PFMs Healthy Living: New Year, New Me, New You

photo credits

i have taken a posting hiatus for quite a bit and there really isn't any particular reason other than life got hectic.  it brings to mind my previous post on 2012 and what the "end" really means in all the end of world prophecies.  i stick by my concept that it really meant hard endings and change specific to individuals (for my numerology folks - 2012 = 2+0+1+2 = 5 and 5 means change).  events like Hurricane Sandy and the Newtown tragedy only help prove my theory.  while there are many still dealing with how to move on from both the aforementioned events as well as other personal upheaval, the good thing is - we are still here!  this means that we have the chance, just like in the beginning of a new day, to start all over - fresh.  

the main message that i feel sums up 2012 is learning to be grateful for the things that truly matter - family, food, shelter, warmth.  it is hard to take any of these things for granted as we move into the new year.  in an age when we have access to so much, we are being forced to recognize we only need a little to make life bearable.  ...at least that's what i got and it's what i share with you.   my goal is to be happier.  instead of focusing on what i don't have or what i "need" to have to "be happy", i am focused on being happy right now, with everything exactly as it is.  achieving my goal will mean that i am living in the moment and making an effort to enjoy the roller coaster ride called life (which will remind me that that the ups and downs are all part of it).  i'm working on my outlook and, though i have a ways to go, i am enjoying the process of learning what really makes me happy.  it comes down to the above four things; they are the pillars to my foundation on which to build my true happiness. 

i challenge you to do the same; if you are unhappy, the only thing that you can change right now is you and your outlook on life.  if you can change that, be prepared for things to shift right before your eyes.  we have to "live our best life now".  to quote Rihanna's song Right Now- "tomorrow's way too far away, we can't get back yesterday, but we are young right now, we got right now, so get up right now." tomorrow isn't promised, yesterday is already gone and all we have is today - so love and live life right now.  

best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and new you! xo sesheta

p.s. many thanks to all of our readers for visiting and reading our blog throughout 2012.  here's to hoping that we continue to inspire, encourage and provoke your best life as we strive for ours!

-the PFMs

Ask the PFMs: How to Fight Cold Season

It's that season, and I'm not just talking about the holidays. Every winter it seems unavoidable that we all get a common cold or flu, especially when stress comes into the picture. I tried my best to stay strong but something's had me feeling under the weather for the past few days. The good news is that I've been digging into my trusty stash of healthy remedies to boost my immune system and recover quickly. I've been asked to share my tips for those days when you are feeling run-down with flu or cold symptoms, so here's my routine. Please remember, I'm not a doctor! xoxo Becca

1. Sainsbury's Vitamin C Tablets are amazing, but too bad I can't seem to be able to find them for sale in the United States! One a day in a tall glass of water is all you need. My brother brought them back from a trip to England and now I'm hooked, but this version by NOW Foods is my alternative.

2. It's an Owl Mug. Better to make it a cute one because you'll be sipping hot tea out of this every morning. Try brewing something soothing like raw ginger root tea with a splash of fresh lemon juice (here's the teabag version) or just drink plain warm water to stay hydrated and keep things moving in your system. 

3-4. Be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods and get a super healthy dose of energy by mixing Green Vibrance into your morning green smoothie. We have recipes here and here. Fresh foods (veggies and whole grains) will go a long way in making your recovery a fast one. 

5. The Sinus Rinse Kit is something that I've grown to like (not love.) It feels pretty weird at first, but the results will have you coming back for more. Hint- you will be able to breathe through your nose again without taking antibiotics.

6. You know that I'm the soup queen, so there's really no reason for me to need an excuse to have soup for lunch and dinner...but being sick is a darn good one. I have a simple homemade soup twice a day like this one. And when I'm feeling up to it, I give this recipe a go.

7. Get more sleep and stay warm. I rest as much as possible with a pair of socks like these to keep me cozy.

8. The only thing more frustrating than feeling under the weather is having breakout prone skin on top it. That's usually the case with me...if I'm not feeling well, my skin bears the brunt of it. LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask contains a mix of garlic and tea tree oil which are powerful antiseptics and disinfectants. I love it- my face feels fresh, clear and moisturized thanks to the natural ingredients like honey, eggs, and grapes. If you're worried about the smell, don't be. It's pretty odorless.

