Monday Musing

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.

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!

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?

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?

REBOOT – Word For 2019

January 7, 2019 by robincharmagne 24 Comments

Hi pretties,

Another year all fresh and new, don’t you just love it? Whatever happened or did not happen in the prior year does not matter because we can start anew with these 365 days. Some folks just tweak or improve on what they did last year and some people like me are rebooting, yep restarting.

Sometimes you need to just shut down and then start over. With the unforeseen events of 2018, I did shut down. After my twin brother passed away, I did not do a whole lot of anything, except work and that was because like everyone else, I need to earn a living. Not much shopping, dining, traveling, crafting, sorority, nothing. I did not leave the house very often, nothing interested me and I settled into a deep sadness.

Of course I went to grief counseling which helped tremendously, but I still had anger towards God for taking my brother. I decided He and I needed to have a meeting. In order to hear from God, I think you need to be close to nature, so I visited the mountains of the Arizona desert (travel post coming soon). Beautiful setting to walk each morning while having this important conversation. I cried, I laughed, I yelled, and then I got quiet. I asked why. I wanted to know what is the purpose of so much death and dying in one family? As I looked around I heard God say, that is the circle of life, you live and you die. It is really that simple. I shed the anger and thanked God for each day and said it is time to get back to life.

Image: personal, The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Arizona

After my trip, I was much more accepting of the “whys” of everything and I decided I would start over in 2019. But then a little fear creeped in, until I ran across a series of videos about the life of Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, or Coco Chanel as we all know this icon of fashion. Did you know she restarted her fashion house at age 71? And, today, Chanel is still a profitable and sought after brand. If she could do it in her 70’s then so could I. It is never too late for a fresh start.

I am glad to be back in the saddle and doing the things I love, like writing blog posts and I am ready to share more fashion inspiration, home decor ideas, and travel topics. I am excited about 2019 and everything it holds. This reboot is going to be epic!

What is your word for 2019? Have you ever started over?

View Words for 2018 and 2017!

5 Things To Do For Your Birthday – Monday Musing

July 2, 2018 by robincharmagne 30 Comments

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!

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?

Who’s That Girl – Monday Musing

June 4, 2018 by robincharmagne 19 Comments

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…

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?

Photo:GDemeritte Photography

3 Lessons I Learned From The Royal Wedding

May 21, 2018 by robincharmagne 4 Comments

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?

5 Thoughts On Black Panther – Monday Musing

February 26, 2018 by robincharmagne 6 Comments

Hi pretties,
As they say, unless you have been living under a rock, you have either heard about or have seen, several times, the movie Black Panther. Crazy good, making $700 million at the box office and still counting. Yes, I have seen it and plan to see it a few more times and definitely in 3D. As a confessed nerd, I was ecstatic that so many folks who don’t really like action or superhero flicks really embraced this genre of movie. It was spectacular from start to finish but in between the car chases and epic fight scenes, I made a few observations on Black Panther, take a peek…
*Note: possible spoilers ahead!

My Thoughts

1. Family is everything, good, bad, or down right ugly. But, family secrets are the worst and create those “generational” curses that destroy familial bonds. We need to talk more and electric slide less at the family reunion – let’s address our stuff to make our families stronger.
2. You may not have vibranium, but if you know where they selling it, let me know…LOL! Everyone has resources, a set of unique gifts and talents – sewing, cooking, writing, speaking, etc. Do not be afraid to share all that magic with others, you will benefit just as much as the receiver.
3. No matter what the world says, there is no one definition of beauty. The Dora Milaje warriors were simply stunning. Learn to embrace and appreciate your own beauty and define your own beauty standards.
4. My Mama says this so often, “You don’t know who will give you your last drink of water.” Don’t burn your bridges, you don’t know where your help will come from. Perhaps from an old CIA pal or the so fine dude from another tribe, M’Baku, he could save me any day of the week – I digress. Don’t hold grudges, forgive and move on.
5. We need wayyy more, a lot more women in technology. That fabulous technology in Wakanda was created by Shuri, a woman. Our young girls need to see these images. Heck all women need to see more images of women in technology fields. If you are interested in a tech career or learning more, checkout Women Who Code!

I LOVED THIS MOVIE. #thatisall

Have you seen Black Panther? Yes? Let me know what your thoughts about this movie and T’Challa’s fine self, oops digressing again. If you have not, I’ll go with you!!!