ChaChaGirls

2012-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

ChaCha Super Bowl!

It’s Superbowl time alright, but for me, the musical guests are what’s super-exciting. Is this a football game or a music concert? With Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and the Mega Madonna, I almost forget that the hype is about football. Even B.O.B. and the All American Rejects perform for the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam the Thursday night before the game.

Indianapolis won’t be the same for Superbowl XLVI (I have no ChaCha idea how to translate Roman numbers, that information flew out of my head when I graduated high school) with the rematch of the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The Giants took the title in 2008 with a 17 to 14 score, and the Patriots were the favored team back then. Now, it is any team’s game as this re-match wasn’t the expected turn of events. They are calling it a border war, since both teams reside in the NE.

All ChaCha girls unite with the sparkly pink football, tail-gaiting food, and the chance to watch Multi-Grammy award winner Madonna perform. She will rock the house at age 53! This ChaCha star gets better with age and her music will always be timeless. Kelly Clarkson just has to sing the words correctly, since last year Christina Aguilera flubbed a line in our national anthem. Hey, I am sure she was ChaCha nervous as she sang in front of the largest TV audience ever! If Kelly kept her cool on the first year of American Idol and won, this should be an easy event for her. Either way, two powerful women perform on Sunday, Feb 5 at 6:30pm.

Country duo and married couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will sing America the Beautiful before the game kicks off.

So enjoy your Patriot punch and your Giant guacamole and any other creative tail-gating food you ChaCha create. We always say, ChaCha girls make parties Super-events, so wear your team’s colors on a specially made ChaCha ring. Order now for the party or after the team has won...team pride is always ChaCha cool.

Tell me something ChaCha about your superbowl party, and I’ll enter you to win a ring of your choice. S@chachabella.com

2012-01-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

Think Pink & Fight The Winter Blues

As you take down your holiday decorations and bring your Cha Cha glitzy dresses to the dry-cleaner, are you having the post-holiday depression blues? ChaCha girls can step it up and create a reason to party during these winter months.

Let's copy Oprah's original favorite thing party, but throw a ChaCha curve to it. Have your friends bring their favorite holiday gift they received in December. Have each friend bring their gift and explain why they love it to a restaurant for lunch, or to your house if you are still in the mood to be
ChaCha creative.

You can type up a little invitation on leopard print paper and note that the words are from Sound Of Music's, "My Favorite Things" song.
Here's a brief sampling you can use...

Girls in black dresses with Spanx on their asses

Mascara that says on with no clumps on my lashes
Mani's and Pedi's and ChaChaBella rings,
These are a few of my favorite things!"

Please bring your favorite gift you received to share over cupcakes and cocktails at designated location.

My girlfriend and I threw this party before the holidays and had our friends bring their favorite item under $20 to be a Secret Santa exchange. But, the concept works great now too with some tweaking.

If at your house, you could have peppermint rimmed glass coffee mugs to mix your Bailey's liquor or hot chocolate in.

You can line your front door pathway with our favorite store's shopping bags and candles, setting the theme from the get-go!

A talented MAC user cropped Oprah into a picture of my girlfriend and I and we had table dedicated to her, with books, magazines, and trivia questions that we asked throughout the night. One guest brought complimentary hair certificates for everyone and we had a sound-alike Oprah contest saying,

"Everyone Gets One!"

This makes the party an event. ChaCha girls always take it to the next level!

Another simple idea is to grab a chalkboard or
dry erase board and write Winter Pick Me Up Punch on it or Winter Wonderland Water.

Have each girlfriend bring their favorite ChaChaBella ring and talk about the great spring colors you can't wait to order.

Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com if you have done a Favorite Things party and be entered to win one of my favorite ChaChaBella rings, the Annabelle.

2011-11-30T04:13:00.000-08:00

ChaCha DIY Holiday Projects!

If you find yourself cursing under your breath as you string lights – you aren’t alone!

Decorating for the holidays should be fun, and not stressful. Yet, many ChaCha women strive to find something new and creative to do with their old decorations. Recently, I was told about the website Pinterist, which shows amazing decorating ideas as well as day-to-day things like recipes, clothes, and do- it-yourself projects. Check it out and enjoy some of their ChaCha creative ideas!http://pinterest.com/

We all eventually love our end result, but getting there (with a few trips to Michaels Arts and Crafts in-between) seems to be the ChaCha trouble. So, I recommend this DIY project…drink white wine (or Perrier mineral water) and save the bottles! Remove the labels. Wrap the mid-section of the bottle with a silver or gold wrapping paper and then add a thin bow or ribbon around the paper. Add a taper candle to the top and you have created a lovely ambiance. If you have a glass cutter, you can also cut the length of the bottles to have varying heights. How fun, classy, and easy to do – that’s my idea of a ChaCha DIY project!

Another easy decorating idea is using candy as a filler for vases. Stick with a ChaCha color theme, for example white pretzels, white gumballs, white rock candy sticks, etc. You can fill in with marshmallows, sugar cubes, Epson salt, white/silver ornaments, and the fake snow also. A single color unifies and has a powerful effect. Of course, red is the season’s color with the cranberries, candy-candies, and poinsettias, would work great too. A hot ChaCha chocolate or smores station is always cute too in vases, Hershey Chocolate Bars, Graham Crackers, and Marshmallows, and loose Chocolate mix. Add some holiday mugs, and your guests will want to stay!

Please let me know about your latest holiday DIY project and you will be entered to win a handmade ChaCha Bella ring! Contact Suzanne at S@chachabella.com

2011-11-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

If you aren’t sure what to ChaCha say on Thanksgiving Day, I found this great prayer written by Scott Wesemann. During these difficult economic times, I find people more appreciative of everything. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and can find many things that make you thankful.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing

We're slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I'd like to take a few minutes more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited

Amen!

2011-11-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

ChaCha Girls love Pink, but is it OK for Turkey meat on Thanksgiving?

According to the USDA, The color of cooked poultry is not always a sure sign of its safety. Only by using a food thermometer can one accurately determine that poultry has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the product. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. And, the meat of smoked turkey is always PINK.

For more detailed information with all the ChaCha technical information, please visit
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/is_pink_turkey_meat_safe/index.asp

As you will read, there are many reasons turkey may be pink, so, please be safe, use the meat thermometer to ensure the temperature is 165 °F. More tips on ChaCha holidays. Coming Soon!

2011-10-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Don't let Halloween pass you by without creating something ChaCha fun with food!

Mom’s always say, “Don’t play with your food," but this is the perfect time to play, create, and of course eat with our fingers! I am not Martha Stewart in the kitchen and I don’t take on any challenging cooking task, but arranging carrots in the shape of a pumpkin - that is right up my alley!

My girlfiend told me about the Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies dipped in white icing to make ghost figures and I found these cute ones on a site by former art directors for Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings, Angie and Kristin at Blonde Designs.

I also love the idea of the Milano cookies used as tombstones with RIP written in black icing on them. Use them to be ChaCha clever in decorating your cake.

If you are into scarier shaped foods, then check out this gross website for ChaCha creative ideas using jello, brain molds, and a kitty litter them

e to highlight a few of their ideas: http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/halloween-party-food.html.

Who doesn’t want to devour crescent rolls made to look like mummies? I have also seen them twisted with an almond sliver at the end to look likefingers. Really, kids and adults will howl at the moon over these fun snacks.

If you have a unique Halloween treat you like to make, please share it with us and be entered to win a black ring of your choice. Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2011-10-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

At a recent football game, the players were all wearing hot pink socks with their uniform and cleats.

