Life and Style

Staycations Are Good For You

March 18, 2021 by robincharmagne 4 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 2 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?

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!

Renaissance Gateway Staycation Part II – Let’s Go

February 20, 2020 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

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…

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

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!!!

Who Is Robincharmagne?

February 10, 2020 by robincharmagne 8 Comments

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…

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.

What is your coffee order?

Medium with 3 cream, 3 splenda, shot of hazelnut

Favorite body part?

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

One thing about me that you wouldn’t know?

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

Favorite old movie?

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

What is your favorite Netflix show?

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

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

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

Who is your celebrity crush?

Will Smith – hope he sees this…I would faint

What social media are you addicted to?

Oh my gosh Instagram – beautiful, creative, and crazy

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

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

What is your go-to hairstyle?

Short and sassy, always works – classic

Who is your favorite musical artist from the 20^thcentury?

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

What is your greatest achievement in high school?

Speaking at graduation was quite an honor

Can you describe yourself in just 3 words?

Loyal, smart, funny

Which smartphone do you use, iOS or Android?

Team Android foreva

Who is your favorite stand-up Comedian?

Chris Rock…hope he sees this…I would faint

Which is your favorite holiday movie?

Santa Clause- all 3 back to back to back

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

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!

Happy New Year

January 1, 2020 by robincharmagne Leave a Comment

9 Travel Gifts Under $25

October 31, 2019 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

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?

If We Were Having Coffee -Vol X

September 6, 2019 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

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!
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!
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.
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.
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!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Home

July 16, 2019 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

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?

ASW Whiskey Exchange – Let’s Go

July 8, 2019 by robincharmagne 8 Comments

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

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!

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?