Being a mom, I look forward to the one day of the year (next to my birthday) that I can be pampered, get treated like a queen, be left alone, be doted on. Because all the other days, don't we do that for everyone else? So what does a mamma like me desire? For the mamma who loves baubles and making a statement, here are a couple of things I'm loving... Ball ring Coral necklace Tiered earrings Black cuff Tortoise … [Read more...]
Office Space
Busy working on a project and am feeling very PINSPIRED by these office spaces I'd so dream of having.... This beauty belongs to Erin Hiemstra of Apartment34 Danielle Moss's desk at Breakfast at Toast From The Decorista. And Erika that is such a doll, from SmallShopStudio. All images via my OFFICE SPACE Pinterest board. See these and a few … [Read more...]
A job well done.
I had a very profound moment this weekend. I spent the past 3 days on a road trip for a soccer tournament for my daughter. It was fun hanging out with the other families, seeing the kids have a great time, but also watch them take their sport they love so seriously and give it their all. This incident came so timely after my post on Friday. It really gave me chills and tears to my eyes after it all happened. Let me set up the scenario for … [Read more...]
Friday’s Five
Thinking about 5 ... well always more but this discombobulated brain knows you guys would fall asleep if I shared much more than that. So, are you ready? 1. I'm terribly annoyed by drivers that drive pretty much side by side or close to that, at or under the speed limit, and there is NO possible way you can get around them. It's almost like they KNOW you want to get buy, so they have this plan between them to BLOCK you. Anyone else feel this … [Read more...]
Strawberry Shortcake
It was time for my monthly networking luncheon today that I host at the hacienda. And being that I'm trying (keyword TRYING) so hard to stay on purpose with the healthy, low cal, low fat diet, I came up with a few healthy choices on the menu. One is my super easy "Sandra-Lee" style Strawberry Shortcake. I take a store bought angel food cake, some fresh strawberries, fat free cool whip and lemon yogurt. I wash the strawberries, … [Read more...]
Sunday Dress
Diane von Furstenberg is one of my fave designers. I did a post on here HERE. Her clothes are always on top of style, fashion, and trends without being "trendy". Her clothes can be in my closet for years and they still never lose their look. I recently picked up this number from Cayman's that I shared with you HERE. I paired it with my black patent Luciano Padovan's that I've had for several years... again, some staples I can't … [Read more...]
Dita Von Teese’s Closet
Last week as I was channel surfing I came across a SUPER awesome fun show on my fave channel, Bravo. Dukes of Melrose is a show for all you fashionistas and lovers of couture and vintage fashion. Now... I preface all this by saying this does NOT mean I or most of you can just run out and buy all these FAB things. I love all of this truly as a "collector" I think. .... stay tuned for another post on this matter (my justification??? or my … [Read more...]
Real Beauty
Seriously, if you have just a few minutes, you really ought to take a look at this. Get ready to be moved. http://youtu.be/XpaOjMXyJGk See, here's the deal. I've ALWAYS had issues like these. I can't say I don't still. I think that's why it has taken me so long to begin doing fashion posts (of myself), and I still am quite uncomfortable doing them because of my fear of how I think I look for the most part. But I'm slowly … [Read more...]
Friday’s Five
What a week to say the least... 1. Dreaming of summer vacation .... via and a little of this maybe... via 2. Wouldn't it be fun to drive one of these? via Seriously, if anyone knows how I can get one or get one made, you're GOLDEN to me! Lemme know! I'm SERIOUS! Hubby will be like ARE YOU KIDDING ME? And I'm like UM NOOOOO! HA! Call it "Irene's GOLDEN CHARIOT". 3. One of my most drolled over pins... via every girl … [Read more...]
Hiya Stud.
I think we can all agree great accessories complete our look. Knowing how to put all the accessories together can make or break the look. Lately I have been into studs. Part because I had my ears restitched this fall (because I didn't listen to my momma when I was growing up and wore WAAAAY heavy earrings that nearly tore my ear holes) and partly because of wearing more around our necklines it makes the look more balanced, and finally, … [Read more...]
