it's been a while

wow.. it has been some time since I've written anything on here. a lot has happened since i last checked in! what's ironic, is the last post on here was a few days after my wonderful friend of 22 years told me about zach, and just 6 days before our first date.. fast forward a year and zach and i are engaged, i have a new job, and we have a new home!  it's really crazy how life works.  

as i mentioned, i  have i left my menswear bros for the wonder-filled world of event design.  i have met some of the most incredible women (with a sprinkling of some truly amazing men). this next chapter in my career has pushed me, creatively, in ways i thought i would never experience.  this world is truly magical..  and it puts a whole new pressure on planning a wedding!  i am completely up for the challenge.

now.. onto the new space!  though we stayed in the same building, sadly the cozy studio did not provide enough space for the stuff of two people.  zach moved into my studio last july, and in september we moved upstairs to a one bedroom, better known on IG as the #antonioucohenhaus!  i wanted to share some photos of the new place, and as of yesterday i think we are finally as finished as we will ever be!  we still don't have a bed... but you know.. we'll get there.

happy sunday!

The Christmas Surprise

About a year and a half ago I bought my mom a picture frame with an I-O-U for a painting.  Finally this holiday season a light bulb of inspiration went off and I decided to paint a family tree for her.  I know she misses her mom so much and there has been a lot of growing pains in my family the past few years, so I figured what better way to remind her of her roots and who matters most in her life than painting a family tree.  This piece took a while to create.  I would say a solid 20-25 hours of sketching and painting, which is why I stopped with the cousins.  That, and it was hard to fit everyone on the page!! Hopefully later I can expand the tree a bit more to include the littlest kiddies!   

I made prints of the piece and gave it to my family for a little Christmas surprise.  I also documented the moment with this little video above! 

merry christmas

Santa has come and gone.  Presents have been opened.  And now my family and I are enjoying a Danish Kringle with our coffee.  I am so excited to share with everyone the gift I gave my mother, but I have to wait until my whole family sees it first.  Merry Christmas everyone! Have a wonder-filled day!

xx 

father, daughter + norman rockwell

I think today is an appropriate day to share a recent trip I took to Stockbridge with my dad.   My dad had gone up there for his birthday last year and sent me about 50 photos on his phone, pretty much every painting and illustration he came across.  All he has wanted to do for the past year is take me up there to experience it with him.  

When we got up there it was warm and pretty overcast, which of course I love.  We went through the museum and watched a video of Norman Rockwell's life.  Getting to see his pieces like The Gossips and Freedom of Speech in person was really special.  Seeing all of the prints of the Saturday Evening Post lined up was inspiring.  One person did all of that work.  It gave me a little bit of anxiety thinking about all of those hundreds of deadlines, haha.  The amount of detail that you can see in his work is absolutely amazing.  It's inspiring and intimidating all at once. 

We also got to see his actual studio that was picked up and moved from the center of town to a quiet little patch of land behind the museum.  Everything was still intact.  It was beautiful. We learned about his process and how you can spot it in some of his work.  For instance in The Marriage Counselor you can see that he used models in his studio as reference because it is the exact same couch from his studio, just in a different color, and the books in the marriage counselor's office are all art books which actually exist on the bookshelf next to his couch in his studio.  Something I'm sure not a lot of people have noticed while looking at that illustration.  His studio was spotless, which if you're an artist you know that isn't realistic, but in this case that is how he kept his space.  No paint on the floor, everything in it's place at all times. 

After we left the museum we found a cute little restaurant in a neighboring town for dinner.  It was a perfect day with dad. 

Happy Father's Day to all of the amazing, hardworking, caring dads out there! 

xx

inspiration trip: brimfield

The first Brimfield of 2015 was perfect.  The air smelled of lilacs and the sun was shining.  I was there for 3 days and met so many talented vendors and designers.  

For those of you who are not familiar, the Brimfield Antique Show is this massive flea market filled with acres of antique vendors and collectors, as well as furniture designers, from all over. It happens 3 times a year in western Massachusetts and you get a little taste of small town countryside.  It is so nice!

