink very much alcohol, if ever.)

Did you know that powdered green tea was first used for religious rituals in Buddhist monasteries? Matcha, the Japanese ceremony tea has been around since the 12th century. The style of the tea preparation where green matcha powder is placed into a bowl, then hot water added, and finally the tea and hot water whisked together, was introduced to Japan by a monk, on his return from China. The little tea seeds he took back with him eventually produced tea that was considered to be the finest quality in all of Japan. I think they were onto something because ever since I've been drinking matcha tea, I'm more focused and energized and with an extreme appetite like I haven't had in YEARS. Especially in the morning after a run or rollerblading session with MaQ, that cup of tea makes me ferociously hungry for breakfast. Overall I'm feeling healthier and because I've been taking extra steps in taking care of myself, I have never felt better!

If you are into tea, matcha is the way to go. I'd strongly recommend purchasing a matcha whisk like this one from Teavana. It is carefully well-made with 80 bristles of bamboo, which won't misshape or break easily. You'll be whipping up a great, smooth cup of matcha every time. There's also a wide range of sizes and styles when it comes to tea bowls, and they're used for thick and thin tea. Shallower bowls, which allow the tea to cool extremely quickly are used in summer; deep bowls are used in winter. This beautiful white clay tea bowl, also from Teavana, was exactly what I was looking for when it came to my first real Japanese tea bowl. And the color of the stoneware complements with the green matcha color very well.

No one is getting any younger and in my opinion the earlier you start to think in terms of your body being a temple and that it should only be worshiped, the better you'll start to feel about yourself, both physically and mentally. Whatever you intake is also the final output of yourself. In everything you do. Botox won't take care of you. Neither will liposuction. That's only temporary and you're injecting your body with poison! Think in a non-materialistic way, such as eating right, drinking healthy goodies such as water, natural juices and tea, exercising and doing WHATEVER it takes to be at your best all-around. And don't do it because it'll make you into a skinny-mini or because it's some hot, new current trend - do it because you're genuinely interested in taking care of YOU or because you actually enjoy/love it! Whatever that may be, as long as you're not hurting anyone or yourself, you're good to go! That's the way I've always seen it. For example, I'm not even close to being Japanese, but the Way of Tea brings me peace of mind. And this has been my highest priority for 2016 because I believe everything else around my life will follow in this Way of Thinking. Taking care of me comes first. Mind. Body. And Soul.

Hug your loved ones a little tighter today. There is so much to be thankful for.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

Happy Birthday Mom

Gone but never forgotten, forever in our hearts.

It's always a bittersweet day for me the day after Valentine's. Today would have been my mother's 60th birthday. Every year I try talking myself into breaking free and 'letting go' of acknowledging or even remembering certain dates and occasions associated with her and the rest of my family, but each time, 365 days later, my feelings are only stronger than ever before in keeping the spirit of her and others loved ones alive. No matter how painful it may be, I cannot help but celebrate and honor them. Who I am is all because of my parents. How could I ever forget about them?

Together at Newport Beach, 1992. I miss you. I love you, Ma.

There was a powerful scene between Enid and Glenn from last night's season premiere of The Walking Dead. [SPOILER ALERT] By the way, IMO, this was probably one of the best episodes in the entire series. If you don't watch the show because it's all about violence and zombies, then you are mistaken. The entire show, really, is a story of how people respond to unimaginable horror. Some simply don’t have the backbone for it, some thrive in it, and others have their fates decided at their own personal snapping point, the point at which they change. While searching for supplies inside a church together, Enid finds a scripture written on the wall from James 2:26, "Faith without works is dead." Enid tells Glenn that, in terms of fleeing or fighting, she wanted to run before they had reached the church. Glenn immediately explains that's how you lose people. Even after they're gone. Confused, Enid asks what he means by that and he replies with, "The people you love made you who you are. If you stop being you, that last bit of them that's inside of you is gone." Faith without works is dead faith because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart. There are many Scriptures that make it very clear that true saving faith will result in a transformed life, which is demonstrated by the “works” we do. So to me, if you change as a person, even if it's trying to hide the pain deep inside you, you will not grow or strengthen as a person let alone survive. Death is certain, life is not. If I stop remembering who I love and where I came from, I'm not sure who I'd be anymore. For me, it's not even an option.

My mother's Freedom III Minolta Film Camera 📷.

Just two peas in a pod. Mermaid girls. 🌊

In other words, you can't run from the pain. Go towards it. Most people who don't know me on a personal level think I got my passion for photography from my husband. The truth is, he has definitely had an influence on me, but the first person to ever peek my interest in photography was my mother. She was also the first person to get me a camera. And when I sift through the photos she'd taken over the years, one thing is true. She had quite an eye, actually, she was exceptional. Perhaps (or at least I'd like to think) that's where I inherited my 'eye'. My father wasn't half-bad either as you can see from the photos he took of us.

My mother was such a babe! Forever Young, California Dreamin'. 1992.

