Summer Travel

Summer Travel

I love summer!  Love the thought of Summer Travel too!   Whether you are doing day trips to the beach.... drivable or flyable weekend trips..... or week long vacations!  YOU need to be ready to go at a moment's notice!

Here are my TOP 10 Travel Tips!

1.  Keep all your cosmetics in a travel bag all the time!   Saves time when on the go!   

2.  Keep a travel size shampoo, conditioner, and razor in your travel bag (not good to forget that razor and sometimes hotel shampoo is not the best) 

3.  Don't forget that sweater or wrap for chilly nights!
4.  Work around a color scheme that you can wear the same shoes with.  Summer is easier than winter.... I love neutral sandals, wedges and heels!
5.  Pack a small drawstring bag for carrying water or necessities on walks and hikes or for throwing your bathing suit in for going to the spa!
6.  Jewelry storage a MUST!    Love my organizer from Pursen!  Lots of pockets... lots of options!

6.  Always keep a protein bar or two in your handbag for traveling to stave off hunger in a pinch to keep you from eating something unhealthy!

7.  Don't forget your exercise clothes!   You may not get to it but you want to have options! And... it's summer.... we want to look good by the pool!

8.  Since it's summer... don't forget that hat and sunscreen!   There are some GREAT packable sun hats or just use a cute ball cap!   

9.  Bring a small handbag!   I know you may need your large one for stuffing everything in the sun into... but I love bringing one small handbag for going to dinner and not feeling like I'm carrying a suitcase :)     There's lots of cute ones.. happen to LOVE my new Tory Burch  Robinson chain Wallet I got for Christmas! It can function like a wallet, something to put your phone into, it can become a clutch and a shoulder bag.   Pieces like this are functional... they can BE your wallet and your purse.. so tuck this baby in your large handbag and GO!

10.  That's it!   Felt like I needed to have a top 10 .... so here's 10!  Go plan some summer trips!

Surprise Party!

SWEET 16!

My daughter turned 16 last week... and we had already agreed not to have a "Sweet 16" party in the modern sense.... inviting 50 or more kids or something like that.   My daughter wanted something more intimate with some close friends.... but I definitely wanted it to feel special for her.

  

I find it funny how different boys and girls are too!  My son was totally peplexed by even THIS amount of work to make her 16th birthday special.... as he doesn't want a party at all.... but then again... he's almost 18!  :) 

Anyway... I was excited to pull of some fun surprises to make her 16th special.

First... a Surprise Sleepover with close friends..... The girls totally loved being part of the surprise!

Second... Disco lights, fun music with  a club-like theme in the basement complete with CANDY BAR and snacks!

Third... A "photo booth" type set up where the girls could take fun photos of themselves all night!

I was told that the HIT of the party was the Candy Bar!   In this sugar averse culture we live in... and trust me... we don't eat much sugar around here.... THIS was definitely a treat! And of course... it is called SWEET 16 for some reason, right?   Sweedish Fish seemed to be the big hit... just saying.

I pulled this surpise off in just a week..... so I went to Oriental Trading Comlpany and ordered the Photo Booth essentials..... mustashes and lips on sticks... "frames" and the little white board bubbles to write captions on.... the girls had fun!  I pulled out some accessories from my costume box such as boas and fun sunglasses and hats and they just took selfies all night!    One friend had a selfie stick.... I think that would have been a good gift for the Birthday Girl too but I didn't think of that one! ;)    I did take a few of the photos the "old fashioned" way with me taking the photo!

Anyway.... It was a fun filled evening.... Pretty simple to pull off and tons of fun!   I do believe it will be a birtday to remember and THAT is the best thing a Mom can do!   

Good luck with your party planning!   Post other fun ideas you've tried or wanted to!  I'd love to hear

what you have done!

Theda 

The Jewelry Box

This will be my 2nd Mother's day without my mom.... and I miss her terribly.   As a mom myself, there's such a joy in getting a thoughtful card, a thoughtful gift and simply being treated special on Mother's Day!

