maven (noun) -someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field; an expert or connoisseur; experienced.

fresh (adj) -original, vivid, cool, fashionable, sparkling, green; not previously known; new or different; not altered by processing.

Rebecca + Sesheta = MavenFresh

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

PFMs Healthy Living: Make Time


(image via pinterest, text via me)

Yes you can. Do it. Now. 
Read more books.
Make and eat good food.
Take risks.
Experiment with hairstyles. 
Visit wine country.
Dream big.
Spend a rainy day in bed with your sweetheart.
Inspire yourself.
Meditate.
Be adventurous.

Sometimes we just need a little reminder to make time. What's on your list? xoxo Becca

Monday, October 8, 2012

Daily Outfit: Earth Tones








right in time for the cooler weather, i dug out my jersey scarves and extra layers so that i can look cool but not feel the cool.  as you know, i would much rather have weather in the 80's but, i realized that there are some things in my fall/winter wardrobe that i can't live without. 
  1. my MF jersey scarves are life savers when the weather suddenly dips without warning.  They are also the perfect addition to complete an outfit.  this is the season that you will find one either on me or in my bag at all times.  it helps to have them in a bunch of colors but, i must admit, i live in the one above.  they are just so soft and comfy!!
  2. my boots - i think i have more pairs of boots than i do flats or any other type of shoe in my collection. i love them low, high or anywhere in-between.  i would definitely miss wearing my boot collection if the weather was always warm.
  3. the right coat- whether it's leather or wool, shearling or down, i can appreciate a great coat.  the cool weather makes me excited to pull out my collection.  in the colder seasons, the first thing people see are your coat so why not make a great first impression.  with all the fresh styles and colors, coats are definitely anything but boring!
... so while i am still not ecstatic about colder weather, i am glad that there are at least a few perks that i get to look forward to! xo Sesheta


( Bamboo Jersey Mobius and Chained to Copper Earrings (info on request) - MavenFresh, Copper bracelts - Tasha West, Leopard Leggings - H&M (similar), Taupe Tunic- Victoria Secrets (similar), Taupe Sweater - TJ Maxx (similar), Clog Booties - Swedish Hasbeens, Neon Peach Belt - J. Crew (similar), Bag - Linea Pelle (similar))

Friday, October 5, 2012

PFMs in the Kitchen: Protein-Packed Pasta Primavera


Let me just say that I'm a plant-strong pasta-lover through and through. I will take garlic & oil over red sauce any day. The more greens I see in my pasta dish, the better. But I never thought of adding tofu into the mix until I made this dish. Extra burst of protein- here I come! How did I get here? Kris Carr of course...you've heard me say how much I adore this amazing woman who is a true wellness warrior and total inspiration to so many. I'm encouraging you to check out her awesome website to boost your health and change your life for the better. Hint* I'm counting down the days until I receive her latest cookbook- Crazy Sexy Kitchen. It's a mouth-watering collaboration with Chef Chad Sarno that's got me giddy with anticipation! Seriously, I'm full of gratitude to this duo for today's recipe courtesy of Crazy Sexy Cooking Class that I accessed with my book pre-order. Chef Sarno created this yummy meal in under 6 minutes with fresh ingredients that are easy to find...plus you can change 'em up to your liking. Hope you enjoy this quick dish packed with healing deliciousness. xoxo Becca

You need:
2 tbsp olive oil
organic extra-firm tofu, cubed
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, crushed & chopped
1 cup chanterelle or portabella mushrooms roughly chopped
green veggies (we used broccoli & baby kale)
8 oz rice pasta (we dig Tinkyada linguini)
28 oz can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes
chopped fresh parsley
red pepper flakes
sea salt 'n black pepper

How to:
Cook your pasta according to package and put to the side. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and the chopped onion 'n garlic. Keep it moving in there, either by mixing or flipping (if you're a pro). Check to see that the onions are getting translucent. Add tofu & mushrooms. Continue with the cooking and mixing. Add a pinch of sea salt and some black pepper. Is the tofu getting nicely seared? Yes, please add the greens. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and about 3/4 of the can of tomatoes (or more, use your discretion). Stir well and add another pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce is so awesome by now! Put the cooked pasta in and toss well using tongs. Sprinkle the parsley on top, remove from heat and show no restraint!

