Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch London

Hi, everyone! I was going to upload this post late last night, but I accidentally fell asleep after eating a delicious meal for supper. Ooops - but it was massaman curry and what's better than food coma? It is completely satisfying is it not? Well, here it is - my complete review of my London stay at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch. I decided to stay further east of London, as this area is an up and coming section of the city - super trendy and full of life! I was in town for only five days and mostly for work (London Fashion Week) but I still wanted to take the time and share my experience at this amazing 5-Star hotel! Continue reading to learn more about my stay and why you too, should consider staying at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch during your next visit across the pond. 

The hotel features 86 guest rooms and 42 suites. Two buildings - from original Magistrates Court converted with high ceilings, space and individual character are the hallmarks of each of the 5-star guestrooms, individually designed with stylish furnishing to provide exceptional standards of comfort. Boasting a contemporary design after undergoing a recent renovation, the suites and rooms are one of a kind. With double glazed windows throughout for a very quiet stay, luxurious high thread count soft linen (oh so dreamy) and late-night room service (Helloooooo, yummy grilled cheese!), the amenities are endless and within your reach! They even have a spa/sauna which I didn't get a chance to experience, but count on it that upon my return I will be sure to check it out. 

My room - The Dalston King is perfect for mixing business with pleasure. Starting from 280 square feet, offering a luxurious king size bed (I wish I had more time to sleep in it!) with 46 inch LED TV with full Sky TV package, work desk with a built in mediahub station (so cool, helps recommend you the best of the best in the city, from food to art/shows, it's great), and wall-to-wall marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers. Also featuring laptop size safes in all rooms with a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities available. These rooms are well equipped for any traveler. I felt right at home even away from home. They even lent me a few adapters for charger/plug-ins as I forgot one.

The Jailhouse Bar, set within the former Police Station of the Old Street Magistrate’s Court, celebrates the very best of the drinks world with innovative and delicious cocktails and a wide array of other beverages on offer, whilst being surrounded by historically significant architecture, including former prison holding cells. Jailhouse Bar serves as a relaxed lounge area throughout the day, perfect for meetings and coffees, and then transforms into an after-work hub for those looking to unwind with a drink or two post 5pm. Jailhouse Bar also happily provides bottle service, private hire in the cells, and semi-exclusive spaces for larger parties. The Jailhouse Bar also offers the quintessentially British staple of Afternoon Tea every day from 12pm, however done Shoreditch style!

Leave court-room formality behind and indulge in simple yet refined comfort food classics at Judge & Jury, the freshest of British produce combined with an atmosphere of relaxation and sophistication. Set within one of the most historically significant hotels in London, the restaurant décor encompasses the original features of the former courtroom within the Old Street Magistrate’s Court, creating an ambiance of intrigue and architectural significance. Guests will find themselves surrounded by leather-bound law journals and courtroom memorabilia, evoking a sense of centuries of British legal history, which exist within the hotel walls. The Judge & Jury staff ensure a personalized and professional experience with extensive knowledge and recommendations. Open for lunch seven days a week and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

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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Weekend in the Hamptons with Romio App

Hi, guys! Sorry for my absence on the blog! I've been traveling since Friday and just came back into town yesterday. I spent this past weekend in the Hamptons with Romio, a start up that's created an app where you can find local service recommendations from your personal network without the hassle of weeding through online reviews from strangers. As you know, we haven't launched to the public yet, so we want people to understand that the version we have on the app store is only for preview. After the Hamps, I went straight up to Connecticut to shoot my very first fashion editorial shoot! Being the creative director as well as the photographer was incredible on so many levels, I cannot WAIT to show you my latest work! But back to Romio, several other influencers/bloggers and I stayed in a gorgeous $20 million mansion in Bridgehampton where we partook in a variety of activities ranging from a killer pool party all-day Saturday, a yoga class, and circuit training class, flower-crown making, cocktail creating to even a pajama party! We even had our own personal chef each night for dinner! You can definitely say we had quite the decadent weekend, come take a look at more photos and read more about our amazing trip! 

