Thank You!

I'm so grateful and inspired by the overwhelming support Cocoon Home Blog received in Apartment Therapy's The Homies Awards.  Making it all the way to the finals is just amazing.  Thank you so much!

I look forward to more sharing of my design inspirations, special family moments and personal journeys with all of you.

Many congratulations to the other finalists, I feel honored to be among you.

Now, a huge thanks to Babik (my mother-in-law and editor) who has always encouraged and supported my creative endeavors.  Her efforts and devotion to Cocoon Home Design  brought us to the finals.  Thank you!

Big (Basket) Love

On a recent trip to the San Fransciso Flower Mart I was stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of these huge baskets.  I fell in love with their size, color and  potential functionality and immediately bought two for a design client.  Whether one uses them to keep wood next to a fireplace, to store toys in a den or shoes in a mudroom, big baskets can add texture and interest to any room in a home, from foyer to bathroom.

Below are a few images from my Basket Pinboard that show just how versatile these large woven vessels can be:

Are you a fan of the over-sized baskets?  Where and how would you use these big babies in your place?

images: 1./2./3./4./5.

Apartment Therapy's The Homies 2014

Blogging has meant more to me than I ever imagined it could.  Whether I'm writing about a Cocoon Home project, reflecting on family and friends or just seeking or providing inspiration, this platform has help me release inner fears, expand my knowledge and strengthen my intent on striving to do it all well:  mother, wife, designer, friend and blogger.  I'm grateful for the support received from all you readers throughout the years, and hope I can count on your nomination for this year's Apartment Therapy's "The Homies" contest.

Please go to this link:     http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/nominate-your-favorite-home-design-inspiration-blogs-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200251     and enter your nomination for Cocoon Home Blog.  If you've never visited Apartment Therapy in the past, you will have to register first (this only takes a minute).  Thank you kindly.

If you like my blog but haven't voted yet, please register here and then click here to cast your very appreciated vote! 

A Tribute To 2013

I was somewhat in denial of the New Year upon us, until I started looking through past blog posts and realized just how much transpired during the last 12 months.  What began as an extension of my work, the Cocoon Home Blog has become more of a personal dairy replete with  fleeting moments,  spontaneous visits,  favorite places,  culinary awakenings,  a little matchmaking,  brand new endeavors,  familiar settings  and  furry best friends.

Thanks so much for taking the journey through 2013 with me.  I wish for all to have a safe, healthy, joyful and prosperous 2014.

Happy New Year!!!

Yes, Mommy And Daddy, There IS A Santa...

For the past 3 weeks, Alex and I desperately tried to convince our son Benjamin that Santa existed after he learned otherwise from a friend.  We put all our efforts into proving him wrong in order to protect his brother and sister's beliefs [which were still intact].  While doing so we found ourselves overreacting at times, and at others, losing a little sight of what the holiday should be all about.  In the end, however, everything flowed smoothly:  decorating the tree, gift buying and wrapping, menu planning and delighting our children on early Christmas morning.

We're not quite sure if Ben still believes in Santa, but we know that he still relished the magic of it all in his young heart.  I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday, one overflowing with a spirit of peace, kindness and gratitude.  Santa lives in all of us.