El Dia de Independencia de Mexico – Mexican Independence Day

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Nicole Mungar

Every September –  Mes de La Patria (the month of our nation), the cities and villages of Mexico light up with it’s National colors – brilliant reds, greens and whites of the Mexican flag. Wagons filled with flags, sombreros, shuttlecocks, and pins roam the streets selling their wares for the celebration of El  Dia de Independencia de Mexico – Mexican Independence Day.   Homes, balconies and cars are decorated with flags and the people wear their celebration with traditional clothing and sombreros.


September 16th, 1810 was the beginning of the revolution for the independence of Mexico. In  1808, Napoleon had invaded Spain, and installed his brother as the king. The people of Mexico – then known as New Spain – were unhappy with the theft of land, slavery and other injustices imposed upon them. Influenced by current ideals about liberty, equality and democracy from France and by the war of Independence in the United States, a group of rebels decided this was an opportune  time to seek  independence from Spain. A revolt was planned for the 2nd of October but when it was discovered, the plan was initiated early by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. In the small town of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato  he gathered his congregants and delivered his famous speech called El Grito de Dolores (Cry from Dolores), a calling to action for his parishioners. The crowd is said to have swelled to 80,000 people armed with shovels and any other tools they could find and the Independence War had begun. It lasted 10 years.


This call to revolution is the moment that every 15th – 16th of September is re enacted in every plaza or Zócalo of Mexico.  This year is the bicentennial celebration and is expected to be very exciting. On the evening of September 15th, people start to gather in the town square – El Zócalo – for the celebration. Vendors with food line the square and musicians keep the crowd entertained. People of all ages come to this fiesta, to take part in the celebration. At exactly 11:00 p.m. the gobernador climbs to the roof of the palacio municipal (town hall) and shouts first the names of the heroes of independence and then “the shout” - el grito – that is repeated by the crowd at ever increasing volume – Viva Mexico, VIVA MEXICO! The excitement spreads through the crowd and all  shout, yell and make as much noise as possible with trumpets, noisemakers and whistles! A feeling of pride sweeps through the Zócalo as citizens and visitors alike honor the history of the country of Mexico.


The colors and spirit of Mexico are often repeated in art – vivid colors and traditional images are found in every aspect of society – from house colors, to clothing, to furniture. Some of the unique hand painted furnishings available through Tropical Cocoon are brilliant pieces of art which evoke that feeling of Mexico.

Headboard Available through Tropical Cocoon Furnishings

Room Divider Available through Tropical Cocoon Furnishings

Trunk Available through Tropical Cocoon Furnishings

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Preparing a Vacation Home for Renters

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Nicole Mungar

If you own a vacation home in Mexico, you may already be wondering just how you can earn a bit of money during the times when you are not using it. The best way to make a profit from your property is to allow vacationers to stay in your home, but there are several preparations you should make before handing over the keys.

You should first find a property manager that can handle all of your scheduling and maintenance needs. A property manager will find the vacationers, accept the payment on your behalf, make necessary repairs, and present you with your profits each month. With a property manager, you can rest easily and know that everything will be taken care of.

Next, you must consider the furnishings in your vacation home. You will want to present a lovely and well-decorated home, supply as many amenities as possible, and safeguard against any injuries. You should also consider the many repairs that may be needed over time and try to avoid those by making wise decisions from the start.

Stocking the Kitchen

If you look around your kitchen for just a moment, you will probably see several things that you could not live without. There are dozens of things that go into the preparation of every meal, and you cannot expect vacationers to supply their own each time they travel to a new destination. If you stock your kitchen with the basics, you can ensure a happy holiday and a probable return customer.

There should definitely be cookware in your vacation home. Three pots and two saucepans will usually fit the bill, especially if you make sure they are of various sizes. Be sure to supply baking sheets as well and, if you’re feeling generous, a muffin tray. Remember to stock the kitchen with cooking utensils, too, such as a ladle, a spatula, and several serving spoons.

In most cases, four dish sets will suffice, but if you are offering a larger home with many bedrooms, you should allow for the fact that more diners will be present. Supply as many dishes as your home will hold, and you won’t need to worry about someone going without. Keeping the same rule of thumb, stock silverware and cups or glasses. You should also consider providing wine glasses and bar glasses, as well. No one ever remembers to pack a corkscrew, so you could be someone’s hero if you tuck one into the kitchen drawer.

