PFM Obsession: Rebecca Minkoff Cheetah Tote

there are two things that i can always count on: 1) the weekend will eventually come and 2) there will always be a bag that inspires obsession lol.  that being said, the latest addition to my bag stalker/bag watcher list is the Rebecca Minkoff Cheetah Canvas Tote.  Becca and i were strolling through Nordstroms when we came upon a display with the pink version.  it was love at first sight!  sigh, i love the print combined with the bright pop of colored leather.  it would be the perfect addition to any outfit.  though i am unable to get this in my possession at the moment,  i will definitely keep my eye out for any sales or discounts because the original price point could be made sweet with dividends off! 

Have a great weekend!! xo sesheta

PFM Confessional: Cleansing

(Image One via With Style & Grace, Image Two via, Image Three via A Beautiful Mess, Image Four via Lexie's Kitchen)

This is going to be a difficult post to write...but I've wanted to find a way share my personal journey with you. In 2003, I was diagnosed with a disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/CRPS), a progressive and "incurable" neurological disease. As a result, I spent subsequent years with severe chronic burning pain and inflammation in my right foot from the tips of my toes almost up to my knee.

The majority of individuals with RSD are using equipment to assist with mobility, are on disability, and can no longer partake in life...yet people who I meet would never even know that I have this disease. I know I've beaten the odds. After many unsuccessful and invasive traditional methods of treatment, I couldn't just trust modern medicine. I found my own solutions by focusing on a more unconventional holistic approach. For the past 7 years I've been slowly reversing the condition with acupuncture (thanks Jonny!), yoga, physical therapy, osteopathic care, a loving support system (you know who you are xoxo), and changes in diet and lifestyle. And...drumroll please...I'm thankful to be completely medication-free for over a year.

If you are suffering from a chronic disease, or any disease for that matter, I'm encouraging you to be open to natural healing methods and changes in your diet. Recently I came to realize that there are two things that can make my RSD flare up: stress (like when we moved last year), and poor diet. Being born and raised a vegetarian, the cards were already stacked in my favor...or so I thought. But when spring or summer rolls around, my body seems to crave some sort of detox to get back it into balance and I try to listen. Auspiciously, my friend had mentioned the book Crazy Sexy Diet...I ordered it right away after reading rave reviews from people suffering from chronic pain. Author Kris Carr is inspirational; she writes about healing herself through an anti-inflammatory diet in a way that completely made sense to me and built upon what I already knew about healthy living. After devouring her book I couldn't wait to start things off with the 21-day cleanse...you basically eat a plant-based vegan diet (no meat, no sugar, no gluten, no alcohol, and no caffeine for 21 days) with an emphasis on green juices. Kris offers daily prayers, affirmations, and invaluable tips to encourage you through the cleansing process.

Even though I'm a vegetarian, I didn't fully understand what a healthy diet was. I don't eat meat and I do eat wheat bread...so I'm healthy, right? Crazy Sexy Diet reinforces the fact that the Standard American Diet (SAD) and its lack of nutritious, anti-inflammatory, whole, and plant-based foods can contribute to the onset and cause of many chronic and degenerative diseases. I already knew from experimenting with my diet that eating processed soy products can flare up my symptoms...time to take it a step further. The more I read, the more I realized diet was the key in treating my RSD. 

Now I'm on Day 17 of the Crazy Sexy Cleanse (plus I prepped by avoiding all dairy and gluten a week ahead) and I'm recognizing what my body needs in order to be healthy. After repeating today's affirmation- I believe in me and I'm proud of how far I've come- I was further encouraged to write this post. This entire experience is connecting the dots between my diet, my mindset, and my disease. I know firsthand that whole grains and organic fruits 'n veggies are magical! My skin is glowing and completely clear...yet another reason for me to finally give up dairy. I've been drinking green smoothies at least once a day, and loving it. They are officially my replacement for coffee...shocking, but true. I love eating this way and trying out new recipes with my hubby...we were even motivated to plant about ten different vegetables in our backyard. I've become addicted to dry brushing. Oh, I also bought a new all-natural deodorant. My excitement rubbed off on a friend; for the past two weeks she's been dedicated to cleansing along with me and as a bonus we've both lost a few pounds. Bottom line: I'm on the road to becoming pain-free, and having fun doing it. It's so true that many answers to our health can be found in what we are putting in our bodies. Healthy living is more than just yummy green juice and smoothies. It takes hydration, sleep, exercise, stress reduction and a good dose of love and mental health with a side of forgiveness and joy (thanks Kris Carr)! This sparkly girl is inspired to stick with these new changes in lifestyle. 