After all.... Mom's sacrifice quite a lot to have these babies... bodies that don't quite go back the way they were.... sleepless nights... doing things for their kids instead of themselves... It's truly a selfless job!   

If you have a few minutes, you may appreciate this video link below!

TOUGHEST JOB in the WORLD

Anyway... when my mother passed away, and we were sorting thru her things, ONE of the things that I really loved keeping was her jewelry.   I could not and didn't want to wear her clothes or her shoes....sometimes keeping large bulky things like furniture is a problem.. but wearing something like a ring or necklace that my mom wore is special.   It's something that fits just about everyone.

Keeping "the good stuff" was also in consideration... minus a few costume things that were memorable.    I have to say that these nicer pieces became valuable to me.... and they don't take up a lot of storage.    

Don't discount the quality jewelry gift to your mom.... or how it will come back to you one day.    There are many memories to be passed down that while will be in a jewelry box and worn occasionally or everyday... WONT be in a box in the attic to only be looked at every 5 years or less.  

I know you know I sell designer jewelry... but I had to tell you about my own personal experience... that I loved going thru my mom's jewelry box and keeping special treasures that she wore or I had given her or made her over the years.   What a gift!

www.esbedesigns.com/theda 

Spring Update!

Okay.. I need to start out by saying that these light fixtures are NOT in my home but I do like them!  I saw them at a bar in a hotel a month or so ago.   10 years ago, when I moved into my home, I had an eclectic style... fairly transitional!   I have a lot of family furniture pieces and I've updated them with some current fabrics  and to my husbands' dismay,   I think it's time for a redo on some.   

After many years of being married, and finally getting the house "finished" so it seems, its always time for a little update.    Just like a wardrobe... it's all in the accessories and some foundation pieces!

Foundation pieces can be your large upholstered pieces or window dressings.... accessories can be lamps and light fixtures!

We will be updating our kitchen this Spring and I'm looking for some barrel shade lamps to go over my island - KIND of like this one.  (not sure about the crystals)  but it's a great way to update a room without a total overhaul!

What room do you want to update?    

Salads taste better when someone else makes them!

Salads!

I'm not sure why salads taste better when someone else makes them... but they do.    In my never ending quest to eat healthy with variety..... I think this will be my NEW staple side dish!  So simple and delicious!  Wait for it..... Tomato Cucumber salad!

Yep... pretty simple and easy to keep these ingredients in the fridge all summer long!  Whether you get them from the store, farmstand or your own garden... this is simply delicious! If you are a salsa connoisseur you'll also love this fresh salad!  Add some cilantro and you pretty much have salsa or pico de gallo!

2 chopped Tomatoes

1 cucumber peeled and diced

Red onion to taste

1 TBS lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

I was looking for a non-mayo based salad that was healthy and yummy and stumbled upon this simple treasure!    It's only 31 calories a serving.  A serving is 1/4 of the recipe!    There's no carbs... no fat.... it's a winner!

The ONLY downside is if you don't like tomatos or cucumbers... but it's going to be my summer staple for sure!   Enjoy!

I SEE You! :)

Okay.. .this is not about eyes but EYEBROWS!   They are necessary!  I am kind of blonde..... so my eyebrows are pretty thin and light.... check out the photo above!   Which Eyebrow looks better and makes my eyes stand out more?

( waiting )

I'm not telling but you can guess below!    I used a product I got at Sephora that I love!  It's like a mascara brush for your eyebrows!   Not only does it enhance the natural color but it tames them with a gel!   It's like double duty for your eyebrows!   Have you ever tried a product like this or this one?  Tell me about it!  Let's share the best eybrow products you've tried!

Fashion Trends for Spring!

Fashion Trends for Spring

Some trends are worth trying to update your wardrobe without changing your wardrobe!

Personally... I love updating with accessories!  They are easy,  they always fit, and they give your existing wardrobe a lift!   Don't get me wrong, I love shopping for clothes too but I tend to be more "safe" in my fashion choices... while updating with accessories!  

