Daily Outfit: Still Hanging On

i know, i know... we have already posted enough good-bye summer posts but, dang it, i'm not ready to let go yet! lol ...which explains these pics for my post today.  it was one of the hotter days of August and it was perfect for snapping pics in a new location surrounded by nature.  this dress is one of my summer favorites made by my girl and her Aunt.  it is actually a hand-me down from her closet but,  of course, in my closet it is brand new!  it actually has straps but it is so secure at the top that i made it an instant strapless.  it's so easy to throw this on and be ready for any event.  i added my white blazer (not seen here) to glam it up for work but i love that it shows the right amount of skin to still be sexy and demure.  i have been trying to convince my friend to start making clothing or, at the very least, make ME clothing!!!  maybe then she will be inspired to start a line! xo Sesheta

(Disco Hoops - MavenFresh, Dress - Mariatere, Wedges - Lucky Brand, Lips - Makeup Forever)

A Day in the Life: Life's a Beach

Labor Day has come and gone and now it seems like the weather has officially cooled down some.  whether we want it to or not, the summer is drawing to a close.  if you can't tell by now, i am deeply saddened to see that warm weather go, lol.  i have even considered moving to a warmer climate.  (i haven't officially given that idea up - it has just been pushed back on the timeline.) considering that that isn't happening anytime in the near future, i am going to remember the pic from above.  as the weather gets colder and our layers of clothing increase, i am going to be dreaming of what it felt to be laying on the beach watching my sons play in the water.  

this trip in particular was part of my last of summer hurrah.  i planned a day for us to go enjoy the beach one more time before the school year began and the season officially ended.    we chose a beautiful day and there were hardly any other people on the beach.  it brought me joy to watch my three boys play in the water.  that was exactly what i had hoped for all of us - time to connect with Mother Earth so that we could be healed by her warmth, cleansed by her water and renewed by her air.  we had a great time and they all told me that they were glad we went.  in the words of my four-year-old, "this was a great day."

...so as the weather reminds me of how un-summer it is, i will use this picture to bring all the summer memories back.  hopefully, it will keep me going until summer rolls around again! xo Sesheta

A Day in the Life: An End of Summer Hurrah

though i have had quite a few good times this summer, i have still felt like the season has flown by and that i haven't made the most of it.  i had hoped for more relaxation, more beach days, less work and more time with friends.  ...but, alas, we are at the end of August and (those of us with kiddies) school starts next week.  as the summer comes to an end, it is hard not to lament over how it could have been spent.  thankfully, there is still the possibility of a few more warm weekends.  i am definitely looking forward to this weekend.  i have taken a few days off from work to actually do what makes me happy (i hardly ever do that!!).  i have one more chance to fit in all of the things that will signify (to me) time well spent.  

i hope that you have an end of summer hurrah planned as well - bbqs, beach days and any thing you find fun and relaxing.  as for next week, it's back to the usual grind.  ...but that is a whole 5 days away! :) 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

Daily Outfit: Effortless Chic

About 3 years ago, Sesheta and I were invited to NYC for a fashion sale event in a fab loft space. We were surrounded by racks of drapey dresses in bold patterns with a super-luxurious feel. I was an instant fan of the designer behind the collection- the talented Ashaka Givens, Sesheta's fly lady from way back. I tried this dress on and it was love! You know I'm a sucker for versatility...and this piece can change up from halter to strapless easily...and I've also worn it as a skirt. What else could you want...besides a few more beautiful designs from the her line (swoon!) 

I upped the boho chic factor with a messy side bun (tip- thick hair will stay put with spin pins)  and a fresh pair of feather earrings that are one-of-a-kind made for me, by me, yay! Tell us if you're interested in something similar. The warmer weather had me reaching for a breezy waterfall cardigan...effortless dressing is just too good.

Pssst...tomorrow Sesheta will be styling up another Ashaka Givens creation.

