PFMs on the Town: North Fork Here I Come

image via, text via me

I woke up early for some last minute packing and couldn't be more excited to skip town! My husband and I are on our way (as you read this) to spend the weekend in wine country at our home away from home...the Harvest Inn Bed & Breakfast. Not sure how many New Yorkers (or Long Islanders) realize this, but the North Fork of Long Island is chock full of beautiful vineyards with delicious wine and warm, friendly people. I always look forward to the food just as much as the wine...the eats are locally grown and super fresh. The menus change according to season at many of the restaurants in this area, just the way it should be when the majority of the ingredients for meals are locally sourced. You know I dig it! If you keep traveling east you will end up in Greenport, my favorite little town to search for hidden treasures. They have an abundance of antique shops and jewelry boutiques...so much fun. May I suggest that you follow along on all the adventures through Instagram this weekend? The food alone will be worth the look! Here's a hint- over at the Harvest Inn, Chef Christopher will whip up a breakfast that could have me out of bed and drooling with just a moment's thought. We love that man.

Anyone have any restaurant recommendations on the North Fork for us to try? I hope you all have awesome plans this weekend that get you refreshed and living in the moment. That's what it's all about! xoxo Becca

PFMs on the Town: Bday Bash at Seasons 52

what's more fun than having dinner with friends? having dinner with your friends on your birthday at Seasons 52.  as you can see, we had a good time sharing drinks, stories and really good food (though they need to step up their brussel sprout recipe lol).  most of the pics show all of us testing out the panorama camera feature on the iphone.  yes, iphone syndrome is a real sickness!

i had a great time and the best part is we've decided to make sure we do it much more often, instead of reserving the fun for birthdays. woo hoo!! that works for me :)  for now though, the birthday celebration continues!! and TGIF!!! xo Sesheta

PFMs on the Town: Green Glam at Fashion Week

 

There's a craving I get every so often and surprisingly it has nothing to do with the latest recipe or handbag. It's a longing to get together with like-minded people who want to celebrate and share mutual passions...anyone else with me? So, when I was invited to the Green Glam Fashion Week Tweetup there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would end up joining the party.

Hosted by 4 green beauty and fashion experts (including our friend and Eco-beauty goddess Rebecca Casciano) the event was a meeting of the green beauty-savvy minds...we bonded over our shared love of all things healthy and stylish. The boutique-like setting of Organic Avenue's Space of LOVE* was the perfect spot to sip fresh green juice and swap good vibes with dozens of other beauties. I met many amazing women from a variety of industries (can't wait to get together with them again) and had the chance to introduce my girl Jazmin to the awesome world of green beauty. Plus, we took home a sweet swag bag full of healthy treats! Looking chic and enjoying beautifying foods while spreading the message that vibrant health starts on the inside...now that's an ideal night spent during NY Fashion Week!

If you are inspired to be in the know about the next green beauty event in the New York area, I encourage you click the links above to follow or tweet any (or all) of those lovely ladies mentioned previously. Feeling like you want to empower yourself to make healthier choices in life, but don't know where to start? Of course you can always Ask the PFMs! This is just the beginning of a growing movement towards natural, healthy, and stylish living that is anything but boring. As green beauty-fashion-wellness enthusiasts, Sesheta and I are so proud to be setting a hot trend that can become an incredible lifestyle if you let it. xoxo Becca

*images via Rebecca Casciano, Jon Gordon, and MavenFresh

PFMs on the Town: AfroPunk Fest 2012

i had a great time this past weekend enjoying the beautiful weather and beautiful people all out celebrating this year's AfroPunk Festival 8/25-26 in Brooklyn.  i actually made it out to both days.  i love people watching and this was the event for it.  everyone was out showing off their afropunk styling; from clothing and accessories to hair styles, i saw it all!

the first day, i had a wonderful time catching up and hanging with an old friend plus running into many others. i specifically wanted to see Alice Smith perform but i didn't make it out in time.  i did make it out in time to check out the vendors.  i saw my fellow jewelry designer and college buddy, Melody of Melody's Addiction repping her wares.  i also saw a few other designers that i plan to check out (grabbed their cards for website shopping).  i couldn't resist taking home a necklace by Kelly Horrigan Handmade because it called my name when i saw it.  i hung around to see Ms. Erykah Badu perform but was really disappointed by the sound - so much so that i ended the night early.

i headed back out on Sunday, this time with the whole family to meet up with some of my besties and their children.  we were prepared with sheets and snacks and tp (for the port-a-potties, ewww lol).  the kids played ball and ran around while we enjoyed the music.  i really enjoyed Reggie Watts performance.  it was my first time experiencing his sound.  my girl and i ventured away from our perfect spot to see Janelle Monae but the sea of people made it hard to enjoy her set.  we quickly headed back before TV On The Radio went on because i was really excited to see their performance.  luckily, they figured out what the sound issue was that ruined Erykah's set.  TV On The Radio was everything i hoped for- great sound, great vibe and a great end to a great day.  i can't wait for next year when we can do it all over again! xo Sesheta

