Ms. Charm’s Chic Personals: Review of 2010 Goals

I’m not really into setting New Year’s resolutions. So, I do goals for each year.  For 2010, I had five goals. Did I complete them all? No.

Let’s review.

#1 Graduate from College

Me on my college graduation day (Photo taken by my Brother).

I graduated on time and within four years in May 2010! My last semester wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be, but I’m glad it’s over. It feels so cool to have something I’ve been wanting since I was 11 years old.

#2 Get a new job.

 

Job searching can very stressful in anyone’s life. Months and months of rejection can take a toll on you. I learned to keep the faith and just continued to apply. Thank goodness,  something came my way.

In November, I started a part time  job.

#3 Get a permit and go to driving school.

Unfortunately, this is the one goal I did not complete. Financially, it takes a lot to go to driving school and to get a car. I’m still saving up so I will complete that goal before I am like 30.

#4 Blog more often

I am so blogging more often! I blog for Ms. Charm’s Chic three times a week. I blog for ENVI Shoes five days a week.  I get to write my heart out about my favorite topic of fashion.

#5 Change up my style.

I wouldn’t say I completed this goal because it’s more of an on-going goal for me. I love to switch up how I look.  Unfortunately, I have not yet to learn how to sew and I haven’t given a DIY project a try.

If I had to give myself a grade for completing my 2010 goals, I would give myself a B-.

Did you have any goals for 2010?

Happy Holidays from Ms. Charm’s Chic to YOU

I think this will be my shortest post ever. I just want to wish all my readers Happy Holidays!

Cute candy cane Christmas Trees I brought (Photo by Paulette W.)

I will be back soon with all the cool things I got and I did over my holiday vacation! Also, I will be launching new things on Ms. Charm’s Chic in January 2011!

Ms. Charm’s Chic Tips: Gifts for Kids

First and foremost, I sometimes wish I were still a kid so I could get showered with toys and play all day.

Unfortunately, those days are over. I guess the next time I will be able to enjoy the fun of toys is when I have my own children (that shouldn’t be anytime soon).

Top Gift for Boys

(Photo from Toys R Us).

Boys love videogames. It’s the best way to keep your child occupied as well as keep their imagination running wild. Videogames come in all ages.

No matter how much a 10 year old wants to play the next Grand Theft Auto Game, please do not buy it for him because it’s rated MA for a reason.

Always pay attention to the video game ratings and always read the videogame description before purchasing.

Don’t be afraid of getting a videogame that the whole family can play because family time is always more fun with videogames.

Top Gift for Girls

(Photo from Toys R Us).

When I was a little girl, the only thing I really wanted every year was a new doll.

I was a big fan of Kenya dolls, whatever doll they showed on Nickelodeon a dozen times a day, and Barbie’s.

Barbie will never go out of style.Even when you are too old to play with Barbie’s, you can still keep them as keepsakes.

Barbie comes in so many different versions these days that you will find one that will work with your daughter’s interests.

Top Gifts for Boys and Girls

Bikes are awesome because they keep kids active, you can decorate them, and you can bike around with friends.

(Photo from Toys R Us).

Some of my best childhood memories are when I was riding my bike with my brother. I think every boy and every girl should have a bike sometime in their life.

Another Option: Kids may not like getting clothes as gifts as much as they do getting toys.

After a while,  they will realized that they are thankful to have these clothes because they could be running around naked.

Anyway, check out my Baltimore Shopping Guide for the best places to shop for children clothing.

Ms. Charm’s Chic Tips: Gifts for Him

Gifts that Keep Giving- Season Tickets to their Favorite Sport or Band

My brother holding tickets to WWE Smackdown (Photo by Paulette Wilson).

Most men like some kind of sport or band. Buying season tickets to his favorite sports team will make him happy 365 days out of year.

Whether he likes football, basketball, baseball, skateboarding, or even wrestling, there is some event you can get him front row experience to.

(Photo by Paulette Wilson).

Not into spending that much for tickets, just find out when his favorite band is coming to town and get him tickets to the show.

If you really want to make it a big Christmas gift, surprise him with tickets to three different shows throughout the year.