Being diagnosed with RSD almost 10 years ago was completely life-altering. The initial years prior to going into remission were traumatizing, but I fought through it. You can't give up or give in. I truly believe that I am a happier and healthier person now than before I got this disease. Obstacles are opportunities in disguise...my path led me to my loving husband; I met and bonded with my MavenFresh girl, Sesheta; and ultimately I've come to realize my desire to learn more about nutrition and empower others to prevent and heal illness with a healthy lifestyle. Everyone wants to look good and feel happy...it all starts with being good to yourself on the inside.  

Thank you for reading this...nothing's truly official till you've written it down and damn- this was a cleansing experience in itself! Please write us with questions...you don't have to wait for a crappy wake-up call to start sparkling! Hey, it looks like future MavenFresh recipes could be both vegan and gluten-free. xoxo Becca

Daily Outfit: Turq and Peaches

one day, i will get to Turks and Caicos for a fun-filled, relaxed vacation.  right now, my days are filled with the bills of maintaining a house, feeding a family and finding camp tuition.  ... so until that day when i get to the actual place, i am filling my days with the color combos and pattern mixing that will bring me joy.  like this unexpected combo above.  i love the way this electric blue blends with my neon peach shirt.  they are normally two colors that i wouldn't pair together but, when inspiration strikes, there is no telling what will result lol!!  i was pleasantly surprised!  adding my leopard print jeans was just the right bit of "edge" to keep this from being too preppy.  sooo, though i'll keep playing with brights this summer, i'll really be dreaming of being on vacay!!

(Feather Fancy Earrings and Jersey Mobius  - MavenFresh, Bright Blue Blazer - Forever21, Neon Peach Tee - J Crew, Leopard Print jeans - Vanilla Star Jeans, Clog booties - Swedish Hasbeens, Two-finger ring - Erica Anenberg) 

Mani Pedi: 50 Shades of Color

This mani-pedi combo may be a little much for some ladies, but I'm always up for trying something new. A recent collaborator with the Sally Hansen line is Avril Lavigne...let me just say, she's done good! I love her Purr-fect Harmony leopard print in gradual shades of the rainbow. They have a rock 'n roll vibe while still being bright and colorful. As usual, the nail stickers lasted almost two weeks. Your manicure doesn't always have to match your pedicure...in fact, I'm a firm believer that they should not be exactly the same. My toes were a happy accident...a day after getting them done, I stubbed my big toe and the polish chipped right off. What's a girl to do? Just grab your favorite bottle of glitter polish and paint both big toes! There just happened to be flecks of soft plum in the glitter that picked up the Essie pedicure color perfectly.


 My inner goddess was purrrrring over this mani-pedi. Just kidding (kind of.)


(Mani- Sally Hansen Salon Effects Purr-Fect Harmony, Pedi- OPI Nicole in Rainbow in the S-Kylie & Essie Play Date , Skirt-Anthropologie, Sandals- Matt Bernson)

A Day in the Life: Rain, Rain Cleanse Away

the calm after the storm

in the few days of summer we have, the last thing i want is for there to be rain. ...especially rain of the magnitude we had this morning in ny.  it forces you to rearrange your outfit to be waterproof or, even worse, you get caught unprepared in the downpour.  public transportation runs late; there's traffic everywhere.  either way, it sometimes ruins the day.  ...but then, when i take a second to step back from all the little inconveniences that it causes, it's hard to ignore the healing properties that rain has for the earth as well as for us.  it cleanses away the dirt and grime.  it cools down the heat and dispels humidity. it helps flowers to grow and gives water to the animals.  it refills our reservoirs, lakes and streams.    there are many people praying for rain for all these very reasons...

...so today, instead of being annoyed by the wet weather, i am going to be thankful.  thankful for the cleansing and calm it brings.  ...but i sure hope it's bright, warm and sunny tomorrow!! lol :)

PFMs Do It Better: How to Create a Gallery Wall

We've been in our house for over a year, and between work and the holidays and life in general I feel we're finally settling into our sweet little abode. In the past I've shared my exterior paint job, how-to make your flat screen tv more attractive, and my lust for some seaside art, but the main floor has overall been a work-in-progress. I fell in love with the 1920's bungalow style of our beach house and its arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, and wraparound front porch. I had tons of inspiration around me to make this place our own. We decided to it was about time to liven up our blank living room wall and give it a personal touch...can we say gallery wall?

