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 Confessional: One Year Later...

It's been a full year since we starting blogging on a (nearly) daily basis, and although I was tempted to do the rather cliche collage of random outfit photos it became clear to me that I wouldn't be doing ourselves or our MavenFresh readers any justice. Sesheta and I have come to realize that it's more than that. We've created a year's worth of heartfelt content- the direct result of two gals that enjoy sharing their inspiration with you. Hugs go out to all that support us with your loyalty, thoughts, and comments. You are confirmation that our celebration of a happier, healthier, creative life is being well-received...keep spreading the word! 

Slowly things have changed over this year- we started posting about personal style, fresh recipes, healthy living, inspirations 'n obsessions, and of course accessorizing. Eventually came the reader-driven DIYs and Ask the PFMs (you can email us with questions anytime- we love to help!) As we grow and we learn, things eventually come into balance...and a few blog changes are definitely somewhere out on the horizon. Lately, the universe has been telling me that the future is full of exciting possibilities...if you listen I'm sure you will hear it too. Ooh this quote is totally vision board worthy! And now, let's toast and take a peek at some special outtakes. Hope you share in our (obvious) delight and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend...woo-hoo!

Thanks for sharing in our joy and laughter through this year!!! CHEERS! 

xoxo Becca & Sesheta

*images via Pinterest and PicMonkey

PFM Confessional: Most Memorable Fashion Moment

my "new" pair of docs

my most memorable fashion moment is when i got my first pair of Doc Martens.  i had a pair of the low steel-toes and i loved them.  getting my Docs was a defining moment for me.  they symbolized so much more than just a new pair of shoes; for me, they symbolized "cool" at one of the best times in my life. 

it was the early '90's and i was in high school in the lower east village.  being a queens girl, it was my first introduction to life in the city.  i was instantly drawn to the village-inspired fashion and the quickest way to be "down" was to get a pair of Docs.  it was the first time i practiced the tried and true method of adding one statement piece to change my whole fashion perspective. oh and it did!  just like that, i looked and felt like i belonged.  ...but i can't think about Docs without thinking about all the time that i spent in the the Village roaming around from 8th street down to W. 4th, walking all over and in between.  i spent hours in the store Unique that used to be on Broadway.  i had countless numbers of Haagen Daz cookies and cream ice cream shakes from 8th street (yes, back when i ate dairy lol).  my girls and i enjoyed people watching (especially watching boys :).  i was young, wild and free.  yes, those were the good ol' days.  looking back, i have to credit this fashion moment as my most memorable and most influential! xo sesheta

PFM Confessional: Cleansing

(Image One via With Style & Grace, Image Two via, Image Three via A Beautiful Mess, Image Four via Lexie's Kitchen)

This is going to be a difficult post to write...but I've wanted to find a way share my personal journey with you. In 2003, I was diagnosed with a disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/CRPS), a progressive and "incurable" neurological disease. As a result, I spent subsequent years with severe chronic burning pain and inflammation in my right foot from the tips of my toes almost up to my knee.

The majority of individuals with RSD are using equipment to assist with mobility, are on disability, and can no longer partake in life...yet people who I meet would never even know that I have this disease. I know I've beaten the odds. After many unsuccessful and invasive traditional methods of treatment, I couldn't just trust modern medicine. I found my own solutions by focusing on a more unconventional holistic approach. For the past 7 years I've been slowly reversing the condition with acupuncture (thanks Jonny!), yoga, physical therapy, osteopathic care, a loving support system (you know who you are xoxo), and changes in diet and lifestyle. And...drumroll please...I'm thankful to be completely medication-free for over a year.