Photo Credit: Mauricio Jorquera

We got in on Friday night after a four-hour bumper-to-bumper bus ride to the house from the city. Located in the heart of Bridgehampton, we unwinded with the perfect aperitif: an Aperol Spritz! We learned how to make our own while Chef William Lawrence, who runs the Meatball Shop in Chelsea, cooked up a storm of roasted chicken with a fresh quinoa salad and sauteed bok choy. Everything was super fresh and delicious, and I had the best company to share my meal with! We then capped the night off with our very own pajama party and a late night pool sesh where I better got to know the people in the house and overall, just enjoyed the vibes and setting on top of making new memories :) 

Photo credit: Layers of Chic Hat by: Artesano // Dress by: Gwen Salakaia

On Saturday, we took an amazing yoga class held by Layne Averill, a West Village-based yoga instructor, who not only helped me appreciate yoga more but also brought back so much balance into my life. The session helped reset my perspective and better understand my way of life and what I needed to do in order to maintain that healthy balance throughout the non-stop chaos. The yoga class was followed by circuit training with personal trainer J.R Allen, who literally turned my core and legs into Jello! After an intense morning workout, I was more than ready for the all-day pool party at the house. I loved the fact that the pool party wasn't too crazy or too chill, with just the right amount of fun and energy blending in. The crowd was lit and I had a really great time meeting and networking with other like-minded creative types. I met other influencers, bloggers, writers, photographers, (I do have a thing for them... ha ha ha!) stylists, creative directors and more.

Photo Credit: Angel Zheng Hat by: Artesano // Bikini by: Triangl // Sarong by: Rujuta Sheth

After the pool party died down, we had a late dinner cooked by Chef Nick Lagalante with a concoction of jumbo shrimp, charred corn on the cob (my fave), Caprese salad, grilled asparagus, mixed bean salad, chicken kabobs, and a radicchio salad. It was such a scrumptious summer meal! I loved the corn so much I had two! After dinner, we kept the party going, dancing the night away with Latin music and whiskey nightcaps. I'm not one to stay up too late anymore with my super early mornings, but each night in the Hamptons I didn't go to bed until around 3 so I definitely didn't get enough sleep! But oh the fun we had!  

Photo credit: Angel Zheng Bikini by: Victoria's Secret // Kimono by: Rosegal

Sunday we all slept in before brunch followed by makeup done by the talented Kornelija Slunjski and flower crown making thanks to Urban Stems, an amazing flower delivery service based in New York City. With an assortment of roses, succulents, calla lilies and more, the girls and I had a great time creating their very own unique crowns! While the boys played tennis, we had fun sipping on rosé and playing with beautiful flowers while shooting content. We then had another cocktail class learning how to make the classic French 75: gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar. I know it sounds strange but it's actually quite refreshing! Sometimes the gin is substituted with cognac.  

Photo Credit: Mauricio Jorquera

Photo Credit & Flower Crown by: Sarah Stannard

After all the festivities, I took one final dip in the pool. How cute is this striped one piece by Mei L'Ange? I'm thinking of doing a couple of style posts from some of these Hamptons outfits, what do you guys think? I know a lot of you on Instagram have asked mostly about the sundress and one piece, perhaps you'll see these and more of its details on the blog very soon? 

Lastly, I want to give you a little insight from what I learned from this trip as I believe every time you travel, either near or far from home, you learn something about yourself. And I've discovered how imperative my "alone time" is for me. Even on the first morning in the Hamptons, I took a nice long stroll around the property not only to scout for good locations to shoot in but to also spend time with my thoughts and reflect. I don't get to do that often and it's nice to do it from time to time. I feel like it keeps me grounded while at the same time never forgetting where I come from as well. I've come far from where I started, and since starting MaQ + Suz in early August of 2015, I'm extremely humbled by all the experiences I've had on top of my personal growth. I can't wait to see what the future holds, but it's looking pretty bright. Stay tuned for more upcoming posts this week! I have so much to catch up on. Catch Y'all soon!   

