Showing posts with label Charlene. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charlene. Show all posts

Friday, February 15, 2013

What a Girl Wants…


We all dreamed that one day our Prince would show up to save us, but who are you kidding- FAIRY TALES ARE NOT REAL!

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Yesterday was Valentine’s Day and some of us had to endure the smooshy, whooshy, hearts, and candy everywhere, while others were content to be alone. I, myself am taken, but my co-conspirator on this post, Heather is single and loving it. But, this post is a collaboration for men out there to learn the inner workings of a woman or better yet, just how to get the girl and keep her.

Photo courtesy of tumblr

We decided that February 15th was the best day to post this, the day after Valentine's Day. In this post we will discuss "how to keep the girl" and "how to get the girl".

Why today and not yesterday... here is why:
  1. There was a strong chance you spent it alone, if you are single.
  2. There was that slight chance you did not meet your significant other's expectations.
Chapter 1: How to Get the Girl by: Heather

Now being the single, 26 year old that I am, I've been asked out in lots of different ways...


Here is my list of ways NOT to ask a girl out:

1. Don't throw a note at her with boxes to check! You know the one: Do you like me, check yes or no.
     a. It's rude to throw stuff at us and run.
     b.  It proves that you're chicken.

2.  Don't have a friend of yours ask her out for you! Whether it's a "wing-girl" or "wing-man".
     a.  It's pretty annoying to have strangers approach us in bars, especially two.
     b. Again, it proves that you're chicken

3.  We live in a Social Media filled world, I get it, but if you see her in person usually, don't use Facebook to stalk her or ask her out.  As endearing and nerdy as it is... if we didn't meet each other in a chat room then don't ask her out in one.

4.  Don't be that guy that stalks her where she works either.   IT'S JUST PLAIN CREEPY!

5.  Don't get sloppy drunk and think about asking her out.  If you have to be drunk, then you probably shouldn't bother asking.

Here is my list of things to do to lead up to asking her out:

1.   Find a way to get to know her... NOT by stalking her! Go on a group outings: a party, a dinner, a movie...

2.  Once you've gotten to know her a bit through conversation: Ask for her number.

 * At this point, it's perfectly acceptable to friend request her on Facebook and remember... Don't go through and like every picture on her page! She sees that! Just pick your favorite and like it.

3. You can now call her and get to know her... and even ask to hang out with her via phone call or text.
Now, at this point you have the opening to ask out on a date.

THINGS TO KNOW:

1.  For a first date, choose something that is going to make you both comfortable.  If you're not comfortable being in a really nice restaurant dressed to the nines, then don't start off with that.  If you're not comfortable then we won't be comfortable.

2. Don't assume that you can kiss her on the first date, some of us don't roll like that and the last thing you want is to be shot down for the first kiss.

3. Do be yourself, if your awkward and nerdy, then be awkward and nerdy... We like it when you are genuinely yourself.

WHAT'S NEXT:

1.  If you guys had chemistry, if she's still talking to you, then enjoy hanging out.  

2. Don't put to much pressure on each other to label things, just continue to treat her like she's the most special girl in your world.

3.  Keep being thoughtful, respectful, and if you can keep us laughing and smiling! We're probably hooked.

4.  Don't let things get routine! Keep up the surprises! Keep that dating feeling!

5.  Communicate.


Chapter 2: How to Keep the Girl by:Charlene

Now that you may have the girl; it is time to look at how to keep her. What gives me the insight, you are asking... Well, I spent about 1/2 of my life running from doomed relationship to doomed relationship. I am 30, now and boy have I learned a lot in the past few years. I took time to discover who I am. I took time to see what I wanted out of a relationship and no longer found myself at this intersection of "Lonesome and Hardup"!

Property of Sassy Trash

My first kiss, my first boyfriend was at 17. Before that, I had other things on my mind. I thought relationships were overrated. I was a free spirit looking to experience life and at that time boys were the last thing on my mind. Looking back, I regret nothing, but there are a few things I would change, if I could.

Side note: I will not name any names of the exes in the next few paragraghs... so all my exes you can breathe easier, your identity is safe. If you do know who or what I am talking about, keep the comments to yourselves! :0)

Today at 30, I like to believe I have found happiness with Joseph. I believe that after all this time he truly makes me happy! So, enough about me let's look at how to keep a girl!

1. Females are a complex creature. You may even think that we speak a different language and you are right, we do.The little things matter the most to us. "That time you stopped the car, when I was staring out the window wanting that shot of the sunset"- that let's me know you were listening. That can mean more to me then a dozen roses sent to my office on Valentine's Day. One is an unexpected gift and the other is an expected gift.

