Spiritual PFM: 2012 - the end of all life or life as we know it?

i hope that i am not the only one who has noticed that this year has been moving insanely fast.  it literally seems like only yesterday we were ringing in the new year.  i can't tell you the number of conversations i've had related to 2012 and the end of the world.  i, for one, have always been a big believer in the concept of "the end of days"...but as time progresses through this year, i have begun to re-evaluate my idea of what this "end" really means.  

my quest to understand may be related to the fact that i will be celebrating another birthday soon - which usually sparks reflection and contemplation.  then i start to think about the people i know and all the different situations they are going through.  2012 definitely seems to bring a trend of upheaval in many people's lives.  this has led me to start wondering if maybe "the end" is less like the catastrophic world demise we see in movies and more like personal catastrophes.  ...things occurring in everyday life that turn your world upside down and ends life as you know it.  unfortunately, for some, this may mean major loss and, for others, it could be minor.  nevertheless it all equals learning hard life lessons and it may force you to view life in a new way.  

 change is constant and inevitable and we may not always like the change that happens in our lives.  usually, the hardest changes are the ones we have no control over - unlike changing our diet or doing more exercise.  despite the chaos that change may bring, it can be a beautiful thing and it all depends on how we look at it.  caterpillars have to experience metamorphosis to become a butterfly.  well, since caterpillars can't speak to us, we have no idea if this process is painful or not.  regardless of the process though, they all become butterflies, complete with different colors and patterns depending on what they have been through.  i am learning to alter the way i view change and instead see it more like transformation.  the lessons and challenges that life brings will help my soul earn the stripes, colors and patterns it needs to get stronger, better so that i can become like a butterfly, flying free.  though it may be hard now, i am comforted to know that i will be a butterfly.

change has been on my mind lately, as you can tell from my recent posts.  this goes out to whoever is having a rough time due to the stresses and changes that life brings.  from one transforming soul to another - i get it.  xo Sesheta

Daily Outfit: Remix

I'm remixing the original! This shirt-dress has made an appearance every autumn since I bought it. That's a good thing- I love a piece with sustainability and versatility. When you buy something in a recognizable print from a mass-market fashion retailer (Target was the source for this dress) you run the chance of being in the same place with the same thing on as someone else. That said, the key is to make it your own. 

The printed shirt-dress is your chameleon for cooler seasons. Take a cue from the many colors in the dress and layer underneath with a turtleneck or slip-dress; layer over with a jacket, blazer, or vest. Pull on a sweater and the dress becomes a skirt. Wear it open over another dress as a jacket. Rotating your choice of tights, jewelry, scarves and hairstyle will have you owning your look and saving some dough! Have a peek below for some current shirt-dress options...and let me know what look you are inspired to create! xoxo Becca

(Dress- Target, Denim Vest- J.Crew similar, Booties- Madewell similar, Necklace- Vintage, Bracelets- Anthropologie, Lips- Ilia Beauty Neon Angel)

Ask the PFMs: Making a Change - Step #3

Thank yourself for the progress you have made thus far! 

one of the hardest things to do, especially while trying to make a change for the better in your life, is to remain positive.  no matter the type of change, when we let the universe know that we are interested in doing things differently, sometimes it seems like everything and everyone is against us.  it can be extremely frustrating and can even cause many of us to give up on our goal.  that's why my step #3 is to be grateful.  while simple in concept, trust me, i know how hard it is to see the positive when everything around you seems negative.  besides taking baby steps, i encourage you to be happy with your progress.  it is easy to look at your goal and criticize how far you are from it.  instead of being your own worst critic, relish in the small victories.  pat yourself on the back for making a salad; it's one salad closer to eating healthy.  celebrate losing one pound; it's one pound closer to your goal weight.  applaud yourself for getting back on the horse; yesterday is just that and today is a new day.  thank yourself for your commitment you because, even for that alone,  you have already become a newer you.  congratulations! xo Sesheta

PFMs in the Kitchen: Early Autumn Lentil Soup

As we enter the fall season many of us are losing that summer-vacation vibe and returning back to "reality" while some of us just crave more warm, earthy foods. This simple soup has got it all covered! Sweet vegetables soothe the internal organs of the body and energize the mind. And because sweet potatoes are root vegetables, they are energetically grounding- a total plus when you are looking for focus and balance. The lentils provide fiber, protein, and (yay) energy to burn. Let me know if you try this naturally sweet dish for your next lunch or dinner, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the results! xoxo Becca