Here's a few for Spring according to Glamour Magazine!  

1.  Round Glasses - Now personally... not sure they will look good on my face... so I may pass on this trend unless I happen to try some on I like.... 

2.  Open back flat Mules - Doable!   Fairly comforable... not particularly easy to walk in but cute!  I'll try this one!  

3.  Tassels!   I love this trend! You'll find it on hand bags, belts and jewelry!  (probably more too)   I've been wearing some tassels for the past year.  The jewelry designer I work with, Sara Blaine, from  esbe Designs Jewelry introduced tassels last year and we have added more!   She is truly a visionary when it comes to accessories!   

Here are a few of my favorites!   Add them to your wardrobe at ANY price point!  If you'd like to check them out... go to my Virtual Catalog and then shop my website or message me!  I'd love to help you shop trends for less!

www.esbejewelry.com

www.esbedesigns.com/theda

Natural Wonder!

Have you ever been in AWE of Nature?   Could be a leaf, a flower, an ocean, mountain or in this case... Niagra Falls!

I recently got to take my daughter to Niagra Falls.  The last time I was there I was 12 years old!  Although we didn't get to do the Maid of the Mist (boat tour at the bottom of the falls) it was spectacular!   We also did not get to go to the Canadian side.... I do recommend you do that!  The falls are best viewed from the Maid of the Mist or by the Canadian side!  It's truly spectacular and still impressive on the USA side! 

A gift you can give yourself or your children is to see the AMAZING things the United States has to offer!    I know traveling abroad can seem more "sexy" and desirable...  but there are some absolutely amazing places to go see within our borders!   What USA trip has been your most memorable?  What are some places YOU would recommend to those planning summer travel?  

And don't forget to PIN them in your Pinterest Boards! :)  

Water Water Everywhere!

This is how much water I drink EVERY day!  (not the little bit... the WHOLE Gallon)    In my quest for "being healthy" I decided to drink a gallon of water every day upon the recommendations of some healthy coaches!

It seems like a lot at first but then you find yourself being parched if you don't!   I pour myself a gallon of water every evening and sit it in the fridge.... it's waiting for me the next day to consume!  It's a great visual!  I can tell on a really busy day, I don't get it is as easily.... and I find myself "cramming" at the end of the day.    Some days... I can actually drink more!

I like the visual... it helps me KNOW that I'm flushing my body with hydration everyday!  Great for the skin, digestion and gosh... my whole body!    Give it a try this spring!   Can you do it?

Dance Mom!

Yes!  I'm a "Dance Mom"

This kid inspires me!   So yes.... I'm a dance mom!   But if "Dance Mom" means I love watching my dancer dance, compete, work hard for a goal, and hopefully succeed while consoling the failures... then Yes.... I'm guilty!  Whether we are a dance mom or a soccer mom or anything in between, if we as parents support our kid's passion... then we are doing a fabulous thing!

So lucky I can take my work on the road with me as we travel for her passion..... and it prompted me to share some crazy travel tips for any parent living out of a hotel room on the weekend!

So here's my "office on the go" and here's the Kitchen!   I always bring little oatmeals with me.... fill up a cup of hot water from the in room coffee pot (Don't forget the plastic spoon- I have and it's a pain)  

Something simple like this is GREAT when you don't want to spend the time getting food in the early AM when you have to get out and about early.   Not only does it save about $20 on room service, but it is very convenient!   Just had to share my tip!  Enjoy this when you travel with your kids or for a weekend... or as you plan summer travel!  

Enjoy your day!

Spring toes!

I've never posted a picture of my foot before… Kind of strange but okay.... here goes…

Here's  the color I chose for my toes!    Several of you were asking. ;-)  It's a blue/green/aqua from Essie.   I forgot to look at the color name when the girl was waiting for me to get in the pedicure chair :-) I did not however put this on my fingernails… I wanted something more neutral to go with my clothes.   I am excited about my toes… They make me happy! It's been such a long winter and sometimes a little color can really perk you up!

