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

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: Hats off to 2012

A hat is a fun way to make an outfit timeless!

just like many of you, i am in denial that we have entered another new year.  the thing is, this isn't just any new year - it's 2012.  for my fellow conspiracy theorists out there, this year could be the end.  the question is  - the end of what?  this is the subject of many debates.  whether you buy into the doomsday prophecies or not, we can't deny that 2012 is a special year.  if you look at it through numerology, 2011 was a "4" year (2+0+1+1) which is about foundations (building and destroying them), patience, responsibility, hard work and practicality.  2012 adds up to be a "5"year (2+0+1+2) which symbolizes change, freedom, exploration, knowledge (seeking and teaching).  Regardless of how major or how final, you should expect some type of change coming - on both a personal and on a world level.   while i do believe that change is coming, i also believe we have the power to create what we want soooo i am hoping to create changes like more abundance for MavenFresh and for my family!  What changes are you hoping for in the new year?

oh yeah, what better way to ring in the new year than to post an outfit with sparkle!  as usual, this was just a regular day but, by now, you should know that that is the only reason you need to shine!! lol :)  i stole this hat (Becca -  is this a fedora or a trilby? lol) from the hubby after i realized it was the perfect completion to my attire!  shh, i won't tell if you don't :)

Happy New Year and Happy New You!

(Taupe sequin tunic - INC International Concepts, Beige boyfriend sweater - H&M, Teal Leggings - American Apparel, Patent Taupe flats - Calvin Klein, Hat - UBI , Feather Fancy earrings and Taupe Leather Belt - MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: Charlotte Taylor

    I am all for quirky prints done up in bold color combinations... so I was immediately taken by the brilliant Charlotte Taylor. She's a British designer with an exclusive collection that you may have seen recently while browsing around your local Anthropologie.

Her standout piece has to be the seafoam silk maxi dress covered in a bold red fire ant print. I know it sounds a bit odd, and maybe even slightly disturbing. But who am I kidding, I find the print totally charming! Isn't that what fashion is all about...taking risks and "making it work" (thank you Tim Gunn). The uniquely cut Dromedary Dress has a camel print done up in a thrilling pink and orange color combo. As for the Stilt Striders Skirt...you had me at flamingos. Those leggy pink birds on a rich blue background would go with about 5 pieces that I already have in my wardrobe.

I spent an afternoon browsing her other beautiful designs and playing the short video of her Spring Summer 2012 collection. I am in love with the various mismatched shapes, colors, and prints. The model is uncoventional in the best way with her bright red orange pout and gangly arms n' legs...how appropriately deeee-lightful! 

PS Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and try on something that's out of your comfort zone. You may be surprised to find yourself smitten. I am hoping to see lots more of Charlotte Taylor's collection available in the U.S. real soon.

(LINKS: Anthropologie and Charlotte Taylor Ltd.)