Don’t forget to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! Winner announced this Friday.

The very lovely Blond Duck herself of A Duck in her Pond has interviewed me over at her blog today. If you haven’t already, I highly suggest you take some time and go through some of her whimsical and edge-of-your-seat writing (a must read is her “Wings” series: I look forward to each installment every week!). I’m also very proud to call this native Texan a friend. I always anticipate emails from her in my inbox and she’s been extremely helpful where writing and blogging are concerned. I only wish we lived closer so we could have long conversations over sweet tea and pumpkin pie (or whatever magical combo might work well).

If you have a moment, do say hello to her and tell her Charlotte sent you. And if you’d like, you can read my interview here.

Thanks again, Duckie! XOXO

Don’t forget to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! Winner announced this Friday.

“Charlotte’s blog actually reminds me a bit of Sex and the City… In both you get to witness the dating trials and tribulations of a curly haired vixen in New York while she figures out how to handle herself after the crushing bust-up of a long-term relationship.”

Girlfriend has clearly done her homework since she knows I am the proud owner of a mess of curls. And sometimes the not-so-proud owner of a Jew-fro, depending on the season.

It seemed only fair that I give Teresa a bit of a shout-out here today as a thank you for crafting such a sweet and thoughtful post. Please check out her Take With a Grain blog and like her on Facebook.

Have you ever reviewed someone’s blog at random or has anyone ever reached out to you with a review of your blog before? This does get the wheels in motion for me. I would love the SITS girls to review my blog, but I don’t think they are accepting any more submissions. Maybe I can run a series here where bloggers can review their favorites. Not only would we discover some new reads, but we can read about what works, what doesn’t, what could use improvement, etc. What do you think of this idea?

Hello, my sweet ones,

Since I started blogging in October of 2009 my life–and my blog–have undergone some very exciting and unexpected changes. I never knew where this journey would take me but I’m pleased that 200 posts later I have developed some wonderful relationships with so many of you and have gotten to know you on such a unique level. For those of you who have reached out with support, kind words, virtual *hugs*, a raised glass, a sympathetic ear… I simply cannot ever thank you enough.

But I’ll try to come somewhat close.

I reached out to Shabby Apple not too long ago after drooling on my keyboard and clicking through the many dresses, accessories, skirts, and swimwear they had available on their Web site. I have also entered just about every Shabby Apple giveaway I have seen posted at the homes of many of my favorite bloggers because I am just obsessed with their clothes. OBSESSED, PEOPLE! Their dresses are stylish, sexy, sophisticated, and perfect for spring/summer. I love the whimsical feel of the Mad Hatter line, the elegant shapes and earthy tones of the Yosemite dresses, the off-the-set-of-Mad-Men styles in the Skyscraper collection and this. THIS DRESS. The Che bella maxi.

Or this one, the Da Vinci. Pretty much anything from the Roamin Holiday line is bellissimo.

But enough about what I would purchase. Today, I want to give thanks to you.

One lucky winner of this giveaway will receive a $50 giftcard to Shabby Apple to use on anything their little heart desires. But choose carefully; there are quite a few stunning pieces in this collection.

Leave a comment for each entry and one random winner will be drawn next Thursday (winner will be announced Friday 5/18). My Pixie Blog readers are eligible for a 10% off coupon for anything from Shabby Apple for one month–just enter coupon code mypixieblog10off at checkout. I have already decided that I will also be purchasing myself a little somethin’ somethin’, now that warm weather beckons and a closet full of sweaters needs to make way for a cute new spring dress (or two).

The reason I bring him up now is because I realized he stood in the way of my ability to fully enjoy a location that is a convenient 14-minute PATH train ride away from my home-away-from-home, midtown Manhattan. This tiny square mile city is rich with history (Frank Sinatra began his career here and the game of baseball was invented on the corner of 11th and Washington) and it boasts many adorable shops, great restaurants, and well-kept parks with sweeping views of the city. It is also now home to the TV show The Cake Boss, a bakery that perpetually has a line that stretches around the corner with out-of-towners hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous cake maker and try a cannoli (personally, better pastries are to be had in several of the other local authentic Italian bake shops in town).

It would appear that I have a very special relationship with Hoboken. And it’s not so much that I ever really hated this town, but my love for it waned when the aforementioned long-term relationship crumbled and memories were bitter reminders of what once was. A large part of me wanted to escape the painful moments I remembered when I ate in certain restaurants, when I walked down familiar streets, when I bumped into acquaintances we had mutually befriended.

