For those of you who have followed my Instagram, and in particular, my Insta-Stories, you know that this summer, much like many previous summers, we ventured back to one of our favorite places, a place we love to call home away from home, Grand Cayman. I've done posts about where we stay and why love it so (you can see one HERE) but this post will be different. I found myself sharing at least once a day my love for this booming … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: The Lucatini – Luca, Grand Cayman
One of the fun parts of traveling is trying fun signature cocktails from amazing restaurants on my journeys. I've shared some in the past before. You can see a few HERE and HERE. Today I'm sharing the Lucatini, from one of my favorite restaurants in Grand Cayman; Luca. https://youtu.be/xfiNqWQSiPA The Lucatini 2 parts vodka 1 part Aperol 1 part Passion Fruit Liquor Prosecco Shake the first three ingredients in a shaker … [Read more...]
Shopping, Styling, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and Cocktails
So... first things first.... Who here could use a VACATION from VACATION? Can I see a show of hands here? Good. I'm not alone. I'm still in recovery mode from family vacation to two week-long business trips. It's been fun, but it's now time to get back into routine. Next week maybe? HA! It's Friday! Where did #FuzzyFriday go??? It's still HERE. Momma needs a drink. HA! Here's a blast from the past for you..... Frose' … [Read more...]
Travel Style: Smart Luggage
I never have been into luggage as much as I am into these. Game changer. Period. You will never look at luggage the same after this. Almost anything that can be a concern of yours while traveling is taken care of with these smart luggage. Meet Raden, your new favorite travel companion. These sleek, easiest to maneuver, lightweight luggage are genius. They can charge your phone (or any other device via USB port, and with the app, you … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: World Famous Mudslide
I love to create my own concoctions and be your mixologist, and of course many I can't take all the credit for, but I think it's way cool to see what different bartenders and restaurants offer as their signature drinks. After all, this IS what they do, and they're pros at it. So today I'm sharing something that is BEYOND to die for. I'll say this. I had 2 of them at lunch. HA! Shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone! The Mudslide. A … [Read more...]
A Postcard From Grand Cayman
It's been a while since we've chatted hasn't it! I snuck away for a few weeks for a much needed ahhhhhhhhh. Vacation. We all need it once in a while. There's something about unplugging from your environment, releasing your responsibilities for a while, and letting your mind run wild and free to just not worry about a thing. That's what I did. And I encourage you to to some how find a time and place where you can find serenity and … [Read more...]
Fuzzy Friday: Ritz Carlton Bar Jack Signature Pina Colada
If you haven't figured out from my social media, I've made an escape! HA! I've fled the country for a little bit of brain detox, family time and time to unplug and recharge. Where are we? Back to one of our favorites. The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman. We do lots of nothing while enjoying lots of great food and amazing cocktails. So I thought we'd hear from Godfrey how they make their signature drink, their Pina … [Read more...]
Travel Tips on Traveling With the Little Ones
Being that spring break is full under way, I thought I'd share a few of my tips on traveling with the little ones. There is nothing more frustrating than going on a trip, all to make it stressful, exhausting, full of whining and complaining, all to make it really not very fun at all. Who wants that? Not me! So coming from an experienced momma bear, I thought I'd share some tips with you I've learned over the years of mommy hood. Watch my … [Read more...]
What To Wear: Fringe Skirt and Geometric Prints
Traveling and feeling sassy all in one sweep, and definitely what we wear plays a role in how we feel. So going back to my hometown of Chicago, I wanted to be Miss Sassypants while scoping out the city. Don't get me wrong, our city of Oklahoma City, is beautiful and booming, but that Chicago gets me all choked up every time! It's SO fabulous, you don't even KNOW unless you've been. I had to throw on one of this seasons hottest … [Read more...]
Summer Isn’t Over Yet
The world in which I live, a lot of kids will be going back to school next week. NEXT WEEK! I'm like seriously? Summer isn't over yet! It's still SUMMER PEOPLE! It's still BLISTERING hot! My kids still have another month. And for the rest of the world, many people's "holiday" begins mid July and goes into August. So really, even though we're seeing fall stuff already, summer ain't over. I have to admit I'm a beach girl. I'm drawn to … [Read more...]
