Let’s Get Ready To Travel?

May 18, 2021 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Hello pretties,

Folks are getting vaccinated and are ready to travel! But are you really ready? Yes, I am absolutely in the group that is ready to pack my luggage to capacity and buckle up for a smooth takeoff. However, before you do, have you cleaned your luggage? I mean it has been sitting in the closet or under your bed or even in the garage for at least a year or more? Today I am sharing tips for cleaning your luggage.

How To Clean Your Luggage

Before you clean your luggage, let’s disinfect it using disinfecting wipes that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Clean the handles, the side hand grips, the zippers and the wheels. Be sure the surfaces remain wet for at least 30 seconds to kill viruses and bacteria.
Clean the outside of your luggage with non-detergent soap and warm water. Gently scrub the outside surfaces with a cloth. Do NOT use bleach, spot removers, or cleaning solvents as these could damage your luggage.
Use a vacuum cleaner with the crevice attachment to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Dispose of the vacuum bag (in an outside trash can) once you have cleaned your luggage.
Dry luggage outside or in an open area, if possible.
If you use packing cubes, soak them in the sink with warm water, wash and rinse. Hang them to dry.

Now if you are itching to step out brand new in your 2021 travels, here are some cute luggage options. These three piece sets are moderately priced, with a choice of hard or soft side.

I am so excited to get on a plane and travel to some beautiful locale with loads of sun and beach. My luggage is clean and ready to go. Do you or have you cleaned your luggage?

3 Tips For Dating Over 50

April 26, 2021 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello Pretties,

The last weekend in April and we had some beautiful weather here in The A, which had me asking myself, “Is it time to get back into…dating?” With the pandemic, dating, for me at least, was pretty much non-existent. I mean it does make sense with social distancing and all the precautions we have to take to be safe. But with the vaccination process rolling out and this warmer weather, I am inclined to mingle.

For ladies and gents my age, over 50, dating sounds like a beat down we would like to avoid. These 3 tips should ease your reluctance to put yourself out there!

Tips For Dating Over 50

Get over your age. Believe it or not, there are at least a billion1 other people in the world over 50. It is just a number – it represents wisdom and experience. You got skills…I will leave it at that. Use them to your advantage.
Be open to dating younger and older. Broaden your horizons on both ends of the age spectrum. Every age group has something meaningful to offer. You would be surprised at what you might learn or teach, who knows!!
Embrace online dating apps. It is the easiest way to dip your toe in the dating pond. Do not be pressured to meet in person. Exchange a few messages and then take it offline when you are ready. Now, unfortunately, there are some people on these dating sites that want a hook-up. Be discerning, but do not be discouraged. I have met some very cool people on dating sites.

Bonus tip: Put together a date ready outfit. Choose colors and styles that flatter you and make you feel beautiful and confident.

Dating is supposed to be fun. Consider the whole person and what they add to your life. Keep it light at first and do not be concerned with rejection, it happens to everyone. Thank God for the blessing and keep it moving!

My hope is that you find these tips helpful as you being your dating adventure! Now, I will not be posting a play-by-play of my dating life, a girl likes to be mysterious. But do know, when I get serious, y’all will be the first to know. I’m curious, how do you feel about online dating apps!

¹Source:https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-percentage-of-the-world-population-is-over-50

Secure The Bag- Kirk Geiger London

March 22, 2021 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hi Pretties,

I am over the moon excited to introduce a new handbag brand, well new to me brand. I ran across this bag on the Nordstrom website and was immediately smitten. Kurt Geiger London is based in the UK and started in 1963 and widely known first for their footwear. While on my staycation, I popped in Nordstrom and picked up this beauty!

The studded top handle immediately caught my eye. Top handle bags are classic and elegant.

Along with the stunning top handle is a substantial chunky chain with a leather shoulder strap that adds to the flexibility and edginess of this bag.

With the dimensions of 11”W x 7 ¼”H x 3 ½”D, this bag is more than roomy to handle phone, wallet, sunglasses and a few other essentials. The interior has a center divider with a slip pocket on both sides and a magnetic closure.

The signature quilted exterior adds to the beauty of this bag. The workmanship is impeccable.

**Iconic eagle emblem, encrusted with crystals!**

These pictures do not do this bag justice, it is the perfect size and in the most soft buttery leather. With its luxurious vibe and a price point below $300, this bag is a winner If you are looking for an elegant but edgy bag, look no more, this is the one! Have you heard of the Kurt Geiger London brand?

