Cocoon Home Style Directions for 2018

Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately that I suspect will define Cocoon Home's 2018 style both for living and dressing in the coming months.   Fewer but bolder home accessories, statement chairs either paired or not,  windows with full on botanical views, curved sofas, feminine pleats, confident blazers and high top sneakers.   Take a look:

Italy: Balconies, Terraces and Entryways.

Nearly a week has gone by since our return from Italy, and I'm convinced I left a bit of my heart and soul back there.  Not only are the historical landmarks magnificent, but the modern day living  scenes around them are equally striking.  Some of my favorite sights were the balconies, entries and doors that adorned practically each city and town we visited.  Whether in an urban area, or remote rural one, botanicals seemed to play a major role in defining how an outdoor space evolves with time.   Here are some of favorite images of grand entries, lush balconies and serene, inviting terraces.  

Italy, I cannot wait to return, again and again.  Ciao!!

'Til Monday: Exploring Russian Gulch

At this time last weekend, we were camping in Mendocino at a spot called Russian Gulch.  Together with Alex's cousin and aunt we explored a small part of northern Cali's majestic seacoast.  This particular area is made uniquely beautiful by the Frederick W. Panhorst bridge, which frames the shoreline creating a dramatic introduction to a secluded beach.  Once there, our twin boys and Loki (our free spirited dog) ran amok, while Zoe's sole intent was to build a mini rock and seaweed village.  We did some kayaking around the rocky ledges among the giant seaweed and were rewarded with the most amazing views.  Moments such as these, i.e.:  away from home routines, disconnected from work and technology, are both craved and treasured by us as a family.  Here's to another weekend of exploration and escape. Hope you all have a great one, too!

Soon I'll share one of the amazing meals we prepared over the campfire at Russian Gulch.  Seriously, if you want to eat well while roughing it, camp out with us.

Many thanks to VK for sharing one of her most favorite camping spots with this wild bunch!

The Creative Residency & Room Forty

Over the weekend I flew to LA to work on my Social Media skills with Justina Blakeney and Dabito of the The Creative Residency.   This Social Media Practicum was held at Room Forty,  where 13 other creatives and I shared professional goals, critiqued each other's web presence,  advanced our camera skills and learned of ways to hone our brands and maximize our social media platforms.

I left feeling totally inspired!  With both short and long term goals in place, be ready for some changes around here (all good).    Take a look at a few images from the day:

Being a part of The Creative Residency was an invigorating experience and one that I highly recommend.  Be sure to check out all of their offered seminars here.

Many thanks to Justina and Dabito for lending themselves full heartedly to us, the folks at Room Forty for feeding us so well and to Kelly Cuadra of Brown Paper Designs for providing the beautiful botanical arrangements.

Loving The Familiar: A Maine Cottage

Arriving at the Maine cottage we've stayed in for the past three summers felt like seeing an old friend again.  There is a comforting ease in visiting a place you're familiar with and I like that.  What I noticed this time, more than during previous stays, is how we always manage to make it our own.  Sheer necessities, like a favorite pillow, a brand of coffee, sea salt flakes and even a sharp knife now travel with us.  Certain things are moved around to our liking and others stay put to remind us of just why we love this space as much as we do. As the beds get slept on and the morning and evening rituals are established, the rented cottage suddenly feels like a second home.

Even the familiarity of the landscape surrounding the cottage lends itself to exploration, whether one goes at it alone or with others.  Many thanks to JG for yet another unforgettable Maine adventure.

Today we leave Boston and head back home to the Bay Area.  We've had an amazing month visiting friends and family.  I'm very grateful for the opportunity to stay connected and remain part of so many people's lives regardless of the distance between us.