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Monday, April 30, 2012

Monday Meditation: Hugs

This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

This is a beautiful meditation that feels really good.


A Hugging Meditation Practice
by Thich Nhat Hanh
When we hug, our hearts connect and we know that we are not separate beings. Hugging with mindfulness and concentration can bring reconciliation, healing, understanding, and much happiness. 
You can practice hugging meditation with a friend, a child, your parents, or even a tree. To practice, first bow to each other and recognize each other's presence. Then, enjoy three deep, conscious breaths to bring yourself fully into the present moment. Next, open your arms and begin hugging, holding each other for three in-and-out-breaths.

With the first breath, become aware that you are present in this very moment and feel happy. With the second breath, become aware that the other person is present in this moment and feel happy as well. With the third breath, become aware that you are here together, right now on this Earth. We can feel deep gratitude and happiness for our togetherness. Finally, release the other person and bow to each other to show your thanks.
* * *

I saw this meditation on Deva Premal & Miten's facebook page. These musicians express spiritual devotion through incredibly moving song and chant. If you haven't heard their music, I've included one of my favorite songs of theirs below for you to experience. (The picture above is of Deva and Miten. I'm pretty sure they hug a lot!)




Monday, April 23, 2012

Monday Meditations: Space Cadet

This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com
I am really, really good at ignoring things that I don't want to deal with. Somehow I find a way to do anything else (even if it mean cleaning out my closet or cleaning toilets) to keep me from taking on something that I feel overwhelmed or intim-idated by.

This is my way of "spacing out" or keeping my myself from thinking about what I know I should be doing.

Here is a meditation taken from Madonna Gauding's, The Meditation Bible, designed to help bring you back to the present so you can take on whatever it is that has you gazing out into space, or filling your time with things that really don't need to be done at the moment. Here's what she says:

Has anyone ever had to say to you, "Earth to (insert your name here)" to get your attention? You are so completely not present that the person has to make contact by radio from Earth to your space ship somewhere. It is as if you are in your own little world, not available to relate to anyone and oblivious to what is around you. You may use this as a defense against what seems too overwhelming. Or you may just have a habit of being 'an absent-minded professor'. Try hanging up your space suit if you want to live a more mindful and aware life.

Let's Meditate 
1. Bring to mind instances where you felt being unaware of your surroundings presented a problem for you or those around you. 
2. Stand barefoot on a wooden floor with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your spine straight and shoulders level and relaxed. Your arms can hang loosely at your sides, slightly away from your body, as if you are holding an egg under each armpit. Feel your feet on the smooth floor. 
3. Keep your eyes open and breathe naturally. Without turning your head, try to take in as much as you can through your senses. Notice the color of the furniture, the shape and textures of objects in the room. Observe the light and the shadows. Notice any smells; feel the temperature. Now pay attention to any sounds. Do you hear the sound of a fan, a bird chirping outside, or the motor humming in your refrigerator? 
4. Meditate in this way for ten minutes. If it makes you uncomfortable to be this aware, ask yourself why? Practice being this attentive to your environment on a daily basis. Then try being this attentive to people you are with, giving them your full attention when interacting with them.

And don't forget, turn off your mobile so you are not tempted to see what text message just came through!


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

25% Off Mother's Day Orders!

This special holiday is just around the corner - have you thought about how you'd like to let your mom know she's loved? If you are a mother, you may want to give a hint to those wondering what you would appreciate this year for your day. We've got you covered!
















         SAVE 15%                  SAVE 20%                   SAVE 25%
 on any $30 purchase          on any $60 purchase       on any $100 purchase
     (coupon code MOM15 )                     (coupon code MOM20)                      (coupon code MOM25)

Buy a stand-alone piece, or save more by combining several items to create you own set. (You may even have more than one special mother to shop for.) Click on any category below to start shopping and saving now!
Earrings
Parrot Cuff
Cuff Bracelets
Belts



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Deals & Steals: Candy Corn


Color blocking is trending right now - and we're on it! This has been one of my favorite color combos for a while - orange and yellow-green. Especially when they are this vibrant! 

