Ms.CoCoVanDerChic (nom de plume) is taking a break from the blogosphere. Jane CoCo Cowles (the real Ms.CoCoVanDerChic)  is focusing on new endeavors. Find her at www.coconotesonline.com. Check out www.mamabluethebook.com. And check out Agora Gallery and http://www.art-mine.com/searchresults.aspx?type=basic&key=jane%20coco and Poetry Nation http://www.poetrynation.com/member_profile.php?id=32432.

If you have any topics you would like me to write about, please contact me at cococowles@gmail.com. 

Always love the inspiration. 

My post comes a bit late this week, but I needed the time. 

The pause. 

The time to reconnect my mind body and soul. And I did. I have returned to my yoga practice. That place where I quiet the mind. The time to celebrate my body, rather than criticize its short comings. 

And I found a new hidden gem. A place where I let go of those insecurities go and soften the mind. 

FLOW https://www.facebook.com/pages/FLOW-Yoga-Studio/501385329881493

That place to let go can be a yoga mat in a quiet room or a grassy knoll. Just find that place to unlock you inner spirit. 

Spent this beautiful afternoon with two good friends. We put our thinking caps and welcomed the rays of spring sunshine. 

Drum roll … working on making Bounce Back Women a non-profit organization to help women bounce back to life after adversity.

Thank you Meryl Hartstein. 

http://bouncebackwomen.com/

Into the Mystic Van Morrison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0DJ8hWgNes

As the sun peers its head in the springtime sky, it’s rays inspire me. The golden glow of sunshine is the spark that fuels my creative juices. I want to write and create.  But lately, I am drawn to color. Color like a temptress has seduced me.

I am passionate about blue skies with a hint of pink … green grass .. and cerulean blue seas.

With the sun’s glow colors seem more vibrant. Daffodils, tulips and hyacinth radiate. And the sweet aroma of hyacinth is intoxicating. And food seems more enticing with succulent fruits like strawberries and watermelon soon to be in season, fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, The smell of campfires and freshly lit grills. 

Spring is an awakening of sensory delight. Take a few minutes to look around, listen to the birds sing in the early morning, breath in the fresh air and feel your bare feet in the grass.

Don’t worry about how you will look in a bathing suit, your pale skin or feeling out of shape. Be free. It is springtime a time for new beginnings. 

For some great color inspiration check out https://www.facebook.com/sensationalcolor

Taking a break this week to enjoy the lovely warm sunny weather. Hope you all do the same.

xoxo

Ms.CoCoVanDerChic

Today, I was in the mood to do some spring cleaning. Here are some ideas. Thank you Pinterest.

Uncork the green. 

Find beauty in nature.

Fantasize with a fresh coat of paint. (my favorite look as a child, multicolor chairs around an unfinished table. Now this monochrome mismatched look is a grown up favorite).

The secret to a good meal is setting a colorful table. Play with plates, flatware and stemware.

Display wine naturally. Distressed wood is the perfectly accent for this earthly delight. (I prefer to store my wine on it’s side to keep cork moist, but take the look and play with it).

Genius. Ironing boards are so hard to store. I love the ones that fold up into the wall but this is a second best.

Never underestimate the power of spray paint. 

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with animal print and turquoise blue. Like the look, don’t like the skin? Sponge pain white linen. 

Want to create a gorgeous sweet treat? And don’t want to save the best part, decorating, for last … become a sushi chef using a favorite springtime treat ‘the peep’ 

Essential Ingredients:

• peeps (chicks and bunnies)
• fruit by the foot
• rice crispy treats
• jelly beans
• glittery sugar

Optional Accents:

• chocolate chips for caviar
• green licorice laces for seaweed

Now use your imagination.

Or just screw it! (as www.thebigredkitchen.com says). Mason jar meals are popping up and becoming the latest foodie craze (like the cupcake and the cake pop). What I like about mason jar meals is you can have the novelty of a treat and pack it full of nutrition.

I first encountered mason jar meals in 2004 at Gaia Restaurant in Greenwich Connecticut. The concept intrigued me aesthetically, but the heaviness of the meals made me shy away. Although I must admit. I have a sweet tooth so I was a sucker for the dessert. Mmmm… caramel and sea salt in a jar. 

Since then I have discovered a few mason jar meals that are a health nut, vegetarian, pescatarian and epicurian delight.

savory strawberry shortcake  sliced strawberries, goat cheese crumbles, basil leaves, angel food cake cutes and balsamic vinegar

maple sprouts quarter brussel sprouts oven roast them, maple syrup balsamic vinegar, pistachios and dried cranberries

caviar service chopped hard boil egg, caviar, watercress, capers, crumbled whole wheat toast

kaley greek steamed kale, black olives, diced cucumber, diced red onion, grape tomatoes, cubed feta cheese, lemon juice and olive oil