PFMs in the Kitchen: Thanksgiving is Here!

Thanksgiving means more to me than ever this year. I've always loved this holiday for a couple of very specific reasons...my brother and I both have birthdays that happen to fall on or around this holiday (yay!) Next reason is the food: my mother serves up a few of her infamous (and my absolute fave) vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes. Ultimately, nothing can hold a candle to the real excitement behind the holiday- recognizing and being able to give thanks for what's important in life. To my husband, my in-laws, and my sweet sweet friends...I hope you feel the major vibes of gratitude that I'm sending your way. To my mother and brother...this will be the first Thanksgiving in (too) many years when we will be celebrating altogether under the same roof and I can't wait. Lastly to my incredible neighbors and friends in Long Beach with whom we will forever share a special bond...I'm grateful for all the support and help we've given each other over the last few weeks. For our readers that want to give back and help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, you can find one of the many options right here.

And as always, let's bring on the healthy living! Things have been too chaotic lately for me to post any of our actual Thanksgiving recipes, so I borrowed inspiration from the internet to give you a glimpse at some dishes that are similar to what we will be chowing down on tomorrow. Our Thanksgiving will be a non-traditional mix of vegetarian-vegan-deliciousness! Have a wonderful holiday! xoxo Becca

Poblano Cornbread Stuffing via loveandlemons

Spiced Tofu Katsu via The Cilantropist (Tofu Cutlets are the superstars of our Thanksgiving!)

Brussels Sprouts and Red Cabbage Slaw via The Yellow Table

Parsnip Puree Topped with Almond Parmesan via sb&gb

Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp via Two Peas & Their Pod

PFMs in the Kitchen: Chocolate Nest Cupcakes

I don't know what I loved most about this holiday...the mimosa-filled family brunch or the pastel colored chocolates? Whether you are now finding yourself with an excess of Easter candy or you want to file away a recipe for next year, here's an easy dessert that puts those cute candy-coated eggs to good use. Fair warning: this is not what I would deem a "healthy" recipe! Adapted from a simple book of cupcake recipes...it's convenient, especially when you want to browse by special occasion. We made mini cupcakes instead of regular size...easier for family members to sample. They enjoyed 'em very much! And though my nest-making technique of using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar worked like a charm, I would have been just as happy to change up the flavor by using coconut flakes...maybe next year!

Recipe adapted from 500 Cupcakes by Fergal Connolly p.194

for the cupcakes:

2 sticks sweet butter, softened

1 cup superfine sugar

2 cups self-rising flour

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract (I swear by this one)

for the frosting: 

4 oz. semisweet chocolate bar, flaked (I used a veggie peeler)

2 tbsp heavy cream

 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped

candy-covered mini eggs (I used Cadbury Mini Eggs)

Preheat oven to 350. Place paper baking cups into muffin pans. Combine all of the cupcake ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon the batter into cups. 

Bake for 20 minutes. Now is a good time to make your chocolate flakes. Put them in the fridge (covered) until you are ready to use them. Remove the pans from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Then remove the cupcakes and cool on a rack.

To make the frosting, put the chocolate and cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently till combined. Remove from heat and stir until the mixture is smooth. Working quickly, spread onto the cooled cupcakes. Top with chocolate flakes and place 2 mini eggs on top. 

Store unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Makes 2 1/2 dozen mini cupcakes (or 1 1/2 dozen regular size).

Daily Outfit: Navajo Love

 

 

 
Seems like everyone is on vacation during the holidays...so let's pretend that I am going away to a remote mountain location where I can unwind, play around in some snow, and sit by a big warm fireplace drinking a hot toddy wrapped up in this scarf/blanket. If I was taking said vacation (I said if!) I would definitely be packing this cozy outfit. I pulled out this super sweet 1970s navajo cardigan sweater for a look that's a little bit southwestern and slightly bohemian. I'm all about mixing denim, fringe, and cozy layers. My sweater almost feels like a blanket with it's enormous hood and kimono sleeves, and I love the desert sunset color palette. I may just continue this urban-cowgirl-boho frontier-esque trend through the winter...already picturing this  cardigan with some denim cutoff shorts, thick-knit tights, lace-up boots, a plaid shirt, and a fur hat.

PS Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend... these are some things that made me happy:

Finding the perfect recipe organizer for my mom; she's the most amazing cook ever who has always kept all recipes in her head/  Happy to score the last box of these limited edition red fishnet nail polish strips at Duane Reade. Yep I realize these were originally released for Halloween but who doesn't want a dose of bright poppy during the holidays/  First Christmas in our new house/ First fire in our fireplace (next time we will fully open the flue, haha oops)/ Anthropologie is still having an extra 50% off sale items/  Lots of quality time with family and friends!

 (Navajo Cardigan- Vintage, Essential Chambray Tunic- Anthropologie, Skinny Jeans- Gap, Feather Open Weave Crochet Mobius- MavenFresh, High-Heel Booties- Zara, Lasercut Earrings- Anthropologie)

Daily Outfit: An Ode to Mimi

 

 

 

 

   My grandmother Mimi is one special lady. Not only is she loving, beautiful, refined, and brilliant, she was one heck of a fashionista in her day! It makes perfect sense that I have such an obsession with fashion. And did I mention that we happen to be the same size?! This dress came straight from the wondrous vintage collection of Mimi. I love playing with color and couldn't wait to create a color-blocked look (or ensemble, as Mimi would say with a French accent) with subtly printed tights and leopard...and more leopard!