Gone are the days of whispering “breast cancer" - it is now front and center in society. Men wear "Save the Ta-Ta shirts," boys wear hot pink socks, and ChaCha women of all ages run/walk marathons to raise money. As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it is a reminder to get your mammogram.

Last spring, I had a scare with breast cancer and had to have a small lumpectomy to remove some cells. My results came back good, but now I have to be monitored every six months.

Some of my friends have not been so lucky, and have had mastectomies, radiation, and/or chemo treatments. More than likely you know someone who has been affected and can understand the reality of the situation.

The Granny of the owners of ChaChaBella had breast cancer and they now have a ring in her honor. In addition, they have a specific breast cancer charity ring called ChaCha for the Cure, where profits are donated to help find a cure.

More than 230,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 40,000 will die of the disease, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Department Secretary Kathleen Sebeluis said in a statement that regular mammography screening "can help lower breast cancer mortality by finding breast cancer early, when the chance of successful treatment is best."

So grab a ChaCha friend and schedule the mammogram. You can laugh afterwards about the awkward position and pressing strength. Be ChaCha strong and smile!

Send me your mamogram story and you will be entered to win a pink ring. I can be reached at s@chachabella.com

2011-09-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever left a speech or a program and been Cha Cha motivated to change the world?

Recently, I attended a presentation about Rachel’s challenge at my son’s middle school. Rachel Scott was the first person killed at the horrible Columbine school shootings in April 1999. In addition to Rachael, 11 other students and 1 teacher made this horrific event the deadliest High School massacre. The two killers were students who felt bullied, hated life, and were depressed. They ended up committing suicide that day. If this information is new to you, I know it is Cha Cha disturbing, so imagine my surprise that something so wonderful could come from such a tragedy.

There is no doubt that Rachel had those Cha Cha amazing qualities that were larger than life. She based her life on doing the right thing and making a difference. Her family has her legacy living on with Rachel’s challenge of starting a chain reaction.

I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.
- Rachel Scott

Upon Rachel’s death, the family found tons of notebooks and a paper she wrote about her ethics and code of life. You must ChaCha read this and embrace her compassion and passion for kindness.
http://www.rachelschallenge.org/LearnMore/RachelsEssay.php

I can’t put her life into words, but her actions are still speaking today. Anti-Bullying laws, kindness acts, paying it forward all stem from her challenge.

Please visit the entire website for more information and how to get involved at http://www.rachelschallenge.org/LearnMore/MeetRachel.php

As we approach the anniversary of 9/11, I can think of nothing better than showing kindness and Cha Cha compassion throughout our day, our lives, and to our family and friends.

If you have done a recent act of kindness, please share it with me to be entered for a ChaCha ring of your choice. Contact Suzanne at S@chachabella.com

2011-08-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Happy first anniversary to Lindsey Atkas and Henry Ambroseo!

The couple ChaCha celebrated the big day on August 7, 2011. As I approach the ChaCha milestone of fifteen years with my husband on September 7 (lucky #7!); I asked Lindsey what advice she had for new brides and she said, communication, communication, communication. In addition, I would also throw in that you can’t sweat the small stuff, in life and marriage!

Their wedding was at the Waterview, in Monroe, CT in front of 160 guests. Black ChaCha rings were made to match the bridesmaids dresses. Lindsey also has a brown and pink ring (or in ChaCha wording, yummy chocolate and pretty princess pink) named after her for ordering the first bridesmaid rings of 2010.

One of the best gifts that the couple received was a frame personalized with their names and wedding date from the Sandals St. Lucia resort, where they stayed for ten days over their honeymoon. They wake up and go to bed looking at the picture from one of their romantic evenings, and relive those great memories.

Henry and Lindsey met through one of her best friends, who ended up marrying Henry’s cousin. That’s another thing we have in common, as I married my cousin’s best friend.

The engagement was all Henry’s planning. He invited Lindsey for a day of shopping in NYC, and then they had plans for a ChaCha fun evening including a hotel in NYC, which was unusual, since they live close to the city.

The restaurant was where they had their first date, yet Henry didn’t eat much. He claimed he wasn’t feeling well. So, they headed back to their room and Lindsey was disappointed that their evening plans had fizzled, so she changed into her PJs since they weren’t going out now. Of course, Henry came out of the bathroom and said, I hope this ring makes you feel better. Needless to say, it did and they are doing ChaCha great!

Contact Suzanne at S@chachabella.com to tell me your favorite wedding gift or first year marriage advice, and be entered to win a Lindsey ring!

2011-08-03T12:24:00.001-07:00

What’s a ChaCha?

Recently, I was looking through my ULTA beauty magazine and saw an ad for Benefit’s ChaCha tint, a mango-tinted lip and cheek stain which is sheer and sexy for a tropical flush.
It retails for $29 at ULTA. This product started me thinking, what else uses the ChaCha name and what does it all mean? (See, my ChaCha blog inspirations come from anywhere!)

Did you know there is a search engine called ChaCha? It began in 2006 in Carmel, Indiana. The name ChaCha comes from the Mandarin Chinese which means "to search." One of their sources they use are ChaCha guides and this was the requirement: "ChaCha Guides are curious, professional, Internet-savvy people, just like you, who enjoy learning new things, sharing their knowledge with others, and being part of a fun, diverse community. Sharp minds are important, but you do not actually have to be a ‘know-it-all’ to be a Guide."

If I replace Internet-savvy in that description with fashion-savvy, girlfriend-savvy, and just plan super-savvy and you have a ChaCha girl!

OPI nail enamel has a color called Cha-Ching Cherry. This makes me think of a casino slot machine where you want three cherries in a row! That would be ChaCha lucky.

Now, who hasn’t heard of the famous ChaCha slide song and dance by Dj Casper:

To the left, take it back now ya’ll
One hop this time, right foot let’s stomp
Left foot let’s stomp, Cha Cha real smooth...

Heather aptly named her company ChaChaBella after her two sons, Chase and Chandler. The Cha from the beginning of each of their names and since she had two twin boys, she needed and wanted a little (ok, a lot) of femininity in her business. Hence, she added bella, which stands for friendships, beauty, and of course sparkle! And actually, in many Spanish speaking countries, ChaChaBella means Beautiful Girl – PERFECT!

If you have a product in your house that uses Cha or ChaCha in it, let us know and be entered to win a ring. Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2011-06-21T09:59:00.001-07:00

Before school was dismissed for the summer, a friend’s daughter had an interesting project.

She was supposed to go around her house and find out what country the products came from. Did you know Proctor and Gamble’s Bounce is from Canada, and GlaxoSmithKline’s AquaFresh toothpaste is from England? The funniest one I found is that my daughter’s three American Girl dolls were made in China! Now, that’s a ChaCha oxymoron!

Finding products “Made In America” can be a challenge, but now there are stores and websites that help you locate companies, brands, and products you desire right here in the Good Ol’ USA. Check out this site at www.stillmadeinusa.com to help you find a variety of products.

An article in the Daily News said that many of the generic brands in stores are made in America verse the national counterparts. So, not only do you save money, but you are investing back into the community. Of course, most people, including me, are going to still buy foreign products and goods because it is easy.

My intent was to draw your ChaCha attention to items you may use and consume by checking the label, and perhaps make a different choice and buy American. I had no ChaCha idea that so many products weren’t made in the USA, and as we approach July fourth weekend, it made me think about buying American and helping grow our economy.

ABC news and Diane Sawyer broadcasted a Made In America challenge since more than 60 percent of everything we buy is made overseas. According to her, if every family spent $64 more a year on American Goods, we would generate 200,000 more jobs.