If you are suffering from a chronic disease, or any disease for that matter, I'm encouraging you to be open to natural healing methods and changes in your diet. Recently I came to realize that there are two things that can make my RSD flare up: stress (like when we moved last year), and poor diet. Being born and raised a vegetarian, the cards were already stacked in my favor...or so I thought. But when spring or summer rolls around, my body seems to crave some sort of detox to get back it into balance and I try to listen. Auspiciously, my friend had mentioned the book Crazy Sexy Diet...I ordered it right away after reading rave reviews from people suffering from chronic pain. Author Kris Carr is inspirational; she writes about healing herself through an anti-inflammatory diet in a way that completely made sense to me and built upon what I already knew about healthy living. After devouring her book I couldn't wait to start things off with the 21-day cleanse...you basically eat a plant-based vegan diet (no meat, no sugar, no gluten, no alcohol, and no caffeine for 21 days) with an emphasis on green juices. Kris offers daily prayers, affirmations, and invaluable tips to encourage you through the cleansing process.

Even though I'm a vegetarian, I didn't fully understand what a healthy diet was. I don't eat meat and I do eat wheat bread...so I'm healthy, right? Crazy Sexy Diet reinforces the fact that the Standard American Diet (SAD) and its lack of nutritious, anti-inflammatory, whole, and plant-based foods can contribute to the onset and cause of many chronic and degenerative diseases. I already knew from experimenting with my diet that eating processed soy products can flare up my symptoms...time to take it a step further. The more I read, the more I realized diet was the key in treating my RSD. 

Now I'm on Day 17 of the Crazy Sexy Cleanse (plus I prepped by avoiding all dairy and gluten a week ahead) and I'm recognizing what my body needs in order to be healthy. After repeating today's affirmation- I believe in me and I'm proud of how far I've come- I was further encouraged to write this post. This entire experience is connecting the dots between my diet, my mindset, and my disease. I know firsthand that whole grains and organic fruits 'n veggies are magical! My skin is glowing and completely clear...yet another reason for me to finally give up dairy. I've been drinking green smoothies at least once a day, and loving it. They are officially my replacement for coffee...shocking, but true. I love eating this way and trying out new recipes with my hubby...we were even motivated to plant about ten different vegetables in our backyard. I've become addicted to dry brushing. Oh, I also bought a new all-natural deodorant. My excitement rubbed off on a friend; for the past two weeks she's been dedicated to cleansing along with me and as a bonus we've both lost a few pounds. Bottom line: I'm on the road to becoming pain-free, and having fun doing it. It's so true that many answers to our health can be found in what we are putting in our bodies. Healthy living is more than just yummy green juice and smoothies. It takes hydration, sleep, exercise, stress reduction and a good dose of love and mental health with a side of forgiveness and joy (thanks Kris Carr)! This sparkly girl is inspired to stick with these new changes in lifestyle. 

Being diagnosed with RSD almost 10 years ago was completely life-altering. The initial years prior to going into remission were traumatizing, but I fought through it. You can't give up or give in. I truly believe that I am a happier and healthier person now than before I got this disease. Obstacles are opportunities in disguise...my path led me to my loving husband; I met and bonded with my MavenFresh girl, Sesheta; and ultimately I've come to realize my desire to learn more about nutrition and empower others to prevent and heal illness with a healthy lifestyle. Everyone wants to look good and feel happy...it all starts with being good to yourself on the inside.  

Thank you for reading this...nothing's truly official till you've written it down and damn- this was a cleansing experience in itself! Please write us with questions...you don't have to wait for a crappy wake-up call to start sparkling! Hey, it looks like future MavenFresh recipes could be both vegan and gluten-free. xoxo Becca

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks...True Love

this picture says so much about Tau's personality lmao

i may have always had a love affair with fashion and with color but my true love overshadows all those things. yes, there are things, rather people, that i love more.  my eldest son, Tau is one of these people.  he turned 14 today and, besides feeling overwhelmed by the idea of having  a full-fledged teenager, i am so proud to be his mommy.

