How I Went from Criminal Justice to Fashion

WEARING: AVANZARA-B HOUSE OF KIMBERLY TEAL BLOUSE | GENUINE PEOPLE JEANS | 
THE KOOPLES JACKET | GUCCI BELT | 
BRAHMIN ANDESITE GABRIELLA MELBOURNE BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY EGO.

Happy NYFW! Let the fashion commence! Who is as excited as I am to see all of the SS18 collections for the upcoming season?! Since today is our first day of New York Fashion Week, I wanted to share with you guys a little more about my journey. What led me to here? Well, the title of this post sure must have caught your eye. Yes, you read correctly. I once almost became a cop instead of any of pursuit for a career. Instead of Detective Spiegoski, I'm Fashionista Spiegoski! So, how did I start from where I began and ended up here where I am today? Continue reading to find out more why I took such a leap of faith and why I am so, so, so grateful for my crazy (but intuitive) decisions. 

Once upon a time, I grew up in an environment that was rough, both in and outside the home. Because of my surroundings as well as life experiences, I initially chose a path in law enforcement, even receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. I even traveled to distant lands to learn more about the cultural diversity as well as the different types of government and policing procedures. My '5-Year Plan' was to get my degree, move to NYC and join the New York City Police Department, and quickly climbing the ranks from Sargeant to Detective. Specifically? Homicide. But once I moved to the city of my dreams (I had wanted to live here basically my whole life), I didn't know a single soul. I came here with $300 bucks in my pocket, 3 full suitcases, with a place to share in Spanish Harlem. My first apartment in New York was literally a closet. Okay... walk-in closet: Enough to fit a full bed, dresser, mirror and a clothing rack. I didn't need much else. 

Because I didn't know anyone yet, I became lonely rather fast. With that, I began writing again, something that's been in my life since I was very little (my father taught me how to read and write at the age of 4) and I always found solitude in the power of my voice and the freedom to express my thoughts and feelings through words. And while doing so, my gut switched a flip. I no longer had the desire I once had in the career I chose. I felt lost. Confused. Young. Undiscovered. I gave it a good hard look before changing my mind, but I'm tellin' ya, even to this day, I can't tell you how thankful I am that I took that jump and decided to explore my options a bit further. From this, I've given back, teaching figure skating and working with kids for nearly a decade, wrote and published a novel, have had my photographs published around the world, and learned so much about myself in the process. 

I just surpassed my 2-year anniversary of my blog, MaQ + Suz. Since then, I've only attended 2 seasons of NYFW [this week being my 3rd season (!)] and am starting to receive invites to other fashion shows globally. Now, for those of you wondering... have I always been a die-hard fashionista? Not exactly... but it's always been with me, so to speak. When I was very young, I used to illustrate what campaigns I saw from the Korean fashion magazines my mother had. I'd flip through them, find inspiration and would recreate my own version, with even the prices of each piece of clothing! From there, I became more interested in the world of fashion while in college (where I started to read Vogue religiously) but that fizzled once I decided to do something else in my life. It's funny now looking back because even at the age of 6-7 I was already studying fashion when I was creating collages of them on my bedroom walls. 

I believe within a person's life, one will change many times over. Hopefully for the better. As you grow older and discover more about yourself, you will find out what you want, what you don't want, and who you really are. Part of the evolution of the path to self-discovery. And here I am now, a writer and photographer working full-time in the creative field and I couldn't be happier with my choice. Is it hard work? You bet your ass it is and I'm completely dedicated to it. Here's to making life's grand decisions and to fashion & style. Shoutout to this vintage teal blouse that belonged to my mother, the label says 'Avanzara–b House of Kimberly' but I can't find the brand on the internet. It's from the 80's back in Cali... and to these favorite new rose gold metallic boots from Ego, I feel like Wonder Woman strutting around in these. Hope to see all you other fabulous selves strutting around town as well this week! Happy Happy Fashion Week! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Spiced Apple Margaritas