2. We appreciate the small things, but we are woo-ed by the big surprises. Our brains operate on different waves. Whether we admit it or not we are sensitive and every little thing affects us in some form or fashion. I personally am not a materialistic person. I am independent and at times the hardest thing for me is to admit I need help. And you know what guys, a lot of women are like that! Pay attention if your woman seems different or distant in anyway... ask her what is wrong! If she is not ready to talk, just let her know that you are there when she is ready. Also, if she tells you something is wrong, don't take it and make it out that you have a problem, too. Let her have her moment and then, you will get yours. Communication is the key!

3. Guys, open your eyes... how to keep your woman is to make her to fall in love many times, but the kicker is to make sure that it is with you always and forever. I have been in relationships where I could not wait to break free, because the person I fell in love with was no longer the same person. I am not saying that you have to stay the exact same (I mean we are human and we are constantly evolving), but what I am saying do not lose your identity. 

4. Don't get this rule confused with #3. There is a difference and don't go through the rest of this post saying I am contradicting myself! This is very important: Do not change who you are because someone decides that you would be better without "this" quality! When they fell in love with you, they fell in love with ALL of you! 

5. Ok, the biggest thing that is a relationship "ruin-er" is seeing where friends come in and interfere. Guys this may not be a football game, but in life, interference is not a good thing either. I have had 2 relationships that ended because of that, when I first started dating. I have, even, had many friends to come to me and say the same, too. Guys your "bros before hoes" motto, needs to go! Whether your "bro" is a dude or chick... majority of the time, your bro's "beaver damming" is jealousy! True friends will understand why you are spending a little more time with someone that you are attracted to. The craziest thing I ever have heard was where a girl, had to synchronize with her boyfriend friend's girlfriend's schedule to hangout with her boyfriend. ALL I COULD SAY TO THIS IS, WTF? So, now that we understand that hanging with the "boys" is cool, but getting "some" can be a lot cooler! Guys if it is a female friend that it beaver damming you, more than likely she does not like just being your friend... she wants more! Yes, it is true 95% of the time, she has wanted to be with you. and that is why she does not like your current girlfriend or the previous. The other 5% is because she does not want to share being the main female in the spotlight!   

6. Technology is the devil! Put down the gadgets!!! If you have a beautiful girl in the room, give her attention or she may start giving someone else attention! Simply put: play with your toys, but not all the time!

7. Don't forget that you may be "long term", but you have to keep it FRESH! Have date nights, do things like when you first started dating. Be adventurous! Joseph and I, attend concerts and go to music festivals! We probably take more vacations than a normal people in a year.

8. Don't just have "wham bam thank you ma'ams"! Discover your partner and new things every time. Chemistry/ sex is very important! You have to keep it new... DON'T MAKE EXCUSES-- JUST DO IT!  


9. Romance... you do not have to be a total Casanova or Romeo all the time, but every once in awhile is nice. It keeps us on our toes! Pace yourself small: start once a month and then step up your game to twice a month and so on!

10. When I first started dating Joseph, I would race to open my own door and what not, but looking back it was because, I had never known chivalrous behavior from my significant other. So, whether she fights your actions or accepts it... keep it up, she will come around and appreciate it!   

11. Remember relationships are a two way street. If you have given your 110%, but your partner hasn't... it is time to take a step back and reevaluate the situation and vice versa for her! I spent 80% of relationships where I gave 200% and knew I needed to leave, but could not find ways to leave... don't fall victim to feeling stuck! No one is happy in those situations!

12.  And the most important rule... relationships are hard work. If you are not ready to clock in and do work, stay single!

Well, we hope that we have enlightened you. We hope that you take the advice and apply it to your current love interest and get that girl and keep her! 
Good Luck!

Here is a little bonus lesson:
Photo courtesy of Facebook






Monday, February 11, 2013

Party Time... Mardi Gras King Cake



I love New Orleans. I love the culture, the food, and the atmosphere. Life in New Orleans is so laid back and you can walk the streets with alcohol (Heaven on Earth... haha). Last year, we visited NOLA and I fell in love.

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

 
Group of musicians in Jackson Square

 Up close of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

The city is alive with music day in and day out. The streets are immersed with creativity and the architecture and monuments are amazing. 

 Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop

Joan of Arc Statue


New Orleans Live Music

The first time, I experienced King Cake was at the French Market, and it was love at first bite! 

So, in honor of Fat Tuesday which is tomorrow, I am going to show you to the best of my ability an easy recipe to kick off your Mardi Gras. We will be making an "easy" version on Mardi Gras King Cake, yum!

King Cake is a delicious dessert, usually in the shape of a ring. The icing are in the traditional Mardi Gras colors. Each color represents a meaning of the Mardi Gras spirit: Purple- Justice, Gold- Power, and Green- Faith.

King cake is such a versatile dessert.The cake itself is a danish like consistency. In a King cake, you can have many different fillings: cream cheese, pecan praline, lemon, stawberry, blueberries, or just a plain Jane with nothing. Today we will do an cinnamon dough with a apple/ cream cheese filling.

This recipe will take approximately 30 min. So, preheat those ovens to 350 F and let the baking fun begin!

