Otherwise known as FAKI in our house, lentil soup always was a staple in my home when I was growing up, especially during the time of Lent. Going meatless certain days of the week meant and still means finding ways to eat healthily, get our nutrition in, and not always having to be in the form of seafood. It's light, easy, healthy, and gluten-free. So I decided to make this yummy simple pot of soup that my mom used to make and still makes. … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: The Birthday Cake Martini with Polished Nail Salon
One of the cocktails I've shared year after year, and I do it the same time of year, is the Birthday Cake Martini. Why? Because you'll always be celebrating a birthday, right? Whether it can be yours, it can be friends, or in this case, even a business! But there's always a need for this recipe in your life. So I'll share it again, and I will continue to reshare. It's SO yummy, and honestly, so easy. And there's one secret ingredient to … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: The Godfather
Happy #FuzzyFriday loves! I needed something simple and strong this week. And that's exactly what this is. This drink is as strong as its name. What I like about it is the amaretto flavor of the Disaronno mixed with the bourbon. And I love its simplicity. Two ingredients are all it needs. Momma needs simple this week! The Godfather 2 shots bourbon 1 shot Disaronno Fill a glass with ice. … [Read more...]
I’m BACK! And Why and How to Dream Big
Where in the world is Irene? Finally, I'm back home! After a whirlwind January, which I put no pressure on myself when it came to The OP Life, I'm back home. Where was I? I was traveling to three shows helping Honestly Margo grow. A few highlights... For those of you new to The OP Life, I'm the "momager" and CO-CEO of this young budding bath and beauty brand. So lemme just briefly tell you the … [Read more...]
Buying A House? ShowMeNow
In an age where "there's an app for that", along comes an app for homebuyers that makes seeing a potential new place as easy as saying UBER. Yup. You read that right. Who doesn't want instant gratification? Think about how often you have the intention of doing something and put it off, or lose the piece of paper you wrote the info down on... happens ALL the time. What if there was an app that allowed you to go on it as you drove by a home that … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: Butterscotch Bliss
Happy Fuzzy Friday! I wanted to share a winter drink with you, something that's warm or warms you, but not a hot drink, something that has flavors of the season. So I'm sharing this butterscotch delight that's definitely a sweet treat. You can make it as a martini and serve it in a martini glass, but Santa brought me these stemless champagne flutes for Christmas because he knows how much I love cocktail hour, especially here on The OP Life. No … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: Eggnog Mudslide
Fa la la la la la la la la! Tis the season for eggnog and good cheers! Can you believe CHRISTMAS is HERE? It seems like yesterday that 2017 just began. Any last Christmas parties this weekend? This is one drink EVERYONE will love. Who doesn't love a mudslide? I mean seriously! It's a boozed up dessert, right? You can see the world famous mudslide from Rum Point in Grand Cayman HERE. So today, we're putting a twist on it and … [Read more...]
How To Shift Your Mindset From Scarcity To Abundance
I think you'd agree that we don't walk around thinking we live in scarcity. But, in a subconscious way, we do. We are encouraged to consume and achieve more. Even when we have enough, we’re told that we need a better car, better clothes, or a higher income to be successful, and that's supposed to impress others, right? I remember my first boss encouraging us young rookies to invest in a luxury car so that when we'd pull up to a client, the … [Read more...]
Wear This: The Sassy LBD
You know those times when you want a bit of sass? That's what this dress is about. There are a million and one little black dresses, but this one I love because it's inexpensive. As in CRAZY INEXPENSIVE. ( I mean UNDER $20!) (and comes in other colors!) because it's cheap, who cares if you don't like it next year. Not meant to be an investment piece. it achieves that date night, girls' night out, sassafrass feel you … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: Pomegranate Mojito
I can't believe that Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. I'm NOT ready AT ALL. I still haven't finished my shopping, our holiday cards are done but I need to update the address list, and the to-do list keeps growing. I think it's definitely time for a cocktail. Bring on #FuzzyFriday! I love the scents and flavors of the season, and being that I love refreshing fruity drinks, this is one that I think is perfectly seasonal for the winter, yet … [Read more...]
