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

Daily Outfit: Earth Tones

right in time for the cooler weather, i dug out my jersey scarves and extra layers so that i can look cool but not feel the cool.  as you know, i would much rather have weather in the 80's but, i realized that there are some things in my fall/winter wardrobe that i can't live without. 

1. my MF jersey scarves are life savers when the weather suddenly dips without warning.  They are also the perfect addition to complete an outfit.  this is the season that you will find one either on me or in my bag at all times.  it helps to have them in a bunch of colors but, i must admit, i live in the one above.  they are just so soft and comfy!!
2. my boots - i think i have more pairs of boots than i do flats or any other type of shoe in my collection. i love them low, high or anywhere in-between.  i would definitely miss wearing my boot collection if the weather was always warm.
3. the right coat- whether it's leather or wool, shearling or down, i can appreciate a great coat.  the cool weather makes me excited to pull out my collection.  in the colder seasons, the first thing people see are your coat so why not make a great first impression.  with all the fresh styles and colors, coats are definitely anything but boring!

... so while i am still not ecstatic about colder weather, i am glad that there are at least a few perks that i get to look forward to! xo Sesheta

( Bamboo Jersey Mobius and Chained to Copper Earrings (info on request) - MavenFresh, Copper bracelts - Tasha West, Leopard Leggings - H&M (similar), Taupe Tunic- Victoria Secrets (similar), Taupe Sweater - TJ Maxx (similar), Clog Booties - Swedish Hasbeens, Neon Peach Belt - J. Crew (similar), Bag - Linea Pelle (similar))

PFMs in the Kitchen: Protein-Packed Pasta Primavera

Let me just say that I'm a plant-strong pasta-lover through and through. I will take garlic & oil over red sauce any day. The more greens I see in my pasta dish, the better. But I never thought of adding tofu into the mix until I made this dish. Extra burst of protein- here I come! How did I get here? Kris Carr of course...you've heard me say how much I adore this amazing woman who is a true wellness warrior and total inspiration to so many. I'm encouraging you to check out her awesome website to boost your health and change your life for the better. Hint* I'm counting down the days until I receive her latest cookbook- Crazy Sexy Kitchen. It's a mouth-watering collaboration with Chef Chad Sarno that's got me giddy with anticipation! Seriously, I'm full of gratitude to this duo for today's recipe courtesy of Crazy Sexy Cooking Class that I accessed with my book pre-order. Chef Sarno created this yummy meal in under 6 minutes with fresh ingredients that are easy to find...plus you can change 'em up to your liking. Hope you enjoy this quick dish packed with healing deliciousness. xoxo Becca

You need:

2 tbsp olive oil

organic extra-firm tofu, cubed

1/2 large yellow onion, chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, crushed & chopped

1 cup chanterelle or portabella mushrooms roughly chopped

green veggies (we used broccoli & baby kale)

8 oz rice pasta (we dig Tinkyada linguini)

28 oz can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes

chopped fresh parsley

red pepper flakes

sea salt 'n black pepper

How to:

Cook your pasta according to package and put to the side. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and the chopped onion 'n garlic. Keep it moving in there, either by mixing or flipping (if you're a pro). Check to see that the onions are getting translucent. Add tofu & mushrooms. Continue with the cooking and mixing. Add a pinch of sea salt and some black pepper. Is the tofu getting nicely seared? Yes, please add the greens. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and about 3/4 of the can of tomatoes (or more, use your discretion). Stir well and add another pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce is so awesome by now! Put the cooked pasta in and toss well using tongs. Sprinkle the parsley on top, remove from heat and show no restraint!

Why I love these ingredients: 

Mushrooms are rich in iron (important in ensuring rich oxygen to the body) and selenium (antioxidant). Cleansing fanatics adore parsley for its help with sluggish digestion. Broccoli happens to be my personal fave...around my house we call it Nature's Broom. Enough said. 

PFM Obsession: Inspiration Board

...so my shopping abilities have been seriously curbed lately and it has been quite an adjustment.  though i wasn't insane with it, i did have some room to play.  my playing days seem to be far from returning but that doesn't mean that i'm not drooling for some must have items to add to my wardrobe.  i created this little inspiration board to help organize my current obsessions.  thanks to Net-A-Porter's The Edit, i had plenty to choose from!  though i would love to take home the inspiration pieces, even when my pockets are fatter, i will most likely be unable to justify such extravagant purchases.  if this is the case for you too, be sure to check out my more economical versions of each item.

(from left to right)

Valentino Rock Stud gloves - these are the inspiration pair but i would probably rock these and still feel just as edgy.

Valentino spiked flats - i am feeling the Valentino line!!! love these shoes.  Take the everyday classic flat and bump up the edge with spikes! These are just as fun and way more pocket-friendly!

Tory Burch Peplum Sweater - i love this peplum sweater!! and the bright color is perfect to chase away winter blues! i'm so glad that peplum is in because i love this style. it's such a fun way to add a girly touch to any outfit.  this sweater is just as bright and cute!

Burberry down coat - i am loving Burberry's outerwear.  they have found a way to make a down jacket feminine and cool - all at the same time! this coat is fab in a different way but it would still make a statement and keep me warm!

Miu Miu glitter brogues - i have been looking for the right pair of brogues to add to my shoe collection.  a glittery pair would be right up my alley.  this pair might just do the trick!!

The Row pencil skirt- gasp!  i love this skirt!  the great shape and color makes it so unexpected.  and it's leather!! love that!  this skirt would still be a splurge but it would be timeless addition. 

Rick owens leather jacket - who doesn't love Rick Owens style and now it's been updated to the metallic trend.  this jacket has all the style without the price tag.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen pants - this is another item i've been stalking - printed tapered pants.  with my long legs, i can't just buy any pants.  the price of this pair isn't doable but i love these and they would be a great substitution!

ooo, how i wish i could go shopping!! lol, ah well, my birthday is coming up.  maybe i can stash some b-day cash to get at least one of these items sooner rather than later! xo Sesheta

Spiritual PFM: You Can't Age

image (via pinterest), words of wisdom (via)

If you never know what time it is because of what you're doing, how do you get older? People who love what they're doing stay physically younger and healthier...a concept that's very motivational by itself, but did you also know that you can actually end up changing the world by living a great life? Yep, together we can create a ripple effect that will continually inspire others to live the life they love. I want to know...what makes you lose track of time?

Beautiful ideas like this one have been keeping me in a very positive state of mind lately. It has lots to do with my current training as a Health Counselor. In school I'm learning from world-renowned wellness experts including Bernie Siegel, M.D. who happens to be today's source of inspiration for this post. His words were so amazing that I actually teared up with relief and realization. I guess it was my "ah-ha" moment. xoxo Becca

P.S. Interested in discussing your health concerns and goals and how I can support you? Well lucky you- part of my preperation is to do practice consultations in order to become more skilled about discussing health concerns...and I would love to offer you a free health history consultation. We can do this either in person or on the phone, so contact me for a one-on-one session! 

PFM Confessional: I love my Mommy

just the three of us - my sis, mom and me

what happens when we get together 

this post is dedicated to my Mom.  it's a public love letter to wish her Happy Birthday!! it saddens me that we are so far apart on her special day because it would be nice to be able to spend time with her today.  instead, i am thinking of her and sending her love so that she can have a great day with her ATL family since we can't be there.  

with my sister and i out of the house, my mom made an exodus down south to do something that she has always wanted to do - move to Atlanta.  though it's hard to have her so far, i am proud of her for following through.  both my sister and i have become the women we are because we embody her strength and courage.  i am thankful that she is never more than a call away because there are many times that there is no one but my mom who can make me feel better. :)

the above pics were taken at my oldest son's graduation.  these are some of my favorite pics  of us because we aren't able to get together all that often anymore and to have it captured on "film" makes me smile.  

...so Mommy, though i don't have more than love to offer you right now, (you know i promise you the world as soon as i can give it to you lol, but they don't accept credit) my love is good as gold- especially when it comes to you.  thank you for everything you do, seen and unseen.  i miss you and wish you were here.  have a wonderful time celebrating you because we are celebrating having you in our lives. love you xo me

PFM Obsession: Wild Warmth

Rebecca Taylor Leo Block Layer Sweater, Smythe Leopard Print Sweater Jacket, eBay Vintage Spotted Sweater, Anthropologie Traced Leopard Boatneck, Madewell Wildprint Pullover, Free People Tiger Stripe Cardigan, Mink Pink Cool Cat Oversize Sweater, Whistles Cheetah Print Knitted Sweater, Madewell Pebble Cardigan

Sweater weather has got me seeing spots (and tiger stripes.) Recently I'm charmed by anything animal print, and with so many sweater styles and materials to choose from I decided to put together a roundup that's as much for my benefit as it is for yours! 

Feeling extra sassy? The rich red and black cheetah print may be calling your name. If you are into more of a vintage vibe, try your luck on eBay...there are plenty of fierce animal print sweaters for auction that are still going strong like the cream one above from the '80s. Although pricey, I can't help but love the second option by Smythe. Not only is it a sweater-jacket combo (endlessly versatile and cozy) but it has a classic vintage-inspired look that you will never get sick of. Leave it to Anthropologie for a swingy cashmere pullover with just a hint of bold print at the short-sleeves. The final cardi from Madewell is my fave...it's a wild yet neutral print that I could pair with most anything already in my closet. Full disclosure: no animals were harmed in the making of this post. 

Happy Monday everyone...let me know if you are warming up (pun intended) to the animal print trend, or maybe you already own a special number that's just been waiting for cooler weather to be taken out? xoxo Becca