Tau was born at a time when his dad and i were still finding out who we were; it was all around trial and error.  i read all the books you were supposed to in order to prepare for parenthood but any parent can tell you that all your questions never make it in the book.  so much about parenting is intuition and boundaries.  you have to know where you stand when it comes to any issue and then be willing to throw that out the window and revise it in a heartbeat.   though it is my most challenging role, it is also the most fulfilling.  being mom to Tau has taught me things that only he could teach me.  shoot... i am still learning as we speak! my biggest claim to fame was that, despite all of the mistakes that we have made, Tau is still alive and growing lol.  he is growing right before my eyes.  the scary part is that a lot of who he will be has already been formulated; the ground work has been already laid.  we have to hope that we have given him all the tools he will need to become the man he will be.  ... jeez, no pressure...  i know that we can dwell on all the things that we should have done differently, but there is a lot that we have done right.  Tau is a bright, funny, intelligent young man who is just stretching his wings.  now we have to be strong enough to let him fly.

happy earthday, Tau!!

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks....inspiration- the sun

the warm weather of the past week has truly inspired me.  i literally feel like it is warming my creative energy.  i am in the midst of designing a piece for my spiritual sister and the sun has played a major role in where my i draw my inspiration.  it makes sense that today, Sunday, would be the day for this post.  as i wait for the clear message of what to create to come through, i am just appreciating the energy of the sun.  i feel like i am a young(er) girl who has been struck by spring fever.  the last thing i want to do is be stuck indoors or behind a computer.  alas, i am not always able to escape the former or the latter, but it does make me feel good either way to know that there is a warm sun shining.  the early appearance of spring has made me excited for the new season and for all the gifts that spring brings.

photo courtesy of Pictures of the Sun

PFM Confessional: Becca Says, Style Has No Number!

The latest issue of Lucky Magazine arrived, and I couldn't wait to curl up on the sofa and dive on in. When I got to the "Readers Ask" segment, there was a question that had me pausing to question myself. It read "I'm about to turn 30. Are there any clothing styles in your opinion that I need to say a long goodbye to?" 

Ok- take your time to reflect and then let's have a little fun. Are you in your 30s? Almost there? Already been there, done that? How would you respond...feel free to share with us! 

Well I immediately got defensive and thought to myself, hmmm do I remember consciously saying adieu to any of my style choices when I turned the big 3-0? Ummm definitely no- why would I have to do that? It shouldn't be about "having" to do anything. For me it was really more about my personal style developing and changing...and that's something that I will always love! That birthday 3 years ago had nothing to do with it. The trends always change, your taste will change, your budget can change, your shape might change. And I never once thought "uh-oh, now that I'm 30 I have to give up____." If you like it, wear it. Enjoy and stop paying so much attention to what other people think and what society deems appropriate. Plus, your confidence level is so much higher after leaving your 20s that (dare I say this) you should be looking forward to turning 30 instead of dreading it. Just now speaking from experience, being that I'm at a point where I can look back. In a world that is super-saturated with 20-something style bloggers, I'm proud that Sesheta and I are breaking that mold. We're going to continue sharing inspiration and our enthusiasm for style with you!

I love that Shopgirl posted about Advanced Style- a unique blog that totally drives the point home; style really has no number! 

PS-So what did Lucky have to say? I'm very happy to report that the awesome Ms. Jean Godfrey-June answered with a point-blank "no." And then she went on to tell a tale with the moral of the story being that the hottest age is from 32-35. Love this magazine now even more than ever. Ha!

(photo credit: Advanced Style- Ari Seth Cohen)

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks - going with the flow

...time out of time

one with the sublime

Beauty of this place

time flows past

yet leaves not a trace...
poem & painting
©2005 Mara Berendt Friedman

today i was reminded of an important lesson:  though you have a plan for yourself in life, life sometimes has a different (sometimes conflicting) plan for you.  though the reminder was very minor (and not too traumatic), the message was still strong.  

i wear a lot of hats in my life - designer, mother, wife, daughter, employee, sister, friend (any of these roles sound familiar to you?).  i usually wear two or more hats at once.  then there are the occasional times when situations dictate what hat has to be worn  today the "Mom" hat took precedence.  i had my mind wrapped around getting through my day one way and then when i got that call, everything else had to be pushed aside.  the call about my son came in and because he wasn't ill (he just needed support from his mom), honestly, i was annoyed that i had to leave work to go tend to him.  leaving meant missing a fun event that was happening! do i wonder if that makes me a bad parent? no... because i know i did the right thing.  as i arrived at my son's school and had a chance to help him, he turned to me and said, "Thanks, Mom".  those are the words you drill in them so that children learn to be grateful but when the words come back at you with genuine earnest and appreciation... there is nothing better in the world.  