Hope you'll treat yourself to some colorful toes this week and hope it makes you smile ;-)

I'm "BLUSHING" because I'm a product junkie!

Okay.. so I am a self confessed product junkie!  I love trying anything that will prevent wrinkles or that I THINK makes me look and feel better/younger!

So.... Now that I'm almost done with my tube of L'Oreal Blur.... I've decided I like it!   I wanted more of a youthful dewy look rather than a powdery blush like I've always used.... this is lightweight and sheer.. definitely more natural than my powder blush!  I've decided I love it!  And it's not that expensive!  BONUS!   

So give it a go!  See what you think and let me know!   I dab about 3 dots along my cheekbones and rub it in!   Love it!   

Fun Getting Fit!

Fun Getting Fit! 

So what are you doing to get some FUN into your work out?    I think I may have to play this song super loud and have some FUN on that treadmill!!!  Although I could fall down and hurt myself.... but it sure does look like fun!

Summer is right around the corner... What songs are on your play list for your run, walk or bike ride?

I read an article and it TOTALLY makes it more fun to do this.... I do it to "shake it up" a bit.  It's all about INTERVALS!

Try walking for 5 minutes and doing a run for 1 minute.....( for 30 minutes or more)   It varies the work out and gives you some GREAT cardiovascular!  It also helps the BOREDOM factor!

Do 10-10-10 - 10 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of running and then 10 minutes of walking again.

OR if you are walking to the TV - RUN during commercials! Pick up the pace!  It will keep your mind off of the task!  

Let's have fun getting in shape!

Pearl Girl!

You know what?  Pearls NEVER go out of style..... but if you want something a little different than "your mother's pearls"  Something that is more of a fashion statement... then you will LOVE 

esbe Designs Baroque Pearls!

What I love is that they are a silver color... in fact, they almost look silver.. AND they have TWO gorgeous sterling toggles.... so you can make them slightly longer or shorter depending on your neckline!

AND... they are rich and cold to the touch!  They are from nature... they are shell pearls!   They look like a $25,000 strand of pearls.. but they are ONLY $199!   I love quality and value and these are WORTH the buy!   

If you want them for Mother's Day, I do suggest you get them sooner rather than later!   

Check out my virtual catalog at www.esbejewelry.com and feel free to order at www.esbedesigns.com/theda once you've made your selections!   Message me for more personal service!   Gotta LOVE Style and Quality and Jewelry always fits.... except rings that occasionally shrink over time (wink)   

Happy Tuesday!

What color?

SO... It's Spring..... and it's time to ditch the dark polish and go with something more fun!   What do you predict will be the hottest color this season?   Which one is YOUR favorite?   There's a lot more out there.... but I chose these wearable colors to start!   

Comment below :)   I need a mani and pedi and I want your input!

Travel and Pinterest!

How many of you PIN stuff?    It's AWESOME for people who like to ORGANIZE stuff with out the clutter!   Remember when you would have a box of maps or brochures of all the places you have been?   

As Spring and Summer approaches and you may be planning trips out of town....  be sure to set up a PINTEREST board  for places you've been or places you WANT to go!

I know MANY of you know how Pinterest works.. but if you don't.... It's AWESOME!   

Install Pinterest on your computer or phone and literally PIN website pictures to a VIRTUAL bulletin board for whatever interests you!  Not only will you have a photo, but you can find the website that belongs to it without searching all over!    

I created a board of "Places I've Been"   and I have included hotels, memorable restaurants etc... so when someone asks me for a recommendation, I don't have to rely on my brain to remember!   I love it!  Besides, it's a Virtual Journal of every place I've been... and God forbid something happen to my paper records....(which I don't keep anymore) it's on the cloud... I can find it and access it!  I love it!  

What's one of your Favorite Pinterest Boards?  Do you have a Travel board?  

Check out my Pinterest Page and let me know what you think!

https://www.pinterest.com/esbetheda/

Cooking Light!

PIZZA ANYONE?

