Out And About: Big Sur Roadhouse

The school year ended last Thursday and, for what has now become a family tradition, we headed for Big Sur on the following morning. We had a campsite reserved for three nights along a riverbank.  It allowed for endless hours of rock skipping, crayfish catching, reading and just pure chilling.   Although we don't mind 'roughing it' for our accommodations, we do treat ourselves to a occasional night or morning out. We have our favorite spots, but this time around we decided to give Big Sur Roadhouse a try for an early morning breakfast.   It didn't disappoint.  We had delicious lattes, hot chocolates, house made bagels and the best scrambled eggs!  All this in an amazingly styled space designed by Steve Justrich. The Roadhouse is a combination of rustic elegance and modern accents. Graphic art, colorful tiles, a mix of wood grains and lots of botanicals make for a cool and comfortable refuge from one too many nights in a tent. Take and look and check out just how good Max looked in the place.

Feeling California

While in NYC a few months ago, Alex and I had a distinct California moment.  At some point during a random evening, we realized that we were the only ones in a restaurant NOT wearing black.  Me, donning a vintage dress looking more like Janis Joplin than the icon herself and Alex in a cream colored cable knit sweater looking like an ordinary Cali dude shucking oysters in Tomales Bay.  No matter, we had a fabulous evening with our East coast friends while realizing we had become genuine Californians not just by the way we dressed, but in the way we lived.  Speaking to our hosts about how much we love the weather, the landscape and the spirit of the West, a deep feeling of contentment came over us.  It has been two and a half years since our move to the West Coast and in this past year California really began to feel like home.  We've made new friends, immersed ourselves in our respective jobs, expanded our networks and explored the many wonders of the Golden State.

I'm proud of my East Coast roots and will always honor them.  I still get excited every time we travel there to reconnect with family and friends and to revisit the many places that have shaped us into whom we have become.

I want to thank our family and friends who have been patient and supportive during our move and for still remaining so close to us across the miles.

Happy New Year!

'Til Monday: Weekend Plans

I came across these photos last night and was reminded of the start of the new year.  We spent the first day of 2014 with friends at Pescadero Beach exploring its many coastal wonders with our children.  It's hard to believe that the ides of March are here already.  The first two months of this year have been [beyond] busy with work, the kids' individual schedules and our ongoing home renovation.  In all this, it seems I've lost a bit of  my old "California wanderlust".  My weekend plans are to work in the garden and to reconnect with the landscape that surrounds us.   We all need to regroup and recharge in the most natural way.

Do you have plans for this weekend?  Whether you stay home or decide to head out, here's my wish for a safe and happy one. 

Moving Mode: Here And There

It's been nearly 8 months since our  move and things are gradually falling into place.  Items that once fit so nicely in our  Cambridge house have found a perfect placement in our California home.  Take a look at how it looked there and how it now looks here:

I think that a favorite part about decorating a space, whether it's for clients or for myself is utilizing what already exists and making it feel new again.

Last year, Cocoon Home Design was among Apartment Therapy's  top 20 design blogs!  Let's make it to the top 10 this year!

 Cast your vote here.  Don't forget you need to login or register with Apartment Therapy before casting your vote.  Thank you very much!!!

An Impromptu Lunch With A Good Friend

Yesterday, I had lunch at my mother-in-law's new place in California.  From the moment I walked in I felt reassured by familiar objects, family photos and a sense of quiet comfort. Like Boston, her California home is a total expression of who she is and all she experienced.  The lunch was delicious and for the first time since we've moved, we both felt relaxed and at home in her new abode.  I'm looking forward to showing you the way she lives, but for now take a peek at how she works her magic on even the simplest of things:  an impromptu midday lunch.

Thank you, Natalia,  for a wonderful afternoon.