Photo Credit: Layers of Chic // Swimwear by: Mei L'ange 

Self-Portrait, July 15th, 7:56 a.m // Cashmere Top by: Zynni Cashmere

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Firelight Camps Travel Diary

Candle by Shop Evil Queen, Adventure Awaits. 

When I attended an event at the W Hotel in Midtown this summer, I was introduced to the world of 'glamping'. That is, glamorous camping. Or rather, my kind of camping. ;) I knew I had to experience this before the weather got too cold. That's why I brought my husband and our pooch, MaQ, to Firelight Camps right before the start to New York Fashion Week, for a lil' R&R before our chaotic schedules ensued. 

Located in Upstate New York, schools such as Cornell University and Ithaca College are nearby, yet the campgrounds transport you to the middle of nowhere. With 18 safari tents made up with high thread count linens, they are warmly lit with battery-powered lanterns and covered with mesh screenings to help keep the bugs out. The furniture is impeccable. With hardwood floors and either a king-size bed or two full-sized beds, each tent also comes with its own deck and writing desk (My DREAM). Out on the balcony there's two rocking chairs that over look a lush and leafy oasis. Imagine how the foliage will transition - oh the views! Did I mention the tents come with wi-fi? #alwaysworking But come nighttime, you can see the stars and hear the crickets while you fall asleep. Super cozy.

The main tent lobby has daily complimentary continental breakfast, complimentary happy hour tasting of Finger Lakes craft beverages (the rosé is 👌), a cozy mini-lounge where there are campfires daily both in the morning and evening (hello smores), a Bocce ball court and other onsite games like cool boardgames such as Sorry! and more. There's even yoga! You have immediate access to the Buttermilk Falls hiking trails but we instead wanted to see one of the tallest waterfalls on the east coast, the Taughannock Falls! What was really wild was the drought. It looked as if someone shut the water off! There was no waterfall, but it was totally fun running with MaQ where there should be water running through. 

Ten minutes away from Firelight Camps is the downtown scene with bars, restaurants, bookstores and cute antique shops. You can even catch a film at the Ithaca Commons. The food's delicious! One night we even tried Mexican at Viva Taqueria, and were pleasantly surprised by the freshness and quality of their food. And pet-friendly. Great service too! I also had the immense pleasure of eating Jimmy John's for lunch as well, after not having their subs since college which was awhile ago. They are so unbelievably good! There are tons of wineries and cideries to visit close by, and let's not forget to mention the spa that's literally a few steps away from the campgrounds! To see a full list of things to do, click here. 

We had the best glamping experience one could ever imagine. I'm a city girl but also love the country life and love to go hiking with the boys during our downtime. I don't get to enjoy nature very often so when I do, I like to soak up every minute of it! Whenever I escape the city I'm always left rejuvenated, uplifted and inspired. Ready to go at it, all over again! To read more on Firelight Camps, go to www.firelightcamps.com

Special thanks to Emma for making this trip possible! Xo.

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Our most recent travel experience, glamping at Firelight Camps in Ithaca, NY! Special thanks to Emma for making this trip possible. We never camped this luxuriously before! www.firelightcamps.com 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Up North Michigan Travel Diary

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

photos + videography by © Suzanne Spiegoski 

My Up North Michigan Travel Vlog is now live! Come read my personal story about this travel adventure down below! Don't forget to subscribe to our MaQ + Suz channel! xoxo.

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Hi everyone! Apologies for my absence around my blog. I have been working tirelessly on this travel post on top of other upcoming projects and getting what seemed to be a nasty head cold at first, only to backfire (no matter how hard I tried to fight it) and is now a full-blown respiratory infection. Alas, for my serious case of MIA at events this week. I've coughed up a lung and have been expelling excessive amounts of that icky sticky mucus. GROSS. Regardless of how I've been feeling, I just couldn't wait to share this story with you guys! 