You need:

1 1/4 cup green French lentils

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 cups sweet potato, cubed

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes, or chopped fresh tomatoes (we still had some left over from our garden)

2 cups water

pinch of smoked sea salt (I love the Trader Joe's grinder)

pinch of paprika

fresh torn basil 

Daiya cheddar for garnish

How to:

You'll want to boil about 4 cups of water and then add in the lentils. Simmer, cover and cook the lentils for 20-25 minutes (or until tender.) Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add in the onion and saute 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the sweet potato, tomato, and water and cook until those potatoes are tender! Try about 15 minutes. Drain lentils and add them into the soup pot with smoked sea salt and paprika. Let soup simmer gently, then taste and adjust seasonings. Sprinkle on the toppings (basil, and a layer of grated Daiya) and maybe you feel like dragging some thick crusty bread through the soup for extra oomph. Hint: it tastes just as good reheated the next day. Serves 4-6.

Ask the PFMs: Making a Change - Step #2

now that you have established your goal (see step #1 here), the easiest thing you can do to start incorporating healthy eating is to think green.  this is Step #2.  adding more green foods (especially raw - like in salads) to your diet can help to literally bring more life into your lifestyle.  it is also the simplest way to make a change that won't leave you feeling like you are missing something, especially if the thought of eliminating foods makes you cringe and has kept you from making changes.  here are some quick ways of getting your daily dose of green foods:

1. adding a salad to every dinner - you can find salad fixings all cut-up or pre-washed in your local market, like the salads from Earthbound Farm Organics, for an easy way to throw together a yummy salad.  add your favorite dressing (we love Annie's Goddess dressing) and you are on your way! (hint - if you are trying to lose weight, eat salad first so there's less room for other stuff.)
2. veggie snacks - stick some broccoli, cucumbers or snap peas in a baggie with a side of some dressing as your dip (Goddess dressing is perfect for dipping!!). now your veggies are ready for on-the-go snacking.  
3. green food powder supplements - so you still aren't ready to eat more veggies.  start acclimating your taste-buds by mixing green food powder supplements such as Green Vibrance into a morning smoothie.  loaded with such super foods as spirulina and chlorella, this ensures you will get a dose of green energy without much effort.

as you start to get used to having more green foods in your everyday diet, you can slowly start to increase the amount of veggies (and fruits) and then begin to decrease what you are trying to eliminate.  for example, if you are trying to eliminate carbs, using salad as your "rice" to accompany protein and veggies is a stress-free way to jump start weight loss.  

questions?  remember to shoot us an email at any time if you have specific questions or need us to clarify anything you've seen here.  xo Sesheta

Ask the PFMs: Natural Shampoo & Conditioner Picks for Creating Volume

Hi ladies (and gents!) It had been a while since we did one of these posts...and now it seems the questions keep on coming. We love it, so keep asking!

Q. I'm looking for a new volumizing shampoo and conditioner. I want to try a natural, organic product and I've been shopping around and reading labels but I'm not sure which to try. Can you help?

A. Oh yeah...I have some ideas for you! Reading labels and understanding the long list of ingredients to avoid can definitely be overwhelming...so let me break it down for you a bit. I've come to learn that there are major offenders to steer clear of, and I'm more happy to direct you to this helpful list created by the ladies of the Green Beauty Team. When it comes to research, I don't hesitate to dive right in (actually, I thrive on it.) I consulted reputable green beauty sites and read through numerous product reviews to discover that there are plenty of options to amp up your locks while protecting yourself and the environment. Depending on how thrifty you want to be, I came up with three shampoo/conditioner duos to choose from. Without further ado, let's turn up the volume!

Un, get Wallet Friendly with Acure Organics Pure Mint and Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo and Conditioner. There is a beautiful story behind this beauty line...designer Kristy Guerra founded Acure Organics as a way to honor her grandmother, who battled breast cancer for over 10 years. Kristy wanted to help raise money for breast cancer research and awareness while also providing healthy products that promote healthier living and a greener planet. This safe, affordable, beautiful line of organic beauty products is the result of her efforts. Side note: whether I've been at Bikram yoga or I just have product build-up, I use their Lemongrass and Argan Stem Cell Shampoo/Conditioner...the clarifying properties are amazing!