PFMs on the Town: Brooklyn Brewery

last Friday, i had the pleasure of hanging at Brooklyn Brewery for the first time.  a bunch of my friends, mostly my ol' Wesleyan cronies, as well as family gathered in honor of my hubby's birthday.  we had sooo much fun.   we had a chance to try lots of new Brooklyn beers while in the company of good friends.  

it was hard not to be swept up by the hipster vibe that was all over the area.  located in Williamsburg, (right around the corner from both Beacon's closet and Brooklyn Bowl), the place was teeming with brooklynites (both native and newly relocated) and tourists all enjoying good company, music and, of course, brew.  we have already decided that we have to make it a regular excursion - especially while the weather is warm.  i for one am really looking forward to going back.  ...but the night didn't end here for us; once we closed down the brewery, we headed to Brooklyn Bowl for food and bowling.  beer and bowling - love it!! lol

i hope that you have been using the summer as an excuse to get out and enjoy life. being the mom of three and also having been married forever, it's so easy to get stuck in the regular routine.  i love every opportunity to remember that i am still young and fabulous and looking to have fun - even if my favorite place to hang is on my couch lol.  tonight, the hubby and i are meeting one of our fave couples to dance the night away while the legendary Q-tip spins on the ones and twos at Irving Plaza.  how are you starting off your weekend?  however you spend it, hope you have a blast! xo sesheta

PFMs on the Town: Sun In Bloom Restaurant

the BLT - i could have eaten two of these myself!!

Exhilarating Spring Renewal - soooooo good

this weekend, Becca and i had the chance to experience the food-gasm of Sun in Bloom restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn.  we met up with one of our sisters in beauty/health wellness, Rebecca Casciano who introduced us to this fabulous spot.  did i mention that it's a Vegan/Raw restaurant?? before we even got there, we checked out their menu and saw at least 3 things that we wanted to try!  we started out with some fresh pressed gingerade (yum) and scoured over the menu for a long time before making our final decision.  though it was a really hard choice, Becca and i split the BLT (the shitake bacon is sooooooo yummy you might even think it's the real thing) and added avocado to it (OMG!!) and the Exhilirating Spring Renewal which had tofu scramble, quinoa, black beans and a selection of scrumptious veggies.  then for dessert, we got some of the Orgasmic Granola Delight - Coconut kefir and their homemade granola with strawberries (but no mangoes like the menu said  :( which was the only downside of the whole meal).  we dug in so fast, i didn't get a picture of it lol!!  we can't wait to go back!!

P.S.  it was actually a weekend of food-gasm!! at our friends shower the day before held at E.B. Elliot's on Freeport's Nautical Mile, Becca and i had a specialty dish made just for us of the most amazing medley of veggies - corn, string beans (nice and crisp like i love them), roasted romaine (which i've never had) and more!!!   every weekend should be like that!

PFMs on the Town: Happy Weekend!

photo by PSV

I'm ready for the weekend to begin! Tomorrow we are heading out east once again to the North Fork wineries with some close friends and family...we've had this planned for a while and I'm so glad the weather is looking fantastic for the occasion. Yay! I can't wait to relax and soak up some rays with people I love. Here's the rundown of our fave vineyards on Long Island, in no particular order: Bedell, Borghese, Paumanok, and Jamesport. There's more where these came from...so don't hesitate to ask if you live in the area and you're interested in planning a trip out there.  With that, I wanted to share a couple of links that have inspired me lately. 

Love these hairstyle ideas...being that I have lots 'o hair I'm the perfect candidate...just gotta make some extra time for beauty!

Spring & summer perfection in a dress. If this dress was in my closet I would definitely be styling it up tomorrow for wine-tasting.

This book is on it's way to me, I can't wait to dive in. My body is telling me to up the juice and veggie intake...and I'm listening.

Now I am officially unplugging from the computer to spend time in the great outdoors. Hope you enjoy your weekend too!