This isn't only a travel diary, but more than anything else, a deep and personal journey. One I've been meaning to take for over four years, but never conjured the strength to face my demons. To release the ghosts. When my father passed away in 2012, it had severed family ties for reasons I won't mention. (Not for my sake but for theirs.) #StayGracious. I hadn't spoken with my brother, BJ (Benjamin James), since our Dad's death. I tried everything to reach him. Phone calls, Facebook messages, texts, gifts, even written letters - but nothing seemed to affect him. I was heartbroken. Throughout these years, I never stopped thinking about him. I never gave up on him, even when our own family had. And time really does heal all wounds. Not completely. There'll always remain a scar. But with that time, I began to, more and more, miss home. Michigan is not a safe haven for me. Never was. But its pure beauty is what I missed most. Its clear blue skies, dirt country roads, the sweet smell from the fruit orchards in the summer; friends. I finally was compelled to do something about this, even though it scared the living daylights out of me. Why? Fear of the unknown. All the coulda, shoulda, woulda's raced through my mind. 'Will BJ be happy to see me?' 'What if I don't feel like I am home?' 'Would my friends even care if I was in town?' The perks of being an anxious one. 

And so, like a total crazy person, I took a leap of faith and booked a flight out. Boy, was I nervous. I didn't know what to expect, but what I did know was the very few people and places I had to visit. I flew into Detroit, where I spent most of my childhood, and right from there after picking up the car rental, I drove straight to my parents' gravesite. I HAD TO SEE THEM. Far, far, far overdue. I refused to cry because I wanted to stay strong for the following days to come, as I was taking a 4-hr drive the next day to 'maybe' see my brother, BJ. What do I mean by maybe? I'll get to that soon. After spending time with my mother and father, I ventured to my next stop: My childhood home. I hadn't visited that area in nearly ten years, and really wanted to go back and see my roots, where I came from and how far I've come. I knocked on the door and a kind Arabic man agreed to let me see the inside of the house, including the backyard. If felt the same, this haunting, lingering aura lurked in the air. You can see in the beginning of the pictures (from above), a large pink rose bush that's dead center in front of the house. I bought that rose bush when I was just a little girl, maybe 9 or 10 years of age, and the rose bush was the size of my fist! I couldn't believe that it kept coming back up every season, after so many years. And how big it's gotten! My mother's green thumb didn't just stop there either. Her flowers still bud up every year in the backyard, so much so, that some of the bulbs even shifted under the earth to her next door neighbor's, her best friend! Afterward I had to stop by and surprise her as well, where we sat and talked for hours about family and life. I am thankful for her love and support through the years. 

I was also able to see two of my closest girlfriends. A lifelong childhood friend which whom I stayed with during my first night in D-Town and my college best friend, who I met halfway up in St. Clair Shores for an early dinner right off the marina at Mike's On the Water Grill. Opening in 2011, its 1960s/70s burger joint, Key West decor will have you immediately feeling cool, cozy and comfortable. With an outside deck overlooking the water, you can sit down and enjoy lobster rolls and fish tacos with a mighty fine frozen cocktail. You can ever ride your boat in for dinner, as they have their own deck staff to assist you with tying up your boat. It was so great to catch up. I hadn't seen my college best friend since she's gotten married! I just love it when you can pick up right where you left off and it's like nothing has changed, even though it has. Loyalty is hard to come by these days, and I'm lucky my longtime friends are just that. Love you girls!

The following morning I got an early start on the road to embark my continuing journey of trying to reconnect with my brother. All I had was his last known address and phone number, and a couple of his buddies contact info. I could have asked my estranged family for his most recent info, but what for? Not once have they called either of us since both of our parents have gone. My only focus was on my brother. Because he's all the family I got left. My heart started to race when I walked up to his last known address. I knocked on the door twice only to take a quick peek around back. Nothing. Then I see the next door neighbors leaving their house. I run up to a Hispanic man and start asking questions about my brother. First he tells me he's moved to another apartment. Then he tells me he has no idea where. I become discouraged only to once again become excited when I overhear his wife say she knows where he's located. They start talking in Spanish, too fast for me to translate. Then the woman says her husband will take me to my brother! We get in the car, only then I start to think, 'Wow, nutso. You're letting this strange man into your car and you're out here in the middle of nowhere all by yourself.' NO. I tell my 'bully-voice (as I call it), to piss off. I had faith in this man for some peculiar reason. It felt right. 