Deux, do you have the Urge to Splurge with Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner? Although this is a pricier option, the rave reviews are hard to ignore. This luxurious line contains rich, potent natural ingredients that protect and improve the health of your hair and the rainforest.

Trois, sometimes you just have to Treat Yourself Like a VIP with Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. I've already sung the praises of Yarok's Volume Enhancing Mousse, so it's no surprise that this duo is on the list. Their hard-working hair care line is free of alcohol, paraben, sulfates and cruelty to animals. The idea is to nourish the scalp with vital nutrients while serenading the senses...that's wellness from the inside out. xoxo Becca

Ask the PFMs: Making a Change - Step #1

Photo Credits

there must be something in the air - maybe the cooler weather and shorter days - that serves as a sign to our bodies that change is in order.  i know i have been feeling the change in the air and it may be what my friend was feeling when he decided to "Ask the PFMs" for  assistance in changing up his diet.  though he isn't necessarily trying to become vegetarian or vegan, he was looking for ways to eat healthier.  he mentioned that he had started working out again and that this was part of an ultimate plan to generally be healthier.  it was also inspired by him often feeling tired.  does this sounds like you?  are you looking to make a change for the better?  well, i decided to share some of the tips that i told my friend with you, in case you have been wanting to do something but haven't figured out where to start.  

Today is step #1 and the tip for today is:

what is your goal? 

this may seem like a simple question but if you really start thinking about it more, you will see that it can really make or break your success.  take the time to examine what your purpose is for making a change.  have you been considering transitioning to vegetarian or vegan and decided this is the time?  are you just looking to lose some unwanted weight or simply would like to detox?  or maybe, like my friend, you are looking to incorporate some healthier choices into your everyday.  setting the intention for what you are trying to achieve is an important part of feeling and seeing a difference.  i challenge you to ponder this question and then write your goal down.  putting it down on paper will also make it more real for you and express your intention to the universe.  post your goal near your mirror or set a reminder with it on your phone so that you can renew your purpose to fulfill your goal every day.  once you have completed this step, you'll be ready for step #2 (coming soon). 

keep a look out for these Making a Change posts to continue gathering some easy first steps to making changes to your diet and your lifestyle. xo Sesheta

Daily Outfit: Colorblock Relief

After an entire summer spent keeping my purse-strings pretty tight, (ahem, yes it's true) it was such a relief to give myself the OK to purchase one end-of-summer piece that could easily transition into fall. Voila...the sleeveless tunic blouse via H&M. I sized up to get that flattering blousy fit. Tucked into a skirt, belted over pants, or paired with leggings...this top is a staple for color-blocking style! The rich coral shade will be a crucial layering piece in my autumn wardrobe; keeping my leopard prints, bright maroon tones, and army greens in good company. Lots of ladies are coveting Equipment's line of silk blouses, but if you want to get the same look for less-  just try your local H&M. 

Did you dive into fall fashion head on, or are you slowly testing the waters? I'm still looking forward to unearthing all those goodies that were hidden away during the seasonal swap. I did start the season off right with a trip to the hair salon for a new 'do (last year's photos here...this year's coming soon!) Long overdue...my locks had not seen any special treatment since April. It's becoming a ritual of renewal for me. What's yours? xoxo Becca

(Jeans- Gap similar, Blouse- H&M similar, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Studded Belt- J.Crew similar, Sandals- Dolce Vita, Necklaces- Anthropologie & Kenneth Cole)

Spiritual PFM: Iyanla Fix My Life - Evelyn Lozada

i'm not sure if you took the time to watch the premiere episodes of Iyanla Vanzant's new OWN show Iyanla Fix My Life, but i did and i have to give props to both Iyanla and Evelyn Lozada, best known as a "Thug" on VH1's Basketball Wives series.  Evelyn did something extremely courageous - she not only stated to the universe that she no longer wanted to be the woman notorious for starting fights, but she did so publicly.  as she shared more about her troubled childhood and where she came from, it was easy to see that her story is the story of many young women; the only difference is, she lives her story in front of the camera for all to see her mistakes and bad decisions. i applaud her for stepping up and realizing she was doing a disservice to herself and to women and young girls everywhere.  i also want to applaud Iyanla for her powerful tough love approach that forced Evelyn to face the truth of what she herself had created in her life.  i got chills many times as i listened to Iyanla drop truth on Evelyn,  saying things like changing her life was going to "cost her" and that you can't be afraid to give up everything in order to live your truth.  i really appreciated Iyanla's closing words (see them here); it was the perfect summation for a powerful show.  she was absolutely right that i experienced a healing just watching Evelyn's process.  Iyanla encouraged us to take the time to examine where in our own lives we have accepted situations even though our instincts tell us we shouldn't.  though Evelyn appears to have "lost it all" in order to live the new life she wants for herself, she has really just cleared room for the true blessings that are waiting for her.  i wish her all the best in staying true to her new found sense of freedom and i look forward to watching the powerhouse that is Iyanla Vanzant do her thing in episodes to come. 