PFMs on the Town: The Avengers Movie

We missed out on the free posters being given away at some IMAX theaters -boooooooooo

the movie i waited so patiently for finally came out (see here) and i must say, Marvel's The Avengers did not disappoint!! though i did hold out (i refused to purchase my tickets a month in advance), i wasn't so crazy as to think i could purchase tickets the day of!  so, by Thursday afternoon, we had our tickets to see a showing on Saturday afternoon.  boy, am i glad that i purchased in advance.  we were able to skip the long line outside by going straight to the kiosk (gotta love Fandango)!!  once we were finally settled in and the movie began, the action kept us rooted to our seats for the next 2 hours and 23 minutes (except for the unscheduled bathroom break needed by the 4 year-old - dang it - forgot to take him before the movie started lmao).  without spoiling the movie for the rest of you slow pokes, all i will say is it is a must see!  i really enjoyed all of the characters in one movie.  each superhero had their shining moments as well as got their butts whooped at some point or another lol.  i just saw this movie and i am already discussing what will be the plan for the next Avengers movie.  ...will they include Black Panther, Ant Man and Wasp??  sigh, the problem is the next one isn't slated to hit theaters for at least another two years. :(  the only thing that makes it better is that Iron Man 3 is the next release!  the comic obsession continues :)

PFMs on the Town: It's a Date - Avengers Assemble

i am sooo excited for the new Avengers Assemble movie.  i am a total fan of tons of cartoons and the Avengers series is definitely one of them.  when i heard that they were doing a movie, i was totally stoked.  the coolest part is how they released all the movies about each superhero - Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America, and then tied it all in to coincide with the Avengers movie.  i have to admit that i may be a closet comic con geek!  i am not the only one though, my hubby is definitely right there with me and it appears that we are raising three more to add to the crew, lol.  we are all, as a family, really amped for the movie to come out.  while we are super excited, we have refrained from purchasing our tickets a month in advance.  ... but i do know that we will probably be in the theaters opening weekend to see it.  what i find interesting is that i have yet to see the Muppets movie that recently came out and i LOVE the Muppets!! i don't know...  there's just something about those superheros! :)

PFMs on the Town: IFB Con, Take 2

at this year's IFB Con, we were far from the only fashionistas in the house.  it was truly inspiring to be amongst other talented artists - including designers, social media execs, and tons of fashion and style bloggers - all gathered to learn the top tips for achieving a successful blog.  it felt right on to be networking with others, like us, who share a love of fashion.  we have already incorporated a few things that we've learned (have you noticed any thing new?) and plan to make even more changes in the near future.  so stay tuned!  

btw - if you like our blog, please feel free to let us know!  is there something you'd like to see more or less of or something you'd like us to add?  we really love to hear from our readers (you have to become a subscriber to comment on our blog).  also, if you like what you see, share it with a friend!!

(Sequin Black Tank - Simply Vera, Vera Wang. Black Boyfriend Cardigan - H&M, Printed Leggings - Rachel Pally, Studded belt - J. Crew, Knee-High Grey Boots - Fergie, Elliptical earrings in Sunshine and Thai Rose Headband in Taupe - MavenFresh) 

PFMs on the Town: IFB Con, Take 1

  Our first time attending the IFB Conference and we're feeling the amazing energy and taking in the overwhelming display of personal style. Sesheta and I were focused and ready to gain insight, maybe schmooze a bit...and get some sweet swag. Ha (which we did.) But of course how could we not scope the scene... Milk Studios was totally packed with style bloggers from NY to Australia. Just like Sesheta is a bag-watcher, I had my eyes on a few denim trends that were being repeated over 'n over. And I was liking it. Top three were...

1. Red skinny jeans. Worn with denim button downs, white tees or blazers...lookin good!

2. The ahhh-mazing Current Elliot Leopard Stiletto Jeans. Grey and camel versions both made the cut and it only had me wanting a pair even more. Swoon.

3. Coated denim...love that leather look and so many brands to choose from! What can I say, I'm a PFM and this trend is still going strong.

How could it not be a fantastic event? Bonding time with my other-half mixed with firsthand scoop from industry pros, woohoo...thanks IFB! I also got to break in my latest eBay find- the coveted Anthro Buckled Paddock Boots. We snapped a few quick pics at the end, and then headed out among the quietly falling snowflakes. Girlies, fashion week is happening!!!

(Tie-Neck Blouse- Revolve, Cartonnier Blazer- Anthropologie, J Brand Coated Teal Jeans and Boots- eBay, Feather Fancy Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFMs on the Town: Saturday Night Lights

Sarah Brodsky...amazing!

Minerva Lions in action

That's me with the chocolate boots!

The weekend plan was to continue celebrating birthdays with my brother (turning the big 3-0) and some other lucky fellow Sagittarians on Saturday night. This meant a sweet low-key Friday night on the couch cuddled up with my man, our little kitty Stewie, and a soon-to-be-finished crocheted hoodie that I was excited to give as a gift. Do you know how challenging it is to be working with yarn around around a slightly crazy cat? Well it ain't easy but he's cute so I let it go.

My rock star bro always does it up right and this time was no exception! We headed to Brooklyn with friends for a delicious dinner at the Oak Wine Bar and then on to Big Sky Works. This definitely was the place to be if you wanted to catch a party that combined killer bands with amazing aerial acts, a DJ, and a light show. The Minerva Lions were especially fantastic (not that I'm biased, but hey I am related to the lead singer.) Hope you all had a splendid weekend. And look- here we are already at Wednesday...yay!