We drive a couple of minutes only to be misled to the wrong house. Refusing to give up, I approach two homeboys chilling around the house I just knocked on. 'You know BJ? Asian? Really hard to miss? Ha ha?' They respond, 'Oh, yeah! You JUSSSSSST missed him. By like one minute.' I ask if they knew where he had gone. They point and tell me right down the road. So me and the Hispanic man (I unfortunately never got his name amidst the chaos) hop back into the car and race down the street to try and catch my brother. We spot him and I pull over and start honking like a madwoman. He nonchalantly takes a halfway glimpse only to keep walking further. I honk once more, only this time shouting, 'HEYYYYY!' Now he does a 180. His squinty eyes are trying to compute what's happening, then immediately he drops his jaw to the floor. I rushed out of the car and hugged him with all I had. It was by far the most perfect reunion ever. Like it was meant to be. He never hugged me so tight either. 

We spent the next two days talking, swimming, hiking and exploring Up North, Muskegon/Ludington area right off of Lake Michigan. We even got to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan our first night together. I was fortunate to have a such a wonderful stay at the Dunes Express Inn & Suites, where their newly renovated hotel had all the right amenities. The Hart-Montage Trail State Park is adjacent to the hotel (so much fun biking in Michigan during summertime) and is only seven miles from the wondrous Silver Lake Sand Dunes. My favorite amenity? The indoor pool/hot tub. Ultimate relaxation. And to see my bro cannonball into the pool had both of us feeling like little kids again. Wish I had more time to spend in Michigan. We would've biked the trail along with going four-wheeling in the sand dunes. It's a must-see in Michigan, absolutely breathtaking!  

Despite having the reconnection with my brother going so amazingly, the traveling on the way back to New York was a nightmare. After dropping off my car rental in Detroit, I decided to check into the airport earlier so I could get some work done. I came in around noon, when my flight was departing almost around 5pm. I didn't mind. I didn't even mind when it got delayed twice. That always happens. So, about an hour and a half late, they finally start boarding the plane. I'm thinking I'm home-free! Nope. The pilot gets on the intercom and notifies that everyone must deplane due to air traffic control issues. WTH?! You should have heard the melodious-like exasperated sighs from everyone when we got the news! So after we get off the plane, we waited for nearly another hour only to have the workers at the kiosk station inform us our flight had been canceled. They immediately tell us to go down to rebooking. When I got down there, nearly 250 people were already waiting in line, disgruntled, tired, and just annoyed. When I finally get to customer service (which had only 1 representative!), they didn't even vouch for me to stay at the airport hotel or anything. All they offered me was a refund to my connected flight or to wait until the next flight out by their airline, which was in two days! Normally I never even bother speaking badly of people, brands, or companies, but after the experience I had, I felt like I had no other choice than to tell you! DO NOT FLY WITH SPIRIT AIRLINES. Their customer service was the worst, both in person and on the phone. They are rude, unhelpful and completely ridiculous. I will never fly with them again. If I were you, I wouldn't either. Just don't. They even charge you to print out your boarding pass at the airport ($10 bucks) and for your carry-on!! RIP OFF. 

Thank goodness for my childhood friend who came to the rescue and let me stay with her again. She's so dope, the minute we got back to her place she helped me look at flights to get back home the following morning (THANK YOU DELTA!). I owe her big time! Now I jokingly am telling everyone that of course the trip had to end horribly for the rest of it to be the way that it was, which was good for the soul. I feel transformed and renewed, stronger than ever before. I got my brother back and that's all that's ever really mattered to me. I think too, that because of my new career in blogging, I never would have been as brave as I was if it weren't for all the stepping out of my comfort zone-feels this year. And shit, it's been crazy real, but crazy unbelievable. I'm truly blessed and eternally grateful for this trip. I can't wait to visit again soon. Until then, my lesson of the year: FACE YOUR FEARS. Just run with it and keep pushing forward. You might surprise yourself. :) 

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

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