Fund Raising Design: Lafayette Juniors' 16th Annual Kitchen Tour

Next Saturday, May the 16th, Lafayette Juniors will be hosting its 16th annual Kitchen Tour from 10am to 3pm.  Ours will be one of the six featured. This event provides a great opportunity to acquire design inspirations and also to give back to our community.  The ticket proceeds benefit local organizations that provide exceptional support for families, children and seniors in the Contra Costa and East Bay communities.  We're honored to be part of the Lafayette Juniors largest and most successful fundraising event.  For more information on the tour and ticket sales click here. 

In the mean time, here's a sneak peek at 3 of the chosen kitchens.  

What To Wear: Denim On Denim

A few months ago, I created a shared Pinterest Board entitled:  "What To Wear" as a place for fellow pinners to post their favorite seasonal fashions.  One of my favorite contributors is Sade at Stitch and Made. I've known Sade for a long time and have always admired his individual style.  His work in the garment industry and ownership of a trendy clothing shop, always kept Sade on the forefront of fashionable dressing. By combining classic elements with seasonal pieces he always looks unique, yet never contrived.  Lately, he's been adding a lot of 'denim on denim' images on the Pinterest board and they really caught my eye.  His pins showcase the 'of the moment' garment in an age appropriate manner that doesn't feel overly trendy or intentional. I really think I can pull a few of these off. Take a look at some of his favorite picks, and below, some of my very own (which I hope to see in my closet soon).  

Love me some good old American denim!  

Blue abstract dress,  Loup Brigitte Jumpsuit, Long skirt with buttons, Sabine Dress 

A Nature Foraged Centerpiece For Food52 & Squarespace

When culinary blog Food52 invited Cocoon to create a unique centerpiece for a feature collaboration with Squarespace , I jumped at the opportunity. Having recently updated Cocoon's website on Squarespace (designed by Dabito) I knew it would be a great way to show how happy I am with the new platform. It's been easy to learn and is a pleasure to play with both with imagery and text. Be sure to check out Cocoon's full feature at Food25 and enjoy the special Square Space offer. 

The Way We Live: A Textile Designer's Home Part 2

As promised, I'm sharing part two of textile designer Jennifer Sampou's home.  After turning my lens on her living room, dining area and entry I thought I couldn't be more wowed, and then I stepped into her master bedroom suite.  Again, as she does throughout her home, Jennifer combines her work with other textiles to create a canvas of color, texture and pattern.  The space is cozy, elegant and eclectic. As I said before:  I could chill in it for days...

Take a look for yourself:

Jennifer, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to feature your home on Cocoon Home Blog. 

Life Happens: A Birthday Celebration

Earlier this month, I celebrated my 45th birthday (omg).  It's hard to believe that's my age now.  Strangely enough, I feel no different that when I was 25.  The in-between years were sprinkled with the usual insecurities: am I pretty enough, successful enough, will I be a mom and if so, will I be a good one???

At 45, I know I'm a good mom, successful in ways I never imagined and enjoying a new, confident attitude.  I feel ready to take on next adventures, be they personal or professional, even if they mean surrendering to the moment; to chilling like never before.  I've learned that Life can be unpredictable, that we need to live more in the moment and release our own personal demands on Time. 

To properly celebrate what I considered the "big one", Alex planned a dinner party for quite a few people; some from the past, others from the right now.  Together we laughed, shared food, enjoyed good wine and feted the 'me' I cultivated through the years. I so loved seeing our friends come together, naturally mingling with one another with a common link that evening.  I only regret I couldn't make that moment last longer.

Many thanks to my husband, friend, lover and confidant for creating a truly memorable evening for me.

I love you, Alex!