Gift Givens- Accessories (Hats, Watches, and Shoes)

Men really like watches, hats, and shoes.  As I mentioned in my Gifts for Her post, try spending your money locally.

A few Baltimore hotspots for men include PedX Baltimore, Gentei, VU SkateShop are just to name a few. Check out my Baltimore Shopping Guide for more places to go.

Tech Stuff- Give Him a Gadget

(Photo from Picsearch.com).

You have to get your man some kind of gadget. Trust me, I know. Some of the hottest things out there are Apple products like Ipads.

Just ask him what his interests are, you will find the perfect gadgets for him.

Again, if the person you are shopping for is way too picky, just give them a gift card or money.

Early Event Alert: Fresh! Boutique, Holly G Boutique & Ped X Baltimore

Fresh! Boutique’s Special Event

Fresh! Boutique is teaming up with the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland and Be Lifestyle Medspa for a glamour event on Thursday, December 16.

From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., customers can receive a complimentary Visia complexion analysis courtesy of the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland and Be Lifestyle Medspa.

Medspa specialists will also be providing information about the latest skin care and beauty treatments.

Also, you can shop for great holiday gifts at Fresh! Boutique!

Holly G Boutique Says Good-bye

I am sad to tell you that after five years, Holly G Boutique in Mt. Washington Mill will be closing their doors on December 24. Now until their closing date, all merchandise will be discounted 30 percent to 75 percent.

(Photo from Paulette W.)

Every time that I went there, Karmen was always so nice and always looked divine. I hope this isn’t the end of Holly G forever. It was a cute boutique that was cozy and made you feel like you were at home.

Get Your PEDX-MAS ON!

PEDX Baltimore has a huge sale going on now until Christmas Day. Take a look at the deals below:

*P.S. Come back tomorrow to see my gift giving tips for guys!

Ms. Charm’s Chic Tips: Gifts for Her

A Gift that Keeps Giving – Magazine Subscription

(Photo from Paulette W.)

I know you’re thinking why in the world would I want to give someone a magazine subscription as a Christmas gift? It’s a gift that will make a girl happy all year long because she will get coupons, freebies, and a good read.

One year when I was given a subscription to Elle Magazine, I received a $25 gift card from Elle to Express. Trust me, I never expect that to happen.

(Photo from Paulette W.)

Every magazine is like a coupon haven. Who doesn’t like to save a little bit of money on items you like?

Gift Givens – Accessories (Bags and Jewelry)

It’s a given that most women want accessories for Christmas especially bags and jewelry. Instead of spending your money on Tiffany’s, try spending your money locally.

I think it’s cooler when someone gives me an accessory from a local designer or boutique because you feel like you are the only one that has it. At the same time, you are supporting local businesses in your community.

Check out my Baltimore Shopping Guide for places to go.

Tech Stuff – Fashion for that Phone, Laptop, and Whatever Else

(Photo from Picsearch.com).

When it comes to technology, women always enjoy dressing up their gadgets. Tech accessories are the best gifts ever!

If the person you are shopping for is way too picky, just give them a gift card or money.

Weekend Catwalk: Federal Hill, Maryland Academy of Couture Arts, and Urban Chic

Federal Hill Moonlight Madness

(Photo from Federal Hill blog).

Today, shops like Whimsy boutique and galleries in Federal Hill will stay open until midnight for Federal Hill’s Moonlight Madness.

There will be carolers wandering the decorated streets.

Free gift wrapping as well as light refreshments in the Main Street Office (42 E. Cross Street).

Maryland Academy of Couture Arts -Open House

From Saturday, December 11 to Sunday, December 13, Maryland Academy of Couture Arts will have a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will be able to meet students and be able to purchase one of kind creations by their students.

A portion of all sales will be donated to the House of Ruth of Maryland. Gift wrapping services are available for a small fee, 100% of that fee will be donated to the House of Ruth.

Cool Urban Chic Contest

There’s a really cool contest going on right now at Urban Chic. It’s the “Show us your Urban Chic” photo contest. Just send a photo of yourself wearing your favorite Urban Chic item to katherine@urbanchiconline.com along with your name, city/state, and Urban Chic location where you purchased the item.

