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Happy Birthday To Me

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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…

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. 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!

robincharmagne-logo

Renaissance Gateway Staycation Part II – Let’s Go

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Hello pretties,

Today, I’m sharing Part II of my staycation at Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel. Of course, a well appointed, comfy room is a must but I am drawn to hotels with beautiful decor. Take a peek at some of the artwork and furniture pieces…

This is a mural on the lobby wall
The lobby bar is well stocked with comfy seating
This room off the bar is like a big living room/game room/craft room-so inviting
These swings- yeap indoors

This hotel felt like a big home with all kinds of living spaces for dining, relaxing and of course nice rooms for sleeping. The location is perfect for travelers being 5 minutes from the airport and ten minutes from restaurants and shops. If you’re in The A, choose this beautiful hotel!

Have you stayed at any beautiful hotels? Do tell!!!

robincharmagne

Who Is Robincharmagne?

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Hello pretties,

It has been some time since I introduced myself. But I did not want to do the “usual suspect” questions – favorite color, dream vacation, etc. I found these quirky questions and thought I would share some known and unknown tidbits about me. I hope you enjoy a peek inside robincharmagne…

  1. You’re wearing perfume, what scent is it?

Euphoria by Calvin Klein, it’s a sexy scent with notes of pomegranate, black violet, and black orchid.

  1. What is your coffee order?

Medium with 3 cream, 3 splenda, shot of hazelnut

  1. Favorite body part?

My eyes…light brown and kinda big and bug-eyed

  1. One thing about me that you wouldn’t know?

I love Western tv shows! Bonanza, Rifle Man, Big Valley, Raw Hide, Gunsmoke

  1. Favorite old movie?

Mildred Pierce with Joan Crawford, original boss babe and the wardrobe for this movie – old Hollywood glam

  1. What is your favorite Netflix show?

My favorite special is The Black Godfather, don’t have a favorite show

  1. What is the craziest thing you have done?

Ziplining in Costa Rica, NEVER again. It was so scary and very, very, high off the ground. Did I mention monkeys. NEVER again

  1. Have you ever failed at anything and what did you learn?

I auditioned to be a Georgia lottery girl, you know calling out the numbers.  Lesson-do it afraid

  1. Who is your celebrity crush?

Will Smith – hope he sees this…I would faint

  1. What social media are you addicted to?

Oh my gosh Instagram – beautiful, creative, and crazy

  1. You are going out with friends, what are you doing!

Brunching at a loud and bouncy spot in The A, looking super cute

  1. What is your go-to hairstyle?

Short and sassy, always works – classic

  1. Who is your favorite musical artist from the 20thcentury?

Whitney Houston, so sorely missed. Favorite song – I Have Nothing

  1. What is your greatest achievement in high school?

Speaking at graduation was quite an honor

  1. Can you describe yourself in just 3 words?

Loyal, smart, funny

  1. Which smartphone do you use, iOS or Android?

Team Android foreva

  1. Who is your favorite stand-up Comedian?

Chris Rock…hope he sees this…I would faint

  1. Which is your favorite holiday movie?

Santa Clause- all 3 back to back to back

  1. Most influential book?

Outside of the Bible, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz  – be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, always do your best

  1. Which one do you prefer, Coke or Pepsi?

Coke of course. Visit the World of Coca-Cola when you’re in The A

Tell me something about you I don’t know?? I’m nosey!

robincharmagne

9 Travel Gifts Under $25

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Hi pretties,

I am fresh off of a vacation with friends and hyped to share all the deets. So, last Thanksgiving we had a meeting in the ladies room (some of y’all are not going to catch that) and decided to take one BIG trip to celebrate our 55th b-day! Fast forward to October and me the my besties plus 1 are ready for our Girl’s Trip to Paris. And, it was magical! Yeah I know everyone says Paris is magical. But I knew it would be something special when the gifts starting coming. Everyone on the trip brought something cool and useful for the Fabulous, Fierce and Favored crew! Today I am sharing some of my favorite travel accessories, all under $25! Take a peek…

These products are perfect for a weekend getaway to your favorite city or a long-haul trip. Here are my faves – loving the ear buds, at a very reasonable price I might add. Especially considering on the last leg of my flight, I was horrified to hear the flight attendant hawking those cheap azz ear buds, not cool. And next up, phone gear. The phone stand makes it easier to watch movies you’ve downloaded to your phone. Moving on to my last favorite, if you rock a black suitcase, a fun luggage tag will help it stand out in a sea of black bags. On this trip, when I arrived at baggage claim, my bag was already off the conveyor. A fellow traveler said someone thought it was their bag until they saw my luggage tags.

I am so excited to share pics and stories from our Girl’s Trip! Tell me do you buy gifts for friends when traveling together?

robincharmagne

If We Were Having Coffee -Vol X

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  1. I would tell you that if you have not heard about The 1619 Project, get into it now, right now. In America we learn some things…but not all the things. I am getting a real education about the economics of slavery. It’s important and relevant for 2019!
  2. I would suggest trying these chunky funky boots for the Fall instead of a flat or an over the knee style. Pair with a funky backpack!
  3. I would say if you have financial savings goal, use an app like Qapital to meet that goal. I just met my savings goal for an upcoming trip and it was easy, peasy. Christmas is right around the corner, start saving today and by Thanksgiving, you could have all your holiday shopping funds. #not sponsored, past post here.
  4. I would confess I loved Downtown Abbey and can not wait for the movie. Big fan of period pieces – the costumes, the sets, the language, so good.
  5. I would say I am obsessed with designer cakes and this one is my favorite this week. The details make it look so life like and realistic. I would not eat a single slice.