Choosing Sturdy Furniture

Knowing that strangers will be sitting on your couches and sleeping in your beds can cause all kinds of worries. There is no way to ensure that they will treat your belongings with respect, and that means that you must prepare for broken things on occasion. You can circumvent this eventuality, or just put it off for a while, by choosing furniture that will withstand a beating.

Most of the furniture in Mexico is made of heavy, dense wood and solid iron, anyway. This means that your furniture choices will fit right into the culture. Select beds with solid headboards and welded frames. These will last through children jumping on them. Couches can be a bit harder, especially since wicker is popular. Treated wicker can be stronger and more stable, and it is also easier to clean. By adding colorful fabrics to the beds and couches, you can guard against visible stains from food and drink.

Vacation home furniture does not need to be generic, either. You can put your artistic eye to work and find styles and colors that fit your tastes. This also helps to create a welcoming space to guests, because they will immediately feel a sense of home. Happy guests will almost always return for future holidays and refer other vacationers to your abode.

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Tips for your ‘Tiny Casa’

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Nicole Mungar

Home Sweet (Tiny) Home: How to Make the Most out of a Small Mexican Home

Let’s face it – sometimes purchasing a large condo or having a home built out-of-the-country is not always the most feasible option, however buying a  tiny ‘casa’ may have been more in the budget and helped you fulfill your dream of owning in Mexico. For those of you who have a permanent, seasonal, or temporary home in Mexico, I’m sure you would like for the space to feel homey and personal. This is why the furniture packages through Tropical Cocoon are just options and are totally customizable. Everyone’s taste is unique and with our packages, one will be able to make the most out of a small space.

This  hand-painted armoir is available for purchase from  Tropical Cocoon’s Painted Furniture/Armoirs collection.  It doubles as artwork and valuable storage in small spaces.

Color, Contrast, and Lighting

To make a small space appear larger, lighter colors are usually suggested to help open up the room. Bold pieces of furniture, artwork, and accents will help to draw guests from the actual size of the room, to the interesting pieces that are in it. Lamps and light fixtures that are strategically placed help to open up small rooms, enhance exterior light, and create smooth transitions from one piece of furniture to another. As a whole, remember that the overall design and theme of the room should be consistent and concentrated, as not to appear cluttered.

Size and Scale

Custom made Bunk Bed Designed for clients with a 'Tiny Casa' in Chemuyil.

By using furniture that is smaller in scale, you will find that small rooms will feel less overwhelmed. Sectional couches that fit tight angles or cozy love  seats will usually do the trick. Consider a bunk bed for your second bedroom. The bottom of the bed shown on the left is a double with a single above.  It was custom made for clients who’s casa is tiny.  We also had drawers made for extra storage below.  (not shown in picture on left)

Keeping it Cozy

While some people may concur that there’s nothing worse than a small space, I say, “There’s nothing worse than a small space that’s uninviting.” Regardless of the size, you want your home to feel like home and a few key elements will help to make this possible:

  • Dim, mellow lighting as opposed to bright bulbs
  • Fresh flowers or plants which enhance the feel of the space
  • Artwork that is expressive of your personality and taste

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz truly describes it the best when she says, “. . . there’s no place like home!”

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Celebrating Three Kings Day

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

Once again my family is in Mexico enjoying our Christmas on a beach in the Riviera Maya. I thought it would be nice to re-post this blog, which shares our family tradition, and explains the Mexican celebration of Three Kings Day.

I also wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Christmas on the Beach with my two boys…

One of the benefits of a vacation home in Mexico has been discovering new holiday traditions.  Spending the winter holiday on a beach, giving up snowmen for sand castles, is a tradition that we’ve been glad to adopt.  Another would be celebrating Three Kings Day, January 6th.

This is the date when the three wise men arrived to bring their gifts to the baby Jesus.  In certain areas of Mexico, the tradition is that children receive their gifts on this day, instead of Christmas.  Christmas is celebrated by going to church.