(Feather Wisp Earrings in Milky Peach- MavenFresh, Dress- Ashaka Givens, Drapey Cardigan- Forever 21, Booties- Nine West, Bracelet-Metal Monk)

PFM Obsession: Outdoor Living

Can you tell what's been on my mind lately? It might have something to do with this gorgeous weather we are having...or it could be that the top item on our Outdoor To-Do List has finally become reality; we are currently landscaping the front of the house. Ourselves, ha (and it's been mostly physical labor right now...my poor husband.) Our goal is to have a blank slate for a fresh start, and I couldn't be more excited. Of course before we know it, this will also turn into "let's update the front porch" talked about here. Makes sense, as it really is an extension of our indoor living space where we can eat 'n drink, lounge, and entertain. And then, what I'm dying to do is make our small backyard into more of an outdoor room. It's all about creativity and inspiration. There's never a shortage of visual goodness on the net.

If you have any links or ideas for landscaping with a rock garden, send them my way. Now get outside and have a wonderful Friday!

(Images via Pinterest)

Daily Outfit: Maxi Layering

Last Saturday ended up being the perfect day for wine-tasting outdoors...and this long weekend wasn't too shabby either! This is the kind of weather for grilling and hanging out in the sun, which is exactly what I chose to do. I even made it to the beach (twice, yay!) A jersey maxi dress is my summer weekend staple. This faded black one is a blank canvas waiting to be dressed up or down with different accessories and shoes. Besides pairing it with a denim shirt and yellow 'n green accents for my trip to the vineyards, I've thrown it on over a bathing suit for the beach, and dressed it up at night with a neon pink belt and strappy wedges. What's your essential weekend staple during the summer? Happy Memorial Day friends!

(Shirt- J.Crew, Maxi- J.Crew similar, Belt- Gap, Sandals- Sam Edelman, Bag- J.Crew, Hat- Forever 21 similar, Olive/Green/Neon Elliptical Earrings- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Vintage Bouquet

i couldn't resist twirling

and twirling...

lol still going

as we wish summer adieu, I had to post pics of this look, one of my faves from the summer.  it is a perfect example of a super cheap, effortless way to look expensive.  if you don’t know by now, while i love the to-die-for  high-priced items, i totally jump at thrift store bargains.  now that everyone has jumped on the thrift store band-wagon or i should say “vintage” band-wagon, finding a really good store that isn’t expensive or picked over can be tricky.  i had been mourning the loss of my favorite local thrift shop when i discovered a new spot this summer.  this dress is one of my first finds!  i am not usually a print girl, let alone floral.  don’t get me wrong, i am very girly – but i prefer ruffles and sequins.  prints usually have to be super edgy or different (i loooooooooooove african prints).  but something about this dress appealed to me.  it may have been the vintage style bandeau top and billowing long skirt that grabbed me.  it was the perfect answer to my maxi dress craving.  i topped my dress with my super-sized puff shoulder sweater (try saying that five times fast lol). Then, to add some edge to this boho look, i added my vintage chain belt, my studded black gladiators and my extra-long gold strands.   ahhh, i’ll miss summer…

(Floral Vintage maxi dress and leather/chain belt - MavenReFreshed, Black puff-sleeve sweater - H&M, Black studded sandals - BCBGMaxazria, Gold Shoulder Strands - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Retro Sorbet

 

There's nothing better than scoring the "one that almost got away". I was in Anthropologie, browsing the sale section as per usual. I came across this skirt, it was the only one left and happened to be in my size. It was on sale for $20; originally $150. I loved the color, the high-waist vintage inspired style, and the way it fit. So I did the only obvious thing there was to do; I left it there. Yes, that's right I walked out without buying anything. And then I obsessed about it in my mind for the entire car ride home and all through my bikram yoga class (not good when you are trying to be focused). I was real busy planning outfits based around an item that I didn't own. Finally that night I caved in and called the store, it was still there and luckily they put it aside for me to purchase. Cue sigh of relief (also noted that I might be a little bit crazy). So much for trying to be good, but honestly it was a must-have don't you think?*

Paired with a simple white tee and cognac slingbacks, I was feeling fabulously retro chic! My MavenFresh triangle scarf was the icing on the cake- it's super easy to wear and drapes so well. We tried to capture the subtle sparkle created by the hand-sewn gold crystals...bling!  And you better believe this "sorbet" pencil skirt will still be seen out & about with tights/boots in the cooler days coming up.