And then Bryan happened. And I felt stuck here, in a town that held pieces of that other him, the one I never wanted to see again and the one I hated to think about.

Over the past few months, Bryan and Hoboken have waited patiently until I was ready to accept them both in my life again. I began eating in new restaurants and seeing the parks in a different light; creating beautiful memories I never once shared with that other him. Bryan and I enjoy a stillness in this town I have never experienced with anyone else before and it’s something I appreciate on a much deeper level. Walking hand-in-hand and looking at pieces of jewelry at the Art and Music Festival this past weekend and buying artwork that we signed together is something that means more than I could ever adequately express.

I’ve learned a valuable lesson in all this. The ghosts in our past are not meant to harm. They can guide us to true happiness if we just stop fighting and begin to live again.

The beautiful images used in this post were obtained via a Google search of Hoboken. If you click on each one, you will be directed to the owner’s site.

A few weeks ago, I signed up to be a part of an A-list celebrity campaign though I didn’t know who the celebrity in question was. I tried to rack my brain and think of all the available men in Hollywood, but since I had you pegged as “in a relationship” with a certain Ms. Kunis, I kept you out of the running.

And then last night I’m told it’s you. And you are seeking HIGHER planes of consciousness. *giggle*

And you’re dressed as a hippie.

*swoon*

I totally get what you’re saying. It’s a freak show out there. But as someone who has been on more dates than I care to remember with more weirdos than I care to think about, it’s refreshing to see someone approach it all with a sense of humor. I wish you all the best in your dating endeavors on World Wide Lovers and think you’ll have much success.

Some advice: Fall for someone who is much more than just a pretty face. Don’t wait too long to text/call her back if you like her. And for God’s sake, please pick up the tab on the first date.

So tell me, do I have an innie or an outie?

This post is sponsored by PopChips.

In those early days of the 80s, I was exposed to the Beatles, Janis, Hendrix, Creedence, Moody Blues, Fleetwood, Ray, and Supertramp (their Breakfast in America album remains one of my all-time favorites).

The other day I was reminded of the many greats I never had the chance to see in my lifetime (all four members of the Beatles, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, James Brown, and Amy Winehouse, to name a few). And let’s face it: there are quite a few musicians whose health worries me and personal problems could mean the end of touring forever.

With summer just around the corner, I really want to purchase some more tickets. So far it’s just Phish and Old Crow Medicine Show. Sadly, Florence and the Machine sold out in minutes flat, a show I really would have loved to see. And so, without further adieu, the ones I need to shake my tailfeather to, before they (or I) kick the proverbial bucket.

* Prince. I dunno what it is. His magnetic stage presence. His lyrical masterpieces. Or the enigma that follows this pop icon turned strange symbol. But I must see him. Maybe because the only live version of “Purple Rain” I’ve ever seen was accompanied by a vacuum solo (see: Phish).

* Rolling Stones. One of these members is sure to kick the bucket and then another will smoke the ashes of the bucket kicker, but before any of this happens, I must get in there. But not at the price tag their tickets are selling for now. Hit me up if you have a connection, ya’ll.

* Paul Simon. Okay, so maybe he’s not in danger of imminent death, but one just never knows these days. Also Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints are two albums I’d love to take with me if I were ever stranded on a desert island.

* Jimmy Cliff. Just because he’s the man. I think I’ll have the chance to see him this summer when he plays in Brooklyn.

* Aerosmith. I still find Steven Tyler sexy. Not enough to watch American Idol, but he’s always exuded a certain kind of charm for me. This is a show I’d have to take my mom to. Apparently she also has a major crush on the man who dresses his microphones up with scarves. Not weird at all, right?

I’m sure there are others, but my brain is partially fried. If you had to make a musical bucket list, who would you choose?

Several months ago, I revealed the details of the time I may have gone out with a serial killer, effectively dodging the greatest bullet ever. He may still be out there, trolling the internets, so beware of the Irish author with the facial tattoo! Anyway, the very lovely Simone has allowed me the chance to post over at her blog today and I can’t thank her enough. You can read my very creepy guest post here.