3 days is definitely the way to do it.  Day 1 was about taking it all in and seeing what was out there.  I didn't pressure myself to buy anything.... and so I bought a couch.  Day 2 my dad joined me and it was adorable.  He loved seeing all of the antiques and loved spending time with me and experiencing a little piece of my world.  Day 3 I knew exactly what I wanted, did my final purchasing, and explored the vendors on the other side of the street that I had missed the other 2 days.  3 days and I think I made it through 75% of vendors.  And that guessing on the high side. 

I walked away with some brass ship sconces, a pair of 1930's industrial floor lamps, a stunning royal blue and cream wool rug, hemp pillows, over sized hand-carved wooden kitchen accessories, and a danish modern leather couch.  That was all for a project I'm working on.  For me, I scored a handmade barn wood frame and this really cool vegetable scientific print.   My favorite vendors by far were Nomadic Trading Company and eneby antik. 

I was very selective in my picture taking this time around.  I'm getting better at editing my eye, if that makes any sense.   For more photos check out my Instagram on @thecrabandthemoon!

interior inspirations: paris round 2

The Paris room is going to look SO good.  I stepped away from the sophisticated graphic boutique look and made it more of a fun, floral, pastel-ly cafe concept, which is what the adorable 7 year old came up with.  I love these girls already! 

Since the bed will have a canopy, the overhang can become an awning with thick stripes.   We can also transform her closet doors into cafe shop doors!  I am picturing her windows to have flower boxes where we will have a little bistro table and chairs set up.  Since there are so many places in this city to purchase props I really would like to get her some fake macaroons and cakes and cake stands to put on her dresser!  This is going to be so fun!

interior inspirations: beach house round 2

There were some changes made to the gypsy nook.  It has taken on more of a surfer girl aesthetic.  I really would love to have an ombre wall like the one pictured (where it's darker in the corners and then fades out) and have the quote "you can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" large scale in white.  The details will be muted and washed out colors with images from She Hit Pause Studios.  I also picture a vintage surf board in the corner of the room, beach wood on the wall behind the bed, and some type of floor seating area.  I want this little sweet pea to feel inspired, calm, and like a little ocean goddess in her new space!

interior inspirations: paris

Now THIS... is the second theme for the children's rooms that I am styling. Paris. This was the first concept board that I came up with. My first step was to get far away from the cheesy Eiffel Tower furniture and accessories that you would find in Homegoods and create a more updated and modern design concept.   I wanted it to be graphic and bright and super girly! Oversized floral with details of gold against thick black and white stripes.  I think for an initial jumping off point it was great and it got the creative juices flowing.  After analyzing it a bit it was a little too "girl in her 20's".  When I go back in I will be sure to sprinkle some innocence and cuteness into the mix!  

This is SUCH  fun project.  I can't wait to meet the little girls!  Their mother tells me that the oldest loves to draw and has been looking through my illustrations.  That seriously melts my heart. 

interior inspirations: beach living

I am very excited to be working on a very inspiring + fun side project. I will be styling two adorable little girls' bedrooms. Each with different themes, beach house + Paris.  Pictured above is the very first concept board for the beach house theme.  I want the room to really encompass a calming and whimsical feel.  There will be lots of twinkle lights with cozy little nooks.  Perfect for a little beach babe!

I'll be sure to share the 2nd theme very soon!

xx

interior inspirations: kids rooms

Interior styling for kids and baby has come a long way.  I am loving these spaces that I've seen on Instagram. There may be a new project coming up!  Excited to see where it goes.

Photos by: @littlepeainteriors . @sophie_vine . @shinasiconcept . @maecocointeriors . @kristinplanskymurals . @bexyylou . @sweetcreationsboutique . @bebe_sac . @alwaysme_baby . @littletotem . @littlegatherer . @roxyoxy_creations . @genwoocraft . @tralalagifts . @littlewillemsens . @houseofhawkes . @the_wild_unknown . @chairishco 

day 30: find what feels good

It's day 30 and I feel a lot of feelings!

This last day was kind of sad but very rewarding.  For the first time ever I led my own practice! Well, there wasn't much leading as it was only me, but still.  It felt really fulfilling that I could do my own thing and feel great after.  It was actually more therapeutic than when I follow someone else.  Your mind focuses on what you're going to do next or how your body feels at that moment. There's no room for the BS of your day to sneak in.