It’s after December 25th, when the holiday turns festive.  A friend of mine, from Mexico City, shared that in his neighborhood while growing up, the families on his block took turns hosting a party on each of the twelve days leading up to Three Kings Day.  Rather than Christmas being a one day holiday, it was a twelve day celebration.

The Three Kings play the same role as Santa in the West.  Children in Mexico visit with the Three Kings to have their photos taken with them.  They also write letters, but instead of being mailed to the North Pole, their wish lists are attached to helium balloons to be delivered to the Three Kings.  There is a park in Mexico City where this practice of releasing the balloons with letters has happened for generations.

My daughter spends her Christmas holiday in a hammock,
avoiding the camera.

On the night before Three Kings Day, children will lay out their shoes (instead of stockings) for gifts to be brought by the Three Kings the next morning (instead of cookies for Santa, they’d leave water and food for the Three Kings’ animals).  In addition to gifts on Three Kings Day, there would also be Kings Cake, a round bread decorated with dried fruit to represent a crown.

Kings Cake will have a tiny plastic figurine of the baby Jesus baked in it.  Whoever cuts a slice with the figurine in it is supposed to host the next holiday party.  I found that Kings Cake was treated like a Fortune Cookie.  People carefully pulled apart their slice to see if they had the slice with Jesus, then they’d nibble on a bite or two (it’s sort of dry, not sweet at all).  There was lots of laughter and teasing for whoever ends up with the figurine.

The Toy Patrol is ready to go.

Besides socializing with friends, we celebrate this holiday by giving back.  Four years ago, we participated in handing out Christmas gifts to underprivileged children in Mexico through Angel Notion (this nonprofit organization, based in Playa del Carmen, is dedicated to helping children and their families who are in need of life saving medical care).  It was such a wonderful experience.

The best gift is a child’s smile!

When we weren’t able to coordinate our travel schedule to assist Angel Notion the following year, I went out and bought our own toys to hand out.  Now every year, we bring down a suitcase filled with toys.  On Three Kings Day, we pile into the car and drive around, handing out toys as a family.  It has been a life lesson for my own children.  The focus of our Christmas has changed from “what do I get” to “what can we pack, that’s going to be a great gift.”

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The Many Influences of Hacienda Style

Posted on December 14, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

Four centuries of accumulated wealth, associated with owning and profiting from territories of Mexico’s richest agricultural land, gave the grande haciendas of Mexico a vast and rich existance, but it was not to last. The revolution of 1910-1920, saw these estates confiscated, pillaged, set afire and left to ruin by the likes of Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapatas, Venustiano Carranza and their enlisted troops.

The grande palaces, once a testament to beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, are now country homes of the affluent, hotels or conference centers. The structures which were still standing with the least damage have undergone complete renovation, others are left to ruin with no hope of renewal.

Photo Credit: Paco Mexico

In their glory day’s, many haciendas boasted grand interior spaces with high-beamed ceilings, thick textured walls often painted in a light shade throughout the residence and numerous rooms. The outdoors was accessed from many different rooms through massive, intricately carved wooden doors opening onto private courtyards replete with enormous pools and water features.

Although the haciendas of the past are now fodder for the history books, their rich, rugged and elegant aesthetic architecture and interior design style lives on, with its variety of opposing influences from differing Mexican rulers, colonial occupations, Spanish heritage and the native Indian peoples of the country itself.

Photo Credit: Paco Mexico

The French influence came in the 1860s when Mexico was occupied for a short period by France. Even though the occupation was short lived, the popularity of the French influence in architecture and interiors lasted into the 20th century. Today, we still see the French touch in many of the more ornate Mexican designs and decorative flourishes.

Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz, during a 35 year reign (1876-1911), encouraged the hacienda system and gave their owners extra land. The land owners reciprocated by giving their main residences a renovation in the proud and stately neoclassical style Diaz had adopted as a testament to the new national confidence he commanded. The style is evident in modern hacienda-style interiors with its columns, pedestals, murals and elegant porticos.

Other design influences came from Spain, with heavy wrought iron being used on staircases, windows, doors, floor candelabras and in furniture as well.  Some pieces even had a Moorish influence which came from the Spanish areas of Castile and Andalucia where a group of Arab artists lived and worked. Wrought iron is a major component in modern hacienda-style, evident on everything from doors to furniture to decorative wall ornaments.