You need: 

a hammer

painter's tape

tissue paper (or newspaper)

tape measure, (level; optional)

picture hanging hooks, nails, screws, etc

 First- collect, collect, collect. Think about framing a favorite postcard, fabric swatch, or a record album to create an impact. I saved a wallpaper remnant that sadly never made it onto an accent wall...but it did make it into our gallery arrangement! A couple of works by our artist friends make this collection even more special to us.

mirror | bracket | sconce | bust | giant buttons | shelves | plate

Go beyond the frame. Add some depth, texture, and dimension!

That rhino bust...yep, I went there.

Play around with placement. To do this, lay the tissue paper on top of your pieces and cut carefully. Use painter's tape to try them on the wall in different arrangements...you won't end up with a wall full of holes before committing. A general guideline (not a must) is to hang pictures at 57" on center from the floor. This is "gallery height" and roughly the average human eye level. We loosely used the 57" line to dictate the center of this gallery-style grouping (meaning, the row with the Ferris Wheel is at this line so we can still hang more pieces below/above and it will work out oh-so-well.)

image via bitohoney

image via bitohoney

There is right or wrong way to do it. Uniqueness is built on imperfection! Still... creating a stylish arrangement can be intimidating, so here are some suggestions: 

~find an inspiring arrangement via the net or a magazine and make it work for you

 ~keep a few inches between all pieces for consistency

 ~make sure you hang dimensional pieces higher if you are curating a wall near heavy foot traffic

~when in doubt, just hang your most loved piece in the center of the wall and work your way out 

~vary the frame style for a diverse eclectic vibe

~unify the frame style for an updated contemporary vibe

~consider transforming an inexpensive frame with paint or tape

Leave room for the unexpected. I love the concept of an ever-changing and growing gallery wall. I've started small, but will be adding new pieces as I get them, eventually stretching this into a salon-style installation from chair rail up to ceiling!

(Clockwise from top left to right: Mirror-West Elm, Painting- gift from Anthony Santamaria, Savannah Story Bust- Anthropologie, Typography Art Print- Ashley G, Coney Island Ferris Wheel Print- Minagraphy, Print- gift from Ann Farrell, Salton Sea Print- Leah Giberson, Wallpaper Swatch- Anthropologie)

Have a great weekend and don't forget to enter our giveaway, it ends on Monday night!

A Day in the Life: Shining Star

 there are no words to describe how proud i am that our oldest has officially "moved up" from middle school to high school.  he has grown so much since he first started in 5th grade.  i remember being so worried about him; how was he going to find his way around? how would he remember his locker combo?  ...well, i had every reason to worry.  his grades dipped for the first time in his school career; his teachers said he was unorganized.   lol, yet, somehow he was able to pull it all together and end his first year in stellar fashion.  after that, he was back on track.  he made high honor roll, was inducted into National Junior
Honor Society and made Student of the Month more times than i can count.  then he got to 8th grade.  dun dun duuuunnn...

though he has continued performing to high standards, he came up against his first real academic challenge - Advanced Science - Living Environment.  it was one of two 9th grade Regents courses that he took this year.  all of a sudden, it became apparent that his natural talent for getting good grades wasn't enough to get him through.  he actually had  to*gasp* study!!  i'm happy to say that, though it was a struggle for him, Tau came out triumphant.  not only did he start developing study habits, he also passed the Regents!!  wooohooo!!

there are many reasons why i'm happy.  besides the obvious reasons, i am ecstatic that Tau has learned that, when faced with a challenge, you don't turn and run -you face it head on, step by step.  this is only the first life challenge that he has really had to deal with so far, but the way he handled it has me confident that everything that my hubby and i (and the village that raises him) have instilled in him has stuck.  i celebrate him and all those who have helped to get him to this point - my husband, his grandparents, aunts and uncles (adopted and blood-related), his god-parents and all the rest of our family.  we couldn't have done it without you.  we should all be proud of our shining star.

Daily Outfit: I'm On A Boat

How fun is this blazer? I found this 4 years ago in a heap of designer samples that I was selling off for a friend and decided to keep it for myself. The quirky sailboat print had me instantly smitten. Ever since, I happily break it out as soon as the weather turns warm.

 Now let's talk colored denim: I've been searching high and low for the perfect shade of red pants that could take me through summer, and found these at Madewell. Colorpop...what's in a name anyway? Ha! It wasn't easy to find a rich bright red with a hint of coral, but a girl knows what she wants- and I was on a mission. 