This was a short week that felt like a super long week, like a week with 8 days. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for every day and week, but sheez, quite glad this one is over. Not planning on doing a dang thang this weekend, except some self care, mostly skincare and some reading. Das it!

How was your week? Have a great weekend!

robincharmagne

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Home

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Hello pretties,

Yes, I know I know, everybody is talking about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Why? It is a good sale which includes luxury items they may never or infrequently go on sale. Of course, loads of good fashion, but today I’m sharing some of my favorite home related picks in the sale.

Good huh! Gold is definitely going strong in home decor, I just love the gold serving pieces from Nordstrom beautiful bedding from Ted Baker, and who doesn’t love a good smell goods like from diptyque! I had a ball perusing all the goodies and saw a few I would love to snag! Are you browsing or shopping the sale? Any favorites?

robincharmagne

ASW Whiskey Exchange – Let’s Go

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Hello pretties,

I feel like I am cheating on my bae, the Mojito. But when a sister/friend suggested a bourbon tasting, I was down for an adventure. Enter ASW Whiskey Exchange, nestled in historic West End featuring a Tasting Room on the premises.

Did You Know?

There are specific laws around making bourbon?

  • Must be made in the United States.
  • Must contain 51% corn.
  • Must be aged in new oak-charred barrels.
  • Must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof.
  • Must be bottled at no less than 80 proof.
  • Must not contain any added flavoring, coloring or other additives.

*Source: Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits (27 CFR 5).

The Tasting

On a hot, sunny, afternoon, our adventure began. For $20 we received 5 tokens to try a taste or a slushy or both…LOL

We are ready to get our taste on!
Being a newbie, I started with two bourbons, both dark! I was told that purists forgo the ice, so I tried it both ways. Well both were too strong for me and honestly tasted like medicine.
But let’s talk about this cocktail. It was yummy, not too sweet and not so strong like the two bourbons. And this concoction was made with silver whiskey that looks and somewhat tastes like vodka and something else, but dang I can’t remember what was added. It was on point though! But It was quite good.
aswdistillery_slushy_robincharmagne
So between the dark bourbon, the light bourbon and the slushy, I’m choosing…the cocktail!
Of course there’s a Peachtree….
No idea what this contraption does, but I thought it looked unique!
I love the barrel room and guess what? You can rent the space for events. Definitely adding this spot to my list of event spaces.

Overall, the Exchange was so interesting and the staff was hella cool, knowledgeable, and patient with the newbie. There are tables set up to taste and chill. And for you pet lovers, ASW is pet friendly. I still don’t like bourbon straight. I have to add something to it and I do prefer it more like cocktail. If you are entertaining at home and serve bourbon, you need a whiskey glass and whiskey cubes.

The Verdict

While I’m not a huge drinker, I thought just like with food, expanding your palette is not a bad thing. If you in the Atlanta area and looking for an adult field trip, try bourbon tasting. I recommend ASW Exchange without reservation!

Do you drink bourbon?

robincharmagne

Canopy Atlanta – Let’s Go

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Hi pretties,

I was super excited to attend my first hotel opening for Canopy Atlanta. Located in Midtown Atlanta, this hotel is part of the Hilton family of brands. I am always looking for staycation spots in The A and this one is definitely being added to the list.

Canopy is a lifestyle hotel situated in the heart of Midtown, with close proximity to many popular attractions such as the High Museum of Art and the Art District. It has 176 rooms and 4 canopy suites that include complementary Wi-Fi.

Canopy Atlanta Midtown

Xhibit

For the event, we were able to try bites from the Xhibit Kitchen and Bar. Everything was not only visually appealing, but so delicious! The restaurant has a Cafe, Bar, and complimentary tastings each evening!

Rooms

After sampling some the goodies from Xhibit, we were treated to a tour of the hotel including the guest rooms. The decor is contemporary in style with a mostly neutral color palette. I really liked the open closet space as soon as you walk in, just hang your stuff and go! And there is filtered water on every floor.

Art

Art plays a big part in the decor of the hotel. Many of the installations were designed by local artists. I especially liked the wall that acknowledged patrons of the arts that supported the hotel, check it out you may see a familiar face!

Canopy also boasts meeting spaces, an outdoor terrace with fire pit, and bicycle rental.

If I had to describe Canopy in three word, it would be artsy, cool, and fun. The decor really adds to the ambiance, it doesn’t feel stuffy at all. With their brand promise to deliver a “positive stay”, this hotel is a welcome addition to Midtown Atlanta. I see a staycation in my future.

When you vacation, do you notice the art work at the hotel?

robincharmagne

More Or Less – Ikat Pillows

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Hi Pretties,

More or Less was a favorite feature here on the blog and I am excited to bring it back!! Now, we all want our homes to be havens that make us happy every time we step through the front door. And, the best part is a fat bank account is not necessary to have the home space you love. Today I’m sharing two pillows that are similar in style but one is at a lower price point.

Style Points

  • Square shape
  • Cotton fabric; dry clean only
  • black/white color scheme
  • Similar print pattern
  • 1 inch size variance
  • $22 price variance

For an easy refresh, just add pillows. These are two solid options if you were completing another color scheme with black/white. Check out how these pillows accent different color schemes.

The pillows add pattern and color to these rooms, somewhat acting as a neutral. Also, depending on your budget you could choose the $$$more or $less price point and still have a perfect room accent.

Have you updated a room with pillows and did you go more or less in price?

robincharmagne