Photo Credit: Raul Diaz

No matter its history, influences or eclectic mix of cultural aspects, hacienda-style design with its rustic, romantic and undeniably rich aesthetic has become an ever-increasingly popular contender in top interior designs.

Photo Credit: Scott M

Even if you don’t own a behemoth hacienda, you can bring the spirit of the style into your own more humble abode. Through the use of ornately-carved, wrought iron laden wood tables, chairs and armoires, upholstered sofas and chairs in leather, velvet and silk, massive wood beds, soft painted textured walls, faux wood ceiling beams in a dark stain, iron candelabras and neoclassical touches of human figure statues. You’ll be sure to enjoy the mix of relaxed elegance and rustic beauty of the hacienda-style.

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Planning for Year-Round Comfort

Posted on December 10, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

Many people think that the weather is always hot in Mexico, but the truth is that it’s a large country that covers a lot of terrain, making for a variety of climate zones.

Mexico topographyAreas at sea-level usually stay warm year round. If your vacation home is at low altitude, you’re lucky enough to expect balmy weather nearly every day!

If you own a home on the beach or close to it, the most pleasant weather will occur during the dry season, from roughly October to May. You can spend your days outdoors without the inconvenience of humidity or rain. These are the days for going to the beach, lounging poolside, or entertaining guests on your patio.

patio lounge

The dry season in low altitudes is ideal for lounging outdoors. Patio furniture available on our online store.

From June to September, the wet season will make it hard to spend much time outdoors. Even when it’s not raining, temperatures creep up and the humidity can be uncomfortable. Stay out of the heat and rain by making your vacation home cool and inviting indoors.

If your home is in the mountains, the winter months can get pretty chilly, especially in the mornings and at night. From roughly November to January, you’ll want to make sure your home is stocked with the necessities for keeping warm. A small space heater can do wonders for the bedroom on chilly nights, and throws on your sofa can help you get nice and cozy.

Rustic package

The Rustic Living Room package makes for a cozy space.

Whatever the weather, it’s lovely to have a home that’s prepared for maximum comfort. You don’t need to rely on perfect weather to enjoy your personal time in Mexico. Whether it’s dry, wet, hot, or cold, the right furniture, equipment, and accents can create an environment you can enjoy year round.

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Planning a Fiesta?

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

Latino culture is famous for its penchant for throwing unforgettable parties. From the food and drinks to the music and entertainment, nothing is overlooked at a truly great fiesta, regardless of income or spending power.

If you’re planning a fiesta at your home, try to make sure your guests’ surroundings are in tip-top shape. Whether you’re inviting close friends for an intimate dinner or you’re hosting one lucky girl’s quinceañera, know that the setting you provide will affect your guests’ experience.

jessica dining room

The right dining room can combine function and aesthetics for whatever special events may be celebrated in your home.

Part of the task of furnishing a home is planning for those social events and special occasions that bring others into your home. For example, the right dining setting can be very important for having guests. Don’t overlook the importance of surface area! Feeding and entertaining many people can be a tricky task, requiring plenty of space to serve, sit, eat, and socialize. Large dining tables are a must for folks who entertain large parties, and buffets or sideboards aren’t a bad idea either. However you choose to equip your space for socializing, you can’t go wrong by combining function with aesthetics.

If you’re planning an outdoor party, a patio or courtyard gathering is lovely with the right comforts. Is your outdoor space properly equipped for entertaining? Perhaps the shrubs need pruning or the patio furniture needs an update. Check out our outdoor furnishings for ideas and packages that bring the comforts of home outdoors.

patio set

Our patio package offers enough lounging space for quiet relaxation or for entertaining a group of guests.



Parties are fun, but they can also serve as a chance to make favorable impressions. Inviting people into your home is to invite them into your personal space, to show them your interior life, and to let them get to know you better. In light of this, an important gathering can be a good reason to give your home the attention or upgrade it needs. Plus, why not take a cue from the locals and do your best to throw a truly fantastic fiesta?

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Don’t Overlook the Entryway!

Posted on November 24, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

Furniture is not the only way to add personal flare to your house. Customizable doors also offer a great way to make your property one of a kind, as well as ensuring the amount of privacy or security that makes you the most comfortable.

