Coconut & Bean

Where family and style coexist

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

 

 

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

 

santa barbara mission

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We took our holiday photos at the Santa Barbara Mission last year, and I know family photos sometimes seem a little too perfect but I can honestly say this day was perfect. NOT the norm for us. We all drove up the coast to Santa Barbara and spent an hour running around the mission grounds laughing and playing in the sunset. Later Mike and I downed cold beers while the girls devoured their dinner in town and we daydreamed about living in Santa Barbara full-time. Fat and happy, they both slept all the way home while we recapped their cuteness from the day. On the hardest days when I’m so tired and frustrated with the kids I want to crawl into a hole, I look at these photos. Like most things in life motherhood is about the highs and lows, just a little bit closer together. It’s watching your child tumble around on the ground laughing, taking your breath away, then realizing she’s been laying in dog poop. It’s seeing these two little girls run towards me with open arms, making me burst with tears of joy, then watching them trip over each other and start screaming with bloody knees. It’s changing hats all day long-mother, wife, waitress, housekeeper, chef, lover, nurturer, disciplinarian, role model, protector, friend, partyer. OK, that last one might just be my thing. “The hardest job you’ll ever love.” I’m not so sure about that and frankly a lot of the really hard stuff is just not in the “Happy Parenting” brochure they hand you at your first born’s baby shower. But as Mike always says, “It is what it is.” And all in all, it’s pretty good. So I guess my motherly advice on the eve of this special weekend is this. Be good to yourself, be good to your kids, have wine handy, and watch out for dog poop. Happy Mother’s Day everyone.

Photos by Michelle Warren