I still have the camera she used through those years we had together. It's an old point-and-shoot film camera, a Freedom III Minolta, that I still use it from time to time, but only for special occasions. Film is just too darn expensive these days. But you see all these photos of my mother and I on the beach in today's post? They're all from the same camera! How cool is that? Call me a sentimental fool, but these memories are all I have left. And I don't care what anyone says, I will cherish them until the day I die. It's important for me to show these photographs to my own children one day too, as it is just as imperative for them to know where they come from, going back many generations. #KoreanPride 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷

Forever with Me. ❤️

Souvenirs, souvenirs...

When I was going through the photos I have of me and my mother today, I wanted to pick a warmer, summer-like theme. It's Monday, I've got the Winter Blues, and I miss my West Coast Cali girl vibes! Even though it always makes me a little sad looking at some of the photos, I couldn't help but smile remembering some good times from this California trip. I was in second grade and it was the very first time I'd gotten on a plane. I remember our layover in Chicago. I remember losing my favorite stuffed animal from this vacation, and was nearly heartbroken from never finding him. I remember it was the first time my mother's parents met my Dad. They didn't speak English so my mother was their personal translator. I remember grandpa catching something while fishing with my dad, and as an elder, he had trouble reeling in what seemed to be Moby Dick! My Dad assisted him with the line and when he pulled it up enough for everyone to finally see what is was, a baby hammerhead shark hung from the hook! Seconds after our discovery, a hungry duck swam by and snatched the shark for lunch! We laughed and laughed and laughed until our bellies hurt. Well... everyone except the boys who lost their 'prize'! Ha! Ha!

난 당신 에게 엄마 사랑. 🌺

My mother's Korean name is Sun-Hui (pronounced Sun-Hee) but when she came to the States everyone had trouble pronouncing it so she just told 'em to call her, 'Sunny'. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting her, you knew why that nickname was perfectly suited for her. I even inherited her Americanized name, being my middle name is 'Sunny'. I miss her dearly but I know that she lives on through me and my brother. I can't wait to see her again, and this I know for sure. My faith can never be broken. Until then, keep shining down with your Light & Love, Ma. Happy Birthday. I miss you. I love you. Always. From your lil' 하마 xoxo.

I love you, ma. 💕

Love & xx's,

Minimalistic Monday

I don't know about everyone else but today has been a drag! Not in a negative way... but more so in (what seems to be) the extra weight I've been carrying from yesterday's food. I blame it on the Super Bowl! 😜 And it's Monday. And it's cold. I miss carefree, warm summer days, man!

Minimalistic Monday Vibes, Self-Portrait,

February 2016, New York City, New York. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Today's post is more on my personal style. To me, your style is a reflection of who you are and what you feel. An important part of expression. Now if you just don't care because you're one of those people who's 'got better things to do', well... dressing like you don't care will not only make you look like you don't care about yourself (which isn't very appealing), but most likely you'll eventually resonate with that type of feeling. And who wants to feel like that?

Now, I've never been a girly-girl. I'm rough around the edges but keep my style minimal. A great inspiration derived from that kind of look is of course, Kate Moss, tell me a girl who doesn't idolize her is some aspect (because she's the bomb.com) I love to mix different trends and looks with just a little bit of rock -n- roll/rebelliousness. I'm definitely not the type of gal to always follow the rules, in fact, I like to break them. Challenge me at something you think I can't do and I'll make it a point just to prove you wrong. Because no one's got the right to tell you what you can and cannot do, whether in fashion or in life! When it comes to sheer will-power, I'm far from simple-minded. 

Bejeweled. 🌟

Since I was born in Cali but call New York City home, I have a tendency to mix East Coast and West Coast looks. I'd say my style is edgy yet sporty with a touch of the free-spirited bohemian, but I also spent most of my childhood in Detroit and I think that's where that's where the brazenness originates from. I'm that classy girl who cusses a little, okay (LIE), maybe more than a little! 🤐 Ha ha ha!

But if we're strong enough to let it in, we're strong enough to let it go. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Adorned with jewels. 💍💕

Jewelry has always been a passion of mine. I adore earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, toe rings, anklets, etc; you name it I love it! I think they're the perfect addition to any outfit. These embellishments, both bold or minimal, can enhance any style. Jewelry can also be a personal statement, like monograms, names, birth stones - even Angelina Jolie's tattoos that include all the latitude- longitude coordinates of where she met her husband, Brad, and their children's places of birth is so meaningful and in a way, archaic. Obviously tattoos are not adorned jewels but in my opinion, they're just as beautiful and significant. I've always wanted a few (!) but I've never been courageous enough to go for it. Plus, I want to be 200% sure about the artwork before I permanently ink that onto my skin! Are you yay or nay when it comes to tattoos?