Prep Time: 10 mins... give or take
Cook Time: 15-20 mins... depending on your oven 
Total time: 30 mins... to be on the safe side 
Shopping list: 
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese 
  • 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup Applesauce
  • 2 cans of crescent rolls 
  • 1-1/2 cups Confectioner's Sugar 
  • 4 Tablespoons Milk or Cream 
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract 
  • Purple Green Food Coloring and Purple, Green, and Yellow Sugar Crystals
  • Bundt Cake Pan
  • Butter Flavor Pam
  • Small Plastic Baby

Prep: We are going to begin this by making our filling. First allow your cream cheese to soften. Make sure that it is at a consistency for easy mixing. Take your cream cheese, applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until well blended together (almost creamy, spreadalbe texture).




  
 First mixing...                              Almost There!





Take the bundt cake pan and spray it down with your PAM! Your oven should already be preheated to 350 F. 


Here is the fun part! Pop open your crescent rolls. Take and separate the triangles, sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on the dough. Line the bundt cake pan with the crescent roll triangles. Press the overlapped edges together to make a solid ring. 














Take the yummy filling that you made and spread around the ring. Don't forget the baby! Just randomly place it amongst the filling. Take the dough from the center and fold it toward the outer edge. 


Tuck in the edges and press the edges together... Put it in the oven and bake till golden brown (15-20 mins, give or take). Cool it, to room temperature. 



Making the icing, you will take the confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and milk/ cream (I personally use Almond Milk... I am lactose intolerant), put all into a bowl. Whisk until the texture is smooth. Add more milk/cream if necessary. Now take the icing and divide into 3 separate containers if using food coloring. Add 2 drops of each food coloring to each bowl.

Take the frosting either into a pastry bag or use a spoon to drip over the cake in large stripe sections. Take the sugar crystals and sprinkle over appropriate color. Let it sit for an hour for the icing to firm and serve!

Remember whoever finds the baby, must supply next year's King Cake or throw the next Mardi Gras Party!
Now give me some beads!

-Charlene ;)

Side note: You do not have to make a Cinnamon Apple King Cake. You can replace it with anything. Be creative, be daring... do something out of the norm! Enjoy!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The Female MacGyver: Jane of All Trades


My name is Heather.... and I do it all.

I've got a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in Painting and Drawing, I also do quite a bit of Printmaking and DIY.   Everything is pretty much relative.

I am the Reconstructionista... I love looking through fashion magazines and replying with " I can Make That & I think I Shall".  
 I love makeup, skincare, and learning about the ingredients in them.  You want beauty at a bargain....I can share tips and tricks with ya, you want tutorials...I got that too...

I am Squirrely Doodle Ink!:  I reconstruct, repurpose, reuse, recycle, upcycle and create accessories.  I print my own fabrics and design and create one of a kind accessories: Messenger Bags, Clutches, Scarves...you name it... I can make it.





(These are just a few samples)

I'm a lot of things wrapped up in a tiny package...

You wanna know what I'm up to....


 Like me At:
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Follow Me on Twitter:

I believe that Beauty is not inherent, but it is Cultivated and Created. ( I said that )

Monday, February 4, 2013

Small Town Girl, Dreaming of All the City Lights


I guess this is where I give an introduction of myself...
My name is Charlene!

I am that girl: creative, passionate, joyful, and artistic. I want all that life has to offer and more. I found out a long time ago: "you make the path to your future," and that is, what I am doing everyday! I was born an army brat. Spent most of my life in Alabama and then moved to Albany, GA back in 2003. I love to paint. I am currently working on my Bachelors Fine Arts degree in Art Education with a minor in Photography from Academy of Art University. 


Yep, just that girl: 1/2 of Sassy Trash Organics & Art (All natural, some Vegan approved products and ART), 1/4 of Reconstructed Curiosities, Dreamer, Optimist, Music Collector, Music Festival Go-er, Shutterbug, Child at Heart, Roll Tide Fan, Baker/ Chef, Adventurer, Painter, Poet/ Writer, Blogger, Geek in Disguise, Tattoo Addict, Flea Market-er, & Collector of Unique and Odd Things.

I went through phases, as we all do, while growing up... I have been a punk rock kid, I have been a raver, but what I am now is just ME! It took a long time to discover who I was and every day I am learning more and more about me. 


Passions: Pitbull Advocacy, Volkswagen, Aspiring Business Owner, the Vintage and Retro, Laughing, Life and Living it to the Fullest, Dressage Riding, Upcycling, DIY Projects, Anthropology, History, Psychology, Humanitarianism, Traveling, Joey (my love) & Dancing. Yes, this girl loves to DANCE!


Favorite Quote: “I like too many things and get all confused and hung-up running from one falling star to another till I drop. This is the night, what it does to you. I had nothing to offer anybody except my own confusion.”
― Jack Kerouac


Motto: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
― Oscar Wilde

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