My blogiversary
One year ago today The OP Life was born. via How time flies!! I knew some 8 years ago when this whole blogging thing was beginning to emerge that I was fascinated by it all. But I was clueless and really it just wasn't time for me. Fast forward with all this social media, and me just growing as a person, and finally deciding, whether I know what I'm doing or not, HERE I GO! And I jumped in with both feet and never looked back as I … [Read more...]
Sadness Amongst Us
My heart is heavy and sad today. Why to these tragedies happen? I don't want to refresh our memory of recent massacres, but it seems to happen more and more often. Why? We go through our lives with our families, our careers, our loved ones, and bam! We get this "hiccup" of sick, heart-wrenching news that is horrific and unthinkable. We get hit with unnecessary tragedy and loss caused by man. via I didn't feel right to just chat it up … [Read more...]
On Target Decor
If you're anything like me, you can relate going to Target with a list of 5 things and walking out with a cart FULL of goodness you had NO plans to bring home, but they WILL find a perfect place at home with you. Right? We can talk more in detail about WHAT ends up home another day. But today, FOR the home. From Target... Seriously, you do not have to spend a fortune to make your home look like a fortune. So here are some of my favorites … [Read more...]
Five Fine things on Friday
1. A WINNER! A WINNER!! The lucky winner from the wonderful giveaway sponsored by Eleni from Fall Into London is entry #3, Meaghan via Random.org. Send me a message over HERE and I will connect you with Eleni! Thank you to ALL who participated in this fun giveaway. And a HUGE thank you Eleni for sponsoring this great giveaway!! You are one SUPER talented gal!! 2. Remember my dilemma of the Gel or Shellac nails HERE? Well, I kept … [Read more...]
Yolanda’s Fridge
Nothing like GREAT reality TV, seeing what's hot (and what's NOT!) on the Real Housewives. I LOVE LOVE em! Not only do we get to see their fab wardrobes, what they wear (again, fashion DOs and DON'Ts!!) and how they style their home. Now, mind you these peeps live the lives extrodinaire, but a girl can dream right? It's fun to use these kinds of things as a bit of inspiration if you like what you see to "try it at home". Well, lovers, lemme … [Read more...]
Necessary Objects
Some staples every girl MUST have that she can wear with anything and can't go wrong with.... 1. A great pair of shades. 2. A great bag that pops with color. 3. A classic watch. 4. A classic fragrance that she wears well. 5. A stylish pair of earrings that can go with everything 6. An attitude that says THERE IS NOTHING I CAN'T DO! .... and of course... one of these pretty's to look at every day to inspire us to be … [Read more...]
Fall Into London: a giveaway.
I'm tickled pink today to share a new friend of mine that I know you'll adore. Her talent goes beyond the word awesome, and I fell in love with her work the first time I saw it. And the fact that she's a cute Greek chic was just icing on the cake!! Meet Eleni Sofroniou, artist and owner of Fall Into London. She is a full time illustrator and graphic designer. Her illustrations are based on what inspires her and what she finds beautiful, … [Read more...]
Losing Lilly
This weekend we lost a great fashion icon Lilly Pullizter. via In the late 1950s, the Palm Beach socialite had time to spare and a wealthy husband who owned citrus groves, so she opened an orange juice stand just off the island’s main shopping street. Pulitzer needed to hide all the juice stains on her clothes, though. Instead of just putting on an apron, she asked her seamstress to make some sleeveless dresses in colorful fruit prints, and a … [Read more...]
Five things…
I got so much wonderful feedback on my mud room reveal this week, that I'd theme today in the color of pink. It seemed to put a smile on so many faces, and the sun finally DID come out! So let's end the week on a happy pink note... 1. Loving this pink room mixing traditional with some newer patterns and elements. (Notice pink AND gold... makes me MORE happy!) 2. My boyfriend Marc.... pailette embellished stam (see the gold in there, … [Read more...]
Show Me the Money.
I am the biggest bargain shopper. I might like things that have a hefty price tag, but I rarely pay full retail price. And if you know me, you also know how much I love places like Target, Marshall's and TJ Maxx, as well as ALL my fave discount online shops. So saving money is always a thing for me (especially if I get a great deal on it!). Well, dear friend Kecia introduced me to something last year that was A-MAZING. Remember this? from … [Read more...]
