I Bet We’d Get Along Just Fine

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I adore Miranda Lambert. This is probably the song that led to that admiration. She gets it. And this song is a pretty good description of me, I think.

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TEDxCLE – The Maker Class

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I have the pleasure of working with a fabulous combination, sometimes known as Hallie and Eric, but also known as shark&minnow and the co-founders of the fabulous TEDxCLE event. I wanted to go last year and was unable to make it but this year, the calendar is marked and I can’t wait to attend.

So what’s TEDxCLE you may be asking? TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Three of the subjects that are constantly shaping our future and our day-to-day life. The national TED event has featured entertainers, creatives, scientists and event a former President. TEDx stands for independently organized events. TEDxCLE celebrates innovation, creativity and the arts, hope for change and inspiring Cleveland to be better each and every day.

And today, this year’s TEDxCLE speakers were announced. Some of the highlighted speakers: Lolah Brown (singer who is currently touring with John Legend), Josh Taylor (VP of Brand Strategy and Development at TWIST Creative) and Genna Petrolla (marketing professional). These are just three of the 13 fantastic speakers that will be featured this year.

Mark your calendar for these important dates: March 19th at 9am – tickets for TEDxCLE go on sale (this year’s event will be at the Cleveland Museum of Art). Tickets are $30 and this year’s event is sure to sell out like last year’s. Next day to mark: Friday, April 20th – the actual TEDxCLE event. Visit TEDxCLE to learn more, watch some past speakers and read the bios of this year’s current speakers.

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Is this Cleveland?

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Charlene Ann

Where were the blizzards? The piles and piles of snow? The ice storm we have every year?

This may have been the BEST winter ever in the CLE. And I am totes not complaining about it. I loved this winter. No getting stuck in snow. No ice storm causing my little Delonte to slip and slide all over the road (note: Delonte is my little Scion tc, who I probably just spent my last winter with).

Sunday was an absolutely perfect day in the CLE. The sun, the warmth. It just smelled like spring in Cleveland. I opened up windows, did some spring cleaning, did a little day drinking (not much due to Saturday’s all day drinking girls fest) and prayed that this weather will be sticking around.

Sunday was a day that completely reminded me how Happy in CLE I am. How about you?

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This Week’s Episode

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Charlene Ann

of the A&C show (as it should be called)…

Another hilarious week of conversations with The BFF. Topics (in just one 30 minute phone call) included:

1. My choice in men
2. His career path
3. Me trying to convince him to take up speedskating again (mostly so I can get free stuff)
4. Arguing over what season of Dancing with the Stars Apolo Ohno was on (won this one)
5. Arguing over whether or not the US Nationals in Speedskating were held in Cleveland that same year (I lost this fight)
6. Discussing who Julianne Hough is dating or has dated
7. Dawson’s Creek
8. Singing the Dawson’s Theme Song (we sing this pretty well)

9. Me trying to convince him to come out for St. Patrick’s Day like the old days
10. A quick political conversation

Completely typical. And made my week just a little bit better.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode.

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Fabulous Friday: Some Good Advice

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Charlene Ann

This Fabulous Friday is dedicated to the one and only Dr. Seuss.

No one gives advice like Dr. Seuss.

No one.

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Who Doesn’t Heart Katy?

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I can’t help it. I play this song on repeat. Often. But seriously, who doesn’t love Katy Perry? And how can you not love this song?

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MS Awareness Month

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Charlene Ann

March is National MS Awareness Month. As someone who MS has affected, I only feel it’s right to share a little about the disease. For those of you who don’t know, The BFF has MS as well as a couple other friends and a close friend’s mom. So I know all about MS and have for 11 years now (which is absolutely crazy to think).

So what’s MS? Multiple Sclerosis is a disabling disease that affects the central nervous system. There are different types of MS (4 to be exact) and the symptoms for each person are completely different but can range from numbness, loss of vision, issues with balance or paralysis. Essentially the body attacks it’s myelin in the brain, forming scar tissue.

There’s no cure for MS. However, there has been a lot of new research and new treatment options. When The BFF was diagnosed, he really only had a few options and they were all medications that had to be administered through using a shot. Now, he can take his medication orally. Here in Cleveland, new research as the Cleveland Clinic is making strides in helping to stop the symptoms of MS and hopefully one day find a cure.

To learn more about MS, visit The Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society. Let me know if you’d like to get involved with the Society or would be interested in making a donation!

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Being a Grown-Up

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Charlene Ann

Recently, I had a great conversation with a great friend about people who may be “adults” by definition but have not truly “Grown-Up” yet. Through the conversation we came up with some criteria that I think help to define what it really means to be a “Grown-Up”.

1. Understanding your limits and responsibilities. What comes first in your life?
2. Having priorities and keeping them. Whether that be time with friends, family or work.
3. Ability to be alone.
4. Having a career, not just a job. And if you don’t have the career you want, spending time to achieve it. Not expecting others to give it to you.
5. Being financially responsible and living within your means. Having savings. Knowing that sometimes you can’t go out every night if you don’t have the money.
6. Respecting others’ money.
7. Not sweating the small stuff. Seeing the big picture.
8. Understanding the value of friendships. And not letting them go.
9. Doing things you really don’t wanna do (like go to bed at a decent hour when you have a big day at the job).
10. (In my opinion, one of the most important) Respecting others and their feelings. Being honest and truthful. I think this also means that you understand how you make a person feel.

What am I missing? Do you know anyone in your life that, by definition, is an adult but hasn’t really grown-up yet?

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Mad Men and Women

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Charlene Ann

I’m an Advertising and PR girl.

Which almost automatically means that I love the show Mad Men. LOVE. And am so excited for the upcoming season. I’m counting down days. (Okay not quite but I know the premiere is close).

So when I saw that Banana Republic has a Mad Men line, my heart immediately skipped a beat. And then I started browsing and can I just say, I need someone to buy me these clothes. The perfect mix of classic and trendy. Timeless really. Add some fun accessories and you have the perfect work outfit. And guys don’t worry – they have you covered too.

A few of my faves:

(this is my fave and will be in my closet this Spring.)

Go out, grab your best Mad Men outfits and prepare for the premiere on the 25th on AMC! Enjoy!

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A Low-Key Weekend

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Charlene Ann

Exactly what I needed. After the hectic-ness of Jump Back Ball and the ups and downs of the past weekend, all I wanted (and needed) to do was have a low-key weekend. And that is exactly what I did.

Had a few drinks with friends on Friday. Cleaned my house. Rearranged a few things. Had new pictures put into frames. Visited with the fam. Shopped a little. Did laundry. Watched a couple of movies. Went to the gym. Napped. Spent some time on Pinterest. Blogged for the week.

Yes, not as busy (or as social) as usual weekends. But absolutely needed. I relaxed which is very rare. Dealt with a few things I needed to. And now I’m ready for a busy week ahead (including the AAF Chili Cook-Off, dinner with friends and hopefully some Happy Hours).

Ever need one of these types of weekends?

Now, if you’ll excuse me….I have The Black Keys playing, a glass of Pinot next to me and my copy of “Bossy Pants” awaiting me.

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