Wear This: The Scalloped Crew with Banana Republic
I love classic staples to have in our closet. I'm working on an upcoming post to share with you my top must haves in every woman's closet. And this falls into that list. A great flattering crew. When it comes to stocking our wardrobe with classic yes style-on-point pieces, Banana Republic has you covered. You can recall seeing a few of their pieces HERE, HERE, and HERE. Today I'm sharing a basic crew that's anything but basic. Especially now … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: Death By Chocolate
Calling all chocolate lovers! This is for you! Since today is Brownie Day (yes, there's a day for that!), I thought I'd bring all chocolate lovers together. I think of chocolate as a richer dessert vs something more fruity, and as entertaining is at its peak this time of year, I wanted to share a drink that could double as a dessert. It's easy and so good. #FuzzyFriday chocoholics, I can't wait for you to try this! … [Read more...]
My Makeup Routine Revealed! Product lineup plus makeup tutorial
Oh no she didn't. Oh yes she did. Yup. I FINALLY did it. One of my most requested things. A makeup tutorial. I finally jumped in and shared it. I don't have a professional set up, not a full time vlogger, but I did grab a chair, set up my laptop camera, and away we went, together, on a live video, as I got ready this past Saturday morning. I EVEN in fact, fixed a little bit of my hair on camera as well. I didn't put this gem of a … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
A picture is worth 1,000 words it's been said. So let my pictures below be so telling. I bring you my ultimate gift guide, packed for everyone on your list. (almost!) You'll find a little bit of this and a lot of that, but I have you covered. Teens and millennials, to practical things, to of course his and hers guides. I put this together to take the guesswork out of it for you, so you can spend more time doing things you want to … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: Spiked Coffee and Must Have Bar Tools
Happy #NationalBartendersDay! Tis the season for warm cozy drinks. And as life's busy days escalate, we need as much simplicity as we can. So today that's what we're doing. We're keeping things simple and I'm sharing the easiest drink in the world. Spiked coffee. Spiked Coffee coffee liquor of your choice Make your coffee. Pour in your liquor. I know. It's complicated right? For myself, I used … [Read more...]
Style Your Home: Sectional Sofas
I don't know what you think about sectional sofas, but I know in the past, my first thought was of a LazyBoy that had recliners on the end and had cup holder arm-rests. Nothing against those, but when designing my space, function is important, but so is aesthetic. I never thought I'd be a fan of a sectional sofa until I actually owned one. Now I love them! Why? For one, sectionals really define a space. It almost anchors the room. I … [Read more...]
Holiday Cooking, Artichoke Dip, and Easy DIY Projects with Hiland
As the holidays have arrived, we will find lots of our time in the kitchen cooking up yummy healthy goodness for our friends and family and decorating our homes, making use of all things we have around us to make our lives easier. At least that's what I try to do and share with you! So I always have my necessary ingredients on hand for those days. And I always use the best ingredients that are wholesome in all of my … [Read more...]
The Best Black Friday Sales You Need To Know
Are you surviving your food coma like I am? So here's the deal... I made Artichoke Dip Turkey Stuffing Beef Roast Rice Cranberry Sauce Salad Kataifi Dessert (it's a really special Greek dessert.. to DIE for!) Mother in law brought the mashed potatoes, spanakopites, tiropites, and my mom brought green beans and creme caramel. Oh... and Margo made strawberry pie and unicorn cheesecake. So you see my hands have … [Read more...]
Survival Tips For The Holidays PLUS Black Friday Sales NOW
Tis the week of festivities, a week of hustle and bustle, cooking and prepping and baking and then to shop sales, sales, sales! Like seriously what's a girl to do???? So first. Let's get a grip. I'm going to give you a few tips on surviving Thanksgiving. Are you hosting the feast? Guess what? You don't have to make everything yourself. Ask a few people who are coming over to bring a dish. It doesn't have to be potluck, but … [Read more...]
Feminine and Fierce
Leather can be very feminine and not so fierce, and still be stylish and badass. It all depends on how you do it. Pink and black I think always is feminine and fierce, like yin and yang. No matter what's going on in our lives, we need to wear something that makes us feel amazing. This is one of those looks. For me, it makes me feel fresh, sexy, feminine and fierce. I feel strong, able and capable to handle anything … [Read more...]