Coconut & Bean

Where family and style coexist

air bnb

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airbnb.com

While I was in Santa Barbara a few weeks ago, we stayed in this charming apartment and it has since become my mental happy place. Whenever I’m buried by the day’s stresses, I close my eyes and imagine myself having coffee with my girlfriends in this darling breakfast nook (above) as we gab, gab, gab to no end. Aren’t girls trips are the best trips? This was the first time I used airbnb.com to book an accommodation, but it will not be the last. The site offers short-term rentals including room rentals or in this case, an apartment. Actually this was an old Victorian farmhouse built between 1900 and 1904 as a single family home which was converted into five apartments in the 1950s. According to the owners it was once a sorority house for UCSB, and is possibly a little haunted. During our three-day stay, we did not encounter any spookiness, but we certainly did enjoy its endless vintage charm. Thanks again Allie and Erland.

Country charm.

The view from my bedroom. I spent the last morning laying in bed watching the squirrels play in the trees.

Spooky staircase?

Vintage charm.

Only regret of the weekend is that we didn’t get to have a glass of wine outside by this chimenea. Next time!

Lovely lavender on the front patio.

 

little girls need to…

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When I began fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, my friend and longtime family photographer Michelle Warren was one of the first to respond to my letters and emails. A young mother herself, she understood why I felt compelled to be a part of this cause and how much I was inspired by my girls. Both of whom she’s photographed since they were babies. Michelle offered to donate her time and incredible talent to this shoot which is dedicated to all of the women and men fighting this brutal disease. Every three minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Which means by the time you’ve read this post, somewhere in the US a mother, daughter, grandma or friend will tell her family she’s in a fight for her life. The funds raised for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will provide access to care for those that most need it, fund educational programs, and accelerate research into new treatments and potential cures. I am very proud to be a part of this incredible event and to do what I can for the cause. If you would like to make a donation to my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and help me meet my fundraising minimum of $1800, visit my personal fundraising page and click the “donate now” button. Thanks again Michelle for your generosity and your beautiful vision. I love the way my life looks through your lens.

Photos by Michelle Warren

 

 

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!