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Happy Labor Day weekend! I'm staying in town relaxing and prepping for NYFW along with brainstorming and creating content for my favorite season, fall! There's no drink quite like the margarita- whether it's frozen or on the rocks, from delicious variants like Chipotle to strawberry and more. That's why Margaritas are the #1 cocktail in the U.S., with 70% of them made from scratch in our very own homes... But there's a well-kept secret that turns an ordinary home-made margarita into an extraordinary one--Agavero Orange. Which is why I've partnered with Agavero Orange Liqueur, a tequila based liqueur that is the perfect addition to any margarita recipe. It's Gran Centenario Tequila's perfect match, and it's your dance partner, party pleaser and top-secret ingredient.With summer coming to an end, I wanted to create a fall-inspired margarita cocktail. Enter: Spiced Apple Margaritas! 

photos + recipe by: © Suzanne Spiegoski

Spiced Apple Margaritas

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1.5 parts Gran Centenario Plata

.75 parts Agavero Orange Liqueur

1.5 to 2 ounces apple juice

1 oz fresh orange juice (about half an orange, juiced)

Dash all spice & cinnamon

Star anise, apple & orange zest for garnish

Cinnamon/sugar/salt rim blend and garnish

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. On a small plate, use a fork to blend the sugar, salt and cinnamon. Run a wedge of orange around the top of each drinking glass, then turn the glass down at a 45-degree angle and roll the top of the glass through the cinnamon, sugar and salt blend. Fill the glasses with ice and set them aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Feel free to make 2 to 3 drinks at once. Pour in the tequilas, apple juice, orange juice, all spice, and cinnamon. Put on the lid and shake the cocktail for about 20 seconds. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass(es) and add a star of anise if you’d like. Garnish with a slice of apple and orange zest. Cheers!

Agavero Orange Liqueur is a delicious blend of 100% agave tequila infused with orange and agave nectar. It is subtle enough for sipping, but also an ideal orange liqueur for the ultimate Margarita as it offers a robust tequila flavor coupled with the ripe citrus of Mexican oranges. So I paired the orange liqueur with Gran Centenario® Plata - it adds extra depth and character to crafted cocktails. The tequila is also delicious as a chilled shot. I paired the Tequila's with more orange and apple flavors, spicing it up with some ground all-spice and cinnamon. Lastly, I garnished the drinks with star anise, to not only enhance the flavor but to maintain a rustic sort of fall cocktail. 

What do you guys think of these spiced apple margaritas? I definitely wanted to try something different using fall-inspired ingredients. I was even thinking of a pumpkin spiced margarita, but given the fact that I don't have a blender in my kitchen at the moment, I found it to be rather more challenging to mix those kinds of ingredients together. Which is why I opted for apple and orange, the perfect combination with the Agavero Orange Liqueur and Gran Centenario Tequila. Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!

LOVE & XX'S,

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August Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: KIEHL'S CUCUMBER HERBAL CONDITIONING CLEANER | 
FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL SHEET MASK | 
ESTEE LAUDER REVITALIZING SUPREME PLUS GLOBAL ANTI-AGING CELL POWER CREME | 
FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL TONER | 
ORIGINS DR. ANDREW WEIL FOR ORIGINS™ MEGA-MUSHROOM SKIN RELIEF FACE MASK | 
URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER LIQUID FOUNDATION 7.75 | LANCÔME MATTE SHAKERS | 
YSL BEAUTY SMOKER EYE DUO GREEN | ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR | 
KIEHL'S CREAMY EYE TREATMENT W/ AVOCADO | 
ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOR ENVY SCULPTING LIPSTICK - VENGEFUL RED

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FRUDIA & KIEHL'S, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Friday! What's everyone doing for the long weekend? I'm ready for some much need R&R for the next few days, as come Tuesday it's the beginning of a long and crazy week, AKA: Fashion Week. Today's post I'm sharing my latest beauty favorites that I've discovered and have been using for the past month. There's a ton of skin care and makeup products I'm excited to share with you, ranging from Lancôme, Estee Lauder, YSL Beauty and even a new K Beauty line called, Frudia. I found some really amazing lipsticks and face masks along with a brand new liquid foundation I've never tried, but am now officially obsessed with. Come take a look at all these goodies and how these can be incorporated into your beauty regimen! 