Now at 91 years old Mimi doesn't always remember what she ate for breakfast, but you better believe that she keeps 4 closets in her house organized by season and type. I have cherished memories of days spent playing dress-up in her closet when I was young, and it seems that things haven't changed much! I'm fortunate that she is so eager to share not only her wardrobe, but her stories and memories with me. She's definitely my own personal style icon.

Mimi in 1947, (4 months pregnant with my mom) alongside my handsome grandpa. Everytime I see this picture I admire the way she has her tie-waist blouse layered effortlessly over her dress. Notice how she's holding her gloves with her clutch and has a flower in her hair (so chic!)

Enjoy the holidays and be sure to spend some quality time with your loved ones!!! We'll be back on Monday!

xoxo Becca

(Tangerine Dress- Vintage, Turtleneck- J.Crew, Leopard Belt- Anthropologie, Patterned Tights- Spanx, Leopard Booties- Aldo, Pineapple Drops- MavenFresh)

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks - "If I had only one wish..."

photo courtesy of  http://idesigniphone.com/peace-typography

As we all dash around trying to find the perfect gifts and spending money we don't have, it's hard to remember the purpose of the season.  Well, I'd like to take the time to be still enough to thank you for reading our blog and keeping up with what interests two girls in a material world.  Though it brings us joy to post, it really wouldn't matter if you didn't care to read it!

If I had one only one wish, I wish you peace today, through the holidays and into the new year!  Have fun spending time with your families!

much luv,

sesheta

MavenFreshers: Got Gifts?



The Twigs and Berries earrings - our best seller

 This is that time of year that everything reminds us that the holiday season is approaching and that, though  pockets may not have it, it is the time to shop for those you love.  Well, this is a quick plug to subtly suggest that you remember MavenFresh when looking for unique items for gifts.  There are a few ways you can obtain MF items:

1. Purchase from our etsy shop - www.mavenfresh.com
2. Identify an item from our photo look books on Facebook and send us an email.
3. Email us for ideas for a custom order.

Remember, though we do have many goodies in stock, to be sure you get what you'd like and in a timely fashion, be sure to give us time to re-create (typically 1-3 weeks depending on the item).

There are some new items being listed this week, including the popular Open Weave Crochet Mobius in Brown/Grey Feather!!! Take a peek at it right over here.

Happy Shopping!!

Daily Outfit: Holiday Casual

 This past weekend I was excited to spend time with family and friends at our annual tree-trimming party. There are so many festive events going on this season, but this one in particular is a favorite of mine. It's thrown by my best friend's parents and started out as an intimate gathering that's grown bigger as each year goes by. This time around we joined about 25 people, 2 cats, and a dog. By now it's become less about decorating the tree and more about eating good food, drinking good wine, and spending time with loved ones. And it was a great reason to bake espresso cupcakes...yum!

I decided to plan my outfit around my cargo pants. I love this slouchy sweater vest, and wanted to keep the rest of the outfit casual but chic by opting for ankle booties and my fringey MavenFresh mobius. It's an easy layered weekend look that's comfortable and fun. What's your comfy go-to for the weekends?

(J Brand Houlihan Cargo Pants- eBay, Vest- French Connection, V-Neck Top- Anthropologie, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara, New Jade Cascade Earrings & Open Weave Crochet Mobius in Bright Charcoal- MavenFresh)

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 

Daily Outfit: Orange Glow

I could tell you that this was a Thanksgiving outfit...but then I'd be lying. I just didn't get around to posting this cozy look and figured my orange felt hat was in the spirit of the holiday, so here it is. I spent the past 5 days hanging out with loved ones, eating lots of food and drinking lots of wine....so you will have to excuse the lack of posts! 

November is a favorite month of mine for a few reasons; I really enjoy Thanksgiving (vegetarian French Onion Soup is the best), I love that the weather is still so fall-like, it's my birthday (yesterday), and it's my little bro's birthday month too! Can't wait for more celebrating this weekend at a rock 'n roll aerial picture show extravaganza in Brooklyn...what can I say, my brother knows how to party. And maybe this time I will even bring the camera!

(Juicy Couture Sweater- Shopbop, Tunic Tee- H&M, J Brand Jeans- Anthropologie, Corona Fedora- Anthropologie, Woven Loafers- Vintage, Scarf- Anthropologie, Earrings- a boutique in Greenport)

champagne treat

birthday goodness

porch sunset

Just a few photos from these recent lovely days gone by, and now it's back to reality! Reminder ladies...your chance to enter and win a MF Crochet Mobius ends tomorrow...

PFM Obsession: Shearling and Fur

this time of year makes me obsessed with being warm and nothing is warmer or more comfy than shearling!  i can totally imagine feeling cozy all day with one or more of these fly items!!  today is cyber monday so maybe you can snag one of these before the day is through :)

1.  i love that Frye made these fur-lined!! 

2. you def can't go wrong wearing a fur vest! this has made a list more than once!

3. TO-DIE-FOR - shearling, lace-up AND clogs - gasp!

4. this jacket is so cute and would def work with some skinnies and a pair of any of my listed shoes.

5. i would wear this hat all day everyday

6. these are my new must-haves - sooo cute and edgy, yet, functional too!

7. this bag would guarantee that all my stuff was warm and cozy too lol

8. ooooo nothing says comfort like a warm fuzzy scarf/mobius!

happy shopping!!