All entries will be posted on Urban Chic’s Facebook page! Finalists will be determined based on how many “likes” and comments they get. The final step involves having all finalist being featured on the Living Chic blog, where visitors will be invited to vote for their favorite.

What’s the big prize?

The winner will receive a SHOPPING PARTY with discounts for their friends, not to mention a YEARLONG DISCOUNT at Urban Chic!

Early Weekend Catwalk Alert: MICA Art Market

A Quick Announcement

Yesterday, I found out that one of my blog posts from Ms. Charm’s Chic got published in The Printed Blog‘s Top Sheet first issue! My blog post about the talented Baltimore designer behind Mirilovelove is featured.  Check it out here: https://www.theprintedblog.com/wufoo/TTSL1V1.pdf

MICA Art Market Starts Today

Time to get in that holiday mood with Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).

ANY CHARACTER HERE

Today until December 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Brown Center’s Leidy Artium and Falvey Hall lobby located at 1301 West Mount Royal Ave, MICA’s 4th  Art Market will take place.

ANY CHARACTER HERE

It’s a four day sale featuring  illustrations, paintings, prints, posters, sculptures, mosaics, stationery, T-shirts, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, book arts, toys, and wrapping paper designed and created by more than 250 MICA students, faculty, alumni and staff.

ANY CHARACTER HERE

Vendors will accept the following forms of payment: Visa, MasterCard, cash, and check. The greatest part is that admission to the market is free.

Ms. Charm’s Chic Updates: Recent Additions and Wiloh

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS

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I know that Black Friday was a few weeks ago, but some of my purchases finally have arrived. Charlotte Russe had an amazing sale on jewelry. You wouldn’t believe I got five new pairs of earrings for $3.00 each.

Pink Ice is a new shopping spot I love. I got a dress that I wore to Catwalk from Cause from there. So, I decided to buy two sweaters: one in green and one in blue.

Finally, the coolest purchase I made is getting some handmade Edge of Urge earrings from the talented designer, Jessie Williams.

LOVE Wiloh Eco Social Apparel

I can’t express how much I love people that give back in fashionable ways. A few weeks ago, I blogged about Wiloh, a great company that I truly support in any way possible.

With their “Tee For Tee” initiative, every T-shirt sale is matched with the donation of a specially-designed t-shirt to a child in need.

Last week, I was featured on their “Show Me Your Tees” post. I was so flattered by the comments they said about me!

I encourage you to buy a Wiloh shirt today because in essence, you are helping another human being’s life. There’s nothing better than that.

Weekend Catwalk: Holiday Heap, Merry Mart, & Urban Chic Holiday Coat Drive

Woo hoo! It’s almost time for Baltimore Etsy’s Holiday Heap!

On Saturday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Baltimore crafts will be at 2640 St Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21218, inside St John’s Church.

Crafters from Charm City and beyond will showcase their goodies for a huge crowd of crafty lovers to buy.

Who will be there:

Sweet Pepita

Spaghetti Kiss

Red Prairie Press

Pistol Stitched

Beth Pohlman

The Broken Plate Pendant Company

Elisa Shere Jewelry

Tigerlilly Shop

To view more vendors, visit the Holiday Heap page NOW.

Of course, you know that Holiday Heap is happening on Saturday, December 4. How about making your whole weekend crafty?

On Sunday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Creative Alliance at the Patterson located at 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD, 2122 presents Merry Mart.

Every gift you purchase is made in Charm City. Jen Menkhaus and Allison Fomich of TigerLilly Shop will host an amazing show with clothing, handbags, felt accessories, ceramics, soaps, kids’ toys, mixed media, jewelry, and great art.

Indie crafters from the Charm City Craft Mafia, the Baltimore Etsy Street Team (BEST), Highlandtown refugees, CA staff, artists and more from across Bmore.

Read more about the crafters and designers participating at Merry Mart on their blog.

Urban Chic Holiday Coat Drive

Now until December 8, Urban Chic is having a holiday coat drive.

How does it work?

Drop off a gently used coat at your local Urban Chic and receive 20 percent off of one item.

You can continue to save 15 percent off per item with each addition coat donation.

All coats will be donated to The Women’s Housing Coalition.