The girls Archives - Coconut & Bean

Watercolors for kids

October 21, 2015 |

Don’t get me wrong, I love EVERYTHING my perfect, amazing and talented children do. However, sometimes it’s nice to see something other than stick figures holding hands. My kids love to paint, and I love to let them. Using stencils with watercolors for kids can take a little bit of work to set up but once they’re in it, they’re really in it. It relaxes them, gives me a chance to get some housework done and with the help of the stencils I picked up at Aaron Brothers, the result is magic. Over the last few years I’ve dabbled in watercolors, and even taken a few beginner courses. These supplies are a collection of certain pieces recommended by my instructors and are listed below. They were originally purchased for my work, but like most things in my house the kids took over and now we “share” them. What I love most about them is that at the end of the project there is something that looks complete and recognizable but is still a Coco or Elle original. watercolors brushes paper butchers tray stencils I use masking or painters tape to hold down the stencil on watercolor paper. They get to pick their own colors which always puts a smile on their face. I sometimes limit it to three or four so as not to get overwhelmed and although they insist they can do it themselves, you’ll want to be nearby to assist. Mason jars are everywhere these days, these were part of a gift but you can usually find them at your local hardware store. They’re great for water and brushes. This is called a butcher’s tray and it’s basically an aluminum tray for you to create your palette. Newspaper is a great tool for easy cleanup. It is watercolor so I haven’t had any staining problems, but if your table is porous like ours it’s a good idea to add this extra layer of protection.The best part is the reveal, they love pulling the tape away to reveal “real butterflies”. Photos by Ashley Forchelli

How to throw a slumber party

March 20, 2015 |

For Elle’s 8th birthday she said she wanted a big party at the neighborhood trampoline playground. Do you have one of these places by you? They’re fun but they smell like feet and you can’t bring in food for the grownups (or cocktails-a deal breaker). So I cleverly negotiated an intimate slumber party with her closest friends (and mine) instead…and an iPad mini (don’t judge). The night was filled with dancing, giggling and gossip. The kids had fun too, ba-dump-bump. With the help of some adult libation, Taylor Swift and an empty dining room all to themselves, the night was a complete success. The girls kept busy with a home made photo booth, crafts and playing with Elle’s new mini. (Tip-make sure the parental controls are on first!!!!) In the morning there were waffles, OJ and more giggling. All in all it was a night to remember and when Elle came to me to say thanks, this was the best birthday ever I felt it was totally worth my massive headache and dark circles under my eyes.

Want to throw one of your own? Here are my tips below.-xo

These party favors were so fun to put together. My neighbor Julie gave me the great idea of matching pajamas I could get on clearance at Justice online. Then I added fluffy pillows from Michaels and light up toothbrushes I found at my grocery store. Each girl got their own bundle with a custom name tag, also from Michaels.

Two of my besties, Amy and Carrie, grew up having sleepovers together. They still talk about them with glee so when they suggested an itinerary to keep the little monsters, I mean darlings, busy I took their advice. First up, crafts! Each girl got their own Shrinky Dink jewelry kit, which I love especially because they are mess free.

Candy. Duh.

For the grown-ups: cocktails (you’re going to need a lot to spend the night with six eight-year-olds) and my good friend Gonzalo’s empanadas. He sells them by the dozen and makes them in several flavors including beef, chicken, cheese/onion and veggie. They are so delicious and such a crowd pleaser. (Not to mention such a load off for the hostess)

Elle had a great time helping me put this DIY photo booth together. She put the stickers on the backdrop and I set up the Polaroid so the girls could document the night. I put out sunglasses and photo props from Michaels and a separate basket to collect the pics to put in a birthday album. Someday.