*Being that I recently re-confirmed to myself that there should not be any new purchasing of clothing/bags/shoes until further notice, I had no business even being in Anthro. Ha that went well.

(Discreet Designs Skirt- Anthropologie, Tee- H&M, Slingbacks- BCBG, Open Weave Triangle Scarf- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Australian Princess

Wait, wait let me explain. Yesterday my co-worker took a look at my outfit and told me "you look just like an Australian princess." what. does. that. mean? I had no choice but to smile wide, thank her, hold in my laughter and then get to my desk to google what exactly this term could be. After coming across the 2005 Australian reality TV show by that same name, I decided that this could not be what she meant. Hmmm I'm just gonna go with it.

I was feeling a North ForkChic vacation vibe when I put together this outfit. I would definitely wear this for a day of wine-tasting & thrift store shopping. The jumpsuit was a fab find in H&M; Sesheta pulled it from the racks for me to try on & it was love. She knows me so well! I am really into the ease and flowiness of it. I decided to mix it with some nautical stripes and bad hair (cue the fedora & side braid). The hat works so well that I would have worn it even if it was a good hair day!

By the way, someone else really loves this jumpsuit too. While I was trying to pack a lunch & get out the door I suddenly felt someone furry with claws clinging to my calf. Yes, my cat had swiftly climbed inside my pant leg. What can I say, he likes flowy fabric too.

Hooray for the weekend!

(Jumpsuit- H&M, Navy Stripe Bandeau- American Apparel, Fedora- Gap, Rain Drop Earrings- MavenFresh, Wedges- Sam Edelman @Bloomies; sold out)

PFMs in the Kitchen: Summertime Veggie Soup

Ok so I have a confession to make. I have an unusual love of soup. All year round. Hot or cold (but mostly hot). Why the obsession? I am not really sure but I know it started when I was about 3 and was always asking for "more foup please"... which my family can still manage to bring up in conversation. Soup is just so comforting, and so easy to create variations with. When in doubt, there's always ingredients in the fridge or pantry that can be made into some kind of soup, right? Is it wrong to eat soup every night for like 2 weeks straight? Yeah, my husband said so too.

This brings me to a recipe that I wanted to share. I have been a vegetarian my entire life, born & raised. *More specifically, I am a pescatarian (I abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish). I get a lot of raised eyebrows and people wondering why I wouldn't want to at least "try" meat once. Here's the short answer: It's my life, and I just don't want to.

Tonight I was looking for something nourishing & quick.This soup is super colorful, and you can really get good use out of any vegetables you have growing in your garden. I am loving my backyard tomatoes & herbs! Don't have a garden? Not to worry, frozen veggies can be substituted too, just adjust cooking times accordingly. If you have a local Farmer's Market, I encourage you to stop there before you make this. You might be inspired to add in some different dark leafy greens, fresh corn off the cob, or sweet onions. This soup is vegan-friendly, easy, and delicious! Here's what I did:

Serves 6 to 8

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 & a 1/2 shallots, diced

3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 large sweet potato, diced

2 to 3 cups diced fresh tomatoes (I used a combo of beefsteak & cherry)

6 to 8 cups vegetable stock or water (I used Better Than Boullion Vegetable Base)

1 zucchini, diced

4 cups sliced kale

1 can organic garbanzo beans

1/2 pound frozen organic green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (chives, oregano, basil)

1 to 2 teaspoons sea salt

fresh ground black pepper

-Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add the shallots & saute for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic & sweet potatoes; saute a few minutes more. 

-Add tomatoes & stock. Simmer, covered for about 10 to 15 minutes, checking to see that potatoes are tender, but not all the way cooked.

-Then add zucchini, kale, garbanzo beans, frozen green beans, and fresh herbs. Simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Check to see that zucchini is cooked. Season with sea salt & black pepper to taste.

*Any recipes that we share are going to be vegetarian and/or vegan because that's just the way Sesheta & I roll. Much more on healthy eats to come...enjoy! -Becca