Naughty or Nice?

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Charlene Ann

I love Christmas. Everything about it. The lights. The shopping. The excitement from all my friends’ kids.

And one of my most favorite things about Christmas? The music. The week of Thanksgiving I started to bring out my favorite Christmas albums and create the perfect playlist (this year on Spotify).

Of course, I bring out the classics. Mariah. Faith Hill. Bing. N’SYNC. A Charlie Brown Christmas. Josh Groban.

And this year, I’ve added two new albums to my list. First and foremost, one of my most favorite artists: Michael Buble. I’ll take a moment for us to all swoon:

And now to move on. Michael Buble’s Christmas album has been on repeat for the last couple weeks and I can already tell it’s going to be a yearly go to. Enjoy:

And now onto my next new favorite which has caused me to be judged for weeks at work. Judge me. I like it. It makes me happy. Cheers me up on my bad days. Yes, it’s the Biebs.

Go ahead and laugh.

But listen to this and tell me you didn’t smile and bob your head a little bit. I’ve also included the Pentatonix (from the Sing-Off) version of Mistletoe. Which is one of my favorites – that’s right….Shorty with you.

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December Already?

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Charlene Ann

This year flew by, don’t you agree? I cannot believe it’s already December. The BFF’s birthday is coming up, followed by a ton of family birthdays and than before you know it Christmas and New Year’s.

I love this time of year, despite being a complete hater of winter in general. I love the first few snowfalls, then despise every one after that. I love all of the holiday specials on TV and have already DVR’d quite a few of them (including: A Country Christmas, Michael Buble’s Holiday Special and all of my favorite movies). I can’t wait for a snowfall where I’ll be home, curled up with hot chocolate, watching some of these.

I say this now…until I have to drive in this:

On another note: almost time for a four-day weekend – yes, I’m taking Friday and Monday off…any suggestions I what I should do?!

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Little Week in Review

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Phew – what a week! This has been one of the longest weeks I’ve had in a while but overall…it wasn’t that bad. Mostly, I’m just tired. But I cannot believe that it’s already December. Where did the year go?!

Let’s just review this past week: got promoted (officially an Account Supervisor – yay!), spent a day and a half with a client, hung out with some AAF Cleveland peeps at our December event (which featured “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” – a must see for ad people), went to the annual PRSA Cleveland Rocks Awards and was able to spend some time catching up with friends.

After a quiet Friday night though, which I completely needed, I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend. Hanging with the best friend (female, not male) and spending the day Christmas shopping – our new annual tradition. Going out for dinner and drinks somewhere new (location TBD). And spending Sunday finishing my Christmas decorations and watching (from home) the Browns game. All in all, should be a pretty fantastic weekend.

What’s on everyone’s agenda for the rest of the weekend in the CLE?

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Fabulous Friday: ‘Tis the Season

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Being an advertising girl and a complete sap, I love holiday commercials. Seriously, some of them make me sob. I know, it’s ridiculous. But everyone once in a while a great ad comes along that just makes you smile.

The one from John Lewis below is one of those. From the little boy, to the song to the way time seems to stand still for him: it’s perfection. Especially in a season when it becomes all about what we are getting, rather than giving, this ad hits it right on the head. It’s better to give than receive. Enjoy!

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Take Me Away

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Charlene Ann

This year I didn’t really take much vacation time, which highly disappointed me. I’ve decided though, 2012, a vacation is going to be a must. I’ve started to narrow down my list and look at times/options, but need some seriously opinions. Here we go:

1. Denver, Colorado. Colorado is one of my favorite states. I’ve been to Colorado Springs plenty of times, and Denver twice. Both times for weddings so I’d love to go back and actually vacation. Plus, one of my closest friends just had a son and it’d be great to visit with him and his family.

2. Dallas, Texas. I heart Texas – obviously…I’m a country girl. Plus, one of my closest cousins and his wife live in Dallas so it’d be great to spend time out there (his wife is an advertising girl too!)

3. New York, New York. This one is also obvious. An ad/PR girl who loves fashion…this seems like the perfect destination.

4. Boston, Massachusetts. Another pretty obvious choice. It just seems like a cool place to spend some time and relax. And shop.

5. Suggestions?!

So what do you think?! Any must-go locations? (note: I may be going to Florida in February for work, which I may turn into a long weekend/vacation…TBD.)

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Fantastic Faves

Posted on November 27, 2011 by Charlene Ann

I’m a music girl, in addition to being a word girl. Most days, while at my desk, music has to be playing for me to be as productive as I need to be. Very rarely does a long period of time go without music playing in my cube, in my car or at my house. Even when I’m getting ready for bed, I need some music playing to help me get relaxed and to sleep.

Here are my current most favorite songs that have more or less been on repeat:

I adore Faith Hill (and Tim McGraw). She’s gorgeous, a fantastic mom and wife and a great business woman. Jealous.

Florence and the Machine has totally grown on me the past month. I adore the Ceremonials album and this has become my go to for when I need to bust through some work. Perfection.

Daughtry…I didn’t want to like this song. But it’s grown on me and now I can’t get enough of it.

Really, there are no words. How can you not love this song and want to dance to it? Adore.

My favorite Kelly Clarkson song. I relate to this song in a lot of ways right now. No other reason really needed.

I heart Jason Derulo. One of many songs that I’ll occasionally sing to in my cube during a busy afternoon.

Of course, I have to have Adele on the list. She’s my go-to girl. No matter what my mood is. Yes, this is the “let’s all cry” song but I just love the lyrics and of course, her voice. Perfection.