Did you know that ChaChaBella rings and jewelry are assembled in America? So, go ahead and purchase a bit of ChaChaBella sparkle in honor of July fourth weekend, and your girlfriends will “ooh and ahh” over your new ring, in addition to the fireworks in the sky!

If you have a favorite “Made in America” product, send me the information at S@chachabella.com and you will be entered to win a ring in one of our patriotic colors.

2011-05-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

Summertime fun begins with Memorial Day Weekend, and ChaCha wants to know: Where is your ChaCha going this summer? Nothing says summer like boating and swimming, so I officially marked the season with my obligatory summer bikini wax. (I hope that isn’t TMI, but isn’t that what blogging is all about?) ChaCha girls scream, “No Pain, No Gain!”

The sounds of summer are important as we load up our iPods with catchy tunes. I am excited to kick off my summer by going to the Jimmy Buffett concert in Atlanta. I have been to many shows, and am definitely a Parrot-Head. So, in true ChaCha fashion, I went above and beyond with some “gimmicks” to

make the concert even more festive; I have a bowling game with pineapples and coconuts, flowery margarita cups, fun napkins, and goofy parrot hats! This year, we even rented an RV for tailgating. I am bringing some friends who have never been to a Jimmy Buffet concert before, and when I told them about the RV, they thought I was nuts! Imagine my joy when I called the local RV dealer and was asked, “Would you like the Jimmy Buffet special?” I said, “I do!” and quickly called my friends to tell them the news.

Boating and tailgating aside, Memorial Day is a great opportunity to thank our armed forces and be appreciative for our freedoms. We at ChaChaBella salute our veterans and all those currently enlisted.

Whether you attend a parade, grill out, eat watermelon or indulge in some ice cream, the smells, sounds, and tastes of summer are here! We hope you all have safe travels, and please take photos of you wearing your ChaCha ring wherever you go. Whether you are flying overseas or driving cross-country, we want to see that spark

le shine! The pictures you send us may be featured on our Facebook page, and one lucky winner will receive a free ring, so say, “ChaCha”

when you snap away! And if you’re looking for some ChaCha bling to take on your trip, we have beautiful red, white, and blue rings so you can be prepared with holiday sparkle!

Please send photos and a description of your location to Michelle at mk@chachabella.com and if you have a great Jimmy Buffet story, send it to me, Suzanne at s@chachabella.com to win a free ring!

2011-05-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, April showers brought more than just May flowers this year. Recently, the news has featured the devastation from the tornadoes that ripped through the South East, and one poignant scene showed some teenage girls crying over their lost or ruined prom dresses. Our hearts go out to all the families who experienced loss and were affected by this tragedy. Of course, losing a prom dress is insignificant to loss of life and to entire households that were demolished and destroyed, but any ChaCha woman can relate to how that simple loss, represents so much more than a dress.

The time and energy of finding the right prom dress, let alone the shoes, accessories, and of course date, is really a representation of the entire

high school experience and the hope of future successes. So, seeing these girls cry over their dresses is understandable! They were in mourning. But, as ChaCha citizens do, tons of prom dresses were donated to these hard-hit areas and watching the girls sort through the inventory was ChaCha exciting and inspirational.

Nowadays, dresses are sleek in black, deep purples and metallic colors. The days of Gone with the Wind pink and lace prom dresses that I wore, are totally out of fashion. Of course, some prom traditions never fade such as the limousine ride, begging to stay at a hotel that night with your friends, and of course the crowning of prom king and queen. One new tradition can be to wear a ChaCha Bella ring with your dress, to add that extra special sparkle to your outfit. Of course we know all ChaCha prom girls will already be glowing with excitement, and their sparkly smile is the best accessory! The rings can also make great girlfriend graduation gifts, or for a ChaCha teacher that really inspired you to be a better student and person.

Please share any special ChaCha prom stories, teacher stories, or stories of inspiration with me at S@chachabella.com and you (and your teacher if applicable) will be entered to win a ChaChaBella ring! Congratulations to the class of 2011 and our prayers go out to all those families affected by the tornadoes.

2011-04-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Did you check your horoscope today? If so, you might be lucky in love, need to plan ahead for a task, or swallow your pride according to today’s newspaper.

These generalizations are the basis for horoscopes, and it allows the reader to decide if it pertains to their day or not. All I know is that two of my really great ChaCha girlfriends were born on the same day (birthday twins) and that month/day must be aligned with my stars for me to have that wonderful ChaCha coincidence!

Horoscopes are one of the most popular systems of predicating the

future today compared to tarot cards, palm reading, numerology, and, of course, the classic crystal ball! The word “horoscope” comes from the Greek, which combin

es the word hora (time) and skopos (observer). Horoscopes are based on the stars as they appear in the sky at the exact time and place of a person’s birth.

According to the

positioning of the planets, astrologers claim they are able to read a person’s destiny based on the circles of the zodiac. There are signs above and below the line of horizon and in the east and west houses. Each house has a unique role and meaning. The houses in order of 1 to 12 are life, money, relationships’ with other people, relationship with family, relationship with children, health, marriage, death, religion, recognition, friends and then mystery. A full horoscope is based on time and place of birth, but general characteristics link all people under a certain sign. Sometimes those qualities are spot on and other times, they appear to have no relevance at all.

One of the ChaCha concepts I do like about birth months are the birthstones. According to Exodus 28:15-21, Moses commanded his brother Aaron to fabricate a breastplate covered in precious stones.

They were made of twelve different colors to represent twelve tribes of Israel and then each color was linked to the months of the year. Did you know you can order a ChaCha ring in your birthstone color or in the birthstone of your children? Each birthstone has characteristics associated to them, but that will have to be another blog as it is very detailed information! In case you don’t know your birthstone, here is quick recap in month order from January to December: Garnet, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Peridot, Sapphire, Opal , Topaz, and Turquoise. As we know, diamonds (April’s birthstone) are considered lucky and bring courage to men and pride in women. So, if you just recently received a diamond for your engagement, congrats! Or, if you are lucky enough to receive a diamond for something other than a wedding is ChaCha wonderful too!

If you have a great horoscope story, please share it with me to receive your birthstone ring on us! We love it when the ChaCha stars align in love or friendship. Email Suzanne at s@chachabella.com and share your story!

Happy Birthday to May ChaChagirls!

2011-04-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Pat me on the back, I recycled my plastic milk jug! As the famous astronaut Neil Armstrong said, “One step for man and a giant leap

for mankind”. Yes, I have been attempting to reduce, reuse

and recycle since my sister came to visit and shamed me into it. It really is easy to make small steps to do our part and somehow my new found enthusiasm also landed me as the Go Green chairperson at school. If you are going to do something, do it big! That is a ChaCha girl motto!

Saving the planet has been in existence forever, but the public relations awareness campaign kicked off with Earth Day forty years ago on April 22, and today it is strong all across the world. We all know about turning off the lights, shutting off the water, and recycling plastic and paper. But, did you know that you can recycle the aluminum foil off of a Hershey’s kiss? Like a true chocoholic, I can find a way to work chocolate into any activity!

Other food products that are great for the environment is the new Sun Chip bag. It composts on its own by week 13 as it is made from 90% renewable, plant-based materials. It does have to

be planted into a compost pile, so, it won’t disintegrate in your kitchen cabinet…that would be messy! Check out www.sunchips.com for more information about composting.

