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55 Things – Monday Musing

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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.

5things_birthday55_robincharmagne

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?

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

If We Were Having Coffee -Vol VII

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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…

  1. 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!
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. I would tell you about the fun I am having posting positive words on my Instastories…#wordsmatter!! Follow my Instagram here.
  5. 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!

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

Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport – Staycation – Let’s Go

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Hi pretties,

Staycations are super easy for quick rest and relaxation getaways without spending too much money. Over a fun filled Memorial Day holiday weekend, I did another staycation. These weekend hideouts are becoming routine for me and I fully endorse taking time for yourself. For this stay I chose a location outside of the city but with a familiar brand – Hotel Indigo.

The Backstory

Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG family of brands. I would categorize these as boutique hotels with unique decor that is vibrant, colorful, and inviting.

I staycationed with this brand before at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Vinings. My stay at this pretty as a picture hotel was satisfying with excellent service and unique decor that celebrates the neighborhood history. My experience at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport was equally good…take a peek.

First Impression

Both of these locations are fine hotels, but the room at the Airport location was fairly plain. Except for the vintage looking photo graphic on the wall, the room was not a standout. But frankly, I was looking for a comfy bed and a good restaurant, the Airport location scored big on both fronts.

The Winning Touch

The icing at the Airport is the decor, which I would describe as modern chic. A fancy room is of course a bonus, but am a big fan of commercial interior design and this hotel is definitely a winner.

Lobby – these ottomans!
Two of these please and thank you
Comfy and inviting in a soft color palette
So simple but makes a big statement

The Deets

  • Location – close to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and Downtown Atlanta
  • Vibe – not too loud and bouncy
  • Price – moderate less than $200 a night
  • Room size – generous and easy to navigate
  • Amenities – basic – restaurant, business center, gym, and pool
  • Internet – free
  • Miscellaneous – allows pets $75 fee

The Verdict

Both hotels met my needs for a staycation. My main complaint if you will with Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport is the air conditioner was hella loud, really loud, woke me up in the middle of the night loud. That was annoying and impacted my sleep. My other concern was housekeeping. I left my room at 6:30am for an appointment on Saturday and when I returned after 12 noon, my room had not been serviced. On a positive note, the hotel staff was pleasant and helpful. And, the restaurant food and drinks were delicious, be on the look out for an upcoming restaurant review.

I would probably stay at Hotel Indigo Atlanta Airport again, it’s a pretty hotel with really comfortable beds and good service. Hotel Indigo is a hotel brand I recommend without reservation.

Are you planning a staycation this summer?

robincharmagne

Snakeskin – Try The Trend

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Hey pretties,

Snakeskin is making a huge splash in fashion right now. Y’all know I love a good trend and this is definitely a fave. Snakeskin makes a bold statement and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Today, I have hand picked some of my favorite things in snakeskin…take a peek

Is this not an amazing print? Now, conspicuously missing from this collection is clothing items because let’s be honest, snakeskin is a lot, it’s extra. However, these items are easy to incorporate into your wardrobe without feeling overpowered by fashion. Also, if you are wondering about how snakeskin print will work in different seasons, no worries, it is a season-less print.

Bonus

If this print is just too much to wear, add a piece in home decor. Snakeskin is so versatile in the home for texture, color, and character. It’s a triple threat.

I am ready to get a piece of snakeskin for spring or summer. Have you seen this trend and how would you wear it?

robincharmagne

Candytopia – Let’s Go

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Hello pretties,

Candytopia is coming to Atlanta and I am excited about being invited to the media sneak peek next week. I am not sure what to expect but I have heard Candytopia is colorful, interactive and Instagrammable! Oh and made of candy, yes you read that right candy. I will have a full review after the sneak peek, but until then, here is more on the installations and how to get tickets…

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The Shutdown – Monday Musing

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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?

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