9-10. Choose high quality vitamins and supplements. My multi-vitamin of choice is MegaFood, recommended by Kris Carr. It can be taken anytime, with or without food. Plus, I make sure to have zinc on hand at the first sign of sickness.

PFM Obsession: Bathroom Pendant Lighting

I'm officially on the house-renovation-train and not getting off until things are finished. And by finished, I mean that walls are closed up, floors are cleaned up, we have a place to sleep, and at least one bathroom completed. I would especially love it if our home smelled beautiful again (and not like sewage, thank you very much Sandy). This doesn't seem like too much to ask, right? The good news is that we are well on our way with the reconstruction...my hubby and I might be able to move back home before the New Year. High on our to-do list this weekend is to pick out pendant lighting for over the bathroom sink. Under regular circumstances, I totally enjoy the whole design process, but when it's rushed like this how can you not feel a bit of pressure to make the best decisions? So take a look- any opinions will be very happily accepted. The home design inspiration just keeps a-flowing over on our Pinterest boards. xoxo Becca

Ok y'all, here's the color plan for the main floor bath: charcoal walls (Benjamin Moore- Racoon Fur) with yellow and/or deep blue accents. Our tile is picked and ready to go...white subway for the frameless shower walls, and marble hex on the floors. We chose chrome cross-handled faucets and showerhead from Moen (Weymouth). The sink (pedestal?) and mirror will be chosen last, depending on how much space we end up with after the shower is finished. We already have this Kohler medicine cabinet so we will definitely make it work in either in this bathroom or the one in the basement. 

1. Regina Andrew Antique Mercury Glass Candy Dish Pendant is both vintage and feminine.

2. Regina Andrew Cage Pendant pulls off industrial yet soft.

3. Glass Bulb Pendant, it's a classic.

4. West Elm Industrial Pendant is glamorous and still simple. 

5. Lafitte Pendant- ooh bubble glass. Just not sure about the white cord.

6. Pelle Bubble Chandelier would only happen in my dreams!

7. Capiz Pendant- I love the texture.

8. In Orbit Pendant, known as "hip vintage"

9. Meridian Pendant Lamp has a vintage-modern look.

10. Roost Berlin Pendant Light is another clear glass option with vintage style.

So many lovely options, but I have to choose just one. Are any of you currently in the middle of designing or renovating a bathroom? 

PFMs in the Kitchen: Thanksgiving is Here!

Thanksgiving means more to me than ever this year. I've always loved this holiday for a couple of very specific reasons...my brother and I both have birthdays that happen to fall on or around this holiday (yay!) Next reason is the food: my mother serves up a few of her infamous (and my absolute fave) vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes. Ultimately, nothing can hold a candle to the real excitement behind the holiday- recognizing and being able to give thanks for what's important in life. To my husband, my in-laws, and my sweet sweet friends...I hope you feel the major vibes of gratitude that I'm sending your way. To my mother and brother...this will be the first Thanksgiving in (too) many years when we will be celebrating altogether under the same roof and I can't wait. Lastly to my incredible neighbors and friends in Long Beach with whom we will forever share a special bond...I'm grateful for all the support and help we've given each other over the last few weeks. For our readers that want to give back and help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, you can find one of the many options right here.

And as always, let's bring on the healthy living! Things have been too chaotic lately for me to post any of our actual Thanksgiving recipes, so I borrowed inspiration from the internet to give you a glimpse at some dishes that are similar to what we will be chowing down on tomorrow. Our Thanksgiving will be a non-traditional mix of vegetarian-vegan-deliciousness! Have a wonderful holiday! xoxo Becca

Poblano Cornbread Stuffing via loveandlemons

Spiced Tofu Katsu via The Cilantropist (Tofu Cutlets are the superstars of our Thanksgiving!)