Why I love these ingredients
Mushrooms are rich in iron (important in ensuring rich oxygen to the body) and selenium (antioxidant). Cleansing fanatics adore parsley for its help with sluggish digestion. Broccoli happens to be my personal fave...around my house we call it Nature's Broom. Enough said. 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

PFM Obsession: Inspiration Board




...so my shopping abilities have been seriously curbed lately and it has been quite an adjustment.  though i wasn't insane with it, i did have some room to play.  my playing days seem to be far from returning but that doesn't mean that i'm not drooling for some must have items to add to my wardrobe.  i created this little inspiration board to help organize my current obsessions.  thanks to Net-A-Porter's The Edit, i had plenty to choose from!  though i would love to take home the inspiration pieces, even when my pockets are fatter, i will most likely be unable to justify such extravagant purchases.  if this is the case for you too, be sure to check out my more economical versions of each item.


(from left to right)
Valentino Rock Stud gloves - these are the inspiration pair but i would probably rock these and still feel just as edgy.

Valentino spiked flats - i am feeling the Valentino line!!! love these shoes.  Take the everyday classic flat and bump up the edge with spikes! These are just as fun and way more pocket-friendly!

Tory Burch Peplum Sweater - i love this peplum sweater!! and the bright color is perfect to chase away winter blues! i'm so glad that peplum is in because i love this style. it's such a fun way to add a girly touch to any outfit.  this sweater is just as bright and cute!

Burberry down coat - i am loving Burberry's outerwear.  they have found a way to make a down jacket feminine and cool - all at the same time! this coat is fab in a different way but it would still make a statement and keep me warm!

Miu Miu glitter brogues - i have been looking for the right pair of brogues to add to my shoe collection.  a glittery pair would be right up my alley.  this pair might just do the trick!!

The Row pencil skirt- gasp!  i love this skirt!  the great shape and color makes it so unexpected.  and it's leather!! love that!  this skirt would still be a splurge but it would be timeless addition. 

Rick owens leather jacket - who doesn't love Rick Owens style and now it's been updated to the metallic trend.  this jacket has all the style without the price tag.

Day Birger et Mikkelsen pants - this is another item i've been stalking - printed tapered pants.  with my long legs, i can't just buy any pants.  the price of this pair isn't doable but i love these and they would be a great substitution!

ooo, how i wish i could go shopping!! lol, ah well, my birthday is coming up.  maybe i can stash some b-day cash to get at least one of these items sooner rather than later! xo Sesheta

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Spiritual PFM: You Can't Age


image (via pinterest), words of wisdom (via)

If you never know what time it is because of what you're doing, how do you get older? People who love what they're doing stay physically younger and healthier...a concept that's very motivational by itself, but did you also know that you can actually end up changing the world by living a great life? Yep, together we can create a ripple effect that will continually inspire others to live the life they love. I want to know...what makes you lose track of time?

Beautiful ideas like this one have been keeping me in a very positive state of mind lately. It has lots to do with my current training as a Health Counselor. In school I'm learning from world-renowned wellness experts including Bernie Siegel, M.D. who happens to be today's source of inspiration for this post. His words were so amazing that I actually teared up with relief and realization. I guess it was my "ah-ha" moment. xoxo Becca

P.S. Interested in discussing your health concerns and goals and how I can support you? Well lucky you- part of my preperation is to do practice consultations in order to become more skilled about discussing health concerns...and I would love to offer you a free health history consultation. We can do this either in person or on the phone, so contact me for a one-on-one session! 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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

Monday, October 1, 2012

PFM Obsession: Wild Warmth


Sweater weather has got me seeing spots (and tiger stripes.) Recently I'm charmed by anything animal print, and with so many sweater styles and materials to choose from I decided to put together a roundup that's as much for my benefit as it is for yours! 

Feeling extra sassy? The rich red and black cheetah print may be calling your name. If you are into more of a vintage vibe, try your luck on eBay...there are plenty of fierce animal print sweaters for auction that are still going strong like the cream one above from the '80s. Although pricey, I can't help but love the second option by Smythe. Not only is it a sweater-jacket combo (endlessly versatile and cozy) but it has a classic vintage-inspired look that you will never get sick of. Leave it to Anthropologie for a swingy cashmere pullover with just a hint of bold print at the short-sleeves. The final cardi from Madewell is my fave...it's a wild yet neutral print that I could pair with most anything already in my closet. Full disclosure: no animals were harmed in the making of this post. 

Happy Monday everyone...let me know if you are warming up (pun intended) to the animal print trend, or maybe you already own a special number that's just been waiting for cooler weather to be taken out? xoxo Becca