1. KIEHL'S CUCUMBER HERBAL CONDITIONING CLEANSER

You think drinking cucumber-infused water is refreshing? How about washing your face with it?! This ultra-gentle, foaming gel-lotion cleanser softly melts away dirt, impurities, and makeup while conditioning even dry, sensitive skin for a fresh-feeling clean that lasts all day. Formulated with whole cucumbers, carefully extracted to preserve the quality and nutrients of the fruit, and plant-based glycerin, this non-drying, non-irritating cleanser maintains skin's moisture leaving it soothed, velvety soft, and comfortably cleansed. My skin type is combination/oily, so I will definitely be using this cleanser to the start to the chillier season... it'll be perfect during winter time!

2. FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL SHEET MASK

Looking to get rid of that extra sebum on your face without drying it up? Stop worrying about oily skin and dirty pores. This nature-derived, botanical sheet contains 60% green grape extract to help tighten pores and balance the skin. Using a face mask like this quickly delivers active ingredients deeply to the skin to balance moisture and soothe your irritated skin. It can be used on all skin types.

3. ESTEE LAUDER REVITALIZING SUPREME PLUS GLOBAL ANTI-AGING CELL POWER CREME

This creme is the key to younger-looking skin. Unlock your skin's youth potential and see it spring back with new bounce, glow with radiant vitality. With Estee Lauder's exclusive RevitaKey Technology featuring exclusive moringa extract, this silky-soft, deeply nourishing multi-action creme encourages skin's natural power to amplify collagen and elastin. Lines and wrinkles look dramatically reduced. Skin's visible firmness, density, and elasticity are significantly improved. In just 4 weeks, 96% of women said their skin felt firmer. After using this creme every night for a little over a month now, I too can attest to an improvement in my skin's overall 'glow.' It's literally amazing.

4. FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL TONER

The only kind of toners I ever use are Korean. This pure, refreshing toner made up of 89% green grape extract controls pores with natural grape tannin and helps remove dead skin cells. Panthenol calms agitated skin, while fruits seed oil complex helps to maintain skin clarity. The tannin works with and vitamin E from the green grapes to not only hydrate the skin but keep it smooth and healthy. Soothe and hydrate your irritated skin with this fresh-feeling green grape toner, it smells fantastic too!

5. ORIGINS DR. ANDREW WEIL FOR ORIGINS™ MEGA-MUSHROOM SKIN RELIEF FACE MASK

A non-irritating, redness-reducing facial mask for those rather, extra rough days. The effects of sun, wind, and dehydration can accumulate, and your skin needs extra help to break the cycle. This rich treatment mask with hypsizygus ulmarius, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms along with ginger, holy basil, and turmeric rushes relief to challenged skin to rapidly soothe signs of compromise. Chinese black bamboo leaf extract celebrated for centuries as a symbol of eternal youth, quells and calms visible redness and reactivity. And a unique blend of marine algae and moisture-replenishing plant extracts helps revitalize and restore luminosity to stressed skin while rebuilding a protective barrier to help avoid future flare-ups. Great for all skin types, skin is left calm and comforted. I use it once a week on top of sheet masks, and it's a great face mask.

6. URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHT LIQUID FOUNDATION 7.75

A full-coverage, matte-finish, waterproof foundation that lasts all night. All Nighter Liquid Foundation by Urban Decay provides full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get all-night wear and a blown-out effect you never thought was possible for a flawless-looking complexion that looks incredible and stays that way. Perfect for all-night affairs, this innovative formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day. While Naked Skin complexion products are semi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte and oil-free. Urban Decay loaded this formula with a higher amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There's no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. This waterproof formula diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin, while it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. It's a wonderful foundation for fall. 

7. LANCÔME MATTE SHAKERS HIGH PIGMENT LIQUID LIPSTICKS 186, 270 & 272

A highly pigmented matte liquid lipstick that delivers intense color payoff with a lightweight, second-skin feel. Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick wears comfortably on your lips throughout the day without drying. Its pillow-like cushion applicator allows for precise application without streaking or smudging. And it's formulated with a patented Ultra Thin Film technology and vitamin E, so that lips feel double the thinness of a liquid lipstick and provides comfortable non-drying wear. Its unique cushion sponge allows for maximum absorption of the formula to deliver a precise, soft application onto the lips, and buildable color that dries without smudging or transfer. Just shake it to soak the applicator with formula, and apply the cushion directly onto lips to build the saturated color. Then wait for it to dry down to a lightweight, comfort matte finish. I even love mixing the colors together to blend an entirely different hue as well! Really amazing liquid lipsticks. 