One of my all time favorite songs. End of story.

What are songs that you play when you need to get work done?

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I Believe

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Charlene Ann

This saying…100%…Anyone else?

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Fabulous Friday

Posted on November 25, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Look at that – my first Fabulous Friday post!

Being the day after Thanksgiving, I think my first post has to be about all the fabulous things currently going on in my life that I’m thankful for – plus it’s a good reminder to me that even when things suck, there’s something to be thankful for.

So Fabulous things in my life:

1. Fabulous Family – who have supported every move in my life and encouraged me to take a risk and change careers.
2. Fabulous Career – speaking of, I love my job and have a fantastic work family. Yes, we fight occasionally but the fun that we have far outweighs anything else, whether it’s nerf gun fights, volunteering together, going to an Indians game or our morning trips to Starbucks (and the afternoon ones too)
3. Fabulous BFF – I’ll try not to tear up while I’m writing this but The BFF is one of the best things that I’ve received in my life. A constant support, laughter and therapy sessions, he’s always there for me – no matter what. Again, we’ve fought. But really, I can only think of one major fight. Our weekly phone calls are one of the things that I’m so thankful for. He’s seriously the best and a reminds me that he’s the only BFF I really need.
4. Fabulous Friends – Yes, I have a fantastic BFF but I also adore my friends, new and old. This year I’ve been so blessed to meet so many new people who I know get to call my friends. Whether it’s been hanging out at happy hours, tailgating or annual parties, I’m so blessed to have these people in my life.
5. Fabulous Home – another big decision I made this year – moving. And I love being in the city and so close to downtown (literally 5 minutes away from downtown).
6. Fabulous City – speaking of, I love my city. I’ve had opportunities to move the last few years but one thing that always keeps me here is this city. I love everything about it. The sports teams (even on their bad weeks), the restaurants, the traditions….Cleveland owns my heart.
7. Fabulous Education (preschool and on, seriously!) – I was blessed to have gone to private school my entire life and while some people may see that as a negative, it’s totally a blessing in my life. I still have so many friends that I went to elementary school or high school with. I’m very thankful for the education that I received.
8. Fabulous Servicemen –  Yes, as in the army, marines and navy. With so many friends that have served, every year I try to remember what they have given up for me. I’m so blessed to have known many of them so well and to have seen the sacrifices they have given up for their country.

So on this Fabulous Friday, what in your life are you thankful for?

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Thankful Day

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Charlene Ann

I realize that I have a ton to be thankful for and most of those things I will tell you about tomorrow in my first Fabulous Friday post. But today, I remember one of the things that every year I am thankful for:

Christmas Ale. Or Christmas Crack. A Cleveland tradition. 

I’ve found that so many of my out-of-state friends have no idea the beauty that is Christmas Ale. I’ll never forget the first time I had it. It was The BFF’s first annual Thanksgiving Kegger, featuring Christmas Ale. Hosted at his old place, which soon after was my place. It was a rare occasion where he was home for the holidays and we were all able to see him and spend time together (The BFF had a “career” that caused him to be out of the state most of the year). The annual party was always on Thanksgiving Day, starting around 8pm after we’ve all spent time with friends.

The first time I tried Christmas Ale, probably around 7:30pm that Thanksgiving while I was helping set up for the party, I was disgusted by it. Yet, I kept drinking it (mostly due to peer pressure from The BFF). After another glass of it, I was beyond happy and in love. After my third glass, I knew it was going to be my seasonal go-to drink.

Every year after that, our annual Thanksgiving Kegger featured Christmas Ale. Now that we no longer have the party, Christmas Ale still reminds me of those Thanksgiving Parties. From November until the last of Christmas Ale is sold, it’s my go-to drink. I always make sure to have some in my fridge during the holiday season and once it starts going out of stock, I make my annual trip to the various grocery stores to find the last few cases (I know I’m not the only one so don’t judge).

And now, Great Lakes Brewing Company has paired up with Mitchell’s Ice Cream to create a fantastic treat – Christmas Ale and Ginger Snap ice cream. If you haven’t tried it yet – you must! It’s delicious and will be a new favorite this holiday season. It’s pretty much Christmas in ice cream form, just like how Christmas Ale is Christmas in a bottle.

So Cheers on this Thanksgiving Day! Happy Turkey Day, ya’ll!

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Charlene Ann

Yay for PTO!

This week has been another whirlwind and it’s only Wednesday! What’s up with that? No complaining though. It’s been a wonderful week, starting with volunteering at the Cleveland FoodBank with coworkers. It was really a great way to start the Thanksgiving week. We spent a few hours sorting donations and preparing meals. If you have time, I’d highly suggest spending a few hours at the FoodBank.

Tuesday during lunch, I was invited to be a guest of one of my favorite Cleveland Bloggers – The Dawg’s Dish – to go to the Media Day Preview of Snow Days. If you haven’t been to Snow Days, you need to get there this winter. Jacob’s Field (I mean, Progressive Field) is transformed into a winter wonderland.

This year, Snow Days will feature unlimited tubing and a regulation size rink that will feature The Ohio State University against Michigan in hockey on January 15th. Snow Days is a fantastic family, fun event with plenty for everyone – ice skating, tubing and warming stations throughout the ball park.

If you are looking for something to do this weekend – be sure to head downtown. It’s Snowpening Day for Snow Days plus Winterfest! It’s the perfect weekend to enjoy Cleveland and our (least) favorite season!

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