On day 30 I think it is so important that I look back and think about where I was when I started and where I am now.  I was feeling so stressed and anxious, my body felt tired, and my mind felt cluttered. Every time I practice yoga I feel lighter and happy so I knew this journey would help heal, and it did.  My mind feels happier and healthy, my body feels stronger, and I definitely feel less anxious.  All positives and I couldn't ask for more.  

There will always be stress out there and there will always be things that make you sad or angry or aggravated but what's important is to find something that can wipe all of that away, even if it is just for 20 minutes.  

Thank you so much Adriene for helping me find my center and feel good about myself once again. This was so fun and I strongly suggest participating in the challenge if you can.  Adriene is such a great teacher.  She moves at a slow, steady pace and you don't realize that you're building muscle until you're doing things you could do before. Also she is funny and weird and we would totally be besties.

K, I'm going to go eat some healthy homemade tacos now.

Be well, namaste, and FIND WHAT FEELS GOOD! 

day 26 + 27: finding my happy

During yoga I find that my mind tends to wander and it always finds its way to a happy place. A popular vacation spot for my mind to go is to this photo.  I took this one day last summer when my mom and I met some friends on a beach in Gloucester.  The sky was gorgeous and the water was so blue and.... freezing because it's Massachusetts. Thinking about it makes me calm and it makes me smile.  

Enjoy your day and enjoy your practice. 

day 24 + 25: little olive + the dancing warrior

Day 24 was an interesting one.  I was dog sitting my "niece" and doing yoga with little baby Olive was hysterical.  Thank God it was a restorative practice because it was difficult to get anything done.  Any time I would lay down olive would lick my face and any time I was in a seated cross legged position she would sit in my lap.   Not to mention when I would lye down she would lay on my tummy.  I couldn't be mad.. I could only laugh.  As you can see in the photo above, she has really mastered downward facing dog. 

Day 25 I was back in my apartment in my zen zone.  I felt great, I felt strong... I practiced some crow.  My right wrist is still feeling a little weak.  I'm not sure if I should wrap it or just keep trying to build strength.  I would love any suggestions if you have any!

Be well everyone! 

day 23: freedom + forgiveness

The painting above was originally a tattoo design for a little yogi friend of mine, Joanna.  Last summer when I was back home visiting I took one of her classes (which kicked my ass in the best way) and then after we spent the afternoon in the North End catching up on life, talking about my illustrations, her yoga, and what it was like for her moving out of NYC and back to Boston.  She has really built a beautiful life for herself in back home.   She teaches yoga and lives in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Boston.  I think she was the first person to help me see that you don't HAVE to stay in NY to find this "career fulfillment."  I know that seems a little obvious but when you're in it you feel it's the only option.  She definitely opened my eyes a bit.

If you are in the Boston area and want to take a class from my friend Joanna, she teaches at North End Yoga + South Boston Yoga.  Her classes are fantastic.  I sweat so much she needed to bring me a towel in the middle of teaching.  I really loved her class.  When I go to visit I'll have to make a pit stop in the city.  Her website is joannabenevides.com

So I think the wild flowers above are a nice little symbol of freedom for this practice. I really love this watercolor.. especially with the piles of snow outside, it's a reminder of spring.  As always, Adriene leads a relaxing and empowering practice in day 23.  I don't want it to end!  I have a feeling this yoga challenge will quickly become my new "series on Netflix that I just watch on repeat." BUT she does have other videos that I am very excited to dive into.  

Take care, be well, and happy Sunday!

day 22: heart to earth + full body awareness

Day 22 starts out with heart to earth pose which I think works back nicely to the concept of full body awareness.  To me it helps remind me to appreciate every little simple thing that is good.  Your heart, your health, and the perfect ground we stand on. 

Lately I've been missing my home and my family a lot. The photo above is a picture I took when my mom came to visit me in the fall.  We took a walk through Central Park and this was a moment we passed along the way.  

day 21: joyful home practice

Day 21! This practice was all about focusing on your breath, fine tuning and exploring your poses, and finding full-body awareness.  It  was very relaxing and of course... joyful! 