Family halloween costume idea

November 3, 2014 |

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Of course as a child, then as a partying 20-something and now as a mom. This one was no exception but it might go down as my favorite for a few reasons. One, it was on a Friday so Mike could take a day off and be part of the whole process-getting dressed, taking pics, trick or treating. Two-the girls were old enough to trick or treat with us at a safe distance, which meant we could wait at the end of the driveway with our roadies and then follow stealthily behind and listen in as they compared candy notes and complained about tired feet. Really, kids? It’s two blocks. Three-pulling off this family Halloween costume idea and dressing up all together. This was the second year we’ve done it. Last year we had a Little Mermaid theme but we never got Mike in the pics wearing his crab (Sebastian) outfit. This year Elle called out Catwoman and being big fans, Coco and I fell right in line. As we usually do with Elle. Naturally Mike was fine with it, what little boy turned man doesn’t want to be the Dark Knight for an evening? He was my hero in many ways that night keeping track of Coco and her cousin while I stuck with Elle and the big girls and of course bringing the whole thing together with his epic portrayal of Batman. I don’t know how much longer we’ll all be able to agree on a theme, or if the kids will still think it’s fun for their parents to dress up so I soaked up the experience as much as I could. The kids got a huge kick out of it and as you can see, so did Mike and I. Til next year, Happy Halloween.

The key to a good family costume…lack of ego.

Strike a pose.

Not gonna lie, Coco had this one nailed.

Finishing touches.

Special thanks to my mom, BooBoo, for the red lips and great photos.

stay at home motherhood

September 29, 2014 |

stay-at-home-motherhood

Mother jeans, flats (similar), chambray shirt (similar), earrings Anthropologie

I was with two of my closest friends the other night at a book signing (yes, I’m so cool) and we started talking about next chapters. They were both starting new jobs and I was adjusting to the kids new school schedule. Do I sometimes feel awkward during these conversations you ask? You know the ones where your career girl friends or perfect balancer of work and family girl friends start musing on all they have going on and I’m like, yeah-I just cleaned all the shelves in my fridge and I finally put together the girls birthday photo albums. No, not at all (insert sarcastic tone here). The truth is I always feel a little inadequate when I leave my suburban bubble and see how much everyone else is doing out there when they’re not running carpool and supervising playdates. Don’t get me wrong, these girls of mine are nothing but loving, encouraging and completely supportive of my role as stay-at-home mom. And I really like being a SAHM. But I can’t help but feel a little jealous, and as always in awe of how they do all that they do. It was brought to my attention recently by my sister-friend (let’s be real, we’re beyond besties at this point) that I don’t finish things. She praised all of my beautiful starts and beginnings but observed the end game is where I struggle. After I told her to go f*** herself, I realized she had a point. (Brief pause to appreciate having such insightful, loving, caring forces in my life who aren’t afraid to tell me like it is-you know who you are). So of course I started obsessing and went through a list in my head to prove I’ve been finishing things: completed the 39-mile Avon walk and with my team raised over $20,000 to fight breast cancer, started and completed four new books (titles below), booked my trip to London in October for my brother’s wedding party, and successfully got both kids dressed and coiffed for their respective picture days. So there! But of course thinking of what I’ve finished, inevitably made me think of what I haven’t. My blog. It has been stagnant for a while and that always makes me sad. My t-shirt line. I designed, printed and distributed to friends a women’s and children’s logo t and then never did another thing with it. My retail site. I got a domain, designed a logo, shopped for wares in Mexico then let it go undone. Ok there. So of course this sparked a debate in my head and then it became a debate with some of my other SAHM friends and my working mom friends. Why isn’t being a mom enough? Why do we (I) feel like I’ve got to be doing more with my days than picking up and dropping off. My kids are healthy and happy (some of the time), isn’t that reward enough? I know, poor me (sarcasm). But this question is out there in all circles of life so it’s not just a White Girl Problem if you will. What I can tell you is it’s a complicated topic and one meant to be explored on its own stage, so stay tuned for more of it in upcoming posts. While I still love clothes, style tips and I’m always available to lend my eye to an ensemble or my ear to a closet dilemma, I think a part of my stalemate on the blog has been the challenge of writing more than 200 words about an outfit recipe. Whereas this stream of consciousness stuff comes easier to me. So even though a blog is never finished, this post is. Add it to the list. Thanks C-xo

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childrens’ Valentine’s Day cards

February 12, 2014 |

Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day from Coco and Elle!!!