Staycations Are Good For You

March 18, 2021 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello pretties,

I remember March 11, 2020, very clearly. Me, along with my travel sis Tanisha, were excitedly preparing for our second West Coast Tour in Napa Valley. Just 12 days before our departure, the World Health Organization declared the pandemic. And, just like that, EVERYTHING changed. Airline flights, hotel reservations and, exciting excursions were canceled. Who knew what 2020 would bring? We were ill-prepared for any of what was to come for the remainder of the year. There was social distancing, mask wearing, toilet paper shortages, near economic collapse across multiple industries, racial unrest, continued police shootings, impeachment, virtual school, no movies, no dining, no gym, virtual baby showers, weddings, and funerals, wildfires, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Chadwick Boseman, Alex Trebek, no Summer Olympics, Zoom meetings, murder hornets, and 538,000 deaths. If all these things were not enough to bear, my Mom’s passing just about took me out. I MEAN! It is no small thing to have lived through 2020.

Fast forward to about a week ago, I realized the giveaway gift certificate I won in 2019 for a hotel stay and dinner at a local hotel was about to expire, oddly enough on my Mom’s birthday. Light bulb moment – girl, take a staycation to do absolutely nothing except eat, sleep, shop, and journal!

I packed super light and headed to the Crowne Plaza® Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia in a beautiful and bustling suburb about 30 minutes from home.

I checked in, showered and changed into my favorite pjs to relax before dinner. I took some time to journal how I felt about the events of 2020. It cathartic to get your thoughts on paper and then talk them out. 2020 was scary and if you are like me, you personally know someone impacted by covid. I experienced job loss, missing family and friends, no travel, and death. It was a lot to experience and admittedly some days I did not even want to get out of bed. After I wrote it out and cried it out, and worked it out I was hungry. I headed to the restaurant for complimentary dinner.

Bucket list item checked – dined solo dolo!

Backyard at Parkwoods was earthy and calm. Lots of windows with sun coming through and a great view of the backyard. I ordered comfort food – wings and fries, two really good drinks, and I have to say the best key lime pie I have ever had – so delicious!

Back to the room for more lounging and relaxing. On a staycations you can unplug, reconnect with you, and let your mind and body rest! That’s what I did, no agenda, just whatever. We need an unplanned day sometimes!

If you have not staycationed in your own city, it is a great way to ease back into travel. You save money, and help the local economy by dining and shopping in the area of your hotel. 2020 tried us, but we survived. I feel recharged and ready to take on 2021! Special shoutout to Atlanta Digital Creator Ohnikka for hosting the giveaway! Are you taking a staycation or vacation?

3 Lessons From My Second Reel

March 15, 2021 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hello Pretties,

Reels? Who me? Yep me! Instagram is still my favorite social media platform and Reels just made me love it even more. Reels like its cousin TikTok are short videos, almost always accompanied by music or a voiceover. Now, some reels are super good with amazing transitions and some reels are informative on every level from relationships, cooking, fitness, and of course fashion, to beauty. And, some are so dang funny that I can’t help but laugh out loud at some of the foolishness. So many young folks do Reels and TikToks and I admit I was intimidated but I really wanted to try it out. My first reel was just a series of photos super easy, so I had to pick something else a bit more challenging!

After weeks of watching reel after reel, I saw quite a few people doing the one that is basically an intro, where you share some key tidbits about yourself. It is accompanied by the song Zodiac by Will Gittens.

It was on and poppin’ once I made my choice. Did I tell y’all it took 2 weeks for me to figure this out? I was trying to remember the lyrics and match my pointing (see below) to the music. That was a fail. I could not quite nail it.

Then a lightbulb moment, it is not the music, it is the count. There were 7 movements so I just needed to point in 7 different directions! Then I headed to YouTube University and studied how to add the text to sync with the music.

Put on cute graphic tee that catches the eye and voila, you got a reel! I was on cloud-9 and it dawned on me this was so fun, but I learned some things!

3 Lessons

When you learn new things, you create new neural pathways, which is fantastic for the brain. As we age, we need to keep learning and trying new things. I made my brain happy while helping stave off conditions such as dementia.
What a confidence booster! I was perfectly happy watching reels from the sidelines, but now I am part of the action. It was not a flawless performance, but I will get better over time.
You are never too old to do anything…PERIOD!

I say keep trying new things no matter how daunting or intimidating they may seem. What new thing have you tried lately?

