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

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.)

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

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.

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)

Daily Outfit: Warm Sophistication

 

Orange is Fall's signature color, making you think of jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkin spice lattes, and the changing leaves. The weather has been totally crazy here on Long Island...it's snowing one day and 60 degrees the next. This outfit was worn on one of the only true Fall days we've had so far; I felt it was the right time to debut a new purchase. My tie-neck halter top was a must-have for a few reasons: the orangey maple sugar color, the sweet floppy bow at the neckline, and it can easily be layered up for multiple outfit options.

The cardigan is my alternative to a blazer, and this one in particular is so much fun. I love that it has a tough-girl-yet-still-feminine vibe with a motorcycle jacket-inspired style. Dressed in a warm color palette, I was ready to enjoy a honeyed sunset and some coffee shop deliciousness down in Long Beach.

(The Margot Blouse- RACHEL Rachel Roy {bought on sale at Macy's}, Rimini Cardigan- J.Crew, Tulle Herringbone Skirt- Ooh La La, Spanx Reversible Patterned Tights- eBay,  High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara, Copper Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: Leopard and Poppy

Here's a list of my fall faves thus far... hmmm I sense a little bit of a pattern.

1. Zara Lace Dress - I've been looking for the perfect lace dress to pair with my tough black motorcycle boots. This could be the one!

2. Madewell Fulton Felt Hat - Loving the camel color and the 70's vibe! Must have!

3. We actually saw these Aldo Leopard Wedge Booties in person, I tried them on and Sesheta agreed that they were swoon-worthy... but not in my budget right now. The print is small and lovely, the wedge is not too high, and they are subtly sexy.

4. Melie Bianco Edith Bag - I am definitely feeling the pop of red, and it would go so well with the leopard booties! As a bonus it's totally affordable and it has a super cute removable chain strap.

5. These Buckled Paddock Boots from Anthropologie already have a spot waiting for them in my closet!

6. Nars Love Devotion Lipstick -So I know that this particular shade has been around for a while now, but I had never actually tried it till recently. It's moisturizing, buildable, and that perfect shade of coral orange that I need right now.

7. This Medusa watch from TOKYObay will satisfy a few cravings- it's red, studded, and the strap can wrap around twice to create a fab layered look with a few bracelets added in.

8. Poppy red skinny jeans. I am already thinking of multiple outfits that will come out of these awesome Mothers .

9. The Addison Story Floral Shirtdress is exactly what I am looking for to layer underneath my fur vest. In fact I would like the entire fall collection from this brand, please.

Hot out of the Workshop: Open Weave Crochet Triangle Scarf in Fiery Twilight

It all started with my cobalt blue tights that matched the crystals in this scarf so perfectly. Bling!

And then there were no rules...it was so much fun, I was like a kid playing dress up in my closet. Long easy layers were what I wanted to wear, I think the drapey fringe-tastic-ness of the scarf brought out the bohemian in me. 

I was super excited to finish up and debut the latest color version of our Triangle Scarf. We were inspired by the colors of autumn, and definitely feeling the rich warm tones in this yarn. Our lovely friend Laura pre-ordered one of these creations and was the first to rock it (even before Sesheta and I, woohoo!)  Although she was originally looking for something with orange as the dominant color, the various shades of Fiery Twilight won her over. I think you may fall for it too! Have a lil peek and see more pics in our etsy shop...and happy Friday.

(Tulip Dress- Rachel Pally, Cardigan- RACHEL Rachel Roy, Open Weave Crochet Triangle Scarf- MavenFresh, Mini Mandela Earrings- MavenFresh, Boots & Socks- Zara, Tights- Anthropologie, Belt- Target)