This year I’m giving a special Valentine’s Day shout out to all the ladies in my life-girlfriends, MFFs (mom friends forever), sisters-in-law, mothers-in-law, mentors, future golden girls, godmothers and of course my mom. The power of women gathering, sharing, laughing, crying is one of the most important forces in my life and I couldn’t let this week of love go by without giving it proper acknowledgement. I’ve always had strong relationships with women, whether they be childhood friends or special co-workers. Each one has shaped me in some way and brought me to the place I stand today, and I’m loving the view. The icing on this cake is that I’ve been given the opportunity to share this phenomenon with my two girls. The other day Elle was talking about a team at school. Since she’s not in sports I was confused. She was listing names of her friends and when I asked what team she was talking about she said, “You know like you have your team.” Then she listed half a dozen of my best girlfriends’ names. I just about fell off my chair and had to keep my heart from bursting out of my chest. So many lessons I teach the girls have to be hammered into their head over and over again until the sound of my voice makes me cringe. But the lesson of friendship and sisterhood they got from example, seen in the play dates with MFFs, pool days with longtime friends and girls’ trips with my mom and godmother. Besides getting Elle to stop sucking her thumb I think this might be my crowning achievement as a parent. I might have peaked here. But that’s ok. If the girls get support like I get from the women in their life, especially their girlfriends, they’ll have plenty of ears to bend about all the other ways I’ll screw them up-ha! Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, hope you’re feeling the love!

Like my children’s’ Valentine Day cards this year? You can download them here . I printed mine out on card stock and punched a hole in the corner. Attach to a goodie bag with cute V-day ribbon and you’re good to go.

kids holiday party ideas

December 18, 2013 |

Christmas-in-The-Bu

You know that hideous Santa experience you see in the malls every year. Kids crying, moms trying, lines growing. Well, never again! This year we got our Santa fix with the girls and my niece at The Malibu Country Mart and I am a full convert. I also think this would be a great idea for a kids holiday party. We got there at noon, waited five minutes to meet the big man for a quick (free!) photo, then embarked on some cookie making, playground warfare and lunch. It felt like the sunniest day of the year and the easy crowds and gorgeous views really made me get in the holiday spirit. The girls were both in their new plaid dresses from H&M and I was in my uniform these days, bell bottoms from Free People and an Old Navy plaid. We’ll be off to Mammoth this weekend, so we’ll miss the next event hosted by the folks at The Malibu Country Mart but I highly recommend taking the kiddos to check it out. It’s a visit from Santa’s reindeer. Yeah, real reindeer-get you some! Ho, ho, ho!

Very serious cookie making.

Girls-in-the-sand

Very serious sand castle making.

Me-in-The-Bu

Playground chic.

Toms sunnies, Sam Edelman booties

Waiting-for-the-big-guy

Waiting for the big guy and the face off.

Santa-and-the-girls

Mission accomplished. Well sort of. Elle’s never been a fan of the jolly one.

Elle-in-The-Bu

She opted for a sandbox glamour shot instead.

Halloween 2013

November 1, 2013 |

From The Little Mermaid-me as Ursula, Elle as Ariel and Coco as “Ariel’s sister”-typical.

It’s been longer than I want to admit since I’ve posted and although you’ve gone on with your lives, I’ve missed you terribly and much of my forward blogging motion has been stunted by guilt. Jumping back in after this long is a little daunting. Especially with this on-the-fly post which is really just a “Hi, I hope we’re still friends.” OK, moving on-what have I been doing? Well, I moved!!!! Into an absolute gem of a place that has made my family so happy and made my blood pressure lower thanks to bright light, a beautiful view and a proper office. I used www.rentamovingbox.biz and can’t really say enough good stuff about them. They cut my packing/unpacking time in half, actually made it kind of fun, and shrank my carbon footprint with no cardboard to dispose of. Even the tags and ties are eco-friendly, beyond clever. I’ve been working with a great band (American Authors), seeing lots of music (Imagine Dragons, Vampire Weekend, Empire of the Sun, Walk the Moon, Fun., The Mowgli’s) and I finally finished my professional web site. There’s been shopping, pretty much everything at Zara is amazing right now, and lots of reflection and personal growth. More visuals and proper posts to come, but for now-thanks for not dumping me. Oh and how rude of me, HOW ARE YOU!?!?! What have you been up to? I’d love to know. Hoping your Halloween hangover isn’t too brutal. xo