Brussels Sprouts and Red Cabbage Slaw via The Yellow Table

Parsnip Puree Topped with Almond Parmesan via sb&gb

Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp via Two Peas & Their Pod

Spiritual PFM: Death, Transformation and Saturn in Scorpio

in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we on Long Island (and around coastal NYC) are doing our best to get life back to normal.  the hardest part is that normal life isn't possible for many people who have had major or total damage to their homes.  i can't imagine being told that you can't return home for weeks or months or, even worse, ever.  i know a few people, like Becca, who are in this similar situation.  the only silver lining is that many of the areas hit by the storm are middle to affluent neighborhoods; they will rebuild and most will return.  i can't help thinking about just how devastating Katrina must have been to the lower income areas of Louisiana and to those who couldn't afford to rebuild.   i also can't help but think about all that is going on as i witness the forced transformations happening all around me, especially as i am dealing with personal transformation.  a few things came to mind as i pondered it all:

• death and transformation - many are afraid of the idea of death, me included.  i think that fear comes from not understanding the powerful message of death.  when the death card, like the image above from the Motherpeace tarot deck (my favorite deck), shows up in a reading, it doesn't always mean literal death.  everything in nature goes through a death and dying cycle.  things have to die to make way for new things just like the leaves fall of the tree each autumn.  while that doesn't mean death for the tree, it does mean a stage has ended for that tree symbolized by the dying of its leaves.  many of us are in a stage of transformation.   some were forced into the stage by Sandy.  others, like the earth, are in this stage because this is the time of year that our part of the planet goes dormant. 
• scorpionic energy - this time of year, in astrology, is ruled by scorpio.  scorpio is associated with endings and beginnings, death and dying, and transformation.  it rules the time of year when the days are more dark than light, plants are literally dying and animals are stashing food - all in preparation for the cold of winter. it makes utter sense (at least to this layman astrologer) that we would be dealing with all that is happening now while we are in scorpio and right as saturn entered the sign of scorpio.
• saturn in scorpio - as i mentioned, i am a just an astrology aficionado.  i tend to believe that this science truly affects or maybe dictates what is happening on earth.  when things are hectic in my personal life or there are major occurrences (i.e. eclipses, full/new moons), i literally look to the heavens for answers.  i am a libra so i was fully aware that saturn was in my sign recently.  i was also fully aware that at the beginning of the month, it moved out of libra and into scorpio.  i wanted to do a dance of joy!  saturn is known as the taskmaster and forces us to experience hard lessons based on where it falls in our astrological charts and also what sign it is in.  so basically, scorpios are going through it right now.  the things is, you don't have to be a scorpio to feel the pressure of saturn.  if scorpio plays an important part in your birth chart (which i recommend you have done at least once in your life), it can also be stressful for you.  well, needless to say, my dance of joy has quickly stopped. scorpio plays a major role in my birth chart.  Dang it! so basically, i thought the hard lessons were over and they seem to be just getting started.  while in my search for understanding, i came across this cool astrology blog.  please see the links below to see how saturn's placement can affect you - scorpio or not.  hopefully you'll find some interesting and enlightening info like i did:

http://willowsweb.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/saturn-in-scorpio.html

http://willowsweb.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/saturn-in-scorpio-grounding-charge-and.html

it seems like both Becca and i are in the middle of transformation.  life is forcing us to say good-bye to things and concepts that no longer fit into the plan.  just like the snake in the pic above, we are shedding layers so that we can make way for the new, wonderful, bigger and better (have to stay positive) things waiting for us on the other side.  Becca is shedding layers of her house and i am shedding concepts and behaviors.  that doesn't mean that there won't be tears or resistance or downright kicking and screaming throughout this change.  (i think i've done it all and i'm sure Becca has too lol.)  ...but i am just trying to keep my eye on the prize and trust that as i peel away the dead layers that no longer serve me, i am making way for a happier, self-satisfied me. #fingerscrossed lol xo sesheta

Design Lust: Vintage Style Bathrooms

(Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

 When things get difficult, don't give up! It's truly been an amazing thing to see all of my neighbors pull together and support each other in the aftermath of the hurricane. Long Beach was hit very hard, but we are staying strong and will rebuild better than ever. 

On a lighter note, there seems to be a few rooms in my house that I now unexpectedly get to rebuild. Let's be real...of course I'm not thrilled that we just moved in 1 1/2 years ago and plenty of the work that we did has to be redone...but shall we have a look on the bright side? Due to our trouble with Sandy, my husband and I are able to start fresh and tap into what I absolutely love doing- interior design! 