Balliets and The OP Life Presents…
I'm excited to kick off not only the week but the month of June with sparkle, fabulousness and excitement. I can remember growing up back in the day, not only myself but lots of people driving to Dallas to do major "shopping". Was that you? Well, I'm so happy times have certainly changed, and Oklahoma City has some incredible boutiques that there is no need to ever leave the 405 to get some of the best designers and brands found in the major … [Read more...]
What To Wear: Travel Day To Night
With Memorial Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking more about travel and packing purposefully and what to wear and how to look fabulous and feel fabulous all in one. So I've pulled together 4 pieces from Liberte' in Oklahoma City that are just that. These 4 pieces are all you need and just mix them up to create the looks to take you from day to night. From casual shopping in the day to a wonderful dinner by the waterfront, … [Read more...]
Glam Girl Gone Camping, Part 2
So... this is kinda a #tbt post, as in, I was doing this LAST week, so technically that's a throw back. It's also, "in case you go camping this weekend" kinda post too. Just sayin all you glamour girls going "outdoorsing". Um ya. Ok.... so a follow up to PART 1, here we go.... There's this lil guy that I want to EAT up in one HUGE bite, because I'm his momma bear.... and HE's the reason why I'm going … [Read more...]
Silver Rain Spa
A bit of a throwback, #tbt to this summer... One of the things I think I don't do enough of that I think we all need to do is to take a break from things from time to time to pamper ourselves. On our recent trip to Grand Cayman, I had to visit one of my FAVORITE parts of The Ritz Carlton.... the Silver Rain Spa. From the moment you walk into the entry and hear the tranquil sounds of the waters coming down from the … [Read more...]
Playing Dress Up On the Beach
I know fall is quickly approaching, but with our blistering hot temperatures, I'm still in summer mode... You know that feeling that little girls get when they play dress up? That "I feel fabulous" feeling? You see, I have this big floppy hat. And even though I'm no longer a young chickadee, that doesn't stop me from wanting to play dress up. {wink!} I did a post not long ago with my black floppy hat here. For those of you who might … [Read more...]
Making Memories: The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman
I don't know how you and your family travel, but we go thru this "do we go back to the place we LOVE or try something new" issue every year. And year after year, we end up picking our favorite place, because, well, it's our favorite place. We can't imagine anything better, for many reasons, some of which you'll see below... Let me take you on a mini vacation to see what love to call "our second home", The Ritz Carlton in Grand … [Read more...]
… And Away We Go….
The fam and I are off for a much needed summer vacation...... FYI, The Mister isn't particularly fond of the black hat. He said if I take it, he won't sit next to me.... hmmmmmmm... awfully tempting! HA! He actually said I looked like the widow on Jaws! LOL! But on a more serious note.... I say I'm going to check out from here for the next 10 days ... maybe 12.... but then again, I might change my mind and … [Read more...]
Mountain Goats, A Sunset and Humpty Dumpty
A fun video to get your weekend going... Taken on the cliffs of the island of Kefalonia in Greece. http://youtu.be/CzSBUHwBaWE Here is what we saw when we got out.... (ignore the all day windblown hair and no makeup.... ) Myrtos beach, noted as one of Greece's best beaches. A magnificent view to say the least.... I wish I could take all of you there with me.... wouldn't we have a ball down there??? Maybe … [Read more...]
The “Must Do’s” in the Motherland
As a parent, I feel I have a responsibility to teach and show my kids certain things when traveling (and otherwise), help them learn and grow, and to experience those things that until now, have they only seen online, in textbooks, or on tv. Hence, you can call me the "tour guide" or as I have called part of this summer, "our summer vacation is one big field trip". So if you find yourself ever traveling to Greece, I wanted to share with you … [Read more...]
The Motherland Part 1
Where do I begin? I know that sounds like the beginning of the Dr. Zhivago love song, but that is how I feel when I speak of this subject. My travels to Greece. I'm writing this to you from vacation, and my head spins with so much.... As a little background to this post, some of you might know already, I am Greek, and the hubs is Greek, and we both grew up going to Greece almost every other summer. After life's happenings, we are now back … [Read more...]
