PFMs in the Kitchen: Asian Pilaf (just like mom would make)

My mom is an incredible cook, baker, chef...period. I grew up the daughter of a health-food mom. Soda, Doritos, and Fruit Loops simply did not exist in my house. Chocolate was carob and I lived for soy-cheese sandwiches with avocado and tomato on sprouted bread. I came home from school and the house always smelled like good cooking. It was awesome. If only you could have been around when I was young and enjoying sea salted bread-sticks made from scratch, or super-delicious pizza with homemade dough. My best friend still talks about those dinners! Wow, Tofu Taco Night ruled. Of course times change, life gets complicated, and you can't always have your mom cooking and baking for you. Ha. I may not have much of her gifts in the kitchen, but I do love to eat lots of healthy, tasty food. So I try my best to encourage Leta to break out the pen and paper when she has something simple and yummy to share with me, especially since most of her recipes are either stored in her head or made up on the spot. I get instant inspiration from the best source! This dinner is a slight variation on her original recipe. Gotta change it up a bit you know (and can't give away all of Mom's secrets!)

You need:

1 small onion chopped

3 large garlic cloves chopped

3 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp grated ginger

1 large handful orzo pasta (or spaghetti broken into 1-inch pieces)

1 cup brown rice

1 tsp vegetable bouillon (optional)

1/2 cup steamed broccoli

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 tbsp hoisin sauce 

1 tbsp red curry paste

1-2 tbsp tamari to taste

How to:

Cook the onions first in the oil, then add the garlic and ginger. Add the pasta to mix and stir until it's slightly browned and the onions are translucent. Add the rice and stir. Pour in 2 cups water and the veggie bouillon (if using) mix, and cover. After bringing it to a boil, simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, then add the hoisin, red curry paste, and tamari. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes, now stir in the frozen peas. Simmer again for another 10 minutes and give it a try to make sure the rice is cooked. Toss in the steamed broccoli at the end and mix well. Yum!

P.S. Don't feel too bad for me...I still get to pick up homemade granola on a regular basis!
xoxo becca

PFMs Do It Better: DIY Dipped in Gold Mani

we have been having tons of fun changing up and experimenting with our manis recently.  after going to my cousin's baby shower, i got to see my other "little" cousin's (she's not really little; she towers over me lol) nails.  she is a budding manicurist but the kind that will do over-the-top designs on each nail.  well, i'm not that fancy nor do have the time it requires to do the job but i have been inspired.  below you will find my easy solution to amping up "plain" nail color (yes, even one shade on your nails is plain nowadays) without sacrificing tons of time.  of course, you can use any nail color you'd like but here's what you'll need to make it look like mine

What you will need: 

Base coat of your choice (i use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails)

Top Coat of your choice (i like Essie Chip Free Topcoat)

Nail Color - i chose Color Club Twiggie

Sparkle polish - like this Milani Gold

Time you will need: Approx. 30-35 min

1. Apply your base coat. Wait 5 min.
2. Apply first coat of your color or,  in this case, Twiggie. Wait 5 min.
3. Apply your second coat of color and wait another 5 min.
4. At the tips of your nails, apply the sparkle polish at the tips of your nails.  Apply so that the glitter is even and covers about a third of your nail. Wait 10 minutes to be sure it's dry.
5. Apply your top coat. Wait 5-10 min.

that's it!  just like that you have some fun nails!!  i can't wait to try this with other colors and with different color glitter polish!  happy mani and happy friday! xo

Mani Pedi: Rainbow In The S-Kylie

Is it normal to have this much fun painting your nails? 

With one coat: ooh look at all the colors...so sparkly. Must add another layer .

After two coats: I love the varying sizes of glitter...it's like shimmery confetti. Now my nails look more opaque. Uh-oh I want more.

Yep...three coats: I am in control of this chunky glitter addiction. Really I am. 

Finished (stopped myself) with a coat of clear. Whew, that was intense.

I actually purchased this bottle of nail polish based on looks alone; it was "want-at-first-sight" without even noticing that it was a part of the popular Kardashian line for Nicole by OPI. My nails were looking so hot that I found myself browsing through the collection again today just to see what other options are out there. But no other shade drew me in like this one did!

PS Can't wait to put the "pedi" back into our Mani Pedi posts!

Daily Outfit: Purple Majesty

the sun is shining, everything is sweet

i could've done yoga in this outfit too! lol

i am still frohawked for the summer season - i just can't get enuff!

it was the perfect place for a cartwheel... too bad i can't do one lmao!

is it just me or does the blue pop against this violet purple make your color senses sing??

this one-shoulder top by Guess is one of my faves for instant glam.  i love that it works with different types of bottoms - skinny jeans (black or dark blue) or leggings (sequin leggings for a night out).  either way, i feel dressed to impress yet still comfortable to hang all day or night.  throwing a boyfriend blazer on top makes this an office ready combo and adds layers for warmth (specifically if your office is freezing like mine)!  [aside: i seem to really be into the purple and black combination too (see here).]  

did you notice the lush background? it inspired the post title.  ...but can you guess where i am? in the countryside or in the neighborhood? the funny (and good) thing about Long Island is you can seem like you are in the wilds of the woods when you are really right in an urban space.  


well...did you guess yet?  Becca and i made a Target run and loved this location so much that we decided to snap pics, lmao.  which means we were literally on location at Target! ha!


(Beaded Chandeliers in Black Crow - MavenFresh, One-Shoulder Tunic - Guess, Black leggings - American Apparel (the best leggings ever), Studded Sandals- BCBGMaxazria Cuff - Matt Bernson, Two-finger ring - Erica Anenberg, Nails - Essie Mesmerize)

Daily Outfit: Ombre With a Side of Orange

Sesheta and I love the return of the tie neck blouse...it's so ladylike and classic. This vintage blouse was instant inspiration to my wardrobe. The ombre effect drew me in, and the huge drapey bow sealed the deal! I knew the subtle peachy-coffee tones would be perfect paired with a shot of bright orange and nude pumps. Oooh summer color combo alert! Soft pastels with a pop of color are shaping up to be the season's hottest pair. 

Ombre with a side of orange, please.

(Cafe Capri Pants- J.Crew, Tie Neck Blouse- vintage, Pumps- BCBGeneration, Nails- Mint Candy Apple Essie, Belt- Anthropologie similar, Gold Shoulder Strands- MavenFresh)

A Day in the Life: Proud Mama Bear

my 14 yr old in the middle (and his little brother who couldn't stand not being in the pic too, lmao and my middle son was the photographer)

today marked the beginning of my oldest son's graduation activities.  he is a few weeks from graduating from 8th grade.  it is totally mind-boggling that the little boy we had back in 1998 could be the same young man in the picture above.  if i hadn't watched it happen, i would never believe it.  as i watched him collect his graduation tassel for being a graduating National Junior Honor Society member, i couldn't help the wave of pride that washed over me.  those who know me (and my mate) know that getting to this point was no easy feat.  it is a major milestone for us.  it has required getting over hurdles and growing up quickly but here we are...  getting ready to watch our "little" boy head off to high school.  i can't help but be a proud mama bear...

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)