 my angst at changing up my routine to be by my son's side quickly subsided.  it definitely didn't hurt that he had melted any ounce of annoyance that may have been lingering by being grateful. either way, i had time for reflection and it only takes a little reevaluation to realize that being there for your loved ones is the only thing that life is really truly about.  i am thankful that i was able to be aware of that and able to get to him when he needed me.  

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks... inspiration

if one picture is worth a thousand words, then five pictures are worth five thousand.  i've borrowed some images to share my inspiration for the pieces i've been designing and creating.  i'll be sure to post the finished products! enjoy and hope they serve as inspiration to you too...

nature

sparkle

love

neon

wild

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks - true love

Heart of My Heart - photo courtesy of New Moon Visions

u may have noticed that i missed posting on Thursday, 2/2.  yes, it completely slipped my mind that it was my day to post.  sometimes i get too caught up actually living life that i forget to write about it, lol.  it wasn't just an average busy day though; Thursday i celebrated being married for 14 years.

believe it or not, i am actually very quiet about my personal life.  i've never been big on posting blow by blow details on Facebook or Twitter or anywhere for that matter.  ...but then there comes a time when you have to share with the world and this is definitely one of those times.  my hubby and i started out on our journey together at a time when all the factors around us told us that it was never gonna work.  despite what the world tried to tell us, we dove in feet first.  with the support of our families and the blessing from the Most High, fourteen years later, we are still standing.  i don't consider that an easy feat, especially when there are marriages around us, younger and older than ours, failing everyday.  i am proud of us - for having grown together instead of growing apart; for making it through life's tests thus far; for continuing to hold on and, as a result, our love is stronger because of it.  

though i have no idea what tomorrow holds, i can say i know what it is to truly be loved and to love someone else fully.  ...and there is nothing more satisfying.  i wish this kind of love for you too. 

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks...transformation

~ poem on back of card ~

gather sisters, brothers, seekers and friends
in sacred circle where this world ends
between the worlds let us pray and sing
and wait for visions Great Spirit will bring

photo and poem courtesy of New Moon Visions

i have been a fan of the artist Mara Berendt Friedman for years.  i used to find her cards at East West bookstore in the village years ago.  i love her female centered images and community focused messages.  when i need an image that inspires a certain frame of mind i'm in, her artwork is first to come to mind. 

this image is entitled, "Green Butterfly of Transformation".  i have been thinking about transformation a lot lately.  it's hard not to crave change when life seems to be hard for so many different people.  it has me concerned that a better way isn't directly in sight.  this is what has me thinking... what if life doesn't get easier?  my minor complaints are so trivial when i look at the situations of others but it is definitely all relative.  life is just hard.  ... so if life is focused on being hard, i have realized that my job is to be focused on enjoying (despite it all) more.  i feel like it is totally now or never.  if i don't make an effort now, maybe i never will.  i have no guarantee that my efforts will succeed or fail but, either way, at least i can have one heck of a ride to share with the generations to come after me.  

 getting stuck in the muck and mire of life can cause temporary amnesia; it causes us to forget that we don't have to stay there.  we have been blessed with the choice to do something different even if it is only in some small way.  i didn't really think i had any new year resolutions for 2012 but now i think otherwise.  my goal is to enjoy life and be re-inspired by her beauty.  i'm really looking forward to the new perspective this will all bring!

