Life

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.

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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Restore – Word For The Year

January 3, 2020 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Hi Pretties,

Happy 2020! We are all excited about this new year and all the goodness to come. As tradition goes at robincharmagne, we have a word for the year – RESTORE!

The Shift

2019 continued to be as challenging as prior years with family loss. I know these things happen to everyone but it just seemed like it happened in triples for my family bringing more sadness. How much loss can a family endure? We leaned on each other and struggled through the rest of the year. On top of that feeling unsettled with work and home as well. Nothing felt “right” and I was not motivated to do a whole lot, just a few things that I had previously committed to and couldn’t back out.

But, towards the end of 2019, I began to see signs of restoration in different parts of my life. I think it started with the Paris trip. I just felt better, happier, feeling free to just be happy and to live. And then changes on my job – better assignments, changes in my home – motivated to decorate and organize things, and old opportunities resurfacing – back to teaching. The shift was happening and accepted it and I chose to carry it into the next year. God said He would restore what was lost and I see that happening, slowly but most surely. Of course, my loved ones cannot be restored, but having strong extended family and loyal friends restores feelings of love, protection and support.

I am ready to claim EVERYTHING that was lost because God is a restorative God. What are you claiming?

For encouragement and motivation – Words for the year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019

55 Things – Monday Musing

July 22, 2019 by robincharmagne 10 Comments

Happy Monday. This week kicks off my birthday on Saturday. A LOT has changed in 5 years since I celebrated my last milestone birthday – primarily the passing of my Dad, Sister, and Brother and Mom’s illness. I still feel a sense of loss most days, but for the most part, I have adjusted to this new normal that seems totally crazy. And, I am thankful for another birthday!

One thing that hasn’t changed are the lessons I learned in 50 years. Nope, I am not creating a whole list of 55 more lessons, but I am adding 5 more things I have learned in almost 55 years.

LOL, it has been quite a ride to 55 and I keep learning and growing and being clear about what’s important. Some of it serious like being healthy – physically and mentally and some of it is just plain fun, like wearing white whenever I feel like it! I will see y’all in 5 years with 5 more things I have learned. What have you learned this year that is making a difference for you?

If We Were Having Coffee -Vol VII

July 12, 2019 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello Pretties,

Sipping on a delicious cup of Panera Light Roast, pretty flavorful but definitely a milder taste. I am so excited to bring back this feature on the blog today. In these super casual blog posts, I share the people, places, and things that have been on my mind lately. If we were having coffee…

I would tell you to watch The Black Godfather, the life of Clarence Avant on Netflix. With a ninth grade education, Mr. Avant was able to influence and connect people from all industries and walks of life. I mean including Presidents – powerful! I cried, I laughed, I cheered. It’s a worth a watch!
I would tell you, there is a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale up ahead! Plaid and Animal prints are popping for the Fall. This is great opportunity to snag new boots, hoping these pink boots are in the sale. And don’t forget to check out the Home department for some home decor steals!
I would tell you I have a slight earring addiction. Currently crushing on acrylic earrings, these, these and these. No matter your size, you can still rock a pair of stylish earrings.
I would tell you about the fun I am having posting positive words on my Instastories…#wordsmatter!! Follow my Instagram here.
I would tell you to start studying these 2020 Presidential candidates. Find which issues they “say” are important to them, e.g, women’s rights, immigration, education, health care, tax reform, etc. This election is critical, we have to make informed choices.

That’s all folks. Planning a quiet weekend, what are y’all up to? Have a good one!

5 Ways To Show Love

February 4, 2019 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

The Shutdown – Monday Musing

January 28, 2019 by robincharmagne 2 Comments

Hello pretties,

The government is open…well for a while. The whole thing is utterly ri-dayum-diculous; nonetheless, I am not here to talk politics, but to focus on the lessons learned from the Shutdown.

Lesson 1 – Save, Save, Save

You can never save too much. This situation was a wakeup call for everybody to have an emergency fund set aside. I get it, I get it, it can be super hard to save. But there are a lot of ways to save money, a little a time. The famous 52 -week challenge is a great place to start. Here’s a great visual to help get you started.

https://www.lgfcu.org/pf-category/spending-and-saving#52-week-challenge

There are other easy tools like apps for your phone. I use Qapital, which I posted about here.

Lesson 2 – Everyone Can Help

Just about every one of us knows someone impacted by the Shutdown. Offer assistance to friends/family impacted, which does not have to be money per se. You can offer to take a family a meal or purchase gift cards for gas stations, grocery stores, or drug stores. Offer baby sitting services for a night out for stressed out parents.

Lesson 3 – Get Involved

Now, I said I was not going to get political BUT we have to get involved. We can not just vote and walk away. Contact your local representatives and tell them what actions you would like to see our elected officials take regarding this shutdown. They need to hear from the citizens that put them in office. Call, email, fax or send letters to members of Congress to tell them you support federal workers and want them back to work with pay and backpay as soon as possible. You can find U.S. Representatives here and U.S. Senators here.

I hope we all learned something from this situation but more importantly, I hope this issue is resolved in a way that makes sense. We, the people, should never be held hostage at the whim of the government. It just isn’t right. Save, help, call, let’s all do our part.

What are your thoughts?

graft – Sunday Brunch

January 14, 2019 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

Hello pretties,

A good Sunday afternoon includes brunch! So when your sorority sister, says come to brunch, you say I’m on the way. I had the pleasure of brunch at graft, right outside of Atlanta in Grayson, Georgia. Now this spot was quite a haul from my house, a one hour and five minute trek. And, needless to say, I worked up an appetite. As I drove up to this little house, my first impression was oh this is cute and unpretentious, this food is going to be good.

Easy parking in the rear of the house and it’s free. I later discovered this home is one of the oldest in Grayson. You sort of walk up on the porch adorned with rustic decor which leads to the entrance of the restaurant. A pleasant gentlemen seated us and even moved us closer to a window when we requested to change tables.

graft is a farm-to-table restaurant that partners with local farms to provide fresh ingredients. Of course we love that.

Our server suggested we start with the trio of deviled eggs with beet, house pickles and jalapeño jam. It was a little sweet, a little tangy, and crunchy and just the right portion for a starter.

For my brunch entree, I chose the breakfast burger which is a biscuit with a fried egg, carmelized onions, jam and a side of fries. I can’t believe I ate the whole thing, savory and full of flavor.

For desert, the server recommended the banana bread. The brown sugar butter was sweet but not overly sweet, a nice complement. It was so good, I took a piece home a late night snack with a good cup of coffee.

It is a rare occassion that everything you order on a menu is just scrumptious, but I savored every bite. We even got a chance to talk with the Chef/Owner about the menu and working with local farmers, she was clearly passionate about the food being prepared and presented at graft. It was well worth the drive and I highly recommend this restaurant for Sunday Brunch.

How far would you drive for a good meal?

Spring Cleaning – Yeah It Is Spring

April 24, 2018 by robincharmagne 8 Comments

Hello pretties,
Despite the roller coaster of temps and even snow for some of y’all, Spring has sprung which means it is time for Spring Cleaning. Real talk, if you are like me, you have been indoors, binging on Netflix and chillaxing, well our homes could probably use some attention. I put together a handy dandy checklist of a few activities to get your house spiffy for Spring, take a peek……

News in Travel – Let’s Go

February 22, 2018 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hello,
The temps are getting warmer and Spring Break is right around the corner. You know what that means, it is time for travel. But before you pull out the suitcase and the sunscreen, you need to know about some changes that could effect your travel plans. Take a peek at these tips for domestic and international travel……