Coconut & Bean

Where family and style coexist

happy father’s day

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This picture of my dad and I (left) is one of my favorite photos of all time. So two Father’s Days ago when he and Elle made the same pose (completely unsolicited) I was tripping over myself to get the shot. Not the greatest exposure, but the GREATEST moment. My dad has always been my hero, but seeing him with my girls has brought that to a new level. They are so crazy about him and to see them doing the same things with him that I remember doing at their age is incredible. That and the guffaw he lets out whenever they do something funny-which naturally is all the time. I owe my dad so much, but I think the greatest gift he’s given me is Mike. Because I had such a great male figure in my childhood, I chose another one to spend my adulthood with. Mike and I have known each other forever. We grew up together as friends, and fell in love a couple different times before sealing the deal seven years ago. So I’ve known him in many capacities, but to see him as a father has been the greatest. He is such a natural and he’s giving these girls the same gift my dad gave me in his example of manhood. So before I get too saccharin (sorry, it’s probably too late) let me say Happy Father’s Day to my two favorite dads and to all you papas out there. Sit back, relax and enjoy the day, because tomorrow it’s back to work keeping us happy!

california graduation

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After putting this together, I stepped back to review and wondered, is that a graduation outfit or a trip to the beach outfit? In California the lines can blur a bit, but that’s one of the million things I love about it. I have been preparing for Elle’s preschool graduation like it was from Harvard Law. Reminding relatives, shopping for her graduation dress, getting end of the year teacher gifts, and of course obsessing over what I’m going to wear. I swear if I planned our retirement as far in advance as I plan my outfits we’d be moving to our paid-for-with-cash Mexican villa now. So this is what I came up with-a breezy skirt in a demure but flattering length, a fan and a great hat because these things tend to fall on the hottest day of the year, a water bottle and of course the tissues. Throw in some fun sandals, Ray-Bans and an arm party and wa-la! It’s a California graduation. Congratulations grads, don’t worry, we DO think you’re special.

skirt/shirt/bag/sunnies/bracelets/sandals/stud earrings/printed tissues/printed water bottle/fan similar/hat

happy birthday

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You inspire us everyday to worry less, love more and enjoy life and we love you so much for that. That and your contagious giggle. Happy Birthday to my best friend, loving husband, zen master. XO

avon walk for breast cancer

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Last year I did the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara, and it was such an incredible experience I signed up for 2012 right where this picture was taken at the finish line. Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., which means by the time you’ve finished reading this a mother, daughter, sister, aunt or grandmother will have to begin the fight for her life against this horrible disease. Last year my teammates and I raised over $15,000 which helps Avon provide access to care, fund educational programs and accelerate research into new treatments and potential cures.  This year we hope to raise even more. If you’d like to donate, visit my fundraising page and get in it to end it with me!

milestone

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This weekend we’re celebrating my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary, believe it or not a first for the family. I know it’s bad, but we almost never acknowledge their anniversary. Much like Mike and I, they tend to forget about it until a card arrives in the mail from their dearest friend who always remembers. Thankfully, she now provides the same service for us every year. This picture is from my wedding day seven years ago. Yes they’re gorgeous, and yes they look blissfully happy. But like most, who am I kidding, ALL marriages it has not always been sunshine and rainbows. What I love most about them, and what I’ve tried to bring to my own marriage, is their continued hope, ability to laugh in the darkest hour and their never-ending quest for a good time. Happy anniversary Mom and Dad, I love you. XO

Photo by Michelle Warren

 

daydreams

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I discovered the fashion photography of Ben Watts last night on Pinterest. LOVE this one. When I close my eyes and dream-this is what I look like.

When I wake up from that dream, this is what I look like.

To the talented artist who made this cartoon, I looked everywhere for your name but to no avail. If you come across this and see no credit, that is why. I hope you know how brilliant this is-nailed it is an understatement.

 


mom

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My mom was my first and most influential style icon. Even today I go to her for outfit advice, and I can always see it on her face whether something is working or not. She doesn’t have to say a thing-a Leo lioness, subtlety has never been her strong-suit. Of course we don’t always agree. When I was growing up she always wanted me in something flowery or sequiney-I guess you can take the girl out of the go-go, but you can’t take the go-go out of the girl. I always went with the simpler choice, more comfortable. Not much has changed. She would cave and let me choose-knowing it was my own way of expressing myself even at a young age. And of course it all comes full circle. I want Elle in preppy JCrew khakis and chambray shirts, all she wants is the flowers and the sequins. She’s like her BooBoo that way. Happy Mother’s Day Mom. Whether you’re in your riding britches and a baseball hat or head to toe Gaultier-you and your style inspire me everyday. XO

Original photo by Judy Stabile

blogshopped!

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Today was the second and final day of Blogshop, and I’m happy to say I did not over hype it-it was as fantastic as I thought it would be. Yes, my brain does hurt a little and my eyes are a bit buggy from staring at a computer screen for 48 hours, but I am so full of inspiration it is totally worth the headache. At the end of class today we were instructed to put a little something together using some of our new tools and this is what I came up with. It’s just a taste of what’s to come, I hope you enjoy it.

 

 

 

what’s in a name?

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Fortune telling book of names

Watching so many of my friends play the name game for their little ones coming this summer makes me reminisce about our own name-picking process. Probably one of the most stressful and frustrating, yet fun, decisions we’ve made as parents so far. With a last name like Chuthakieo (pronounced like the mushroom with an o at the end of it), it was a bit of a challenge to say the least. It had to be short, sweet and of course special. Elle came in an instant. Mike and I were watching Kill Bill and when Daryl Hannah’s character Elle Driver came onto the screen-we both said it out loud, Elle, and it was done! Yes, a strange namesake for a little girl, but let’s be clear we just liked the name, not so much that it came from a psycho. Even though our Elle does have her moments. Totally kidding, not really. Coco was thrown around when I was pregnant with Elle, but Mike was always against it. Then when I got pregnant the second time, he immediately put it on the top of the list. He must have had a fatherly instinct-because it is truly the perfect name for our sweet Coconut, whereas Elle fits perfectly for our whip-smart firecracker. What are some of your favorite girl’s names?

E is for Elle

 

Elle's name fortune

Book