This is our last 3-item Deals and Steals offer. But not to worry, we'll still be coming up with great ways for you to save.  Maybe even a Freebie Friday? hmmmm...

Until then - take advantage of this last offer and get your color blocking on!

Here we go...
Orange on Green Fused Glass Earrings
Regularly $45 - now only $20!
Just one pair available. Click here.




Candy Corn Fused Glass Ring
Perfect for a cocktail party! Sterling Silver band.
Regularly $55 - now only $30!
Just two available at this price. Click here.





Orange on Green Fused Glass Belt Buckle
Includes black, brown or white leather strap.
Regularly $99 - now only $30!
Just two available at this price. Click here.

These steals are good until April 24, 2012. Free shipping too!

Please remember that each fused glass jewelry or accessory piece is handmade. If I have indicated that there is more than one available, the one you receive may not be exactly as pictured - but it will be close!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Wedding Party Giveaway


      Cufflinks                                       Necklaces                                     Wedding Favors


Win artisan jewelry or accessories customized for
your wedding party!

Through May 15th, anyone who likes our facebook page and
writes on our wall will be entered to win!


We know it can be tricky for a future bride to figure out what kind of jewelry her maid of honor or bridesmaids should wear. Most likely something classy, complimentary to the wedding colors, and cohesive to what the others are wearing is desired. But it's also nice to have something that expresses a little of their personality as well. 

DETAILS: 
1. Like Cocoon's facebook page here.
2. Write on our wall 
telling us your color scheme, and tag everyone in your wedding party.
3. You can get additional entries by
  • tagging @CocoonJewelry on Twitter
  • tagging us on your own facebook wall
  • having members of your wedding party tag you on our facebook page
  • having members of your party tag us (and you!) on their facebook wall or Twitter
4. Winner will be announced on our wall on May 15th!


Grooms can enter too! By following the steps above, they can win a set of color-customized handmade cufflinks for themselves and their groomsmen to add an extra touch of style on that special day! 


Not only can Cocoon act as a perfect accent to your wedding theme, but our accessories create the perfect meaningful wedding party gift too. Plus all those small details show up beautifully in wedding pictures. 

Good luck!

Winners will receive customized pieces for up to 5 members of their wedding party. As an added benefit during this promotion, anyone who enters but does not win, yet chooses to have Cocoon craft the wedding favors for their day, will receive 20% off their wedding day order. 






2012 Color Trends: Starfish



This is Part Ten of Cocoon's 2012 Color Trend Series for Spring.

Introducing the color Starfish - one of the trending colors for Spring 2012. Layering neutrals has never been so stylish! 

Here's are two sets Tracy and I put together using Cocoon's fused glass Tawny Brown Cuff from our bracelets section as a starting point.

The Starfish



Bracelet
cocoon-designs.com


Beachy Starfish


Bracelet
cocoon-designs.com













Monday, April 9, 2012

Monday Meditation: Paradise

This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.



Today's meditation I am leaving up to your imagination.


Above is a picture that I took yesterday in Hawaii. When you are in such a beautiful place, it's easy to imagine paradise. However, even if you are in an otherwise non-idyllic place, you can access a beauty that no one else can touch by imagining every detail in your mind and seeing yourself there. It could be a place, a condition of physical health, or simply interacting in a loving, meaningful way with your loved ones.

What is your paradise?

Can you close your eyes and take yourself there?



Saturday, April 7, 2012

Whale Watching in San Ignacio

I had one of those milestone birthdays recently and what I really wanted to do to celebrate was to go where the California Grey Whales migrate to have their calves in Mexico. A very remote place called San Ignacio. So remote in fact that we had to take a 12 hour bus and then a 3 hour bumpy ride in a broken down van to get there.

It will forever be the most memorable, special trip for me. To get in a little pontoon boat twice a day for 2-3 hours and cruise among these great creatures for five days was truly awesome. They were so curious and would come right up to the boat and let us pet them. The mamas would show off their calves to us, splash their tales, and nose right up to take a closer look at us.

Here are some pictures of our encounters with the whales. The last image is actually a (kinda) quick video compilation. The footage is pretty astounding, for us amateurs! (If you are the impatient type, FF the video to about a minute into it where the action really begins!)