Two favorite pieces in one outfit!

PS don't forget to enter to win a pair of earrings in our giveaway!

(Sailboat Blazer- sample sale, Tee- Urban Outfitters, Skinny Skinny Colorpop Jeans-Madewell, Boots- Nine West, Cuff- Flea Market)

Mani Pedi: Purplishious Sparkle

my #nailswag continues with this fun color combo.  if you didn't know, purple is actually my official favorite color.  it would make perfect sense that i have nail polishes in just about any shade of purple you could imagine.  for this mani, i only used three different shades - Essie Lilacism (index finger), Color Club Disco Dress (middle finger) and Color Club Pucci licious and used OPI Nicole Rainbow in S-Kylie as my accent.  since i don't have the time and patience to do super fancy designs, this was a cool and easy way to have color fun.  luv it!!!!  i will definitely do this combo again and even try it out with other colors too! 

Freebie Alert: Elliptical Earrings

Woo-hoo, it's that time again ladies! Are we all enjoying the summer so far? We wanted to give one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of MavenFresh Elliptical earrings. You will be debuting a fresh color combo we call Sun Showers. A designer favorite, these eye-catching earrings are the perfect dose of everyday glamour.

How to enter and win: 

Step 1: Become an official follower of our blog by clicking the "join this site" icon on the right side of the blog page.

Step 2: "Like" MavenFresh on Facebook.

Step 3: Then, leave us a comment below or on FB when you have completed the above - and don't forget to include your email!

 We will be picking one winner using a random number generator. Contest will begin today and end Monday June 25th at Midnight EST. Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good luck everyone!

To shop our other color variations available for the Elliptical earrings, click here. We are also excited to offer a promo code FRESHTREAT, good for 20% off your entire purchase, first time buyers only, valid until the end of June.

Daily Outfit: Hypnotically Haute

i am not really a pink girl but there is something about this print (and the fact that one of my fave designers made it) that makes me love this dress! i've known Ashaka Givens for over 12 years and i haven't seen a design that i haven't wanted to make mine!  i have had the pleasure of owning quite a few AG items but this dress is so timeless that even though it's 3 years old, i just can't get enough!  i have had others tell me they can't get enough too!  one person even said, "i can't stop staring at your dress!" lol, fabulous and hypnotic - check! lol  

although, i dressed it down today with my denim jacket and clogs, i first wore this dress to Becca's wedding with dressy shoes and a wrap.  i love that it can be worn for a day at the beach or for a night on the town.  i could use a lot more items like this in my wardrobe!  i guess i'll  just have to add some of her new designs to my collection!!! :)

(Crystal Ball headband and Cowrie Cuff - MavenFresh, Mod print Maxi dress - Ashaka Givens, Denim Jacket - Hollister Co., Patent Clogs - Maguba, Sterling Silver hoops - eBay)

Daily Outfit: Effortless Chic

About 3 years ago, Sesheta and I were invited to NYC for a fashion sale event in a fab loft space. We were surrounded by racks of drapey dresses in bold patterns with a super-luxurious feel. I was an instant fan of the designer behind the collection- the talented Ashaka Givens, Sesheta's fly lady from way back. I tried this dress on and it was love! You know I'm a sucker for versatility...and this piece can change up from halter to strapless easily...and I've also worn it as a skirt. What else could you want...besides a few more beautiful designs from the her line (swoon!) 

I upped the boho chic factor with a messy side bun (tip- thick hair will stay put with spin pins)  and a fresh pair of feather earrings that are one-of-a-kind made for me, by me, yay! Tell us if you're interested in something similar. The warmer weather had me reaching for a breezy waterfall cardigan...effortless dressing is just too good.

Pssst...tomorrow Sesheta will be styling up another Ashaka Givens creation.

(Feather Wisp Earrings in Milky Peach- MavenFresh, Dress- Ashaka Givens, Drapey Cardigan- Forever 21, Booties- Nine West, Bracelet-Metal Monk)

PFMs on the Town: Sun In Bloom Restaurant

the BLT - i could have eaten two of these myself!!