i encourage you to follow the links and share in Evelyn's healing too.  xo Sesheta

PFMs on the Town: Green Glam at Fashion Week

 

There's a craving I get every so often and surprisingly it has nothing to do with the latest recipe or handbag. It's a longing to get together with like-minded people who want to celebrate and share mutual passions...anyone else with me? So, when I was invited to the Green Glam Fashion Week Tweetup there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would end up joining the party.

Hosted by 4 green beauty and fashion experts (including our friend and Eco-beauty goddess Rebecca Casciano) the event was a meeting of the green beauty-savvy minds...we bonded over our shared love of all things healthy and stylish. The boutique-like setting of Organic Avenue's Space of LOVE* was the perfect spot to sip fresh green juice and swap good vibes with dozens of other beauties. I met many amazing women from a variety of industries (can't wait to get together with them again) and had the chance to introduce my girl Jazmin to the awesome world of green beauty. Plus, we took home a sweet swag bag full of healthy treats! Looking chic and enjoying beautifying foods while spreading the message that vibrant health starts on the inside...now that's an ideal night spent during NY Fashion Week!

If you are inspired to be in the know about the next green beauty event in the New York area, I encourage you click the links above to follow or tweet any (or all) of those lovely ladies mentioned previously. Feeling like you want to empower yourself to make healthier choices in life, but don't know where to start? Of course you can always Ask the PFMs! This is just the beginning of a growing movement towards natural, healthy, and stylish living that is anything but boring. As green beauty-fashion-wellness enthusiasts, Sesheta and I are so proud to be setting a hot trend that can become an incredible lifestyle if you let it. xoxo Becca

*images via Rebecca Casciano, Jon Gordon, and MavenFresh

Mani Pedi: Sally Hansen + Prabal Gurung = Fabulousness

okay, so i'm a little late on the bandwagon but this recent sweet find from Sally Hansen Salon Effects is still right on time!  while perusing my local pharmacy, i found this pattern, Sweet Marble Floret on clearance.  that's right!  i snatched it up for $4.95.  i was drawn by the tie-dye inspired print as well as the combination of silver, purple, lilacs and pink.  

photo credits

it wasn't until this post that i realized that this pattern was a collaboration between designer Prabal Gurung and Sally Hansen!  i found out because i didn't know the name and thanks to Google, i found out the whole story.  it was apparently one of two patterns, inspired by Prabal Gurung's spring 2012 collection.  according to Vogue.com, the designer has been collaborating with Sally Hansen for a while but this was the first time that patterns were actually a mini version of patterns from his line.  how cool!!  that's why i LOVE clearance sections!! you never know what you will find... not to mention what you will learn!  xo Sesheta

p.s. Happy Weekend!!!

PFM Obsession: Just One More Pair

photo via Refinery29, text via MavenFresh

The season is a-changing and with it brings a closer look at your wardrobe status. Ladies, I'm talking boots. Even more specifically...black ankle booties with a low heel or a wedge and maybe some buckles. Not exactly easy to find, but I was inspired by this fabulous Fashion Week outfit to peruse a bit. Yep, I realized for sure that there is a void in my closet longing to be filled with a pair of these babies below. You know...something to combine with bare legs and drop waist dresses now, and with tights or printed pants later. Just one more pair. 