Additionally, my very dear friend Nicole has recently started a new blog entitled Disturb the Universe. Not only does her blog have a kickass title, but she is a rad, smaht chick and I’m fascinated by the concept behind her latest endeavor. As a professor, she has devoted her life’s work to the art of learning, and she hopes to inspire others to follow along on her journey. Here is her blog’s description:

“This blog is intended to chronicle my spiritual journey of growth and acquisition of knowledge through my own studies of metaphysics, theosophy, philosophy, and anything else that strikes my fancy, as well as the exchange of ideas with like-minded individuals. Please feel free to share this blog with others, as I believe we can all learn and grow together through idea-sharing and respectful debate about these complex ideas. All are welcomed to offer their insights here.”

Visit Disturb the Universe, follow her on Twitter, and “like” her on Facebook. You can tell her Charlotte sent you and you may get a virtual high-five.

And with that, I’m signing off. Happy weekend to you all! What are your plans?

A few of you have asked if Bryan and I have had any more conversations about the proposition I made a few weeks ago. Though we have recently discussed the possibility of him moving in with me a bit more openly, including our thoughts, fears, and desires, I refuse to push. There’s no reason for that. We are in a good place and are enjoying our time together. Part of me worries that the honeymoon will come to a complete stop the moment we share a laundry basket. Though sometimes I do get wrapped up in the idea of waking up to him every morning and having someone there to kill spiders, I’m not sure I’m completely ready to part with the remote and cook for two just yet. Basically, I feel equal parts ready and scared shitless. I wonder if that will eventually dissipate.

But there is a sense of relief since I told him I would like him to move in. I’m proud of myself for being so honest in this relationship, which is something I’m not sure I would have been able to do without someone so patient and understanding on my side.

I know Bryan is thinking about the logistics of this move, too. He’s already contacted a friend about a position that would bring him closer to my neck of the woods and he’s been looking into the parking situation in Hoboken (which is always problematic on our overpopulated streets). He’s also asked me where in the hell he’ll put his shoes (it appears mine take up much of the real estate in my shoebox apartment). These gestures show me the move is something he’s thinking about, too.

This past weekend he surprised me with something I’ve always wanted (I can’t help it; it sings to my inner nerd). It’s an antique Underwood typewriter from 1917 and it’s just gorgeous. A part of me wishes I had somewhere nicer to put it, but for now it has made a home on the tiny Ikea table I have set up in my living room.

And since I haven’t posted any pictures of my sweet one in awhile and we actually took a pic where we’re both smiling, I share with you one that was taken by my aunt on Passover. I felt it was time to update the picture on Facebook where we’re both half naked after our polar bear dive in February.

Please accept my humblest apologies for not being as present on your blogs as I would like. You know I still love yas, right? XOXO

We’ve all been there before: gathered around a table in a new, chic restaurant surrounded by our closest girlfriends and celebrating in the news. One of your own is now engaged. You smile, you order another round of drinks for the ladies, and you think back to what seemed like just yesterday when your friend announced she had met someone new who made her swoon.

And now, one by one, the girls turn their attention to the ring itself, examining the cut, style, and diamond, while expressing words of adoration.

If you’re like me, you don’t know the first thing when it comes to engagement rings and you may find yourself feeling slightly uncomfortable when placed in this situation. “Sparkly!” doesn’t seem to fit the bill, even when accompanied by an expression of wide-eyed wonder. I also have the tendency to throw together random engagement ring-type words to form the most awkward sentences imaginable. “So, what is that? A solitaire diamond princess cut carat?”

In an effort to appear like less of a bonehead, I realized I didn’t have to wait until I was confronted by such a strange predicament. I could educate myself on fine rings by purchasing one that holds great meaning. For myself.

Enter The Ah Ring, the first and only diamond ring made exclusively for single women. Designed to be worn on the pinkie, this ring celebrates being available (“A”) and happy (“h”), and it’s an elegant piece of jewelry any girl would love. Featured in O, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, The Ah Ring has been worn by such A-list celebrities as Tyra Banks, Kate Hudson, and Anne Hathaway to name a few. What makes this ring special are the eleven round full-cut diamonds, totaling .21 points, set in a beautiful modern 14K white gold band. (See? I learned a thing or two about jewelry after all).

What I love above all else is that this is a gift I would be happy to buy for myself (and really, why wait for a man to do the picking?). Called the “sexiest thing since the stiletto,” The Ah Ring is a way for single women to celebrate their independence. It’s also perfect for women who are not single and consider themselves “Attached” and “happy.”

Finally. An affordable ring we can wear around town that we purchased for ourselves. Because sometimes it’s nice to wear something sparkly instead of staring at someone else’s finger for a change.

Interested in learning about The Ah Ring? Go to Divine Diamonds to find out more!