Look who came by to join in a couple of the shots? I call MaQ my 'Velcro Dog' because no matter where I am, he's right next to me. German shepherds are extraordinarily loyal. I love him so much! (Not apparent at all, clearly.) Lol! I guess my boy is not much of a fan for Monday's either! I love these shots of us because even though he's not giving the camera his pearly whites, he still looks so incredibly handsome! Every day when I wake up and see that face I am so unbelievably grateful. He definitely makes the start to any week that much more tolerable. Be thankful for each day, keep things simple and style away! Might as well enjoy life while you're still around. Catch y'all next time! ❤️

Love & xx's,

The Fisherman's Lily 1 Year Anniversary

"DO NOT BITE AT THE BAIT OF PLEASURE, TILL YOU KNOW THERE IS NO HOOK BENEATH IT." - THOMAS JEFFERSON

The Fisherman's Lily: A Novel By Suzanne Spiegoski

The beginning of last year was the start to a very humbling experience. One year ago to this date, after spending over four years writing my first novel, my debut crime-thriller novel, The Fisherman's Lily was published by TouchPoint Press. Some of you may have heard about it, or may have also read it (which I very much so kindly thank you from the bottom of my heart!), but what some of you may not know is the origination of the story. Where it comes from. What made me finally want to put my metaphorical pen down to paper. And with today being my one year anniversary, I wanted to fill my readers with more details about the story behind the written story.

William Buter Yeats.

So where on Earth did I get this idea from? Well, it all starts back when I was just a teenager. While in high school I took a creative writing class. The teacher read a short story of mine and afterward insisted that I “should be a writer.” I’ve been writing ever since. I initially wrote several more short stories before taking an immediate interest in poetry. Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Butler Yeats were like long-lost friends to me during my teenage angst. When a few of my poems were published while in high school and in college, that sparked a deeper passion to perhaps take my writing a bit more seriously.

 Author Portrait By © Gilles Decamps

I began working on a memoir for several years before putting it on the back burner because I felt like I had a lot more to accomplish before completing an enormous project of that kind of magnitude. That and it's deeply personal to write about. That's when a lightbulb went off in my head. Why not take a stab (ha, ha I'm #punny) at fiction? And more in particular: crime fiction. How come? Not long ago, and initially wanting a career within law enforcement, I took it upon myself to receive a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. After obtaining my degree, I moved to New York City to continue pursuing my career as a police officer. But two weeks before entering the police academy, I felt I wasn't being true to my heart. For whatever reason, even with good intentions, it didn't feel right. I also wanted to fall in love, get married and have children, but I wasn't going to share my life with someone if I was in that kind of profession. I would've chosen to only be married to the job. Something was still pulling at my heart's strings. That's when I started ferociously writing every night, just to get the ick out of me and what was going on in my life. It didn't take long before I realized I wanted to change careers to pursue my ambitions as a writer, and very quickly was inspired to write about what almost could have been. And the best part? Writing fiction of course!

Full Book Cover, front & back.

So, what is my book about? Lily Dietz, is an attractive New York homicide detective who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Her career is hindered by her psychological and physical frailties. Apart from being a borderline alcoholic she is close to being a full-blown manic depressive. With her partner John Fremont, Lily becomes engrossed in the hunt to catch a killer who favors Asian-American women – a category she herself falls into. As the race to unmask the murderer gathers pace, Lily must prevent herself from turning from hunter into prey.

The Fisherman's Lily is like an onion. It has many layers. I would describe the novel to be a mixture of police procedural, detective fiction, thriller/suspense and a family saga. It is dark crime and I would not say it is for everyone (it can get quite gruesome) but other parts of the novel discuss the complexity of our emotions and the human condition, such as feelings of anger, guilt, redemption, sadness … love. And how it all correlates within the relationships we have with others and ourselves.

Book Trailer for The Fisherman's Lily by Suzanne Spiegoski

Here's a fun random fact about my book: I'm a proud German Shepherd owner and in general, a dog lover. I love the breed so much I felt compelled to create a dog character in the book, Cuffs, Lily's beloved K-9 working-line GSD. He is her shadow, her confidant and best friend. It wasn't until after completing The Fisherman's Lily when my real-life dog, MaQ, came into our lives. Now he is my personal cheerleader, muse and hero. ♥

With my muse, MaQ, my German shepherd dog. © Gilles Decamps

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Are you into crime fiction? Like the thrill of the chase? Perhaps you're a natural-born bookworm who's looking for something a little different from your usual reading? In honor of this special day I'm doing a book giveaway to one lucky reader! To enter your chance of winning a free, signed paperback copy of The Fisherman's Lily go on my Instagram page (@suzannespiegoski) and just follow the rules. :)

Enter your chance to win a free signed copy of The Fisherman's Lily on Instagram NOW!

Rooftop Vibes © Gilles Decamps

Got questions about my book or my writing? Leave comments below! I love interacting with new readers and other like-minded blogs, and of course, I can't leave out the familiar faces! Thank you so much for your continued love and support. I am forever grateful for you!

Thanks for stopping by and reading more about my life and my work. Don't forget to go on Instagram and enter your chance to win a free copy of The Fisherman's Lily!

Have a great rest of your Tuesday! The Fisherman's Lily is available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble, in kindle and paperback.

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Love & xx's,