Our first project: the bathrooms. We originally didn't do anything to the two bathrooms in our house other than a coat of paint after moving in. Fast-forward to now...due to flooding our entire finished basement (including the bathroom) had to be gutted down to the studs. The one on the main floor is getting a total remodel. I'm turning my negative thoughts into positive ones by fantasizing about having a beautiful vintage style bathroom where I can finally take a steaming hot bath and relax in peace and quiet. All I will have to do is light some candles...and breathe. Here are some of my recent inspirations that I've been collecting to get the bathroom reno process started.

My ideal bathroom is vintage-inspired and would stay true to the aesthetics of our 1920s bungalow. I imagine it with white subway tile, marble hex tile on the floor, and perhaps a wall-mounted sink. I'm obsessive about choosing paint color so white tile is a (classic) no-brainer! Both bathrooms are super small and will have to remain so...which means it will take some smart (and quick) decisions to increase storage and save as much space as possible. I'm looking forward to documenting each room throughout the house that we remodel, while also re-defining how we use the space. Although my in-laws are generously letting us stay with them as long as needed, my husband and I are feeling the time crunch to get the renovations completed. We can't wait to get back into our own home. What's your idea of the perfect bathroom remodel? I'd love to know if you're making any plans that you want to share. xoxo Becca

A Day in the Life: Home Is...

Hurricane Sandy came through NY and completely destroyed the city of Long Beach that we love so much. My hubby and I are safe, but our home is not. Cue this song, which has become my mantra "home is wherever I'm with you." Thanks to family and friends that are keeping us optimistic. Not sure when we will be back with steady content here on MavenFresh, but you can keep in touch via Instagram and Twitter. Sending love and prayer to everyone else affected by this disaster. xoxo Becca

A Day in the Life: Frankenstorm: Hurricane Sandy's cleansing

Long Beach, NY 

Under water already

photos courtesy of Jeanmarie Walsh

living in NY/Long Island is usually pretty cool but every now and again, you come face to face with just how vulnerable we are due to our location.  we are literally an island surrounded by water. well, duh you maybe saying but, in most circumstances, it's great to live near the shore; today, however, we see the negative aspects of living near water.  we are in the midst of experiencing Hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm and as you can see from the pics above of one area of Long Beach , the water has taken over what is normally shore.  Long Beach residents and anyone living below about half a mile from me, were told to evacuate for their safety.  we haven't even felt the full brunt of the storm and Long Beach is already under water.  thankfully my LB family are all safe, and all my other friends are also safe in their homes or in the homes of loved ones.  despite the possibility of the loss of belongings, all of us are enjoying the day(s) off from the usual grind.  i have already baked some muffins (check instagram for pics), chosen a family movie for movie time and enjoyed some much needed extra sleep.  the unexpected free time may even afford the time to get creative!! 

the storm has forced many of us to have to stop our regular routine.  though it may be inconvenient for some, we have to remember that water is one of Mother Nature's tools for cleansing.  we also know that the earth is living and breathing just like us.  ...so just like we would embark on a juice fast, the earth's cleansing comes in the form of storms and natural disasters.  it is easy to buy into the fear surrounding these disasters but, instead of focusing on all the things that can go wrong, i invite you to take the time to tune into the energy of the storm and appreciate the earth's choice to shift energy.  take the time to thank her for cleansing and also for passing you and your loved ones by in the process.  this is even the perfect time to consider what you, like the earth,  may need to cleanse out of your own life.

if you are in the line of the storm, here's wishing that you are safe and sound and that you remain unscathed by Mother Nature's path to healing.  xo Sesheta

PFMs in the Kitchen: Yummy Lentil Soup with Wilted Greens

okay, it only took a week for me to get it together but here is my recipe for lentil soup.  it is the perfect way to cook up a lot and eat for as long as you can stand it.  you can even freeze half and have it as a quick lunch/dinner solution for another day.  hope you enjoy it as much as i did mine!