Another way to approach Earth Day (which is everyday), is if you are planning a Honeymoon or a girl’s trip, think Eco-Friendly vacations. I recently researched some Eco friendly places and I wish I could have a tax write off taking the actual trip - that would be ChaCha Fabulous! First off, when you think of Jamaica, there is a hidden gem that isn’t as commercial as the cruise stops and Sandals resorts. It is called Mocking Bird Hill in Port Antonio, Jamaica. The herbs for the spa are all indigenous and the food is all organically grown. According to Conde-Naste traveler, it is green-globe certified. I think that is like a Good Housekeeping seal of approval!

Another great country for eco-tourism is Belize, with the Xanadu Island Resort which has

golf carts for less pollution and organic shampoos. Olivia Newton John, star of the movie “Xanadu”, would be proud to call this place home! Belize has fantastic scuba diving with great coral reefs like her native hometown of Australia.

Of course, there are many great eco-friendly places in the United States too such as The Lodge at Sun Ranch, Cameron, Montana, where the elk run free, trout fishing and mountain views abundant, and the lodge was just remodeled using all recyclable material. Another choice is Inn by the Sea in Crescent Beach, Maine, which are cleaned with non-toxic green seal products, the gym floor is made of recycled rubber, and the pool is heated by solar panels. If you are into wine, check out Gaia Napa Valley Hotel, American Canyon, California as it is a 130-room hotel which deserves kudos for being the first property in America to be awarded LEED-certified gold. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

If you have done something eco-friendly that is above or beyond the call of duty or have taken a fabulous eco-tourism trip, let me know and you may earn one of fabulous Green colored rings! Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2011-03-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever won a contest? Well, newlywed Katie Terpstra wasn’t just lucky in love – she won ChaChaBella’s random drawing at GetMarried.com for a collection of wedding jewelry. Actually, her fiancé Chad had his name picked out of 15,000 entries making his bride ChaCha cheer! Not only did she receive for FREE five custom-made dark indigo bridesmaids rings with crystals and pearls to coordinate with their navy bridesmaid dresses, her mom received the Jecca ring and her mother-in-law wore the Daniela ring.

Of course, the bride had an array of beautiful baubles too. Katie worked with the ChaChaBella design team to create the perfect jewelry for her designer wedding dress by Maggie Sottero called the “Vonda”. She received a custom made crystal and pearl necklace and earrings that she ChaCha cherishes. In addition, she wore a ChaCha ring that was a simple cluster of pearls, and after her wedding, two of her best friends also wore it in their weddings. In fact, a couple friends getting married this upcoming summer are planning to wear it as well! Our staff loves this friendly new ChaCha tradition!

Katie and Chad met in a really funny way. One of her best friends set her up on a blind date...with Chad's room mate/best friend. As she continued to see his roommate,

she had met Chad a few times during the very brief time she dated his roommate. Soon after things fizzled with the roommate, Chad and she started seeing each

other everywhere from the gas station to the grocery store, at sporting events and at church. The ChaCha coincidence of random run-ins started to form a ChaCha crush that quickly grew into a life-long love.

The two live in Hudsonville, MI, which is only about 15 minutes from the Lake Michigan shoreline. In the summer, they go out to a private beach to enjoy the sun, sand, and water and gorgeous sunsets. One September evening, they had planned to go out to the beach to watch the sunset for one last time before the weather turned cold and Chad seemed a little "weird" that evening, but Katie didn't think anything of it. (We call this ChaCha Clueless!) As they walked along the beach, they came over a dune, and a line of roses stuck in the sand which formed a path to a huge white linen sheet that read "Katie will you marry me?" Her jaw dropped and she couldn't even speak. Chad was then on his knee with a diamond ring in his hand. He said a bunch of really sweet things that Katie can't remember for the life of her, but then he asked her to spend the

rest of her life with him, and of course she said, "YES!!!!!"

After dating for 7 months, they were engaged for just over 10 months before the big day on July 16, 2010 in front of 215 guests. Of course every wedding has a ChaCha moment, and Katie’s was after she had her hair and makeup done, she had to get into her gown. All the girls sat watching as her mom and mother-in-law helped her into her dress. This was a tough dress to get into because it had to be pulled over her head. They s-l-o-w-l-y inched it over her fresh hair and makeup and the whole time Katie was squealing with nervousness saying "I don't like this part, I don't like this part..." The photographer caught the expression on her face just as she came through the dress. ChaCha Priceless! All the girls laughed and cheered when they could see that she had made it into the dress without any damage to the hair or makeup! Obviously, that was ChaCha critical for the rest of the day.

Katie stresses for future brides to enjoy every minute of the day. The soon-to-be newlyweds told each other to "take a mental picture” throughout the day. She doesn’t think she’ll ever forget the mental pictures she took. As we all know, everything can’t be ChaCha perfect and one bummer was that Katie forgot to get a picture of her and her mom separately that day. I remember from my own wedding not getting a picture of me with my husband’s sisters. They weren’t my bridesmaids as I had my college friends, but Roy’s brothers were his groomsman and I kicked myself for missing that opportunity to have a picture with them, so I ChaCha sympathize with her. There’s no doubt that Katie got her picture taken with her sister-in-law/maid of honor because it is a ChaCha coincidence, that her name is Katie Terpstra too!

Newlywed Katie currently lives in Hudsonville, Michigan and works at Zeeland Community Hospital an Ultrasound Technologist, So, not only is she married to the greatest man but according to her, she has the greatest job too.

If you have ever won anything great, let us know and you can win a ChaCha ring just for your submission! Also, we love Katie’s engagement story. Brag on your fiancé or husband, as we love to feature the men who ChaCha charm their women, and you could also win a ring. Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com.

2011-03-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

Let’s just call it the Girl Scout Cookie Conspiracy. Right when you commit to your diet, well re-commit since your New Year’s Resolution only lasted a week, the cookies are everywhere. I am a total sucker for limited-time-only products and feel like I must take full advantage of them before they disappear. This doesn’t bode well for bathing suit season, which is right around the corner. As you are wrapped up in your parka, boots and scarves, the only thing the store’s display are flip flops and bathing suits. Never mind that I am white as a ghost, my toes haven’t seen the light of the day, and I am not even going to discuss the extra pounds that have ChaCha creeped up since Halloween, but bathing suit shopping is out of the question.

Everyone has a friend who has tried every diet in the world. They literally are professional dieters and can tell you the ins and outs of each one. I don’t diet. I understand the ChaCha concept: eat less food and eat food that’s good for you. The premise is easy, but sticking to the actual concept… not so much.

Just for kicks, I Googled “top diets.” I found an easy to follow chart at www.topdiets.com. It discusses Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach,

Jenny Craig, Hollywood 48 hour, Grapefruit, LA Weight Loss, Slimfast, Glucose Revolution, Master Cleanse, Rice Diet, Escape your Shape, Kashi Go Lean, Perricone Diet, Suzanne Summers Diet, Mayo Clinic, and there are also 40 more on the list. On this chart, only two received the coveted 5 stars. One was Glucose Revolution, which helps you eat foods that have a good glycaemic index, which helps your pancreas with insulin release or some other ChaCha technical wording. The other was the Mayo Clinic Diet which promotes eating a grapefruit with each meal to burn body fat. Now, to be fair, the Mayo Clinic diet only had one reviewer, so statistically some of the other diets with 4 ½ stars had more critiques and comments.