footsie

August 26, 2013 |

Just a little sweetness to brighten your Monday morning blues. Only four more days til Friday! (I know, not funny) OK, how about a tip. I know I’ve missed the window on a post about sandals, but if you’re in California or somewhere else where summer weather will be around for a while, look into these Salt Water sandals by Hoy Shoes. They form to fit as you where them, can get wet and go with almost everything. They stay on and are durable, two things I find lacking in many other kid’s sandals. They make them for grown-ups too! Another favorite of mine are Hanna Andersson pajamas. They are a bit of an investment at about $40 a set, but I got ours in one size bigger and they are going on two years of sweet slumber now. They are super comfy, keep their shape wash after wash and come in the cutest patterns for bigs and littles. I got the girls short sleeve and long sleeve sets in matching patterns. I’m not going to lie, the cuteness at bedtime is off the charts.

Elle’s pjs Hanna Andersson, Coco’s sandals Salt Water

Happy 6th birthday Elle!

March 4, 2013 |

Hand-painted birthday card from BooBoo, Elle’s grandma

Last week our oldest daughter Elle, “Ellybean”, The Bean”, “Bean”, “Elle, say you’re sorry” turned six-years-old. I would have posted about it sooner, but between her first big kid birthday party, playing hooky to enjoy a family trip to the zoo and opening 350 presents-it’s been a bit crazy around here. This was no birthday, this was a birth-week! It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since we got on this roller coaster called parenthood and something about six makes me feel like we graduated a bit. We’re out of diapers, losing teeth and we pretty much live in the car shuttling from point a to point b. I remember not too long ago how slow the days were and how lazy it all seemed. Now I feel akin to that Army slogan: Parents, we do more before 8am than most people do all day. Time is my enemy now and there are truly not enough hours in the day to get it all done. But that pretty much goes for anyone in this raced world we live in, kids or no kids. Which is why I loved our new birthday tradition of playing hooky. On Elle’s actual birthday, we all took the day off from school and work to visit the Santa Barbara Zoo. It was sunny and warm and I swear the animals knew it was her birthday. We’ve been to the zoo many times, but we’ve never gotten so much action. Giraffes and meerkats and lions oh my! Everyone came out and really put on a show for her special day. It was so nice to take a minute, slow down and enjoy each others company. Brief, but very sweet. Ok, that’s it-gotta go. I’ve got pick-up, grocery store, homework, invoicing and ballet! Enjoy.

valentine’s day cards

February 13, 2013 |

I’ve never liked Valentine’s Day. In fact I’ve hated it for most of my life (pre-hubs of course). Hate’s a strong word, severely disliked it. It’s always too much expectation, inevitable disappointment and a general feeling of uneasiness-guess that’s what forced affection does to me. I know I’m not alone. But like so many things, once I had kids that all changed. Now it’s all about the colors, the candy, the crafts and the general feeling I can only describe as gush. Yes, I just made up a feeling. Yesterday the girls put their Valentines together and even though it was sprinkled with tantrums, for the most part it was a very enjoyable half hour. Monday night, at midnight of course, I was inspired to make these Valentine’s Day cards and it’s kind of scary how excited I am about the way they turned out. The rest of the goodies all came from Michaels, and they’re still there-I just went yesterday to get them. The only thing that might be tricky were the bubbles, which I found in the wedding section of the store, not the Valentines display, which was slim pickings by the time I got there. I broke my cardinal rule of never gifting bubbles (such a mess) because I thought a bunch of messy 2-year-olds was better than a bunch of sugar high 2-year-olds. For Elle’s more sophisticated Kindergarten group, we went with classic Hershey’s kisses in festive colors. The assembly was easy and as you can see below the reward was massive. If you like the girls’ cards, make them your own with this download. Print them out on some card stock, cut them into squares and share the love.

Silver pipe cleaners to fasten the tags, which we punched a hole through using one of these.