Have you swapped out your summer clothes for your fall ones in your closet yet? It might officially be that time to get excited about dressing in layers of chunky knits, skinny jeans, and leather jackets. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I may truly be a warm-weather-loving girl whose heart lies with fall and winter fashion. Shhh. xoxo Becca

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PFMs Healthy Living - Renewal through juicing

photo credits

i have been more than a little stressed lately.  with my boys back in school and strict routines back in play, i find that i am being pulled in more than three directions all at one time.  i have a feeling that, though i feel like it's just me, i'm not the only one being stretched to the limit.  most of us, when stressed, prefer to eat sweets or grab a cocktail to help "unwind".  i am no exception.  there are many junk food items that still qualify as vegan not to mention my love of wine and beer!  ...and though i may not let myself go past a certain point, there were many signs that it was time for a change. 

though i am a huge advocate of fasting, embarking on a true fast (juices and raw foods only) has not been attractive to me for a while.  i know for a fact that fasts are only doable when both your desire and mind are in the right place.  well, i can't say that i am ready for a fast, but i am ready for creating change by starting with diet.  i realize that right now, i can only handle baby steps but sometimes baby steps are all you need.  my first step was to start adding fresh vegetable juices to my everyday.  finding time in my already packed morning (or any part of the day) has always been my excuse as to why i haven't pulled out my juicer earlier.    i went to pull it out and dust it off (yes, it had been that long - i'd rather purchase a juice than do it myself lol) and wrapped my mind around that this was one thing i had to do for me.  ...so with my knowledge as well as my new found desire  (and help from Trader Joe's - fresh organic veggies at reasonable prices), i have been juicing to start my day.  i have also made all three of my boys drink some so that they get used to having it more often;  it is the perfect way to bring in the fall season and prevent early illness!   

i know that juicing isn't the solution to world peace or anything (or is it??) but, i do believe that maybe with a clearer body, i'll have a clearer mind.  then maybe i can channel some clear messages for how to make life a little easier.  who knows... either way, i know it starts with me and i have definitely renewed how important taking care of me is - first and foremost.  i'll keep you posted!  xo Sesheta

PFMs Healthy Living: New Beginnings

I think this letter speaks volumes about setting your intentions to show a little more love and appreciation to the body that you have. What would your letter say to that sweet bod you've got? These past few weeks had me thinking a lot about inner strength and being thankful for who I am and what makes me, me- particularly with my latest endeavor laid out ahead.  

I have some exciting news to share...I'm on the path to creating a new biz as a Holistic Health Coach! For those of you who don't know, I've always had an interest in nutrition and enjoy sharing this knowledge with those around me. Motivated by my health-conscious upbringing, my struggle with chronic disease, my genuine love of healthy food and my desire to help guide people toward elevated wellness, I officially committed to a formal training program! I'm currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition™ where I will earn a certification in July 2013. I will continue to bring you inspiration right here...but stay tuned because my goal is to combine my passion for fashion-filled healthy living with my education and ultimately be (happily) counseling others around food and lifestyle choices. 

I look forward to sharing my journey to wellness with you. We should all be given the tools to become our healthiest, most sparkly selves! And a big thank you in advance for your support. xoxo Becca 

*photo via http://thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com/

*text via Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal

PFM Obsession: Tights!!!!

though i have been reluctant to accept that fall is here, the one thing that makes me excited is that this is the perfect time of year to pull out tights in all shades and textures!!  tights are such a great way to bring color, sass and a little coverage to your outfit.  ... and if you have been reluctant to try it up to now, shorts and tights are still a great way to show some leg in a classy way (and lots of places have shorts on sale!).  if you missed it the first time, definitely check out this great "Ask The PFMs" post by Becca; it sums up the perfect way to combine shorts and tights to carry you through the fall.  

now that the weather has been cooling off, i find myself not ready to give up wearing some of my summer outfits.  bright colored tights like this colbalt pair from Hue are an edgy way to add the perfect pop of color!  i have found myself wanting to wear tights but, unlike my legging collection, the tights i had were lacking oomph; i had the usual black and some lace but i wanted color.  so off to the mall i went.  i started off at Bloomies, but their colors were way too fall like already.  then i headed over to Macy's and i hit the jackpot!!  i had to stop myself from buying a pair in every color!! now i can't stop putting together different ways to wear them!  soo excited and obsession fulfilled! (for now, lol) xo Sesheta

P.S. - too hard to decide on just one or two pairs?  well, purchase a three-pack (like this one from Zappos) so you get a range of colors at a deal plus free shipping!