When looking at WebMD’s best diet tips, though I already knew most of them, I found them interesting, and it’s always nice to be ChaCha reminded. Let’s be honest, who hasn’t gone to WebMD for a major medical issue? They are the experts; I sometimes think my own doctors use them as a resource. Their top tips include drinking water and other calorie free drinks, concentrating on adding to your diet (fruits and veggies) verse taking things away, only eat when you are really hungry, choose good snacks, eat mini meals, eat protein with each meal, and add spices to meals when eating. But in reality they don’t address real life, like how I need a diet coke to get my ChaCha brain to function in order to help my son with his fifth grade math homework. Or if I am at the movie theater, I am absolutely Pavlov’s dog and must eat a bucket of popcorn and overpriced candy. And when meeting the girls for a drink at the local Mexican restaurant, just one chip isn’t going to cut it. Hence, I haven’t been able to shed the five to ten pounds that I desire to lose. But I realize my mistakes, so at least I am ChaCha smart.

So, when I do go bathing -suit shopping (only after I have been spray tanned, fully waxed, and am wearing my highest heels) I will be focusing on tankini’s (does that rhyme with martini’s for a reason?) to cover up my mid-section - unless I master dieting in the next two months.

If you have recently lost weight with a great diet plan, send me pictures and details. We would love to reward you with a ChaCha ring of your choice! You deserve a “Yay ME!” shout out. Contact Suzanne at S@chachabella.com to be entered.

2011-02-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Seriously, What’s a sixpence and why is it in my shoe?
All brides know the saying:
Something old, something new
Something borrowed,something blue
But did you know the last line is ….
And a silver sixpence in her shoe!
Once again, if I ever knew that line, my memory has failed me and I have no recollection. Now, like most brides, I followed ChaCha tradition and did what I was told and had something from every category. At the time, fifteen years ago, it seemed of the utmost importance and I am sure I agonized over it for weeks. Now, I can barely recall what they were, except that my garter was University of Florida Gator blue!
I don’t even know if knew why I was wearing something from each category, except for the fact that this was just bridal protocol. I didn’t question it or disobey, I just was the dutiful bride checking things off my to-do list!
Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.
As for the ChaCha colorful item, blue has been connected to weddings for centuries. In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the color. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, "Marry in blue, lover be true." Personally, I like this one by an unknown author: “When you meet someone who can cook and do housework – don’t hesitate a minute, marry HIM!” I like that ChaCha way of thinking, and, lucky for me, my husband does both well!
And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. Minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967, it was made of silver and worth six pennies. It may date back to the custom of a groom putting a silver coin under his foot for good luck. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for wedding.
ChaCha Bella is proud to announce their collection of blue rings, the perfect something new and blue all in one purchase. Included with each ring is this special keepsake poem:
ChaCha Bella Brides all need something Sparkly and Blue,
Wear this ring on your right hand when you say, "I Do"
You're fabulous and fun, you're one of a kind--
Celebrate your day in a ChaCha State of Mind

Let me know something creative you used for your “something blue” and you will be entered in our ring giveaway contest. Contact me at S@chachabella.com.

2011-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

If you want to show me you love me, buy me flowers on any day except Valentine’s Day – buy them for me on a random Tuesday. I don’t want you to overspend on wilted

roses for a Hallmark holiday. But don’t even think about walking through that door without a box of chocolate and a bottle of red wine; I still need to know that you love me and honor this stupid cherished day. Also, I want to have something to brag about to my friends, besides the lacy doily heart my daughter cut out for me. Women are ChaCha complicated, and this is one more holiday that proves it!

After doing some research, I wanted to ChaCha enlighten you about some Valentine’s Day facts. Did you know that only the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the U.K. celebrate this holiday? I find it most interesting that Italy isn’t on the list since Cupid, the son of Venus – the Roman god of love and beauty – often appears on Valentine cards holding a bow and arrow. He is believed to use magical arrows to inspire feelings of love. In fact, about one billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas. Hallmark has over 1,330 different cards for Valentine’s Day – now that’s ChaCha crazy!

If you didn’t know, Valentine was a real man. In February 14, 270 A.D. the Roman Emperor Claudius II, dubbed "Claudius the Cruel," beheaded a Catholic bishop named Valentine for performing marriage ceremonies. Claudius II had outlawed marriages when Roman men began refusing to go to war in order to stay with

their wives. While waiting in jail for his untimely death, Valentine began exchanging letters with the jailer’s daughter and fell in love with her. The day he was to be beheaded, he wrote her one last note and signed it: ‘From Your Valentine’ Now, he is ChaCha celebrated every year.

The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, who died in childbirth. Work on the Taj began in 1634 and continued for almost 22 years requiring the labor of 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia. We say take ChaCha control and ask your husband to order you a ring from us. This way, you will get what you want for the holidays and he is off the hook in trying to please you! We have a wide variety of colors, including the signature color of the holiday – RED! The best news is you won’t have to wait 22 years, just five to seven days. On this day, surprise a mom, girlfriend, or anyone who needs a little loving with a ring. It will last way longer than flowers and candy, plus the sparkle will brighten your loved one up every day!

Send me your stories about a sweet or super romantic experience; I love it when expectations are exceeded, and we can reward you for having an amazing ChaCha partner! If your day was a disaster though, share it with me too, so we can ChaCha cheer you up with a free ring. Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com and one winner will be chosen per each category.

2011-01-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

It’s going to be ChaCha big, so get ready to ChaCha cheer for your Super Bowl team!

Super Bowl 45 in Texas is Sunday February 6th at 6:30pm with the NFC champion Green Bay Packers versus the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers vying for the title.

The Cowboy’s stadium wants to have the claim to fame of having the most Superbowl fans in attendance beating the 1980 record of 104,000 fans. With ticket prices starting at $2,300 and going to the crazy ChaCha price of $22,000 plus, the stadium will be selling $200 tickets to watch TV screens outside the stadium.

Now, I am neither a Packers nor a Steelers fan, but I hear that both of those teams have die-hard, loyal, crazy (in a good way) fans and they might want to pay $200. At least they will get to watch the commercials on TV like the other estimated 153 million viewers verse the fans inside!

In fact, the commercials are the excitement for me and of course seeing if my ChaCha favorites are playing like the Clydesdale horses for Budweiser or the talking baby from Etrade. Check out these past fan favorites at http://superbowl-ads.com/article_archive/

The show will start off with five time singer-songerwriter Christina Aguilera singing the National Anthem. Finally, a band that is not past its prime will be singing the half time performance and I am sure the Black Eyed Peas will rock Texas like an oil well exploding.

For any Steelers or Packers fans, we have ChaCha Rings in your team colors. You will be the talk of your party - all blinged out and ready to ChaCha Cheer. We can make any NFL, College, high school or public recreation team colors, just contact us.

In fact, the Suzanne ring is in Gator colors of orange and blue! Of course, that also works for other schools too. http://www.chachabella.com/store/home.php?cat=282

Get creative at your Superbowl party! If you serve something have a ChaCha fun name like Packer’s Potato Soup or Steeler’s Savory Shrimp Dip. Fill your clear vases with M&M’s in your team colors. Put a kids football on a kicking tee as your centerpiece. Have the men make paper footballs and have a little contest during the commercials for accuracy and length of flicking. Tell the women to make and act out a cheer from their past days in high school or college. Always have a signature drink besides beer and wine, such as ‘Packer’s Punch’ or ‘Steeler’s Stay Home tomorrow from work drink’!

Enjoy the game and may your team win! ChaCha Bella rings are always a winner!

If you have a great Superbowl story, share it with me at Suzanne at s@chachabella.com and win a ring in your team’s color!

2011-01-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

To cut or not to cut?

That is the question every woman asks her hairdresser at some point in their relationship. I don’t know if I was having the winter blahs or just tired of looking at the same hairstyle for the past few years, but I bit the bullet and got some light side bangs. My one friend says, “Get Bangs, not Botox!”

