Ask the PFMs: How to Fight Cold Season

It's that season, and I'm not just talking about the holidays. Every winter it seems unavoidable that we all get a common cold or flu, especially when stress comes into the picture. I tried my best to stay strong but something's had me feeling under the weather for the past few days. The good news is that I've been digging into my trusty stash of healthy remedies to boost my immune system and recover quickly. I've been asked to share my tips for those days when you are feeling run-down with flu or cold symptoms, so here's my routine. Please remember, I'm not a doctor! xoxo Becca

1. Sainsbury's Vitamin C Tablets are amazing, but too bad I can't seem to be able to find them for sale in the United States! One a day in a tall glass of water is all you need. My brother brought them back from a trip to England and now I'm hooked, but this version by NOW Foods is my alternative.

2. It's an Owl Mug. Better to make it a cute one because you'll be sipping hot tea out of this every morning. Try brewing something soothing like raw ginger root tea with a splash of fresh lemon juice (here's the teabag version) or just drink plain warm water to stay hydrated and keep things moving in your system. 

3-4. Be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods and get a super healthy dose of energy by mixing Green Vibrance into your morning green smoothie. We have recipes here and here. Fresh foods (veggies and whole grains) will go a long way in making your recovery a fast one. 

5. The Sinus Rinse Kit is something that I've grown to like (not love.) It feels pretty weird at first, but the results will have you coming back for more. Hint- you will be able to breathe through your nose again without taking antibiotics.

6. You know that I'm the soup queen, so there's really no reason for me to need an excuse to have soup for lunch and dinner...but being sick is a darn good one. I have a simple homemade soup twice a day like this one. And when I'm feeling up to it, I give this recipe a go.

7. Get more sleep and stay warm. I rest as much as possible with a pair of socks like these to keep me cozy.

8. The only thing more frustrating than feeling under the weather is having breakout prone skin on top it. That's usually the case with me...if I'm not feeling well, my skin bears the brunt of it. LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask contains a mix of garlic and tea tree oil which are powerful antiseptics and disinfectants. I love it- my face feels fresh, clear and moisturized thanks to the natural ingredients like honey, eggs, and grapes. If you're worried about the smell, don't be. It's pretty odorless.

9-10. Choose high quality vitamins and supplements. My multi-vitamin of choice is MegaFood, recommended by Kris Carr. It can be taken anytime, with or without food. Plus, I make sure to have zinc on hand at the first sign of sickness.

Spiritual PFM: Death, Transformation and Saturn in Scorpio

in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, we on Long Island (and around coastal NYC) are doing our best to get life back to normal.  the hardest part is that normal life isn't possible for many people who have had major or total damage to their homes.  i can't imagine being told that you can't return home for weeks or months or, even worse, ever.  i know a few people, like Becca, who are in this similar situation.  the only silver lining is that many of the areas hit by the storm are middle to affluent neighborhoods; they will rebuild and most will return.  i can't help thinking about just how devastating Katrina must have been to the lower income areas of Louisiana and to those who couldn't afford to rebuild.   i also can't help but think about all that is going on as i witness the forced transformations happening all around me, especially as i am dealing with personal transformation.  a few things came to mind as i pondered it all:

• death and transformation - many are afraid of the idea of death, me included.  i think that fear comes from not understanding the powerful message of death.  when the death card, like the image above from the Motherpeace tarot deck (my favorite deck), shows up in a reading, it doesn't always mean literal death.  everything in nature goes through a death and dying cycle.  things have to die to make way for new things just like the leaves fall of the tree each autumn.  while that doesn't mean death for the tree, it does mean a stage has ended for that tree symbolized by the dying of its leaves.  many of us are in a stage of transformation.   some were forced into the stage by Sandy.  others, like the earth, are in this stage because this is the time of year that our part of the planet goes dormant. 
• scorpionic energy - this time of year, in astrology, is ruled by scorpio.  scorpio is associated with endings and beginnings, death and dying, and transformation.  it rules the time of year when the days are more dark than light, plants are literally dying and animals are stashing food - all in preparation for the cold of winter. it makes utter sense (at least to this layman astrologer) that we would be dealing with all that is happening now while we are in scorpio and right as saturn entered the sign of scorpio.
• saturn in scorpio - as i mentioned, i am a just an astrology aficionado.  i tend to believe that this science truly affects or maybe dictates what is happening on earth.  when things are hectic in my personal life or there are major occurrences (i.e. eclipses, full/new moons), i literally look to the heavens for answers.  i am a libra so i was fully aware that saturn was in my sign recently.  i was also fully aware that at the beginning of the month, it moved out of libra and into scorpio.  i wanted to do a dance of joy!  saturn is known as the taskmaster and forces us to experience hard lessons based on where it falls in our astrological charts and also what sign it is in.  so basically, scorpios are going through it right now.  the things is, you don't have to be a scorpio to feel the pressure of saturn.  if scorpio plays an important part in your birth chart (which i recommend you have done at least once in your life), it can also be stressful for you.  well, needless to say, my dance of joy has quickly stopped. scorpio plays a major role in my birth chart.  Dang it! so basically, i thought the hard lessons were over and they seem to be just getting started.  while in my search for understanding, i came across this cool astrology blog.  please see the links below to see how saturn's placement can affect you - scorpio or not.  hopefully you'll find some interesting and enlightening info like i did:

http://willowsweb.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/saturn-in-scorpio.html

http://willowsweb.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/saturn-in-scorpio-grounding-charge-and.html

it seems like both Becca and i are in the middle of transformation.  life is forcing us to say good-bye to things and concepts that no longer fit into the plan.  just like the snake in the pic above, we are shedding layers so that we can make way for the new, wonderful, bigger and better (have to stay positive) things waiting for us on the other side.  Becca is shedding layers of her house and i am shedding concepts and behaviors.  that doesn't mean that there won't be tears or resistance or downright kicking and screaming throughout this change.  (i think i've done it all and i'm sure Becca has too lol.)  ...but i am just trying to keep my eye on the prize and trust that as i peel away the dead layers that no longer serve me, i am making way for a happier, self-satisfied me. #fingerscrossed lol xo sesheta