8. YSL BEAUTY SMOKER EYE DUO IN GREEN

A dual-ended eye shadow pen that allows you to shade, line, smudge, and highlight to create easy smoky looks. The eye shadow comes with a creamy texture and water resistant formula. One side of the dual-ended pen has a dark shadow and the other side has a light shadow, so you can use it from day to night. Use the darker color as a base on your eye lid and lower eye lid in one stroke. Use the lighter color as a highlighter on the corner of your eye and at the arch of your eye brow. For a lighter version of the look, start with the light shade as the base on both upper and lower eye lids, then add contrast and structure by applying the darker shade to the outer corner of the eyes. There's an assortment of colors but I loved the green one. You can see it on me in this look here.

9. ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SYNCHRONIZED RECOVERY COMPLEX II

Reveal a smoother, more radiant, younger look. Wake up to more beautiful skin every day. Tested and proven: Advanced Night Repair dramatically reduces the look of key signs of aging. It maximizes the power of skin's natural nighttime renewal with our exclusive ChronoluxCB Technology. Lines and wrinkles look significantly reduced. More than 75% of women felt their skin looked more youthful in just 4 weeks. Skin feels smoother, hydrated, stronger. 82% felt their skin was immediately hydrated. Skin looks younger, radiant, more even toned. 83% felt their skin looked healthier, fresher, more rested in just 4 weeks. 25+ Patents and Patents Pending Worldwide. These stats are legit - it's my new favorite serum!

10. KIEHL'S CREAMY EYE TREATMENT W/ AVOCADO

This luxurious eye cream gently moisturizes the eye area without migrating into the eyes. Perfect for use under eye makeup, it contains highly effective natural ingredients that provide essential daily hydration and protection. The eye area is left softer, suppler, and more youthful-looking. This moisturizing eye treatment formulated with avocado oil is a definite must morning and night in my beauty routine. 

11. ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOR ENVY SCULPTING LIPSTICK - VENGEFUL RED

An Allure Best of Beauty winner, this six-hour wear, highly-pigmented lipstick gives your lip look the ultimate transformation. Make a bold color statement that lasts. Saturate lips with high-intensity color in one stroke, swiping on a statement shade that works with all skin tones. Designed with multi-faceted pigments that add definition, and a time-released moisture complex that seals in hydration, it leaves lips looking beautifully shaped, sculpted, and curvaceous. I have been trying to find the perfect red lipstick for the fall/winter season and this one is a definite keeper! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Ukraine ’s Culture: Traditions, Lifestyles & Personal Experiences

When you think about a country like Ukraine, what would you imagine it to be? You might visualize something along the lines of Russian communism and Oksana Baiul, the Olympic figure skating medalist in 1994 in Lillehammer. Many people don’t know very much about the country, let alone the diversity and character in it. After visiting Ukraine for a month back in 2003, participating in a criminal justice study abroad program while studying at Michigan State University, I have grown to learn as well as fall in love with its extreme differentiated culture. And in today's post, I'm sharing my insights and experiences from this incredible trip to Ukraine! 

The relationship of the Ukrainian to others is based on definite forms that express social culture, good manners, courtesy, and hospitality. The fundamental nature of their people is hospitality. They are kind and friendly. There is respect for elders, for the deceased, and love for children, nature, and animals. Ukrainians enjoy a good sense of humor. They are musical, artistic and wonderful craftsmen famous for their skills in weaving, woodcarving, and ceramics. However, proficiency and diligence in working the land is perhaps the greatest talent the Ukrainians have. 

Ukraine is to be found on rich soil, and since ancient times the Ukrainian people have driven their energy into agriculture. Folk customs revived since the era of Trypillian culture (4th - 2nd millennia B.C.) and modified over time, have sustained the hard working peasant toiling on the land. Life depended on the regularities of working the soil. Holidays were celebrated during periods of change from one type of agricultural activity to another. Even in pre-Christian times, a kind of ceremony was held before starting work raising the powers of nature to cooperate and to provide generous harvests. These seasonal festivities were later built-in into Christian holidays, and they still exist to this day.

