Fall Fashion with maQ!

Fall is around the corner and I can’t wait for my favorite season! I love getting cozy in sweaters and scarfs, reading by the fire (or an electric one/space heater if you’re missing the whole chimney factor), downing chai lattes and getting anything pumpkin spiced flavored down into my mouth. Stat! With Fashion Week going on, it's got me feeling more inspired and extra stylish! I'm always trying to keep my style simple yet sophisticated. My philosophy when it comes to fashion? Less is more! 

I love what I'm seeing with the current color trends. This season I’m seeing lots of richness in brown and purple tones. Think burgundy, maroon, cranberry, merlot, mahogany- sweet, earthy, but mysterious colors. A mixture of blues, yellows, nude and pink colors are also very prominent. Lots of soft blush colors. Today, I paired up my pink scarf with my blush-colored undertones in my makeup. It's probably my favorite tone during the Fall. It's feminine and fresh!

These Aldo heels are probably one of the few pairs of high heels that don't put me in immense pain and make me swear off of 'em for good! (Well, at least temporarily... women!) I love the nude color. It pairs up with pretty much anything and in any season too.

Awe! Seriously, though... isn't maQ the most adorable German Shepherd dog you could ever possibly meet?! I think it's pretty obvious how much I love him. He is such a model. I swear when I photograph him, he is more than eager to pose for me. maQ, America's Next Top 'Dog' Model! Ha ha! What a ham. He makes me happy every single day. I couldn't have asked for a better pooch.<3

I think maQ is more stylish than me! And he's got nothing but a collar on! ;)

We hope you all have a great start to your week!
Until next time...

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Type and Listen.

The only kind of music I can actually concentrate to while writing is and has always been classical music. I'm a lover of all things instrumental, but was quickly drawn into the classical music realm when I was a young teenager. Truthfully, I'm kind of a geek about it. I still, as a hobby, collect CD's but only in this genre. I could care less about the digital crap when it comes to looking for treasure. There's something rare in its form when you by happenstance come across gems all over the city. I use to go crazy at the Virgin Megastore while it was still around in Union Square. My husband and I would go every weekend, and go our separate ways; him with his movies and me with my music.

I've got a stack of reasons not only to enjoy classical music, but to appreciate it. Classical music has been shown to lower stress, make people smarter (!), and can even be a lovely sleeping aid. A 2001 study out of Southern Methodist University supports that listening to classical music heightened the emotions in the study subjects. They were more expressive and effusive with their comments, and they were more openly available as well.

Want to learn more about the transformative power of classic music? If you have the time (the video is about 20 minutes long), check out this TED video of Benjamin Zander. It's probably, in my opinion, one the best discussions I've ever listened to regarding classical music. It is truly significant. And it is special.

I have an endless amount of favorite composers but I'd thought I should name at least a few. (In no particular order)

• Chopin
• Rachmaninoff
• Jules Massenet
• Brahms
• Erik Satie
• Johann Strauss I
• Liszt
• Schubert

I didn't want to list the obvious! Of course I worship Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and others but like I said, the amount is endless. If you're anything like the pianist loving freak that I am, you'll love Mitsuko Uchida (I've seen her play live at Carnegie Hall and it was completely amazing) and Dong Hyek Lim.

The pages upon pages of sonatas, concertos, you name it, that I've kept with me through the years, is what I go back to when I'm looking for a certain tone to work with into my writing. When it comes to writing, I always use a computer for manuscripts but I do enjoy using my Olympia typewriter for poetry and short stories.

It even comes with its own case, so it's portable but it's too bulky for me to carry around. Hence, the digital computers. I use Macs and also have a Microsoft Surface Pro 3. I've always wanted to use the typewriter to complete a screenplay. Though when I do type, I make far too many errors, it could get technically frustrating. But regardless of what I just said, isn't she an aesthetic beauty? With a name like Olympia, how can she not be female? ;)

Lastly, today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and I wanted to leave you a quote in relation to this ever-growing dilemma. Let's all take some time today to become more aware of what we can do to help the ones we love who are going through this. Sometimes all it takes is a person to listen. Your story isn't over yet. You're worth another chapter.

““It’s possible to see something that is when it’s not, but it’s possible to not see something when it actually is.””

— Cyrus Stewart

SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-800-273-8255 

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

LET'S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

These Booties Are Made For Walking

WEARING: STEVEN MADDEN NOBLE STONE PEEP TOE SHOE BOOT | ESSIE NAIL POLISH

NAIL COLOR: NO MORE FILM

You keep saying, you got something for me...

TGIF! I'm really looking forward to the long holiday weekend. Even more so, I'm ready to break these pretty ladies in! Since last year, I've been really wanting a pair of peep-toe booties but something more on the neutral side; something I can wear day and night, keeping my style versatile. These chic Steve Madden booties are amazing! I got them from ASOS :)

Though I may be short, I'm not the type of girl who likes to run around in 5'' heels. I love how these are lower heels and are actually extremely comfortable!

For nail polish, I picked a darker blue hue to accentuate the soft colored shoes. It's Essie and the color is 'No More Film'. One of my favorite colors I use for Fall and Winter seasons. And can I just talk about the slingback part of the shoe? So much fun!

Wishing you all a lovely and restful Labor Day weekend! Until next time...

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

SHOP THE LOOK

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

Breakfast Taco Tuesday Recipe

Summer's coming to a close and I'm trying to use up all the 'fruits' of my friend's labor. He has one killer garden on the rooftop of our apartment building. We actually spent the 4th of July up there with a bunch of neighbors and friends and watched the fireworks. This past weekend he gifted us a gigantic bag of tomatoes and I'm trying to use as much as I can before they start to get old. I hate wasting food!

Ever since I was a little girl I despised breakfast. To be honest, for several years, my ideal 'breakfast of champions' was coffee & cigarettes. For a long time, the very thought of eating something in the morning revolted me. Now older, I'm trying to take better care of myself and have really gotten in the habit to eat 3-square meals a day. However, when I'm having a good writing day, I can't move, let alone bother to feed myself, and yes, still will sometimes skip a meal if it's going very well. I'll always stay hydrated though. Fun fact: I haven't had a soda in 2 months! Keeping it healthy with water and non-sugary drinks!

One of my favorite quick-and-easy, on-the-go breakfasts are tacos! Yes, I'm one of those New Yorkers who's running around while simultaneously shoving food into my mouth.

Check out the recipe and photos below.

Let's Eat!

Breakfast Tacos (Serves 4)

4  flour tortillas (8 inches) 

1  cup canned refried beans 

1  tablespoon butter 

8  eggs, beaten to mix 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

1  cup shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese

12  cherry tomatoes, halved 

1. To heat the tortillas: Place a tortilla directly on a medium gas flame for a few seconds, or until it starts to puff and is slightly charred at the edges. Using tongs, turn it and let it heat for a few seconds on the other side. Or, heat the tortillas in a heavy, ungreased skillet over medium heat. On a plate lined with a cloth napkin, stack the tortillas and fold the napkin over them to keep them warm. Continue until all the tortillas are warm.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the refried beans, stirring often, until they are hot.

3. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the eggs, salt, and pepper. With a large spoon, stir the eggs until they form small curds.

4. On each of 4 breakfast plates, set 1 tortilla. Spread with 2 tablespoons of beans, 1/4 of the eggs, 2 tablespoons of cheese, and 6 cherry tomato halves. Fold in half. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

* You can also add in salsa, onion, avocado, bacon/sausage etc. Use what you like! :)

Enjoy!

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz