Ask the PFMs: How to Fight Cold Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is MavenFresh?

It's hard to believe how much time has gone by since Rebecca and I started MavenFresh.  At first, it was all about jewelry and accessories, but, once we realized all that we had to offer, MavenFresh evolved and blossomed into all that it is today.  It is only fitting that we re-define all that we have become.   

Becca and I are personally committed to living a lifestyle based on whole living - in health, beauty and fashion.  More of you are realizing the importance of incorporating holistic practices and green living into your lives.  MavenFresh can help in figuring out where to start.  Why?  ...Because we live it and because a healthier world starts with you and me.

...so if you have been wondering, "what is MavenFresh?", well, now you can't say we didn't tell you!  xo sesheta & Rebecca

MavenFresh grew out of the concrete jungle - the brainchild of Sesheta Holder and Rebecca Santilli.  Drawn together by their love of fashion, color and their vegan/vegetarian lifestyles, Sesheta and Rebecca bring their organic take on life to designing and consulting. 

Creatively fueled by the vibe of NYC, the co-founders coined the term, “premiere fashion maven” or PFM.  As PFMs, Sesheta and Rebecca have a broad vision of design and style. MavenFresh has become more than jewelry and accessories – it is a way of life.

Following a mostly plant-based diet and with a push for a greener lifestyle, the PFMs incorporate holistic healing practices such as acupuncture, herbs, yoga, and detoxification into their daily lives.  Their combined experience in health, design, styling, visual merchandising, real estate staging, redesign, life coaching and in the esoteric arts will help inspire your journey to a new you!

SERVICES

Jewelry & Accessories Designers - MavenFresh designs balance hard materials with vintage-inspired softness.  Each handmade piece is a combination of the colors and beauty of nature blended with the stark contrast of the city (New York, of course).  You can find our modern and vintage-inspired handmade jewelry and accessories in our etsy shop along with  vintage and recycled wares at www.etsy.com/shop/mavenfresh.  Custom orders welcome and encouraged. We are also available to teach jewelry design and crochet classes.  

Personal Stylists- Available for wardrobe editing/recycling (includes re-selling your items on eBay), personal style renewal, closet organization, styling for special events and appearances.

Life Stylists- Here to assist you in a transition into gluten-free, vegetarian/pescatarian, or vegan living complimented by raw foods; we will work to help you create lasting dietary changes while incorporating healthier life choices.  Ready and able to cleanse your kitchen pantry and hit the local health food stores with you- just let us be your guides! We also offer prepared meals and treats to assist your shift onto the path of wellness.

Color Consultants- We are not afraid of bright color...or neutrals! When it comes to choosing paint color, the options are endless. By incorporating paint expertise with numerology and color therapy, we will share our successful tips and picks to have your final project looking fab in no time.  Room redesigns are also an option for those who are interested. 

We are looking forward to hearing from you! Message the PFMs at mavenfresh@gmail.com.

Ask the PFMs: A Dress Worthy of a Castle Wedding

White by Vera Wang

White by Vera Wang

when my good friend, Jeanmarie (aka Jean),  told me she was getting married, i immediately told her how excited i was to go dress shopping.  it didn't matter if she had me as one of the people accompanying her on this venture (which she was not ready to think about just yet).  either way, i was gonna be there lol.  well, luckily, she was totally cool with me going.  in fact, she seemed downright relieved!!  yayayyyy - a-dress-shopping we go!! :)  ...but first we needed to prep.  the only way i was going to be of much help was to get her thinking of what style dresses she liked and ideas she had.  of course, she had no idea lol.  

the first step Jean had to do was start collecting wedding magazines.  she started looking and searching and ripping out tear sheets for  inspiration.  she got a binder and then i helped her by organizing dresses by designer, then by style similarities.  surprisingly, her style was easily narrowed down.  then came the consultation.  after discussing my findings, we coined the phrase "hippie mermaid"  or "wood nymph" (we both are novices when it comes to wedding dress lingo so we made up our own,  ha ha :), and agreed that these were the concepts to keep in mind when trying on dresses.  now that we had some designer names and styles pinpointed, we needed to find out where to go for trying on dresses.  we also needed to discuss budget.  Jean's wedding is a destination event so she wasn't trying to break the bank on a dress.  we decided that it was best to start at a modest bridal salon and then work our way up to the more expensive places (if necessary).  i realized that it didn't make sense for her to try on dresses that would make her stretch her budget.  as a final step in preparation, Jean spent time searching through store websites and highlighted dresses that she would like to try on.  time to play dress up!!

today was day one and we had two places on the schedule - David's Bridal and Nordstrom's Bridal Salon.  we started at the David's Bridal - the highest priced dresses in the store were well within her range plus they had White by Vera Wang, which fit right into her style esthetic.  the funny thing is she found her dress on the fourth try.  she tried on dresses by Vera Wang White, Oleg Cassini,  and Galina and though she tried on at least 6 more beautiful dresses, she tried on her number one choice 4 times.  she was confident that she had found her dress.  it was so great that she was able to find her dress at the first place and on the first day.    i felt like our prep work really helped to make it go smoothly and, as her advocate, it was easy to help her express what she wanted. as a result, Jean found her dress - a dress worthy of a castle wedding - and something could be checked off the list.

i had a lot of fun helping Jean find her dress.  i hope to see her wear it in her wedding.  thank goodness working with her was really easy (what if she had been a bridezilla?? lol).  my goal was to make this an easy process so that it would be one less area that she would have to worry about getting through and i'm so glad to say that that mission can be considered accomplished!! hooray!! :) 

Ask The PFMs: Shorts 'N Tights

I was so glad to get this question from Tanya S. for a couple of reasons; I'm a connoisseur of tights. Or at least a collector. And... I love pairing them with shorts for the cooler months. Let the styling begin! Tanya S. asked the PFMs:

"I would like to try the 'shorts with tights' look, either for fall or the end of winter/beginning of spring when it's still a little cold. I'm looking for tights that are thinner than leggings, but thicker than pantyhose. I don't want snags! The waistband is sometimes an issue for me- I don't want that muffin top look that happens when the band is digging in! "

No one likes muffin top, so let's start rounding up some options! I know sometimes it seems like the only solution to avoid this problem would be to wear leggings (gotta love how Rachel Pally spoiled us with her fabulous no-pinch wide band leggings seen here.) But we can  find tights that are super comfortable, look great with shorts, and don't snag easily or pinch your waist.

Here are some combos begging to be worn this season...why wait until winter is ending, just go for it now! Happy shopping and enjoy!

Combo #1. My go-to tights are Spanx Tight-End Tights. Let's pair them with these autumn neutral shorts, a striped tee, and a tweed blazer for a preppy laid back look. The Tight-Ends are matte, they don't snag, and you will get two looks in one if you choose a reversible pair. I've found that they don't pinch at the waist; in fact they hold you in, make you look fab and they are comfy enough to wear all day. I've even layered two pairs at once for extra warmth and opaqueness (no kidding.) They come in solids and subtle patterns. Take a look on eBay and Rue La La for competitive pricing. (Cailey Cord Shorts- J.Crew)

Combo #2. Look no further than Urban Outfitters or Free People for a great selection of patterned and textured tights; and here's a perk- you can read other buyer's reviews before purchasing! Dots are fun, rib-knits are essential for a winter look, and pictured above- spice things up with a lacey pattern. Add a thick cable knit sweater, your fave pair of denim cutoffs, menswear-inspired loafers and you are good to go! (J Brand Denim shorts- Tobi)

Combo #3. Next up- Hue. They come in so many colors and they are opaque without being too thick. You can try a monochromatic technique (seen here in this post) or mix black tweed and electric blue for a bold shorts n tights pairing with lots more contrast. Have fun and make the tights your focal point! You can also find Hue tights at most department stores. And you may just catch me rocking this look with a blouse like this! (Wintertide Shorts- Anthropologie)

Combo #4. MP Tights can be hard to find, but again eBay is the first place I try. These are soft and last a long time. I also like that they are cotton but have a wooly texture to them that makes them cool-weather appropriate. They actually sell similar ones at Forever 21, for $6.80 they might be worth a shot. I'm dying to pair mine with some feminine high-waisted leather shorts and a lacey top. It's a match made in winter heaven! (Mink Pink Shorts- Threadsence)

  

Hope this helps! Does anyone else have some recommendations for their fave tights?

xoxo Becca

Ask The PFMs: Happy Holidays, Old-Man Style

Welcome to our first installment of Ask the PFMs...yay! Let's bring everyone up to speed. Jeanmarie tells us that she would like to find an "old man" sweater to give her fiancé for Christmas. And she wants to know where the heck to find one. We are here to help! But first things first- we told the lovely Jean to immediately stop googling "old man sweater"...you are likely to find some creepy results, none of which will be what you are looking for.  

After finding out more specific details, Sesheta and I were on the hunt. Jeanmarie wants to find a cardigan style, solid color, preferably on the thick cozy side. Pockets would be a plus, and it must be new; not thrifted or vintage. Christmas themed sweaters are not an option! Being that we are in holiday mode right now, the Internet is the first place to look. There are some amazing deals going on online, so let's take advantage. Plus this is a gift; you don't have to try it on yourself, so just let your fingers do the walking. I narrowed it down to 3 different sites; UO for their vintage hipster vibe, J.Crew for their classic selection, and Revolve for their eclectic mix of designer labels.

Here's a round-up of our hand-picked faves...they range from the traditional oatmeal cable cardigan to the ever popular elbow-patch cardigan. But they all say "Grandpa" in the best possible way.

Also, a few PFM Tips:
30% off at J.Crew- code is GIFTS

20% off at Urban Outfitters- code is TAKEITOFF

15% off at Revolve Clothing- code is TULIP

Do you need styling suggestions, trend tips, or help picking out that holiday gift? We would love to give you some answers so let's hear it!!!

1. J.Crew Donegal Wool Cable Cardigan, 2. Pendleton The Portland Collection Grandpa Cardigan, 3. Z. Brand Double Breasted Cardigan, 4. J.Crew Wool Cashmere Cable Cardigan, 5. Farah The Aspinall Zip Shawl Cardigan Sweater, 6. Marshall Artist Shawl Cardigan