You need: 

2 16oz. packages of brown lentils

1 onion, peeled and chopped

5-6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 can tomato paste (preferably organic)
2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped (eliminates gas and aids digestion)
6-7 bay leaves (eliminates gas)
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 stalks scallion, halved
1 package frozen loose corn
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more if you like heat - cayenne is healing to the digestive tract)
2 T Trader Joe's 21 Seasonings
1T Tamari gluten free Soy Sauce like San-J
Sea salt to taste
Trader Joe's Organic Greens mix,  washed and on the side


Prep time: 30 mins
Cooking time: 1 hour-2 hours (depending on how slow you want to cook it)

How to:

Rinse your lentils and put them in a large pot.  Fill with water  (as high as it may go but leave room to prevent bubbling over).  Hint: have boiled water on the side to add to your stock in case boiling decreases your liquid. Put the pot on a medium high temperature adding your bay leaves to the water.  Bring to a boil, reduce fire to medium and let it continue to simmer for about 20 mins.  Add your chopped ginger.  After another 10 mins, add the tomato paste and continue to let it slow cook for another 10 mins.  Then add all garlic, onion, celery, scallion, corn and seasonings. Cook for another 20 mins.  Add salt to taste.  Once done and served, add a handful of washed greens and stir in for a quick green addition. An extra fun addition is some chopped ripe avocado that turns up the volume on delicious!! Yum!! xo Sesheta

PFM Obsession: Flats Loafers & Oxfords, at Target!

Bravo Target, my love for you keeps growing! Sometimes a girl just wants to add to her collection of flats for fall, without breaking the bank. Done and done. I'm appreciating the whole look for less aspect...who doesn't like getting designer style at affordable prices? I became so enthralled while shopping online that the first two pairs somehow ended up at my front door (how did that happen?) and I have to say they are super comfortable. Hint- look for the "buy one, get one half off" deals that Target often has. The only difficult part for you my friends will be deciding which colors to get! xoxo Becca

1. These Mossimo tassel loafers bear a striking resemblance to this pair from Dolce Vita...do y'all agree?

2. Wear glittery gold oxfords with everything from a pleated skirt to boyfriend jeans and a tie-neck blouse. At least, that's what I'll be doing! Madewell has a stunning option here, while Dolce Vita offers a non-sparkle version.

3. Two-tone and cap-toe are both classic styles that aren't going anywhere for a while...just ask the fashionistas at Shopbop and check out this pricier patent pair by Sam Edelman.

PFMs in the Kitchen: Tempeh with Soba Noodles and Braised Kale

When it comes to ingredients I generally try to keep it short and simple. This recipe is an exception, but don't be intimated...promise you this dish is easy to make and happens to be vegan/gluten-free (be sure to read the labels on the King Soba noodles to find the GF ones.) Plus if you're like me and a creamy peanut butter sauce sounds more than appetizing...read on.

Psst, first I want to share an insider tip about cooking tempeh (a fermented soybean product.) Whether this is your first time using it in a recipe or you're a seasoned tempeh eater like myself- there's a little trick to keeping it a bit more moist and juicy: before you pan-fry or saute it, boil it. Yup, take the tempeh out of the package, toss it into a pot of boiling water and cook it for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you can spare. The longer you boil it, the less dry it will be when you crisp it up in the oil...you can experiment and see that it really makes a difference. Now on to what seems to be our fall dietary trend...healthy comfort food. Eat up!

You need: 

1 package King Soba noodles (we used the Brown Rice Wakame)

1 package Lightlife Soy Tempeh  diced into 1-inch cubes

grapeseed oil (great for frying)

2 bunches of kale, rinsed and chopped

1 tbsp coconut oil

4 cloves garlic, crushed
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup water

4-5 scallions

sea salt

black pepper 

How to:

Cook the soba noodles according to the package. In a skillet, add 1-2 inches of grapeseed oil on medium heat. Remove your tempeh from the boiling water (see above) and put it in the skillet, cooking it until golden brown (about 5 minutes on each side.) Then take the tempeh out of the pan and put it on a paper towel to soak up some of the excess oil. Meanwhile, in another skillet, add the coconut oil. Toss in the ginger and garlic, saute for about 30 seconds. Add the kale and water- stir and saute for 4-6 minutes...the kale will turn a beautiful green color and wilt slightly. Remove from the heat and using tongs put the kale, tempeh, and noodles all together in a large serving bowl. Pour the sauce over everything, while tossing gently with the tongs.