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

PFM Confessional: sesheta says, "WTF?"

photo courtesy of The Encyclopedia of Science

i don't know about you but, lately it seems like i've been sayin, "wtf" quite often.  maybe it's the lack of enough money to handle all my responsibilities, or the pressure of having three children (and keeping up with everything that entails).  maybe it's that i just turned 35 and the stress of not having achieved all i desire is catching up with me or all the above... who knows.  these are the times that many turn to their guilty pleasures, some turn to religion and others just lay on their couch lol.

the only thing that has kept me going is the fact that when i share with girlfriends, they all seem to be feeling the same way - about something or the other.  that's when i start to say it must be in the stars.  i love reading my horoscope for some tidbit of inspiration for the day.  though i don't do it daily, it can be especially helpful at times like these when it seems like nothing will turn out right.  don't get me wrong, i know that life could be a lot worse, but isn't it all relative?  anyways, just in case you are feeling the same way, i thought you might like to read about the planetary alignments for October.  it just might offer insight into the craziness of life.  it sure does help to know that it isn't just me.

PFM Confessional: The Quiksilver Pro Comes to My Town

I admit to never, ever trying to surf. In fact I love the beach, but rarely go swimming in the ocean unless it's super hot and that's after I already looked for the closest outdoor shower. And the only name from the surf industry that would make me think twice is Kelly Slater. But I was never one to shy away from watching sexy guys riding waves, or a chance to shop the latest Quiksilver collections. So when I heard that the Quiksilver Pro surfing event was coming to NY and was going to be held in our very own city of Long Beach I was...well...curious. For me enthusiasm is highly contagious, and it didn't take much time before I was riding the wave (get it?) of excitement that was pulsing all over town. I mean come on- we heard A-Rod & Cameron rented a place down here to catch all the happenings. My spirits did come crashing down when the Long Beach bigwigs announced the cancellation of the festival portion at the last minute. Bummer. I was really looking forward to the bands that were lined up, esp Matt & Kim, Flaming Lips, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Taking Back Sunday. Feel free to judge me. Anyways, the finals are tomorrow morning so my man and I headed down to the beach to check out the current situation. Excitement was in the air! Surfers and camera crews were out in full effect. The Quiksilver/Roxy boardwalk shop was packed with goodies. Plus the sky was just looking so darn pretty. I do love this city of mine. 

 

  

 

 

(Rachel Pally Dress- Shopbop, Bandeau in Neon Pink- Ooh La La, Splendid Striped Cowl- Anthropologie, Gold Havaianas- Gilt Groupe, Hot Pink Chain Link Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFM Confessional: sesheta speaks

i think of the PFM confessional as the platform, similar to the time on reality shows where the characters commentate on the scenes that are happening, where becca and and i can give a little more insight as to who and what we are - as designers and people.

that being said, i watched the show "Hoarders" for the first time tonite.  all i can say is OMFG (had to add an expletive in there).  i know that i am an extra sensitive person but this show really struck a chord with me.  witnessing the degree to which people will let their quality of life degrade is literally painful.  don't get me wrong, i totally get that this becomes a sickness for these individuals.  triggered by loss, sickness, depression, etc., either way, hoarding is definitely a dis-ease.  honestly, for me, it is downright scary to see how far some people let it go.  i think what rings so clear for me is my identification with having an affinity for "things".  i like so many different types of things and have also been overtaken by the need to have certain things (more often than i'd like to admit)but i have been blessed with some degree of discipline.  it seems like the people affected by hoarding at some point or another decide to give up.  they become so overwhelmed by life and situations, that taking the next step is too great to conceive.  watching this show leaves me with mixed feelings.  on one hand, i am saddened by what i've seen.  while i understand that this is a real sickness, it highlights the level of wealth that we have in this country and the fact that so many of us take that for granted.  there are people who don't have homes and/or don't know when they will have their next meal -- in America and in other countries. on the other hand, i am so glad that there are people like the "Hoarders" cast who are willing to go in and assist these people with re-claiming their lives.   i also applaud all the individuals documented for being able to take that first step.  all in all, i am left with a new found appreciation of how blessed i am to have all that i have.  i know that in an instant it can all be taken away, as many have experienced due to Hurricane Irene.  the good thing is that, while things are fun to have and obtain, i know that i am not defined by material things.  what about you? - sesheta