Daily Outfit: They Go Together Like...

...peanut butter & jelly, chinese food & chocolate pudding (thank you Talladega Nights!), cheddar cheese & Pinot noir...ok now I'm just making myself hungry. Why do all these casual separates work together so well? Let's break it down: a slouchy sweater in a bright color, a pleated maxi skirt, layered with your go-to piece all year round- the denim jacket. Fancy it up with a furry collar for warmth and instant chic, add some ladylike pearls, and top it off with an animal print. Could have gone with my leopard booties, but instead I beat the bad-hair-day-blues with a vintage cheetah print scarf. Perfect outfit for the workday and then maybe a glass of Pinot after all!

(Sweater- Anthropologie, Denim Jacket- J. Crew similar here, Skirt- Vintage similar here, Boots- Frye, Silk Scarf- Vintage, Pearl Pendant Necklace & Lush Loops Collar- MavenFresh, Nails- Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Laced Up)

Daily Outfit: Wintry Layering

 All that's missing is a dusting of snow, some pine trees, and scenic mountains to really style this look up right. Just kidding...I'm really enjoying the mild winter we are having here in NY! 

Inspired to create a wintry look with a neutral palette and lots of different textures, I began layering up. I started with a cream tunic dress, added a cozy flannel and kept going. Loopy crochet vest...check. Faux fur collar (swiped from my fave coat)...check. Lots of warm snuggly chicness going on here and I was loving every minute of it!

(Vest, Faux Fur Collar, and Dress- Anthropologie, Flannel Shirt- Gap {$5}, MP Tights- eBay, Rosegold Madge Boot- Modern Vintage, Belt- J. Jill, Brooch- Vintage, Moonbeam Earrings- MavenFresh)

Ask The PFMs: Shorts 'N Tights

I was so glad to get this question from Tanya S. for a couple of reasons; I'm a connoisseur of tights. Or at least a collector. And... I love pairing them with shorts for the cooler months. Let the styling begin! Tanya S. asked the PFMs:

"I would like to try the 'shorts with tights' look, either for fall or the end of winter/beginning of spring when it's still a little cold. I'm looking for tights that are thinner than leggings, but thicker than pantyhose. I don't want snags! The waistband is sometimes an issue for me- I don't want that muffin top look that happens when the band is digging in! "

No one likes muffin top, so let's start rounding up some options! I know sometimes it seems like the only solution to avoid this problem would be to wear leggings (gotta love how Rachel Pally spoiled us with her fabulous no-pinch wide band leggings seen here.) But we can  find tights that are super comfortable, look great with shorts, and don't snag easily or pinch your waist.

Here are some combos begging to be worn this season...why wait until winter is ending, just go for it now! Happy shopping and enjoy!

Combo #1. My go-to tights are Spanx Tight-End Tights. Let's pair them with these autumn neutral shorts, a striped tee, and a tweed blazer for a preppy laid back look. The Tight-Ends are matte, they don't snag, and you will get two looks in one if you choose a reversible pair. I've found that they don't pinch at the waist; in fact they hold you in, make you look fab and they are comfy enough to wear all day. I've even layered two pairs at once for extra warmth and opaqueness (no kidding.) They come in solids and subtle patterns. Take a look on eBay and Rue La La for competitive pricing. (Cailey Cord Shorts- J.Crew)

Combo #2. Look no further than Urban Outfitters or Free People for a great selection of patterned and textured tights; and here's a perk- you can read other buyer's reviews before purchasing! Dots are fun, rib-knits are essential for a winter look, and pictured above- spice things up with a lacey pattern. Add a thick cable knit sweater, your fave pair of denim cutoffs, menswear-inspired loafers and you are good to go! (J Brand Denim shorts- Tobi)

Combo #3. Next up- Hue. They come in so many colors and they are opaque without being too thick. You can try a monochromatic technique (seen here in this post) or mix black tweed and electric blue for a bold shorts n tights pairing with lots more contrast. Have fun and make the tights your focal point! You can also find Hue tights at most department stores. And you may just catch me rocking this look with a blouse like this! (Wintertide Shorts- Anthropologie)

Combo #4. MP Tights can be hard to find, but again eBay is the first place I try. These are soft and last a long time. I also like that they are cotton but have a wooly texture to them that makes them cool-weather appropriate. They actually sell similar ones at Forever 21, for $6.80 they might be worth a shot. I'm dying to pair mine with some feminine high-waisted leather shorts and a lacey top. It's a match made in winter heaven! (Mink Pink Shorts- Threadsence)

  

Hope this helps! Does anyone else have some recommendations for their fave tights?

xoxo Becca