  

Sauce*: 

1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup shoyu

1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 cup water (for consistency) 

*In a blender, simply puree these ingredients together. Pour this sauce over noodles, tempeh and kale. Mix well and garnish with scallions. Et voila! Serves 4-5. xoxo Becca

Why I love these ingredients: 
Because tempeh is made from the whole soybean, it contains all of the bean’s naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. This plant-based soy protein has a chewy, grainy consistency that makes it a good substitute for meat in many recipes. 

Modified recipe via Andrea Beaman

A Day in the Life: Soup is comfort

this is a super late post because sometimes life gets in the way of what usually happens.  i spent most of the day nursing my sick little one back to health (still in progress) and that was in addition to packing lunches, checking homework, cleaning the bathroom, running to the orthodontist and cooking dinner.  somehow it isn't that surprising that i wasn't able to post until now.  and even still, this is just a prelude post to my next post where i share my recipe for this scrumptious soup above.  

the weather has been fluctuating but i have officially entered into my warm comfort food mode.  i have been craving soups more and more.  if you are feeling me, then this will be a great add to your personal cookbook.  

...well, enjoy my pic and stay tuned for the details of how to recreate this for you and your loved ones. xo Sesheta

PFMs on the Town: North Fork Here I Come

image via, text via me

I woke up early for some last minute packing and couldn't be more excited to skip town! My husband and I are on our way (as you read this) to spend the weekend in wine country at our home away from home...the Harvest Inn Bed & Breakfast. Not sure how many New Yorkers (or Long Islanders) realize this, but the North Fork of Long Island is chock full of beautiful vineyards with delicious wine and warm, friendly people. I always look forward to the food just as much as the wine...the eats are locally grown and super fresh. The menus change according to season at many of the restaurants in this area, just the way it should be when the majority of the ingredients for meals are locally sourced. You know I dig it! If you keep traveling east you will end up in Greenport, my favorite little town to search for hidden treasures. They have an abundance of antique shops and jewelry boutiques...so much fun. May I suggest that you follow along on all the adventures through Instagram this weekend? The food alone will be worth the look! Here's a hint- over at the Harvest Inn, Chef Christopher will whip up a breakfast that could have me out of bed and drooling with just a moment's thought. We love that man.

Anyone have any restaurant recommendations on the North Fork for us to try? I hope you all have awesome plans this weekend that get you refreshed and living in the moment. That's what it's all about! xoxo Becca

Spiritual PFM: Cricket and more: Leaping over Hard Lessons

Photo courtesy of here

the end of the summer into early fall was a rough transition for me.  i had a lot of good things going on but, at the same time, i was being faced with some hard lessons about life.  i was totally overwhelmed with all that was expected of me. ...so much so that it didn't seem like there was any relief in sight.  while some areas were moving full speed ahead, the areas that i wanted to move forward were at a complete and utter standstill.   it left me feeling uninspired, down in the dumps and just plain ol' unhappy.  then, it seemed like all of a sudden things started to move forward.  what happened exactly?  well, that's what i have been wondering so that i can create a formula so that i can repeat it for when life decides to be a pain in the a$$ (which i know is inevitably going to happen again).  here are a couple things that stand out in my mind:

1. Cricket appeared - this summer in my house, we suddenly kept finding crickets.  we had no idea how they were getting in but, they were.  it drove us insane!! there is nothing like heading to your kitchen to get a drink and being greeted by a cricket in the middle of the floor.  arrrrgghhh!! at the time, all i could do was add this to my frustration list.  now that i have had some time to reflect, i am confident that spirit was trying to send us a message.  i looked in my Animal Speak book and according to Ted Andrews, crickets are a sign of growth.  ...not just your average growth that happens incrementally, but  growth that literally jumps ahead. an additional google search on the web led me to this site that states, "The crickets’ hind legs are modified for jumping. They leap over difficult situations effortlessly always choosing to land in a more pleasing environment and can teach us how to do the same. A powerful ally that embodies the qualities of faith and trust the cricket serves us well. All we need to do is follow its lead."   all of this made total sense!!  ...not only in regards to the situation at hand, but also to my entire life.  for example, after years of  living with my in-laws and feeling like i would never move, the opportunity came up to purchase my house!  just like that, i became a homeowner!  while most people make gradual changes in life, it definitely feels like i make changes in sudden leaps.
2.  Saturn moved out of Libra - even the stars suddenly joined on my side.  the planet saturn is known as the task master, the planet that rules over hard lessons.  it takes saturn 29 years to travel around the sun and it makes its slow, painful trip taking two and a half years to get through each sign.  October 5th marked the date that Saturn left Libra and moved into Scorpio.  wooohooo! (sorry, Scorpios!)  i am a Libra and, boy, do i know first hand how hard the last 2.5 years has been for me.  i have learned a lot about myself and questioned just about everything that i believe in during this time.  although i know that i am a stronger person from it all, i am glad for a little relief any way i can get it!!
3. Working on me - once i accepted the hard fact that there was nothing that i could physically do to make my life get easier, i started working on me.  i added more juicing into my diet, upped my prayers, and started focusing on giving myself extra love.  it was super easy to focus on everything that was going wrong so i made a point of turning my focus inward.  after all, the only thing that i can control is me.
4. Enlisted my prayer warriors - when things started to get crazy, i started speaking to the people i knew had close connections with the Most High.  i requested that they add me and my family to their list when praying.  i believe in the power in numbers so, in addition to my prayers for help and breakthroughs, i knew that having others praying for me would only increase my chances of success.  i hope that you are blessed to have prayer warriors in your life; if you don't, you need to enlist them now!

though i can't force breakthroughs to happen when i want them, i have definitely learned that when i need them to, they happen.  i'm hoping that continuing to be open to signs from spirit as well as connecting to my spirit within (and to others who are doing the same) will help keep me from feeling blue the next time life throws me for a loop.  i sure hope that it will be quite a while before it happens again #fingerscrossed lol, xo Sesheta

A Day in the Life: Fall Happenings

I recently upgraded from a total fossil phone (embarrassing) to the newest iPhone (yay!) and realized just how much fun it is when you (attempt to) capture life's moments on Instagram. Here's a quick roundup of what's been happening this past month...our Portland friends came to visit and we took them sightseeing in NYC, there was time well spent at home with sunsets+Stewie+chai lattes, we celebrated Sesheta's birthday, and I broke out the fall booties quite a few times. What can I say...it's been such a wonderful fall and it's only going to get better. My hubby and I are heading off to the Long Island vineyards this weekend and something tells me there will be plenty of wine, pumpkins, and antique shops in my near future. Stay in the loop and follow us here. xoxo Becca

Spiritual PFM: Time with Me

Photo courtesy of living la vida rita

i am one with all and none

the gratitude i feel exudes thru me

when i am loved by you.

all seems dark and doors seem closed

but u provide the spark of light that guides me thru.

u are always there when i need u,

though not necessarily when i want u,

but always when i call. 

i am thankful for u

for persevering when times get tough

and things are all out of balance.

u always center me 

when life gets hard and challenges abound.

u remind me that this isn't all; 

life is much more.  

u ground me

in love, 

in light, 

in me.

Daily Outfit: Classics for a Special Evening

A couple of weekends ago I celebrated with friends the recent marriage of a bride 'n groom who had the pleasure of getting hitched in Ireland; they topped it off with a lovely wedding reception here in NY. It took place at a beach-side venue on Long Island where we were fortunate enough to be partying with a gorgeous ocean view!

For the wedding, I pulled out my washed silk cocktail dress. It's a classic piece that I rarely wear, but when I do I realize that it's worth hanging on to! I went retro with my sparkly gold maryjanes and tied it together with a vintage purse in a neutral color. To finish off the look I paired this deep blue dress with a multi-strand cabochon necklace that I save for special occasions. Can't forget the blazer to ward off any strong ocean breeze. It's always fun to dress up (and celebrate!) xoxo Becca

(Dress- Development by Erica Davies {about 5 years old, but this is similar} Necklace- Vintage similar, Handbag-Vintage similar, Cocktail Ring- Vintage similar, Shoes- Anthropologie similar, Blazer- Urban Outfitters)