Now every bride knows the cardinal rule, don’t change your hairstyle or hair color before your big day. You want to look like the girl that he proposed to, and be recognized by your friends and family as you walk down the aisle. But, after the nuptials, you have Cha Cha permission to change it up. For any Cha Cha girls out there expecting, you will also have a desire to go shorter. Don’t ask why, but it must have something to do with the fact you know you won’t have time to take care of yourself anymore!

Women spend so much time and energy on their hair. In fact, a Pantene survey in 2010 said 54% of us got madder at our hair than our significant other. Now, that is Cha Cha funny! According to a British survey conducted by Tresemme’, the average woman spends a staggering $50,000 on her hair over her lifetime. Between shampoos, conditioners, styling products, haircuts and for those of us that enhance our natural color, we could spend more than a $1,000 on our hair a year. Maybe Suave has the right idea, let’s just make it look like we spent a fortune on our hair!

But money is not the only significant investment we make in our quest for beauty. The amount of time we spend is also astounding when you add it up. ChaCha girls everywhere spend an average of one hour and 53 minutes a week washing, blow drying and styling our hair. By the time we reach the age of 65, we will have spent more than seven months of our lives on our hair! I have curly hair so summer time is easy for me, but when I have to dry and flatten my curls for a sleek stylish winter look or a fancy look, that is a solid hour I just lost. In fact, last time for a special event, I decided to pay my hairstylist $35 for her to do it and it lasted almost all week! My husband may disagree with my theory of money well spent, but he can blow his funds on items I interpret as a waste of mulah too. The real question is, “Will he even notice that I got some bangs?”

There are all kinds of tricks out there such as washing your hair the night before so drying won’t take as along, or purchasing the technologically advanced flat irons for wet hair. I have spent countless hours of my life watching infomercials on styling products and tools that can make my hair no fuss. The only thing I can count on besides death and taxes, is it my bangs will grow back if I hate them. Of course the question remains, how long until I cut them again!

If you recently changed up your hairstyle or donated your hair to locks of love, drop me a picture and you might win a ChaCha ring of your choice for changing it up!

Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2011-01-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

What are you doing this weekend?

With 40,000 weddings each weekend, chances are you might be attending one, or even be the bride!

As the holiday season closes, more than 26 percent of marriage proposals occur from Thanksgiving – New Years according to a survey group from Modern Bride magazine. Maybe the grooms have a chance to meet the parents and ask “permission” to propose, or just being around family enhances their desire to get their own ball rolling. If you just got engaged, that is ChaCha fabulous, and now the fun begins!

As someone who was married when Pluto was still a planet, some things have changed and other traditional elements remain. The dress, photographer, band or DJ, invitations and flowers are the standard expensive costs. All the other accessories have increased ten-fold in choices. On average, US couples spend $19,581 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $14,686 and $24,476. This does not include cost for a honeymoon or engagement ring. Check out www.costsofwedding.com which as an amazing chart to help you think of everything you need.

Back in my day (you know when cell phones were the size of a 2 liter Coke bottle), having your name and wedding date imprinted on mint packs and almonds wrapped in tulle were the big party favors. Nowadays, the choices are endless. Just when I thought matches were not used anymore, they are featured by Martha Stewart’s wedding website as the cutest save the date invite with the phrase “See the Sparks Fly” and the date. In fact, there were so many choices of creative accessories to promote your wedding event, my head was spinning and I am thankful that I didn’t have to decide, or I might have had to elope!

If you have a themed wedding such a beach site or a winter wonderland, your favors may coordinate such as personalized lip balm or lotion. Nowadays, there are even eco-friendly wedding favors with biodegradable wedding confetti from www.beau-coup.com. I am a sucker for the wedding favor bag that you receive when you check into the hotel. I love seeing what the bride (and I guess to be politically correct the groom too) chose. From the wedding favors website, you can have personalized water bottles, decks of cards, stemless wine glasses, and even “meant to bee” personalized honey jars. The Wedding Favors company has a variety of choices in difference price points to meet all bride’s budgets for your shower and wedding. Visit them at www.weddingfavors.com.

It is Cha Cha mind-blowing looking at all the party favors and accessories for the future Mr. and Mrs. wedding couple of 2011. First for the honeymoon, start your morning off with a thirty dollar gift set from the Rosemary Company that has a “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” set with bride and groom coffee mugs, Mr. and Mrs. Tote bag, and other morning accessories. For forty dollars, they have a “Batch of Romance” kitchen set with a newlywed cookbook, Mr. and Mrs. aprons, melt my heart ice cube tray, and a heart whisk.

Another Cha-Cha creative centerpiece for a less formal wedding can be using balloons and candy. The candy warehouse website has a variety of candy by color and theme. You can have each table with a different color and then coordinate the place-cards by color. Or, stick to the same color for a classy uniformed look but use different types of candy in glass bowls and old apothecary jars with lids.

If you think you have the cutest wedding favor or save the date idea, let me know and you can win the best bridesmaid wedding favor of all, a ChaCha ring in a color of your choice!
Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-12-30T07:12:00.000-08:00

This year, I will not fail! This year will be different. This year, I resolve to…

Ok, who am I kidding? I have made both easy and hard New Year’s resolutions and I still can’t keep them. Last year, I was going to cut coupons. This is not a difficult resolution compared to someone who wants to quit smoking or lose 30 pounds. I have a Masters’ degree, printing out coupons and organizing them to save money isn’t rocket science. Professional coupon cutters swear the grocery stores end up giving them money back when they check out. There are websites devoted to this cause of coupon management. They tell me where to shop, which days, and what to buy, yet I still can’t make the system work for me. I end up having $.50 off toothpaste and forget to use it at checkout, or have $1.00 off eye solution, but it expired.
2011 is all about instant gratification and technology. Now a days, coupons on our phones, Groupons, Deals of the Day, facebook friends, grocery applications, and coupon emails are everywhere. In fact, you should facebook ChaChaBella to view her cyber sparkly deals.

If there is a coupon at the store in front of the crescent rolls that say “buy 3, save $.50 now” I do that. Most of the time, I even remember to peel the instant coupon off the can. I like Buy One, Get One Free deals. Organizing, compiling, having notebooks with tabs for frozen, health and beauty, paper goods, etc., sounds like me, but in reality that resolution just proved to be too ChaCha consuming.

Last year, the Miami Herald reported that the tradition of New Year’s Day resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. They believed what a person does on the first day of the new year will affect what they do throughout the year. Statistics confirm that 97% of resolutions are never fulfilled (at least I am not alone) but still 40 to 45 percent of adults make resolutions and goals. I like the concept of making the goal and starting off 2011 with a goal and a purpose. Maybe my purpose should be to eat out more – I can cut coupons for restaurants. This I can do, I know it.

Now, when it comes to retail products like clothing, then I do always check for key codes before I order online or if I know I am going to the certain store, I will print out a coupon first. It must be something about saving $.25 on a food item verse 20% on sweater. I understand the financial dynamics that a bunch of quarters does equal 20% and if I was consistent and used my food coupons, I would save. This whole resolution just make me ChaCha coupon crazy and so I stopped.

But, this year, I will attempt again. ChaCha girls are no quitters and I will recommit to the cause of coupon cutting and saving money. My resolution is to make it to Valentines Day!
Let me know details if you have kept a New Year’s resolution to win a ChaCha ring. Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com.

2010-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

I recently bought my friend a Heifer, a llama, and a goat.
I know, it sounds like the beginning of a joke, but this really was her birthday gift. The organization, Heifer International at www.heifer.org has the perfect gift for friends who don’t need or want anything, but you want to do something special for them. My friend loved the idea that her gift was helping families and children less fortunate in third world countries. Please visit the site to find out more details regarding the variety of animals available. She can now check off her bucket list that she is the proud owner of a cow!