The entryway of a property gives a powerful first impression. Overlooking the style and upkeep of the entrance to your home can be a regrettable oversight. Even if the interior of your home really makes a statement, the prelude to what lies inside begins at the front door.

unique door

This uniqe door adds special flare to the entryway.

With customizable choices, a unique door can add just the right character to match your sense of style. If it’s drama you crave, perhaps a stately, arched double-door will create the grand entrance you envision.

arched door

This stately double door makes a grand impression.

Or, if your tastes run more toward a rustic country home, a single-panel door with solid moulding can provide a secure, homey entryway.

single panel door

A more traditional option can be safe, secure, and still very stylish.

Safety, privacy, and security is another important thing to consider—Do you want windows or solid wood? Iron fretting? Heavy panels? You have control over all these things with customizable doors.

With so many options and the freedom to create the ambience you want, why not make your entryway a special statement about your property? There’s a reason why people say first impressions are the most lasting!

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Ten Reasons to Love Rattan

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

Those who prefer a laid-back and natural style in their homes may tend to choose furniture made of rattan, a reed-like natural product. But how many of us know all the benefits that rattan has to offer? It’s actually a very versatile material that makes excellent furniture for a number of reasons.

Here is what I consider the top ten reasons to love rattan.

  1. Rattan can take paints and stains just as well as any wood, so it’s possible to customize it in a wide variety of shades.
  2. Because of its high flexibility, rattan can take almost any shape. It’s possible to get rattan furniture in a wide variety of styles, some of it quite a bit more fanciful than the conventional lines of wood furniture.
  3. It’s durable! Rattan is very splinter-resistant and, although it looks like a much more delicate material than wood or metal, it is very sturdy.
  4. As a lightweight furniture option, it’s easy to move—within your home or from property to property.
  5. The price is right! Rattan grows much faster than wood and is a fairly abundant resource. That makes rattan furniture a cost-effective option.
  6. Buying rattan supports impoverished regions of the world. Many poor communities in areas such as rural South and Central America and Asia profit from making rattan furniture. This type of furniture-making is a valuable and lucrative skill to these people.
  7. It can be a very eco-friendly choice. As an alternative to wood, rattan saves trees and preserves much forestland.
  8. It’s fashionable. As an alternative to conventional wood, rattan is very stylish.
  9. Rattan is surprisingly strong. Not only is the natural product very strong, but the way most furniture is woven or assembled makes rattan able to hold a lot of weight.
  10. It’s universal and timeless. Like a nice pair of jeans, rattan never goes out of style.
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La Comida: A Way of Life

Posted on November 8, 2010 by Nicole Mungar

The Spanish term for lunch is “la comida,” and in Hispanic culture, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. In fact, it’s a meal that’s so integral to daily life that the term “la comida” translates simply to “the food.” This should give you a hint that the comida is more than just a meal—it’s a way of life.

Caribbean lunch

Like this typical Caribbean meal, lunches aren't small affairs in Latin America! (Image courtesy of Ever Cuevas.)

According to Spanish tradition, the comida is not something to be hurried through, sandwiched between the morning rush and the stretch of evening work. Oh, no. The comida is a several-hour long event that should be savored. It’s a midday respite from the day’s work, where people are nourished so they can face the rest of the day content. It’s also a time to reconnect with family or friends over the sharing of a large—usually multicourse—meal.

What a lovely tradition! Maybe this practice of taking the time daily to dine, rest, and check in with each other is something we could all use more of in our lives.

bugan dining set

A beautiful dining area celebrates the idea of sharing meals as a special time of coming together.

Perhaps it’s only natural to treat the dining area as a special place, a place that fosters togetherness and sharing. Regardless of whether you think lunch is the most important meal of the day or not, and regardless of whether you eat alone or with others, you can make your dining area a special place that nourishes you, both in body and spirit.

Perhaps you feel your dining space should be comfortable and inviting, a place where anybody would be happy to take a load off. Or perhaps you feel a dining space should be formal and dressed up, so that dining becomes a moment to enjoy elegance every day. Whatever our preference, we can all take a cue from the Hispanic tradition of la comida—the joy of eating together.

Posted in Indoor Furniture, Kitchen, Special Interest - Mexico | 1 Comment