PS Since I really didn't get any detailed outfit photos worthy of posting, here's a re-creation...laid out on my bed. I wore this Saturday night and loved it so much that I wanted to give you a feel for the concept of the look. Sparkly sequins, faded black skinny jeans, and chocolate knee-high boots topped off with a fitted blazer. The finale was our latest earring creation- the Peacock Fan Fares with chain, sparkle and rich peacock colors that really popped against my hair and outfit. Olive, charcoal, and chocolate...loving it!

(Sequin Tank- J.Crew, AG Rosebud Jeans- Anthropologie, Cartonnier Blazer- Anthropologie, Frye Paige Cuff Boots- Tobi, Feather Fanfare Earrings {not yet available}- MavenFresh, Latico Clutch- Ooh La La)

PFMs on the Town: Tasting the Day Away

(Rachel Rachel Roy Leather Aries Jacket- Macy's, Moth Wrap Cardigan- Anthropologie, AG Rosebud Jeans- Anthropologie, Boots- Frye, Scarf- French Connection, Sunnies- American Eagle {$5 in-store}, Pineapple Drop Earrings- MavenFresh, Welles Drawstring Bag- Hayden Harnett)

Our lovely friends Darolyn & Christopher own a gorgeous B&B on the North Fork of Long Island. My husband and I used to go out there lots (I even got engaged there!) Nowadays we don't have the chance to take our mini-vacations as often as we'd want, but for special occasions it's definitely a go. Like when you get invited to an exclusive once-a-year opportunity for a barrel tasting in the cellar of Paumanok Vineyards...you just say yes!!! 

I've never actually been to one of these before and was wondering how they would get the wine out of the barrel...this is how it's done! They remove the stopper from the barrel and use this siphon to draw the wine out and pour it into the glass.

It was such an awesome experience to be able to taste wine straight out of the barrel and discuss it with the winemaker himself. Then you are able to purchase the sampled wines at the event, but you would receive them about 12-18 months later because they are produced in such limited quantities that they are only sold as “futures.” So many reds to try, so little time. Side note- we got so lucky with the 2010 Chenin Blanc. It's hard to get and now sold out...but not before it made it home and into our collection. YAY! We really like our wines.

We couldn't have gotten a better day... plenty of sunshine, time with our friends to catch up, and of course the wine was flowing! It was super relaxing, and I love seeing all the fall colors coming out in nature.

PFMs on the town: Besito Birthday

happy birthday month to me!!

okay, so my birthday was over 15 days ago now, but that is soooo unimportant.  i know all of you have heard of birthday week or birthday month so a late celebration is definitely in order.  it was just what i needed!

a group of my co-workers (including Becca) finally got our schedules in order so that we could go eat, drink and be merry at Besito Mexican restaurant in Roslyn (out on Long Island - they actually have three locations altogether).  the ambiance was that of a little pueblo and the food was just as awesome.  while enjoying a round of the house special margarita and sangria, we chowed down on chips, salsa (super fresh tasting -i don't even normally like salsa!!) and, of course, guacamole (made table side and put in the most adorable little stone bowl).  Becca ordered the empanadas (veggie, of course) and i chose the taquitos de pescado or fish tacos.  can you say yummmmm??? i have been wanting to try this restaurant forever and it was well worth the wait.  to top it off due to my limits on dessert choices, who wouldn't want a candle lit scoop of mango sorbet? a sweet ending to a great night!  we all can't wait to do it again!

wine and patron - what more do i say??

these empanadas look good 

the fish tacos were deeelish

it's a little bear!

with guacamole filling lmao

yummy sorbet

this is what happens when you try to smile and blow at the same time lol

PFMs on the Town: Cafe Cluny

Allagash Shandy & a Bellini- yum!

The West Village has restaurants and boutiques around every corner. On the weekends, brunch is a luxury enjoyed by many...and Cafe Cluny is a great spot to indulge yourself. It's not only known for having one of the best brunch menus in the city, but it has delicious vegetarian options and you are almost guaranteed a celebrity sighting (if you are into that sort of thing.) I stopped by with my husband for brunch after having a much-need fresh haircut (pics are coming soon!) My man was on a mission for the Short Rib hash, which he claimed was definitely worth the trip in. I was excited about the special which was the Heirloom Tomato sandwich; absolutely fantastic with a bonus side of greens topped with delicious dressing. We were expecting a wait, but got seated immediately. It would have been worth a wait for sure. Oooh and who did we spot leaving the restaurant before we did? The gorgeous Lake Bell who was just so laid-back chic in a blazer, skirt and dark tights. So glad we had the window seat!