Exhilarating Spring Renewal - soooooo good

this weekend, Becca and i had the chance to experience the food-gasm of Sun in Bloom restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn.  we met up with one of our sisters in beauty/health wellness, Rebecca Casciano who introduced us to this fabulous spot.  did i mention that it's a Vegan/Raw restaurant?? before we even got there, we checked out their menu and saw at least 3 things that we wanted to try!  we started out with some fresh pressed gingerade (yum) and scoured over the menu for a long time before making our final decision.  though it was a really hard choice, Becca and i split the BLT (the shitake bacon is sooooooo yummy you might even think it's the real thing) and added avocado to it (OMG!!) and the Exhilirating Spring Renewal which had tofu scramble, quinoa, black beans and a selection of scrumptious veggies.  then for dessert, we got some of the Orgasmic Granola Delight - Coconut kefir and their homemade granola with strawberries (but no mangoes like the menu said  :( which was the only downside of the whole meal).  we dug in so fast, i didn't get a picture of it lol!!  we can't wait to go back!!

P.S.  it was actually a weekend of food-gasm!! at our friends shower the day before held at E.B. Elliot's on Freeport's Nautical Mile, Becca and i had a specialty dish made just for us of the most amazing medley of veggies - corn, string beans (nice and crisp like i love them), roasted romaine (which i've never had) and more!!!   every weekend should be like that!

PFMs in the Kitchen: Asian Pilaf (just like mom would make)

My mom is an incredible cook, baker, chef...period. I grew up the daughter of a health-food mom. Soda, Doritos, and Fruit Loops simply did not exist in my house. Chocolate was carob and I lived for soy-cheese sandwiches with avocado and tomato on sprouted bread. I came home from school and the house always smelled like good cooking. It was awesome. If only you could have been around when I was young and enjoying sea salted bread-sticks made from scratch, or super-delicious pizza with homemade dough. My best friend still talks about those dinners! Wow, Tofu Taco Night ruled. Of course times change, life gets complicated, and you can't always have your mom cooking and baking for you. Ha. I may not have much of her gifts in the kitchen, but I do love to eat lots of healthy, tasty food. So I try my best to encourage Leta to break out the pen and paper when she has something simple and yummy to share with me, especially since most of her recipes are either stored in her head or made up on the spot. I get instant inspiration from the best source! This dinner is a slight variation on her original recipe. Gotta change it up a bit you know (and can't give away all of Mom's secrets!)

You need:

1 small onion chopped

3 large garlic cloves chopped

3 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp grated ginger

1 large handful orzo pasta (or spaghetti broken into 1-inch pieces)

1 cup brown rice

1 tsp vegetable bouillon (optional)

1/2 cup steamed broccoli

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 tbsp hoisin sauce 

1 tbsp red curry paste

1-2 tbsp tamari to taste

How to:

Cook the onions first in the oil, then add the garlic and ginger. Add the pasta to mix and stir until it's slightly browned and the onions are translucent. Add the rice and stir. Pour in 2 cups water and the veggie bouillon (if using) mix, and cover. After bringing it to a boil, simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, then add the hoisin, red curry paste, and tamari. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes, now stir in the frozen peas. Simmer again for another 10 minutes and give it a try to make sure the rice is cooked. Toss in the steamed broccoli at the end and mix well. Yum!

P.S. Don't feel too bad for me...I still get to pick up homemade granola on a regular basis!
xoxo becca

PFMs Do It Better: DIY Dipped in Gold Mani

we have been having tons of fun changing up and experimenting with our manis recently.  after going to my cousin's baby shower, i got to see my other "little" cousin's (she's not really little; she towers over me lol) nails.  she is a budding manicurist but the kind that will do over-the-top designs on each nail.  well, i'm not that fancy nor do have the time it requires to do the job but i have been inspired.  below you will find my easy solution to amping up "plain" nail color (yes, even one shade on your nails is plain nowadays) without sacrificing tons of time.  of course, you can use any nail color you'd like but here's what you'll need to make it look like mine

What you will need: 

Base coat of your choice (i use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails)

Top Coat of your choice (i like Essie Chip Free Topcoat)

Nail Color - i chose Color Club Twiggie

Sparkle polish - like this Milani Gold

Time you will need: Approx. 30-35 min

1. Apply your base coat. Wait 5 min.
2. Apply first coat of your color or,  in this case, Twiggie. Wait 5 min.
3. Apply your second coat of color and wait another 5 min.
4. At the tips of your nails, apply the sparkle polish at the tips of your nails.  Apply so that the glitter is even and covers about a third of your nail. Wait 10 minutes to be sure it's dry.
5. Apply your top coat. Wait 5-10 min.

that's it!  just like that you have some fun nails!!  i can't wait to try this with other colors and with different color glitter polish!  happy mani and happy friday! xo