(Beaded tunic - INC International Concepts (similar), Black 5in Shorts - Old Navy, Cobalt Opaque Tights - Hue, Moccasins- Minnetonka)

PFMs in the Kitchen: Minty Fresh Smoothie

My selection of morning "breakfast" smoothies varies with the ingredients that I have on hand or just what I'm in the mood for. Either way, I admit to being a green smoothie addict who is slowly getting the hubby to jump on the bandwagon. This concoction uses up the fresh mint that you may have growing like crazy by this time of year...and the other greens make it super-energizing. Let's not overlook my personal star of the show- the banana. Not only is it sweet, but it gives me the iron, potassium, and happiness boost (true, see below!) that I need to greet the day. Inspired by a recipe from the Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, this serves two.

You need:

1 frozen banana

2 apples, cored

2-3 kale leaves

3-4 romaine leaves

1 lemon, juiced

1/2 lime, juiced

2 to 4 tbsp fresh mint leaves

3 cups filtered water

How to:

If you don't have a Vitamix, just put everything in the blender except for the leaves, kale, and mint and mix on high until smooth. Then add the rest of the ingredients in and blend till you have a brilliant green smoothie. Sometimes I also put in a scoop of spirulina powder for an extra boost of protein. xoxo Becca

image via Natural Living Forum

Daily Outfit: Still Hanging On

i know, i know... we have already posted enough good-bye summer posts but, dang it, i'm not ready to let go yet! lol ...which explains these pics for my post today.  it was one of the hotter days of August and it was perfect for snapping pics in a new location surrounded by nature.  this dress is one of my summer favorites made by my girl and her Aunt.  it is actually a hand-me down from her closet but,  of course, in my closet it is brand new!  it actually has straps but it is so secure at the top that i made it an instant strapless.  it's so easy to throw this on and be ready for any event.  i added my white blazer (not seen here) to glam it up for work but i love that it shows the right amount of skin to still be sexy and demure.  i have been trying to convince my friend to start making clothing or, at the very least, make ME clothing!!!  maybe then she will be inspired to start a line! xo Sesheta

(Disco Hoops - MavenFresh, Dress - Mariatere, Wedges - Lucky Brand, Lips - Makeup Forever)

Daily Outfit: Gone Baby Gone

This is one of my favorite outfits of the entire summer...maybe it's the bold print, my fuss-free waves, the silhouette...or it could be that it was worn for a night spent with good friends at a beautiful wedding. All's I know is, this dress was the very first thing that caught my eye at Banana Republic, and although I continued shopping and tried on a few different styles I just couldn't let this one go. 

How do you rationalize leaving the store with two dresses when you're on a tight budget? Well you can hem 'n haw about it...put it on hold and take a breather (you may realize you don't want it after all)...or look for advice from your friend who graciously spent her time watching you try on said dresses. What about all of the above? When all else fails, consider the cost per wear. Take a peek at the price tag and then get real with yourself about its versatility. How many times will you actually wear this piece- weekly, monthly, or yearly? Is it work-appropriate and can it also transition into evening? Do you already have multiple events on the calendar that will call for a look like this one and can you change it up successfully by adding a blazer or different accessories? 

The summer's gone baby, gone. To me it was time well spent. And I'm taking the dress with me into fall! What was your favorite summer look? xoxo Becca

(Vintage Sequin Applique Hairclip- MavenFresh, Printed Silk Dress- Banana Republic similar, Necklace- Luanne's, Bracelet- Vintage, Kelin Sandals- ShoeMint, Antique Gold Clutch- Sample Sale)

A Day in the Life: Life's a Beach

Labor Day has come and gone and now it seems like the weather has officially cooled down some.  whether we want it to or not, the summer is drawing to a close.  if you can't tell by now, i am deeply saddened to see that warm weather go, lol.  i have even considered moving to a warmer climate.  (i haven't officially given that idea up - it has just been pushed back on the timeline.) considering that that isn't happening anytime in the near future, i am going to remember the pic from above.  as the weather gets colder and our layers of clothing increase, i am going to be dreaming of what it felt to be laying on the beach watching my sons play in the water.  

this trip in particular was part of my last of summer hurrah.  i planned a day for us to go enjoy the beach one more time before the school year began and the season officially ended.    we chose a beautiful day and there were hardly any other people on the beach.  it brought me joy to watch my three boys play in the water.  that was exactly what i had hoped for all of us - time to connect with Mother Earth so that we could be healed by her warmth, cleansed by her water and renewed by her air.  we had a great time and they all told me that they were glad we went.  in the words of my four-year-old, "this was a great day."

...so as the weather reminds me of how un-summer it is, i will use this picture to bring all the summer memories back.  hopefully, it will keep me going until summer rolls around again! xo Sesheta