Easter, for example, is a spring holiday. Spring is a time of plowing and sowing in the fields, a time of warmth and rebirth after a very cold winter. In pagan times, Ukrainians believed that the gods died and were reborn every year. An example of a pagan ritual symbolizing renewal and rebirth which is still practiced is the dyeing of eggs. Using wax, women drew symbolic designs on eggs, dipped them into dye, melted the wax to expose the ornament, and presented these delightful objects to loved ones. On Holy Saturday, they go to the church (which they call tserkva) to attend ceremonies in which an image of Our Lord is laid in a sepulcher, from which it is [then] removed with great solemnity. When this representation or ceremony is finished, every one of them, men, women, boys, and girls, go to kneel before the bishop (whom they call vladyka) and presents to him an egg dyed red or yellow, and pronounces the words, Khrystos voskres. Pysanka (in Ukrainian the word pysanka is derived from the verb pysaty, that is "to write" or "to paint") is an egg painted with bright colors in geometrical patterns or stylized figural, animal and floral designs. Christianity adopted this pagan tradition and Easter eggs have become an indelible feature of the feast commemorating the Resurrection of Christ. To the Christian Ascension Day (the 40th day after Easter), Ukrainians added a pre-Christian tradition of going into the field to check the progress of the wheat. The Trinity is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter. Customarily, people decorated their homes with green tree branches and aromatic herbs. This was a day for fortune telling. Women knitted wreaths and floated them in a river or stream.

They watched as the wreaths drifted away, wishing that a handsome young man would find the wreath, for this meant that he would some day become her husband. Another summer holiday full of magic and ritual is known as Saint Kupala, which is on July 7th. It is a beautiful, high-spirited celebration in which fire and water, symbols of cleansing are celebrated. During the day everyone has to be at least immersed in water. At sunset bonfires are lit, and boys and girls jump over the flames while holding hands.

This is the last holiday before the harvest. The year was rounded out with a series of harvest holidays. August 2nd, known as St. Illia Day, marked the beginning of autumn. On the19th of August, known as Saviour Day, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and honey were blessed. Weddings usually took place in the middle of October. A unique feature of Ukrainian Christmas festivities is the vertep, or a puppet theater. Young people get together, dress as angels, kings, Herod, Satan, death, and even animals. They walk from house to house enacting the Nativity and singing about the birth of Christ, greeting everyone with the holiday. The most well known national holidays are Independence Day, which was on August 24th, 1991 and January 22nd, 1918 the day Ukraine first declared its independence from Soviet Russia. This day is now celebrated as Unity Day. Along with holidays, the cuisine of the Ukrainians is very much individualized as well.

Ukrainian cuisine is closely linked to the customs, culture, and way of life of the Ukrainian people. It is famous for its diversity and quality of flavor. The most popular Ukrainian meal is borscht. This thick, hearty and distinctive soup is prepared with an assortment of ingredients including meat, mushrooms, beans, and even prunes. Mushroom soups, bean and pea soups, soups with dumplings and thick millet chowders are also popular. Holubtsi, or stuffed cabbage, is another favorite meal, as are varenyky (pirogues) filled with potatoes, meat, cheese, sauerkraut, or fruit such as blueberries or cherries. Varenyky are often mentioned in their folk songs. Ukrainians very much like dairy food. For example, cottage cheese pancakes, riazhanka or fermented baked milk and nalysnyky, which are cheese-filled crepes. When walking down the street, Ukrainians will have stands where you can buy milk, even unpasteurized milk. There are no holidays without pies. Some examples of dessert are pampushky, which is a type of fritter,  baba, a tall cylindrical cake, and cakes made with honey. Ukrainian sausage is very appetizing. It is preserved in a special way. They are cared for in porcelain containers smothered in melted fat. Along with bringing a variety of tastes to the table, there are several traditions that come along with it as well. During my trip, I discovered that Ukrainians eat plenty of chicken when they first welcome someone into their home and when they leave as well. As for drinks, Ukrainians enjoy fruit juice, coffee, tea, and plenty of vodka. A double shot to Americans is one shot in Ukrainians. And let me tell you, it will definitely creep up on you. As for their salad, or salat, it only consists of cucumbers and tomatoes. If you want dressing on the side, such as Ranch, you’ll be lucky enough to get salt. Ukrainians do not prefer a lot of salt on anything.

