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

Friday: Lime Raspberry Flan

You know what's my weakness when it comes to cooking? BAKING! Arrgh! Just thinking about it makes me go, "NO!"

I'm not the type to take measurements very seriously, let alone think like a chemist. All credit goes to my Ma. And she was not a baker. Growing up as a kid, she taught me how to cook with how many pinches of this and how many swirls of that. All of it savory. I'm a firm believer that cooking comes from the heart and soul. A fine dish is made with pure love.

I am not an avid baker, but do try to take time to refine this skill. Because I suck at it! And I most certainly make it with nothing but love! Today's dessert is a lime raspberry flan. The fruity combination is killer in my book. But aesthetically I was very disappointed with myself (Gordon Ramsey you'd spank me so HARD right now!), BUT what's more important is how it tastes. And not to brag, but it is so freaking delicious! I tried following the recipe without using a Thermomix, since I didn't have one, and instead, used a food processor. Let me tell you something. You've got to be reliable in the kitchen! Make it work! I'm happy I did, but next time I make another tart, the presentation must be better. 

Take a look. Pictures and recipe below. Feel free to comment.

Have a lovely weekend!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Lime Raspberry Flan Recipe

  • Shortcrust pastry

  • 260 g plain flour
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • 130 g cold butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 60 g sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

  • Filling

  • 3 limes, zest and juice
  • 200 g sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 130 g sour cream
  • 20 g corn flour
  • 200 g frozen or fresh raspberries

Do

  1. Pastry; 
  2. Place flour, sugar and butter into Thermo bowl and mix 5 sec/speed 5. 
  3. Add remaining ingredients and mix 10 sec/speed 5. 
  4. Tip out onto floured Silpat mat and press into a disc.
  5. Roll out to fit a 18-20cm flan tin with removable base. Do not trim edges. Place in freezer for at least 30 minutes. 
  6. Preheat oven to 180ºC and blind bake for 20 minutes. Remove baking beans. Trim edges neatly to the rim of the flan tin. Reduce oven temperature to 160ºC. 
  7. Filling; 
  8. Place zest and sugar into Thermo bowl and mill 10 sec/speed 10.
  9. Add remaining ingredients except raspberries and mix 10 sec/speed 5.
  10. Pour filling into pastry shell. Bake for 40 minutes or until custard is just wobbly in centre.

More

Garnish with raspberries and dust with icing sugar and cool completely before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.

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

Taco Tuesday Recipe

Hi, my name is Suz and I'm a taco junkie. What's even better? It's Taco Tuesday! Welcome to Tacos Anonymous. ;)

Today I made one of my all-time favorite recipes to share with you: Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos. This isn't time-consuming and it's such a great twist on dinner or a small get-together. You can even make it ahead of time by freezing it to use later! Oh, who am I kidding, I ate these right after making them. Oops! :X

It has a cilantro and lime base, which in my opinion, is always such a tasty combination. And how can you NOT like cilantro? Seriously! The pesto sauce on the chicken is so savory. Trust me, your taste buds will be very thankful!

Now let's talk necessities. The garnishes required on my taco are: onion, peppers, avocado (ALWAYS), shredded cheese and sour cream. If I'm feeling extra spicy I whip out the Tabasco sauce! You can garnish however you like, but I love making my tacos bright and colorful. I'm about the presentation! Can you say, 'no' to a pretty taco? Nom.

I want to hear about your favorite kind of tacos! Comment below, let's share our addiction and become taco buddies :)

Recipe is below. Go check it out --->

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

cooking spray for sauteing
2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in bite sized pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup cilantro lime pesto (recipe follows)
flour or corn tortillas
preferred taco garnishes (avocado, salsa, sour cream, cheese, etc)


Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a skillet sprayed with cooking spray, saute chicken over medium high heat and cooked through. Toss cooked, seasoned chicken with the pesto. Fill tortillas with chicken and top with preferred garnishes.

* To make ahead/freezer meal - Cook chicken as directed as above and cool. Place chicken in freezer bag. Prepare cilantro lime pesto as directed below. Place a 1/2 cup of pesto in a small storage bag then place inside the freezer bag with the chicken. Freeze. When ready to prepare, defrost and heat chicken. Toss chicken with defrosted pesto. If desired, heat chicken and pesto together before filling tacos.

Cilantro Lime Pesto

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (do not include stems)
2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sliced, toasted almonds
3 tablespoons chopped, fresh garlic
Juice of 2 limes
1/2 cup shredded asiago (Parmesan or Romano can be substituted too)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup chicken broth


Using a blender, mix together the cilantro, olive oil, almonds, garlic, lime juice, asiago, salt and chicken broth on low speed for 2 minutes.

Wednesday: My Kind of Naked Dress 

WEARING: FOREVER 21 CONTEMPORARY HALTER NUDE DRESS | EXPRESS BRACELET

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,

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