If there was an over-packer anonymous group, I could be the President.

It doesn’t matter if I am going for a weekend or a two-week trip, I always over-pack and still never have the right thing to wear. So, if you are getting ready for a honeymoon or a girls’ weekend, I have no advice - except that you will wear half of what you bring, you will buy something wonderful to wear at your destination, and you will repeat your favorite outfits.

When we travel to Florida - I bring the classy outfit to wear to my parents club, the perfect jeans in case I run into any old high school friends, work-out gear, cute short sets, and find that I live in my bathing suit, cover-up, pajama sweats and a tank top. I have been known to pack several different strapless bras because each one works with a different top. It is a disease. The hysterical part is that I actually plan, and it takes me an entire day to pack because I organize my shoes, purses, jewelry, and of course, my ChaChaBella rings!

Experts tell you to roll your clothes, in order to save on space and wrinkles. You can even watch “How to Pack” on You Tube, which at least makes me feel like I am not alone. I have decided when I travel to Paris in the spring, that I am only bringing black and white clothing. This will reduce my purse, shoes, and jewelry options freeing up luggage room for my future purchases. It may be boring, but I will be practical. I am sure no matter how neat and organized I am anyway, my luggage will get chosen by security for further inspection, thus messing up my tidy bag.

Don’t even get me started on toiletries. I am a health and beauty junkie - so I have product for curly hair, straight hair, lotions for this and that, different sunscreens, makeup for day and night, nail products, and then all the regular everyday must have items. As you know, this doesn’t fit well in the one, little plastic bag approved by the airlines if you are carrying on your luggage. This is just another reason to drive, yet that doesn’t work well when traveling overseas. So, I have had to modify by going more natural, and hoping the alcohol consumed by others and myself will make me look better! *Tip: A ChaChaBella ring on your finger always makes you feel confident and in style!

If you can relate to my over-packing and always spend time on your trip, re-organizing your suitcase, drop me a line at s@chachabella.com so I know I am not alone!

Did you hear the screams?

I recently went bathing suit shopping and did my best to not cry at the image in the fluorescent three way mirror. I believe it is a conspiracy to bring the bathing suits out in the middle of the winter before you have lost the holiday weight, gotten your spring bikini wax, and started applying tanning crème.

I know you all have been in this predicament, looking for a bathing suit before your spring break trip, yet your body isn’t ready for this event. I am still hiding under bulky sweaters and looking forward to the arrival of the Girl Scout cookies!

It doesn’t matter if you are a size 0 or a plus size, trying on bathing suits is our own worst nightmare because we are all self critical. I love that some boutiques have heels in the dressing room. Yes, they do make my legs look longer but I won’t be wearing those at the pool club or on the beach. Perhaps, if I was taking a trip to Vegas, they would be appropriate, but for now, I’ll have to use the wedge flip flop or (gasp!) go barefoot, which doesn’t elongate anything!

I haven’t worn a bikini since I was in my twenties! I am a tankini girl thanks to my two beautiful children. I also prefer the halter top to help lift my breasts up. So, right away my choices are limited. My friends love the bikinis and can order them right from the Victoria Secret catalog. Sure, they may have to return a few for being see-through or lack of coverage, but they have so many choices online and in the stores it makes my head spin.

Like most of you, I have figured out a few brands that work well with my body type and concentrate on those. I need two types of suits, one to wear in a lake for boating activities (dark color and not as pricey since may get ruined more easily) and then one for sunning at the pool, which can be prettier and more flattering since I am not covered in life vest. It seems crazy that something so thin and small can cost so much, but per wearing, I guess it works out. At least, that is my cost-benefit rationalization, as the more expensive ones always look better on me.

Whether you shop at bathing suit specialty shops that let you mix and match sizes, department stores where you can bring in 25 suits at once to try on, or discount stores where you can sometimes pick up steals, I suggest bringing a friend.

ChaCha brides and ChaCha girls need a female companion to remind you that your smile is the best part of your body and to stop obsessing over the way the suit makes you look!

Let me know your nightmare bathing suit story, and you will be entered to win a ChaChaBella Friendship ring to help you feel better.

Suzanne Taylor, Contributing Blog Writer
s@chachabella.com