In its ethnic composition, Ukraine is a multi-ethnic Republic, inhabited by more than 110 ethnic groups, of which Ukrainian (72.7%) are the largest, followed by Russians, Jews, Belarussians, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Poles and Hungarians. Ukrainians have marked national characteristics that make it easy to recognize them even beyond the borders of Ukrainian territory. They belong to the Indo-Germanic group, an old Slav ethnic group that grew out of elements provided by Asia Minor and Mediterranean countries. Their original home is that of all Slavs. Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, neighboring the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east. As of July 2017, the population in Ukraine is 44,405,055. The irony to these locations has much sway to its national characteristics. Ukraine has been divided in one way or another into two spheres of influence - the west, largely influenced by Poland, and the east, which traditionally has been dominated by Russia. During my visit to Ukraine, I never got to see the eastern part of Ukraine. I did get to see the western region, in a city called Lviv. Lviv has much Polish influence, throughout their history, Poland had greatly affected this city. During the 14th century, Polish kings took over Lviv and by the 19th century, the Polish owned most of the land. The Polish built beautiful churches, including the Dominican, Carmelite, Jesuit, Benedictine, and Bernadine. Along with the Polish influence, there are also some Greek influences. 

In its ethnic composition, Ukraine is a multi-ethnic Republic, inhabited by more than 110 ethnic groups, of which Ukrainian (72.7%) are the largest, followed by Russians, Jews, Belarussians, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Poles, and Hungarians. Ukrainians have marked national characteristics that make it easy to recognize them even beyond the borders of Ukrainian territory. They belong to the Indo-Germanic group, an old Slav ethnic group that grew out of elements provided by Asia Minor and Mediterranean countries. Their original home is that of all Slavs. Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, neighboring the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania, and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east. As of July 2017, the population in Ukraine is 44,405,055. The irony to these locations has much sway to its national characteristics. Ukraine has been divided in one way or another into two spheres of influence - the west, largely influenced by Poland, and the east, which traditionally has been dominated by Russia. During my visit to Ukraine, I never got to see the eastern part of Ukraine. I did get to see the western region, in a city called Lviv. Lviv has much Polish influence, throughout their history, Poland had greatly affected this city. During the 14th century, Polish kings took over Lviv and by the 19th century, the Polish owned most of the land. The Polish built beautiful churches, including the Dominican, Carmelite, Jesuit, Benedictine, and Bernadine. Along with the Polish influence, there are also some Greek influences. 

As being able to personally see Lviv (which was by far my favorite city of all six cities we visited), there is much realization that not one but several of the cities in Ukraine are unique with deeply seeded history. Along with this history, there is much educational background as well as philosophy, mannerism, and humanity. Along with being able to see their educational institutes and history, I also was able to observe Ukraine ’s law enforcement agencies and surroundings. Now to the juicy part... what were some of my first-time experiences over there? 

I fired a gun for the very first time overseas, saw my very first autopsy (EVER) and was one of the only few ladies standing afterward, endured my first lap dance from an Ukranian male stripper dressed up as a matador, tried Absinthe for the first time, and was exposed to the beautiful world of opera as it was also the very first time I had ever seen one before, to which I instantly fell madly in love with. I tried borscht, barley, and sheep testicles. Yep. You read that right. Even though I really didn't enjoy the taste of sheep balls, the entire trip was an eye-opening experience that forever changed how I perceive the world and those that are in it. Not to mention the culture shock, that even to this day, is still unmatched unlike any other place in the world. 

Which is why I chose this beautiful country to travel to with a group of students and teachers. Michigan State University has one of the best and largest study abroad programs in the country and I am so glad I took full advantage of it. I could have gone to London or Australia within my major, but I was actually really nervous at the thought of going to Ukraine. And how many times would I get such a wonderful opportunity to see a place not many people would see? To be honest, I felt so connected with Ukraine and the people, I would not be surprised if I'm partly Ukrainian mixed in with the Polish side of me. I'm even considering trying one of those DNA-tests that can individuate the ethnicities of a person. I'll be sure to fill you guys in on my experience with a fun story here on the blog when I do...

Where's the craziest place you've traveled to? I would love to hear some of your stories! Comment down below - and if you have any questions about Ukraine and my experiences there I'd also love to hear from you! Do I have any Ukrainian readers out there? Don't be shy! I love connecting with people and sharing stories. Don't forget to comment your most adventurous trip to date down below! Stay tuned for a ton of upcoming beauty & fashion content! I'll be sharing my August beauty essentials on Friday so be sure to check back here then! Catch y'all soon. :)

LOVE & XX'S

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Are You a Katie Girl?

