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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


Memory Keeping

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#ad-I was provided this product by Messages in Metal; all the opinions are my own.

Hi pretties,
It has been some time since I blogged and I am so happy to be back today with a very personal post. Sadly, over the last 2 years, my family dynamic has changed with the passing of my Sister and my Dad. I would say 2018 has proven to be quite challenging, but even those words do not seem adequate with the passing of my Twin Brother earlier this year. Of course I miss them all terribly, but the passing of my sister and brother hit me especially hard. The three of us could not have been more different – John the tech guy, me the goody two shoes, and Nickey the rebel! We shared a love of anything with wheels and science fiction and defended each other fiercely against anyone, including our parents. I have so many funny memories of the three of us that will live on in my heart, but when Messages in Metal reached out to me, I discovered a very special way to keep them close.

Messages in Metal

This is a Montana based company that makes personalized jewelry to celebrate all the special moments and special people in our lives. These metal pieces are crafted in .925 silver and come with a chain. Some pieces are offered in gold plating and with beautiful Swarovski gemstones. I chose the infinity design with the names of my brother and sister.

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Simple packaging in classic black and white.

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Black velvet box that securely holds your pendant

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Absolutely perfect – Infinity Necklace in .925 Sterling Silver


messages_in_metal_names_robincharmagne

Happy, together again!

I am so happy with my pendant, it shipped quickly after ordering. It is very well made, feels light but is substantial. The Messages in Metal website has many options in the size, shape, and type of pendant. This is a perfect way for me to honor my siblings and keep them close to my heart. Please visit the website to see all of their unique pieces.

Do you wear personalized jewelry?

robincharmagne

5 Things To Do For Your Birthday – Monday Musing

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Hi pretties,
It is a new month, but more importantly, it is my birthday month….LOLOL But seriously, I was thinking of what to do for my bday besides the tried and true dinner with friends. Of course I love good conversation over a good meal with friends, but I was thinking what else is there to do on this special day? So, here are 5 experiences to try solo or with friends. And, these ideas generally are not all that expensive but still a whole lotta fun!

five-Birthday-Ideas-robincharmagne

I am undecided on my birthday plans, but anticipating doing something a little different and fun for sure. My friends are usually game for anything so whatever experience I choose should be a blast. I will keep ya’ll posted on the upcoming high jinks. What did you do for your last birthday?

robincharmagne

Who’s That Girl – Monday Musing

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hey_there_robincharmagneblog

Hey pretties,
Who is that girl? Since it is a new month and my blogging has been all over the place, I thought I would sorta re-introduce myself and share a few tidbits about robincharmagne that are very random and oddball! Here goes…

that-girl-robincharmagne

Inquiring Minds

1. I love Bentleys, my dream automobile. Whenever I see a Bentley tooling around The A, I try to snap a pic and then wonder if the owner is a famous rapper, a politician, or a blogger who made her dreams come true.
2. I drink mojitos when socializing, but I am not a drinker, does that make sense? Brown liquor is disgusting.
3. I would rock a pair of jeans every single day, matter of fact, I do wear jeans every single day. My uniform – jeans and a cute top.
4. All cookies are welcome in my house, actually if you bring cookies, I will love you forever. Especially oatmeal or graham crackers or vanilla wafers, or…okay any kind is fine.
5. Science fiction is my favorite movie genre, except Star Wars, never liked it. Live long and prosper is more my speed – did you catch that?
6. I work virtually and Podcasts help my day go so much faster without being a distraction. My favorite podcast is The Read – sometimes ratchet, including adult language, but always woke!
7. Room service is my jam, especially for breakfast. Nothing like waking up to a delicious, beautifully plated meal that is delivered and setup so fancy. It is a vacation splurge I include in the budget.
8. I know God created bugs, but really, they are not my friends. The End….of all bugs.
9. A house on the beach is the life, nothing like living near water. One day…

A peek inside the mind of robincharmagne. Thank you for stopping by and tell me something random or odd about you?

robincharmagne

Photo:GDemeritte Photography

3 Lessons I Learned From The Royal Wedding

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Boy_ meets_ girl_robincharmagne

Hello pretties,
Still basking in the beauty and joy of the Royal Wedding. Actually I had not planned to watch it, but I woke up just when it all began and I must say I am glad I did. The entire ceremony was beautiful from start to finish – my highlights, Bishop Curry’s message and the Kingdom Choir. I was so moved by both. Bishop Curry’s message of love was much needed and timely given the current climate. And the Kingdom Choir, just absolute pure beauty, their voices like angels. I just love them and will definitely try to see them in person somewhere in the UK or US!! Oh one more thing, Meghan’s Mom, regal and proud, she has a fan in me. I turned off the television thinking I believe in love again…here is what I learned…

Lessons Learned

1. Get out of that dreaded comfort zone, you know the one where you text, talk, and meet. Don’t be afraid to try something new like a blind date! Prince Harry and Meghan met on a blind date. I have never been on a blind date but definitely open to trying especially if my close friends suggested someone cool! After all, they know me pretty well!
2. Be open, I realize my dream partner might not fit that perfect picture in my mind. I don’t think Meghan actually dreamed of marrying a Prince! I am willing to drop my prototype for the real thing.
3. Setup boundaries when needed. The press hounded Meghan and Prince Harry put a stop to it. I might not have paparrazi chasing me in Target, but if the people around me are being negative or not supportive, I will shut them down!

I am rooting for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex! Did you watch the Royal Wedding and what was your favorite or most memorable part?
robincharmagne

Beyonce And Competiton

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Hey pretties,
I really have been on a Beyonce kick lately and drum roll, she is my Woman Crush Wednesday. Still thinking about the Coachella, er Beychella performance. Honestly, I didn’t know and still don’t know too much about Coachella. Is it like Woodstock? LOL Did I just age myself? So if it is, I imagined she would be on stage in daisy dukes, a tee, and a flower wreath. She would proceed to sing a few songs and that would be it, nothing too big. Welllll babbeee, was I wrong. I will not rehash the amazing performances, you can catch the first one on Youtube.

This girl recreated the HBCU experience, complete with drum majorette, 200 member marching band, with a drum-line and horns, dancers, a majorette who twirled not one but two batons, a group of pledges, stepshow, Les Twins, a dance party with Solange, duet with hubby, The Negro National Anthem, swag and surf ANNDDDD a Destiny’s Child mini-reunion. Really? Really Beyonce? You had to to all that? You so extra!!! Well yes she did. She outdid herself. In her own words…

beyonce_on_ competing-robincharmagne

For me, her performances were a lesson for us all, creatives, entrepreneurs, working moms, college students etc. You compete with no one but yourself and even at the height of your success, don’t get comfy, push yourself to do more. Be better than the last time. Let’s face it, she did not have to do THE MOST, after all, she’s sold 100 million records and has 22 Grammys. And by a lot of standards is the top female performer today. She could sit back and coast or do THE LEAST. But no, she challenged herself to bring a unique experience/performance to Coachella. My takeaway, it does not matter where you are on your journey to success, do THE MOST all the time. Out do YOU!

What lessons if any did you take from Beychella?

robincharmagne

Image: Quotidiano.net via Google
*I do not own the rights to this photo