Erin Pata: Real-Life Style Maven
from Jamie
I have no doubt been putting off this post for awhile now. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to do it; frankly, it’s been overwhelming trying to get my head around the perfect post about long-time friend, Erin Pata. Erin and I went to design school together many years ago, but the funny thing is, I feel closer to Erin now more than ever, even though we live thousands of miles apart. This gal has created a life for herself and her family that all would relish. And when it comes to style, Erin is unmatched. We all catch glimpses of awesomeness in magazines, movies, TV and online. And a lot is staged and fabricated. But Erin is the real deal when it comes to authenticity, living and breathing it in every moment.
Of course there’s way too much to speak to here but I’d like to mention a few ways that Erin is so inspiring.
Erin: the family historian/photographer. Documenting life on a California butterbean farm and cattle ranch. Just wait ’til these kids grow up and look back on this childhood.
Erin: the fearless breeder. Three’s company: there can be no shortage of fresh content with these little ones!
Erin: the location scout. Did I mention that the family’s stunning 1,500 acres happen to sit on a classic two lane road often used for car commercials? And that the long and winding road ends at the ocean, where they often camp?
Erin: the PR guru. Am I the first to write about this slice of heaven? Not by a long shot. Footage has been captured here for movies and commercial clients alike. Pictured here: just another day at work on an Elle magazine photoshoot.
Erin: the entrepreneur. Erin has found many ways to translate her passions and talents into marketable endeavors. Pictured here: a holiday bizarre she hosted at her house; every nook and cranny creatively stocked with eclectic, homemade and handmade treasures by family and friends. Imagine going here instead of the shopping mall!
Erin: the mentor. Oh, and by the way, her oldest has been bitten by the bug too!
Erin: the farmer/stage designer. The family farmstand. Local is where it’s at in these parts!
Erin: the master crafter/costume designer. I’ve seen many a handmade costume for Erin’s kids over the years. Not only are they handmade, they’re also creatively inspired from all sorts of everyday objects. I’ll never forget the Wonder Bread Twins many years ago, made from Wonder Bread packaging. Unfortunately, I can’t lay my hands on the picture, but that’s ok, because the costumes are permanently burned into my mind! Erin also makes purses and other fabric wonders in her sweet workspace which can be viewed on her website.
Erin: the prop stylist. The perfect blend of casual living and well-considered details.
Erin: the graphic designer. Pictured here: a recent birthday party invite.
Erin: the event designer. Preparing the barn for the birthday party/movie night extravaganza.
Erin: the hunter and gatherer. Pictured here: Maintaining the sweet life.
Erin: the curious observer. Seeking out the unusual amidst the everyday.
Erin: the memory keeper. From big stuff to bedhead, she doesn’t miss a beat.
Erin: the writer/comedian. What you can’t get a sense of here? Erin’s finely honed sense of humor and flair for putting down words. You’ll just have to take my word for it. But you can find out more about Erin and her family at their website, shop and blog at butterbeanstudios.com
What do I want to be when I grow up? Erin’s neighbor, for one thing. Until then, I’ll keep following every word and move that she shares. I know my life’s richer for it.
Tags: birthday
February 17th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
After wiping the tears from my eyes from laughing at your commentary I have a couple of comments. 1. Can we make everyone think that the Elle Magazine Model is actually me? 2. Can we add a couple of categories: Erin: the lazy mom who puts her kids to bed in their school clothing, Erin: the obsessive/compulsive who had a nightmare about the couch being out of alignment with the floor boards. Loving ya back Jamie. … Won’t you please? Won’t you please? Please, won’t you be my neighbor!?
February 17th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Jamie,
As her mother, I can’t easily express how touched I am to read and see pictures about my daughter in such a delightful way. It’s lovely for a parent to know that one’s daughter is so appreciated by others. Erin is a rare bird indeed, and as a parent I’ve learned through the years to simply step back, trust her choices, and watch her bloom. I, too, admire and appreciate the unique lifestyle she is creating for her family. It is one that we all can learn from and enjoy. Thank you, Jamie, for taking the time to write such a tribute. It’s something I will always treasure.
February 17th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Carol. And kudos to you for adding such a rare gem to this world
February 17th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Thanks to this post, fans can now witness first hand your humor in action! And thanks to the airing of your dirty laundry, we have the complete picture. After all, we couldn’t really like you if you were too perfect. As for the OCD, embrace it as a requirement of all forward thinkers!
February 17th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
What beautiful lives are shown in these pictures.
February 17th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
You have captured so many of my niece’s charms and talents in your blog.
Erin is an inspiration to me……….she can capture the mundane everyday bits of life with pictures and words and even though I live 2000 miles away from her I feel like I am right there on Jalama Rd.! Love it!
I cannot imagine HOW she does all that she does – while keeping her three children and husband going also.
She is a WHIZ!
A Proud Aunt.
February 19th, 2011 at 1:55 am
Dear Erin,
You continue to amaze me with all of your creativity and joy of living! You are an inspiration to all of us!How exciting that Anna is creating, too! I hope to see you one of these days on Jalama Rd. as I still regret missing the most incredible of weddings!!!!!!!!
February 20th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
From an old childhood friend who remembers being attracted by the same zany humor & creativity, thanks for finding a way to put Erin down in words. It is not easy to capture that beautiful, kooky, artistic and down-to-earth nut. We love you Erin!
February 20th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
My pleasure!