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?