Purchasing gifts for friends and loved ones can be tricky. I of course recommend the ChaCha rings, wine glasses, and jewelry which come beautifully packaged. I also love the idea that you can match your recipients personality with the color varieties and stone size. But, if you have already purchased ChaChaBel la before and are looking for some other ideas, perhaps this blog can help.

At www.gifts.com, I love how they divide the women and men into personalities. Is your female friend or relative the domestic diva, the trendanista, the achiever, the super mom, the thinker, urban sophisticate, the adventurer or one of the other personalities. They group gifts by style. Remember, what you may like or want isn’t necessarily their choice. I sometimes see things that I say I would like that, but I am not purchasing it for myself. If you are ever with your friend and you hear a comment like that, file it away for gift giving. I know the super sized cupcake baking tray seems like it would only be used once a year, but she will love it, and always think of you (as she bakes her own cake if she is the domestic diva type).

My friends normally chip in and we give each other hard, cold cash. I know it isn’t exciting, but sometimes it can be a lot of money. This allows the receiver to decide if they want tons of little things, or one great big purchase. The key is always making sure they buy something though to honor the gift and not pay a boring bill! I know women who will roll over in their grave if a gift card or cash is given, you want a substance beautifully wrapped (not in a bag) gift. I salute you for your effort!

A funny gift that I have seen given is all the “As seen on TV” items in a huge basket. Yes, the shake weight, aqua globes, heel tastic, and many more can be the special birthday present for your loved one. This friend just has to have a sense of humor! Visit www.asseenontv.com for the variety of choices.

We all know sentimental gifts of a letter, poem, or framed picture can be beautiful. They are personal and always well received. If you ever need a poem written for a friend, I am your gal! I have written more poems than I can count by just asking about 20 questions, and you will have most unique gift ever.

Let me know the worst gift you have ever received and the winner will win the best gift, a chachabella ring! If you need a poem, contact me, Suzanne, at s@chachabella.com.

2010-11-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence,” says beloved author Erma Bombeck.

As I prepare for the holidays with some deep breathing, chocolate, and a bottle of wine, I consider the things that I can control and those that have a life of their own. I can have enough toilet paper in my house, but I can’t make sure the toilet will flush properly each time. I can buy the turkey, but I can’t make sure it won’t burn in our deep fryer.

One thing that is constant though is the traditions that are handed down from family members. Perhaps you have your Aunt Betty’s pumpkin pie recipe or if you are like me, you have Mrs. Smith from the supermarket. Maybe you cram your entire family into one guest room or you opt for some alone time at the local hotel, either way if you are like most…holiday time is family time!

We have too many cooks in the kitchen, televisions and radios blaring, shhh…someone’s napping, oh I couldn’t eat any more but I’ll just try that, shopping to you drop, baking all day and watching football all night. The traditional cry of, “Where are my fat pants?” is heard everywhere.

Traditions sometime begin by accident…you go bowling one year after Thanksgiving dinner and then it is a tradition. Some traditions are deep rooted like singing carols after the lighting the advent candles or waking up at 5am to start shopping Friday morning.

ChaCha girls everywhere have one tradition they must uphold. Fun and Friendship! This is the time to send out those holiday cards and get excited when you receive them from a far-away friend. Maybe you get a chance to visit with an old acquaintance while at your family home or you get to meet your husband’s good ol’ friends.

Either way, if we are dealing with a mother-in-law, your own mother, or that “crazy” relative everyone has…we must be ChaCha gracious and embrace the holiday spirit of love. Yes, that means biting our tongue when we are told that it needs more salt, or that the knife should be pointed this way. I am thankful for any and all self control that I can maintain during the season!

If sitting on the couch and watching football makes the male species excited, than we have touchdown central with all the shopping deals during the holiday season. I personally like the one for you, one for me theory. I find it makes giving the gift easier because I don’t have to say goodbye since one is in my closet too. Sometimes I would rather pay $5.00 more than wait on the Toys R Us line, and sometimes it is just fun for the thrill of the kill. One easy way to shop is online.

Yes, wearing your pjs, googling your coupon codes, and armed with your credit card – you are off to shop and save! Of course if you are reading this blog, then you already know I am going to promote our beautiful gifts. Rings, Wine Glasses, Earrings..oh my! And now, you can save 25% off till January first using the code “sparkle”.

Everyone knows someone who spends more on the gift wrap then the present. The box, bag, cellophane is beautiful! It pains you to open the gift. Remember the days of just ripping it open! One gift idea I like to do for the person who has everything and needs nothing is lottery tickets. First of all, if it is a family member – it could also benefit you. Second, it is easy to purchase. Third, the excitement of the gift is unknown and so much fun to scratch off or watch the tv replay of numbers.

One issue lately that has arisen is my world is “How does Santa wrap his gift?” Some families have an entire separate color paper, others don’t wrap, some have them set up, and some are still in boxes, and one uses plain brown paper.

I find when the children discuss it, the wrapping doesn’t matter. As long as they believe - then it’s your unique, magical, special, family tradition. Cha Cha girls everywhere love to believe in the power of magic and all that is good in the world! May you have a safe and blessed ChaCha holiday season.
If you have a crazy family tradition – please share and be rewarded with Cha Cha sparkle! Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-11-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Tell me it isn’t true!
I can’t believe I went to the store yesterday and my favorite (you fill in the blank here) is now discontinued. This is sooooooo (yes, this is worthy of many o’s) unfair, as that is the best product! How frustrating when you finally find the perfect lipstick color, lotion, hair gel, paint color, sheet set, diet soda, cereal, or whatever item you deem amazing and then it is gone.

We are truly loyal to our products. This is the end of the relationship and we take it personally. Am I really the only person who bought this item? I have good taste, could sales really be low or is it something else? So, then we go on a hunt. We go to every store that could possibly carry the item. We call store managers. We call the company. We buy it in bulk. There is no way that I am not having that lipstick for my daughter’s wedding ten years from now, it is the only one that makes my teeth look really white!

My girlfriend recently found out that her lotion goes on stop sell during the winter months. They only make it in the summer time. There is no fury like a women without her must-have-product. I mean- friends, parents and cousins in other states had to be on the look out and purchase this for her.

Why do these companies taunt us? Here are the facts my friends: It is not personal. They aren’t out to get you. They don’t even know you exist. Some other new product needed space on the shelf. Or, they want us to be without it, so when they reintroduce the new formula or packaging, we will rush out to get it. Actually, this sounds like a brilliant marketing plan to me.

Marketing is the essence of America. Only here can a famous musician like Jimmy Buffett really sell the “lost shaker of salt” for $8.99. I stopped and bought Oreos yesterday, because for a limited time only they had Dairy Queen blizzard flavor Oreos. If my beloved University of Florida Gators are ever featured on a box of cereal, we purchase it. There is nothing like a summer time beer flavor that is only around for 8 weeks.

In one instance, I am actually looking forward to a limited time offer being over. I have been wasting useless calories on Zaxby’s amazing cookie cake shake.

My favorite marketing tool is: if you buy this item, we will give a percentage to charity. This is truly getting two birds with one stone!

Literally, in ChaChaBella’s case they have an entire ChaCha for Charity line that feature nothing but beautiful stones and crystals. If you purchase any of the ChaCha for Charity rings, a portion of the sales goes to that charity.

Check out the full line here.

Our rings are never discontinued, we just stay current and update with the trends. Contact us if something isn’t on the web and we will search high and low for that crystal color. We understand when you must have it!