Happy Monday everyone.

day 16 + 17: ocean breath + a boost of happy

Mercury is in retrograde people.  Which means nothing is right in the world.  A bit dramatic... yes... but somewhat accurate. Mercury rules over communication so when it's in retrograde, up is down, left is right, I have zero balance, and my brain is like scrambled eggs.  These past few days have been.. not good, to keep it simple. Lots of anxiety and frustration.  I have to say that my time on my little mat is the only time when I can really let go of it all. 

I can't say that these videos have completely erased the bad energy but they have really calmed me down and helped me to find my breath when I feel a little panic-y.  

In day 16 Adriene talks about ocean sounds through your breath.  When you achieve it it is so relaxing.  The images that flooded my mind of course were the photos I took down by the water over Thanksgiving at my family's home in Boston.  Calm and blue.  Such a relaxing image.  I also held my side plank on both sides!  Super exciting.  I don't think I've ever done that.  Small victory for the day.

Day 17 really grounded me and calmed me this morning before I headed into work.  I went to bed early last night but woke up at midnight and mind was racing, stressing, and I couldn't fall back to sleep.  I was really glad that I managed to woke up early this morning to partake in day 17.   I feel a lot better... my mind clearer. 

Enjoy + be well.

day 15: half moon

How fitting. Day 15, halfway through and it's all about the half moons!

I took some time to reflect on why I started this challenge.  I wanted clear my mind, reunite with my happy, and to feel good both inside and out.  My mind, like everyone I know, gets completely filled with unnecessary stress and negative perspectives of current situations.  I wanted a moment where I could dust all of that away.  A moment where none of that exterior shit that takes up far too much energy matters. When I step onto my 10+ year old bright blue mat I take time for me, and I breathe away all of it. 

Day 15 and I already feel changes. My body feels slimmer, stronger, and I stand up straighter.  And I smile more!  The theme of the half moon got me so excited. It's the moon I was born under and the halfway point of my first challenge of the new year.  The half moon pose was a challenge since it is all about balance... another thing I'm striving for in the new year.  Even though I fell out of the pose oh so gracefully, it reminded me that every day is different with new challenges.  Points like that in the challenge teach me to appreciate all stages of any process.  Even if you unattractively fall flat on your face.

interior inspirations: stick pose

Today we had a snow day in New York so I got to wake up and start my day with the lovely Adriene.  I really do love waking up early and doing my yoga before going to work, but lately I can't seem to get in bed early enough to not wake up late and be in a complete rush in the morning! Today was definitely a healthy balance of work and yoga.   Everyday should be like that.

Day 12 and lucky day 13 were all about realigning the spine and building endurance.  We sat in stick pose for a second so of course my brain went right to my new stick decor!  Sounds weird.. but it looks great!  I've got branches on the brain!  I love when my yoga practice can relate back to my art and design work.  Keeps me inspired.   

day 5 + 6 + i found my crow

And by crow I mean my crow pose in yoga and not my original raven painting.  Trying to be a little witty here combining my yoga practice with my painting practice. And yes that's my Treasure Troll top knot and belly button.  Anyways, I am SO excited because, like I said, I found my crow again and I held it for a whole 10 seconds!  It's the small victories on this feel good inside and out new years resolution challenge.  Tonight I completed days 5 and 6 of the 30 days of yoga and I feel great!  I will of course leave the videos for you to follow along as well.  But first!  I want to share my very special surprise from today... it felt a little like Christmas..

My dear friend Kat finished my wall tapestry!  This is her first woven tapestry and I absolutely love it.  I have big plans for this guy.  One of which is that he will hang from a branch from my home town on the wall next to my bed.  When he is finally complete I will of course show him off! For now he's just hanging out on some antlers.  So excited!!

I hope you are getting inspired either through these little yoga videos or through learning about new and beautiful ways to make your home feel cozy!  Part of feeling good in the mind and body is feeling good in your space!  Maybe that will be my mantra.  Keep my mind, body and space clean and feeling good.

With that being said, I'm going to light some sage and cook a little dinner!

Namaste. (prayer hands emoji)