PFMs on the Town: Bday Bash at Seasons 52

what's more fun than having dinner with friends? having dinner with your friends on your birthday at Seasons 52.  as you can see, we had a good time sharing drinks, stories and really good food (though they need to step up their brussel sprout recipe lol).  most of the pics show all of us testing out the panorama camera feature on the iphone.  yes, iphone syndrome is a real sickness!

i had a great time and the best part is we've decided to make sure we do it much more often, instead of reserving the fun for birthdays. woo hoo!! that works for me :)  for now though, the birthday celebration continues!! and TGIF!!! xo Sesheta

PFMs in the Kitchen: Silky Butternut Squash Soup

Can I admit a somewhat shameful secret? Here it is...I've actually never used butternut squash in a recipe before. Chalk it up to sheer laziness (the thought of cutting, peeling, and deseeding didn't thrill me) but with the cool weather here I had to step it up and create one of my favorite soups. Really-how can I call myself the Soup Queen without having a trusty butternut squash recipe under my belt? This is the soup that reminds me "hey, it's fall." Just curious, is anyone bringing this mustard jewel-tone color into their autumn wardrobe yet?

This recipe was inspired by the ultra-talented Andrea Beaman, a Natural Foods Chef and Health Coach. She's a master of simplicity who really knows her stuff, but I always like to tweak a recipe to make it my own. There were a few spices that I wanted to add, and I also decided to pour organic coconut milk into the soup. I swapped out the last cup of water for a cup of vegetable stock and eliminated the pumpkin seeds and parsley (though they make a pretty garnish.) Using a hand-blender was less fussy than the food processor. All in all, I came up with a silky flavorful soup that had my husband going back for seconds. Yum...I will be eating this again for today's lunch. Success. xoxo Becca

You need:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 butternut squash, peeled and deseeded

2-3 inches ginger, peeled and chopped

5 cups water

1 cup vegetable stock

1 can organic coconut milk

1 teaspoon sea salt

21 Seasoning Salute to taste

How to:

Saute the onion in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Add squash, ginger, water, vegetable broth, and sea salt. Bring to boil, cover and simmer until the squash is soft (about 15-20 minutes.) Using a hand blender, puree until the chunks are gone. Pour in the coconut milk and blend again until super-smooth (save a bit for garnish if you wish.) Add your seasoning and continue cooking, stirring with a spoon for another 2 minutes. Serve and top with a dollop of coconut milk.

Why I love these ingredients:

There's not too many of them=simple and fresh. Yay! Butternut squash contains an ample dose of fiber, vital for a naturally cleansing and rejuvenating lifestyle. It's also rich with antioxidants that fight free radicals and have anti-inflammatory effects (great for asthma, arthritis and premature aging.)

Spiritual PFM: Little Reminders

it could have been really easy to slip into a bad mood because of the rain on my birthday (especially because that is not what the weather said yesterday, smh).  in fact, i was already on my way to that state when, one of my good friends stopped me in my tracks by saying, "you bring the sunshine, birthday girl!"  i was starting to commit to the funk but her little reminder helped to bring me back to seeing the lighter side, my silver lining.  as i sat and watched the rain subside and then witnessed the sky becoming brighter and lighter, i claimed it; i bring the sunshine!!  in one instant, my mood was lifted.  it really can be that simple - to choose to be one way or another, happy or funky.  i chose happy and i was reminded that i should be coming from a place of gratitude today and always.  ... so here goes:

Give thanks and praise for those little reminders

and for those beautiful beings that remind you.

give thanks for sunshine and rain, rainbows and clouds;

give thanks for all things sparkly, blingy, glittery, shiny; :)

give thanks for my family - blood and adopted;

give thanks for yarn, beads, crystals;

give thanks for color;

give thanks for life, for the blessing of another day of breath 

and the promise of a new year.

ashe!

xo Sesheta

PFMs Healthy Living: Make Time

(image via pinterest, text via me)

Yes you can. Do it. Now. 

Read more books.

Make and eat good food.

Take risks.

Experiment with hairstyles. 

Visit wine country.

Dream big.

Spend a rainy day in bed with your sweetheart.
Inspire yourself.

Meditate.

Be adventurous.

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to make time. What's on your list? xoxo Becca