So..... On my quest to get healthy... I'm not only Exercising EVERY day ( well at least 5-6 days a week) and I'm trying to eat "clean"  I have a love/hate relationship with exercise and diet!   I'm sure we all do!   I want to feel and look good... I want to be fit but sometimes you just have to have a Doughnut.... Or Pizza!

Now seriously, I won't go thru all this effort all the time, but I had to try it!   Cauliflower Pizza crust!  I went to Dr. Oz's website and found this great recipe for a cauliflower crust pizza!  Believe it or not it was good!

Now I don't have gluten sensitivity but I do watch my gluten.... just because everyone else is I guess... and "they say" it makes me fat.... SO.... I tried it!   Here are some photos of when I made it!

Recommendation...after you cook it.. let it sit and "set" it seems to work better that way but it is quite delicious!  Who knew?

Wear Your Spring!

Happy Spring!!!

If you live in the North East, you are not feeling the happiness of Spring, in fact, it may snow today! BUT... Here's what you can do to combat that Seasonal "depression"   

You'll want to at least WEAR SPRING!    It totally makes me happier to at least feel springy in my wardrobe!   

Find a bright colored sweater,  a fun floral print... wear a pop of color in your accessories!   Even if nature is not showing her colors yet.... you can!  You'll be the sunshine that walks into the room!   People around you will be cheery when they see your Happy Colors!!!!   

Enjoy the day.... enjoy the weekend and if the sun is not shining in your part of the world..... WEAR YOUR SPRING today!!!  

Get Dressed for the Day!

Love getting out of the house and getting dressed for the day!      I feel so much better about myself... and I'm actually more productive?    How about you?    I loved wearing my esbe Designs Jewelry!

For those who don't know.... I am a stylist and ambassador of a new company called esbe Designs!   It's affordable designer jewelry that is FABULOUS!!!  My background is in Interior Design but I love all things beautiful..... and I love great quality and value and this line fits the bill!  Best part about amazing jewelry is that you can wear a t-shirt and jeans and totally look chic if you wear the right accessories!   Great shoes, great handbag and great jewelry!   :)   You read my Power Shoe Blog post right?

Would love for you to check out my new Virtual Catalog!    Let me know what you think!   I'll enter you in a contest to win $50 in FREE jewelry if you... 

1.  Go to www.esbejewelry.com  
2.  Pick out your favorite piece and then SHARE IT on your Facebook wall ( go to the bottom right corner of the screen) AND TAG ME :)   Theda Blackwood

I'll pick a winner by Tuesday of next week!  READY, SET, GO

Power Shoes!

Do you have shoes that make you feel Good?    Do you have a pair that when you wear them.... you feel taller.... more powerful?   What do they look like? What kind are they?   Okay... so they don't necessarily have to feel the MOST comfortable... but you have to feel good in them!

They don't have to be expensive!   I found these at Marshalls... I can't even remember what brand they are... but I like them!    Shoes ALWAYS fit as do handbags and jewelry!   So, if you are like me trying to diet and exercise.... it's ALL about the accessories!   I love clothes too of course... but I love that my shoes, handbags and jewelry don't frustrate me when I put them on.... like my pants ( sometimes)

What's your favorite accessory or accessories?    Is it your signature handbag or your designer necklace?    Let's share!

Welcome!

Welcome to My New Blog!

I'm Theda Blackwood and I'm a wife and mom of 2 teenagers and I guess you could say, I'm pretty social! :)     I'm a former "Annie" from the National Broadway Tour, I'm a licensed Interior Designer,  and I'm an entrepreneur.  I love to entertain, I appreciate art and beautiful things... I appreciate great quality.  I love fashion and accessories and I'm a beauty product junkie! I have a love-hate relationship with exercise and nutrition but mostly I'd say I'm healthy! I'm a nut about organization and time management. I'm highly energetic and I love to travel..... and well... I like to stay busy and I have a lot of interests!

You'll find this blog pretty diverse and truly a reflection of my interests!  I hope you'll participate in the discussions and I look forward to connecting!