What About Yo’ Friends – Monday Musing

January 4, 2021 by robincharmagne 5 Comments

Hey Pretties,

Happy New Year! We made it to 2021 and to a very important election, the Georgia Senate race. This election could change the climate of this country for the better. I was thinking that for the last four years, we survived a President who often demonstrated that he was ill-suited, not fit, nor qualified for the honor and privilege of leading the free world. I understand it is a bold statement, but it is a statement based on fact. Because, thanks to Twitter of all things, everyone had a front-row seat to the spectacle. Let’s review some of the tweets, build the wall, fake news, kids in cages, attacks on female politician’s appearance, support of dubious people, impeachment, etc. The list is long. Furthermore, I am not here to expose or to inform because you all already know!!

What struck me as odd was why don’t his circle, advisors, tribe, crew, posse, clique, whatever say to him, “Dude you are doing the most!” I mean that is what friends do, they check you. And this goes well beyond agreeing or disagreeing, but closer to recognizing destructive, toxic, or plain crazy as hell behavior. Did anyone say stop it, pull up, take it down a thousand, relax, relate, release? Where are his friends or close advisors?

In President Barack Obama’s book, A Promised Land, which I am currently reading and one of the best books I have read in some time, he frequently mentions his circle of advisors – David Axelrod, David Plouffe, Robert Gibbs, and of course Valerie Jarrett. He spoke candidly about how he relied upon them for advice and guidance in political matters. Sometimes he accepted the advice and sometimes he did not, but he was open to their counsel. That makes total sense to me because as I have mentioned here, here, and here, your circle makes a difference. You need honest, smart, and wise truthtellers who have your back. And of course, advisors don’t blow smoke either because that’s not helpful. Perhaps the President does have a circle but he tells them to kick rocks! Who knows.

I have not made any New Year’s resolutions, but one thing I know for 2021, I will continue to nurture my connections with my friends. I appreciate them for NOT having me looking crazy in these ATL streets! As much as I enjoy getting poured into with love and laughter and excellent advice, I want to pour into them as often as I can they deserve it.

Have you reached out to your circle of trusted advisors this year?

On another note, if you are in Georgia, please vote, it matters.

Dresses Over Jeans – OOTD #119

July 29, 2020 by robincharmagne 7 Comments

Hey Pretties,

Yessss, I am back with a new OOTD (Outfit of The Day) for my new pretties! With the coronavirus situation, we have to improvise and I took it back to the living room for some fashion fun! I missed playing dress up and super excited to share one of my favorite casual style trends – dresses over jeans! This styling is so fun and easy to put together – you just need a button front dress and a pair of jeans. It does not get any easier than grabbing two simple pieces to rock a casual style.

I saw this dress online and the geometric, tribal kinda print caught my eye. And would you believe it’s a rental from Gwynnie Bee? I love the print and the maxi length. You can find a similar dress here and jeans here. I could not find a good dupe for this sold-out tote bag, sorry ladies!

Easy, breezy style with nude sandals that pair perfectly with this print! I am ready for brunch or a day of shopping…when the outside opens!

And bold, gold accessories to top off this casual look! These gold hoops are big and sexy but super light! I am rocking gold accessories all summer!

I am now scouring my closet for button-front dresses to pair with jeans or over slim leg pants too! So many options with this casual style! Is this trend for you? Have you tried it?

Happy Birthday To Me

July 27, 2020 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hi Pretties,

I know it has been too long since I have shared a blog post! What better day than my birthday to get back in the blogging business. Y’all this 2020 is unforgettable. If I don’t remember anything else in life, it will be this year and how it changed everyone. There is rarely an event or situation that happens that touches everyone, but EVERY continent I believe except Antartica has been touched by this pandemic! But, I am not dwelling on the pandemic. More than anything, I am thankful to live to see another birthday.

So what have I been doing during the pandemic…cooking, cleaning, and shopping…yeah I know y’all have been doing the same thing too!