WEARING: ROMWE WHITE STRIPED SPLIT DRESS | ADORE ME LYANNA TOP |
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO NASH BACKLASS ANKLE BOOTS | 
MOVADO ESPERANZA BRACELET WATCH | FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY EGO SHOES.

 

THE WORLD IS MADE UP OF TWO TYPES OF WOMEN: THE SIMPLE GIRLS AND THE KATIE GIRLS. I AM A KATIE GIRL. ~ CARRIE BRADSHAW

If you're a SATC fan, I'm sure you know by now what episode Carrie said this in, with who, and why. It all comes down to Hubbel and why Robert Redford didn't end up with Barbara Streisand, or as us girls know her as, Katie... the complicated woman with wild curly hair. “Hello! C-C-C-Curly!!” Not all men, but many would prefer being with a simple girl rather than a Katie girl. Why? She's basic... ordinary... nothing special. She won't challenge you or inspire you or make you want to be a better person, but more so has the talent of keeping things light and well... simple. A definite non-core shaking kind of gal. And there's nothing wrong in that. But men I find to be highly intelligent and sophisticated will eventually grow tired with boredom. Wouldn't you rather find someone who touches your soul? What is the phenomenon of some men wanting to have a more quiet, less intense-filled relationship? Let's take a closer look...

There are a variety of reasons. One is that some men have trouble handling a Katie girl. We're passionate, ambitious, and sometimes yes, wildly difficult. Not because it's cool to be a great deal of maintenance required, but because we have opinions and aren't afraid to stand up for them let alone share them with you. We don't have simple minds and nothing about a Katie girl is basic. Ever see that couple walking down the street where the man is drop dead gorgeous, but not the woman? Now she may not be ugly, even far from it, but there's nothing particularly unique about her. She looks like a dime a dozen, and the personality is the same. An attractive man may prefer being with someone less attractive-looking for the sole purpose of being the better looking one. And because they know this, they too realize that these women will also worship the ground they walk on. They need that sort of validation from this kind of girl as they'd never receive it in the same way with a Katie girl. Plus,  a man like this tend to also be extremely insecure or narcissistic, and would also have trouble being with an extremely desirable woman. Just the idea of another man looking at her would piss them off to no end. (Yes, I've been with a guy like this before, and ugh, such a turnoff.) 

The other reason comes to down to simplicity. As mentioned before, the easier the relationship is -  the happier the guy will be in this situation. No muss, no fuss. But how can you grow with someone that you never disagree with let alone shares any kind of objections with? You think they're going to share their hopes & dreams on top? The same goes for women wanting a Katie guy. Is there anything real in that? But I also think not everyone wants fireworks... complications... difficulties. Most of us hardly have the time to see our friends let alone immerse themselves in an intense relationship as such. And how many times do you encounter a love like that? Once? Maybe twice if you live long enough? I think the key to finding and maintaining a successful healthy relationship is definitely figuring out what you want... what works for you, what doesn't. Because no one is exactly the same. 

How do you guys feel about this dynamic? Do opposites really attract, or is it just a disaster waiting to happen? Find out at least, in my opinion. I like to live with no regrets and if making a few mistakes leads me to something great, it's worth looking into right? But only if you're truly into the person. And I mean, TRULY. Lastly, I can't forget to mention a few shout outs with this fun pre-fall look! I'm all about the layering lately so today I matched an Adore Me pajama blouse with a cute summery striped split dress from ROMWE. I love the lavender satin ribbon detail in the back of the blouse, it brings a nice feminine added touch to the overall edgier look. My new backless ankle boots are from Ego Shoes, and they're one of my favorite shoe brands based in the UK! I added fishnet crew socks to complement the layered outfit. And my Movado watch was my mother's, a gift my father once gave her as an anniversary present, and a lesson within itself that you cannot buy back time. Don't forget to check out the entire look by shopping directly down below! You can follow my everyday adventures on Instagram too! And leave those comments down below about how you feel about basic b*tches vs. non-basic b*tches... and/or what you look for in a relationship that works for you :) I hope you all have a great week! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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