What I Have Been Doing…

The first thing I purchased was a new cookware set. If I was gonna be cooking up a storm, I needed some cute cookware. This is ceramic and so easy to clean, that was a big selling point for me.
To make my cooking life easier, I ditched my crockpot and I jumped on the Air fryer bandwagon. I have never seen such pretty chicken wings and fries on the gram’. Of course, I bought the accessory kit too. It’s bout to be on and popping in my kitchen!
And, because I just needed my 1000th pair of earrings, I got these cuties in a bold gold. I’m rocking gold accessories all summer! These are super lightweight and come in a bunch of sizes.
I know I’m not going anywhere in particular, but when I do leave the house, I still want to rock stylish sunglasses. These were less than $20 bucks and yep they come in other colors too, including pink!
Ever since I started blogging, I have wanted a ring light. And with so many more indoor photoshoots, it’s a must-have for content creators. I mean are you even a content creator if you don’t have a ring light? IJS…

If I can say anything about this birthday year, it has been the year of learning. I have learned how to tie a head wrap, the basics of tai chi, Zoom “dates”, how to cook two chicken dishes in the crockpot, the basics of SQL, and I am just getting started. Getting older and smarter, you can’t beat that!

How are you celebrating your birthday this year? What have you been doing during the pandemic?? Smooches pretties!

Toronto, Canada – Let’s Go

March 25, 2020 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Hi Pretties,

Have you dreamed of traveling for the holidays? I mean how much turkey, dressing, mac n’ cheese, collard greens, and sweet potato pie with a big glass of sweet tea will you have in a lifetime? But that menu does sound really good, fattening but super good. Okay I digress, yes that Thanksgiving menu sounds grand, but what about a trip up North, way up north to Toronto, Canada. I traded turkey for Toronto and it was so worth it!

This trip was at Thanksgiving and the temps were quite cold and it was not Thanksgiving in Toronto. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. And, as a major metropolitan city and the capitol of Ontario, Toronto has everything – lodging in every price point, dining with diverse options, sightseeing from museums to the zoo, and shopping from high end designer stores to vintage boutiques. We were there a short amount a time but managed to see some fun sites such as the Toronto Christmas Market and the CN Tower, which has amazing views by the way!

Toronto-landmarks-robincharmagne — Toronto Christmas Market/CN Tower/Canada Sign/Toronto Eaton Centre

My most favorite attraction in Toronto was the Bata Shoe Museum. During the time we visited, there as a Manolo Blahnik shoe exhibit called The Art Of Shoes. First things first, do you know this famed shoe designer is a man? I did not and was totally taken aback. There was a large display of shoes, renderings of shoes, and a video featuring the designer. In addition to this fabulous exhibit, there were several floors that housed various exhibits of shoes – the earliest shoe design from over 4,000 years ago, basketball shoes which as I recall belonged to Shaquille O’Neil, glass slippers, snow shoes, kids shoes, mens shoes – something for everyone and super educational, I mean who knew shoes had such a storied history. There is also an adorable gift shop with an assorted selection of shoe related gifts.

Toronto-ShoeMuseum-robincharmagne — History of shoes, so amazing and beautiful

The food in Toronto was really good with lots of choices. The first place we ate was Jack Astor’s is was very lively and we had a fantastic server. This spot was the jump off for our trip, a real neighborhood feel. And, definitely put us in a mood to have a good time seeing Toronto – highly recommend. Apparently Evviva’s is super popular because there was a line and a wait. I would say it was so worth it. Not only was the food delicious, but the ambiance was really nice – highly recommend. My favorite though was dinner at the CN Tower. The service was outstanding with a very attentive server. Our food was on point, beautifully presented and delicious. But the view of Toronto is unmatched. The restaurant revolves with 360 degree views of Toronto. So pretty, especially at night. The prix fixe menu with three courses was well priced at under $100 – highly recommend

Toronto-Eats-robincharmagne — Jack Astor’s/ Evviva/CN Tower

Toronto has some interesting sites, including a wrecked police car hanging out of a building. I believe this was from a local television station. Another interesting building is the Flatiron Building that has a trompe l’oeil painted on the side by the artist Marg. There are also many architecturally stunning buildings throughout Downtown Toronto. Grab your camera so you don’t miss a shot.

As you can read from this post, I loved Toronto – the food, the attractions, the shopping, we didn’t have dull moment. But frankly, unless you like super cold weather, I would not recommend going at Thanksgiving. It was soooo cold for my taste – I’m talking puffer coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. However, if you prefer colder temps, it is the perfect time of year to visit. The Christmas Market is also a good draw for this time of year. I plan on visiting Toronto again…when it is warmer. Do you prefer traveling in colder or warmer weather?

Five Tips For Working At Home – Monday Musing

March 16, 2020 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello pretties,

My how things can change! I am going to cut straight to the chase – COVID-19 is significantly impacting our daily lives, with some of you now working from home sweet home. This has been my work situation for 15 years and I have learned a few things along the way that I am sharing with y’all today! Here are five tips for working at home…

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