Let me know your favorite product that was discontinued to earn a ring. I love all sob stories! Also, if you have a special cause, maybe you can have the next ChaCha for Charity ring named for you or someone you know... Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-10-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

I once dressed up as deer for Halloween a few years ago.

My husband wasn’t in the mood to participate and he came as a hunter in his camo, literally right out of the woods.

I was thinking this year if I dressed up as a Spanish senorita, he can dress as the animal and wear a sign that says I’m the BULL -___(and you can fill in the blank) with the appropriate word choice. I am just kidding, my husband is great, he just doesn’t get excited about costumes. I must say that I was disappointed my deer costume didn’t win, I thought I was super creative with long brown socks on my hands and my cotton tail. Perhaps I can convince him to be Zorro, so at least we look like a costume couple. It is very ChaCha to coordinate costumes!

Did you know that costumes originally started because Halloween was the day that the dead would return to Earth and the scary costumes would ward off the ghosts? The Celts in Northern Ireland and France would celebrate their last day of summer and the harvest with bonfires hoping that the ghosts wouldn’t ruin their crops. The Romans then conquered them and merged their tradition of honoring the passing of the dead by celebrating Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruits and trees. This is where bobbing for apples originated. Apples (without the carmel) are the only healthy part of Halloween!

“Trick or Treat” didn’t come to America until the 1850’s when the Irish came over. The women did tricks with yarn, apples, and mirrors to see if they could “see” the name of their future husband. I guess every holiday can be romantic in some shape or form.

Nowadays, Halloween is a 6.9 billion dollar industry. With candy, costumes, and decorations- we can be scary, sexy or sweet. Halloween parties are fun to attend and throw. The theme can easily be set from the front door with scary spiders to the ghoulish ghost punch. I once attended a party as pregnant white trash girl bringing twinkies and ring-dings as my dessert contribution. Stay in character all night long and have fun! Your attitude makes the ChaCha costume memorable.

I would love to hear about your couple or family costume that is ChaCha creative. Drop me a line at s@chachabella.com to be entered to win a ChaChaBella hot halloween ring!

2010-10-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

Love is love, whether you’re famous or not!

Summer is over and so are the celebrity weddings. Let’s look at who tied the knot and how some of their choices actually mirror us mere mortals (by the way, that is a subtle hint to one of the couples).

Counting down the top 7 weddings we start with singer Alicia Keys and producer/rapper Swizz Beatz. While their guest list includes Bono and Queen Latifah at the 7/31wedding, you might have been spinning their albums for your own guests’ dancing pleasure. She wore Vera Wang and he wore Tom Ford at the French Mediterranean location. Alicia is also pregnant but I don’t think this was a shotgun wedding, as they have been together a long time.

Number 6 is country singing sensation Carrie Underwood and ice hockey star Mike Fisher who had a southern wedding in style. They tied the knot at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation in South Georgia. It was reported to be a nice wedding for a nice couple. If you consider donning your pup Ace in a Swarovski crystal encrusted pink tuxedo as nice, then Carrie leads the charge. We all know our ChaCha founder Heather loves pink, and I know she would agree that is a“sparkly southern wedding!” Carrie began with a big and fluffy Monique Lhuillier wedding gown but then changed into a strapless and sexy Lhuillier gown to “get her groove on.” Yes, famous brides want to dance too!

Number 5 is British Pop star Robbie Williams an actress Ayda Fields. They tricked the media and ended up having a simple ceremony on 8/7 in Los Angeles. Sexy 24 year old Megan Fox weds Brian Austin Green from 90210 on 6/24 as the number 4 couple. Talk about simple, no one but Brian’s 8 year old son on the beach of Hawaii was present. Brian knew a good thing when he had one as this was his second proposal to Megan who finally agreed to commit this time! Brian is a lucky man, and men all over the world may have cried at tear at that wedding - and not because of the moving vows!

Actor Orlando Bloom and Australian Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr’s wedding make them the #3 couple. She had to miss a big fashion show to fit in her Caribbean honeymoon. See, we all miss work for the important things like a wedding!

Young actress Hilary Duff (age 22) married hockey player Mike Comrie in an intimate wedding for 100 in Santa Barbara, California. Her sister Haylie was her maid of honor. Sisters always snag that role! For the drumroll please, the #1 wedding this year was for all you vampire lovers, Anna Paquin (28) and Stephen Moyer (40) of True Blood, who found true love in Malibu. Love defies age and human death! See, all of us mere mortals need love.

If you dressed up your dog at your wedding, let us know and you can receive a ChaCha Bella ring that is made for woman’s best friend! Contact me at s@chachabella.com

2010-09-02T08:12:00.001-07:00

Happy 9 month anniversary to Lindsey and Austin Reynolds!

Do you remember the days when you wished your spouse happy monthly anniversary? For you newlyweds, that is probably still going on, but as I hit my 14th anniversary, we are lucky we can fit in a romantic dinner. The Reynolds were the first ChaCha couple to get married in January 2010. Their beautiful wedding in Orlando, Florida was at the Dubsdread Historical Ballroom. The staff was excellent and location is beautiful, she said. Since it has been a long time since I planned a wedding, I wanted to hear first hand about her bridal experience and my goal is to feature different brides with different budgets and locations throughout this blog, so contact me and get featured!

Lindsey and I wore the same bridal gown from the same place, Oleg Cassini from David’s Bridal. That is ChaCha coincidental! She got hers in a major sale and so ChaCha points for saving money and loving the dress too. Lindsey wore pearly clear/white ChaCha earrings and necklace, and her bridesmaids wore brown ChaCha rings that matched the dress perfectly. Her bridesmaids wear the rings all the time, which is the beauty of our bridesmaid gift.

Their wedding colors were Brown, Light and Dark Pink. In case you didn’t know, Heather, the owner of ChaChaBella is ChaCha crazy about the color pink! In fact, Lindsey’s favorite gift was her pink KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. She said, “I love to bake, so it is great and it also just looks adorable on my kitchen counter.”

Their were 117 guests in attendance and since her wedding was around the holidays on January 2, the guests hung out for about a week before the wedding enjoying each other’s company and being together. It was special for Lindsey and Austin to enjoy their relatives more than just the day of the big event. Lindsey wouldn’t change a thing about her wedding. Her advice, “have fun and don’t stress,” at the end of the day you are married to your dream mate.

Lindsey’s favorite ChaCha moment was actually something that was caught on camera. Her photographer caught a picture of her maid of honor and Lindsey hugging. Her friend was in her dress, and Lindsey had her hair and makeup done, but she was still in her jeans. “I don't know why I love the picture so much, but it is just amazing,” she said. I know why it is special, because nothing is more special than a true ChaCha friend!

After honeymooning in a 7 day cruise to Mexico, Grand Caymans, Honduras, and Belize, the Reynolds got ready to move to LA, California. Austin a screenwriter and Lindsey, who is a corporate event and meeting planner just recently moved to start their life together out west. We wish you happiness in the city of dreams!

Contact Suzanne as s@chachabella.com to be the next bride featured!

2010-08-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Reading classifieds can make you even more depressed than giving up chocolate for a week.

With the new additions of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, my experience with public relations and marketing is dinosaur ancient. The last time I typed APP into my computer, I was searching the best apple for pies, not free downloads that might help me with my paint colors, coffee calories or the weather. I guess “googling” is not what a future employer may desire in terms of computer experience. Writing is something I love to do, and blogging is a great outlet that lets me be creative while keeping my skills sharp. Yet, I have to actually blog about something ChaCha related. The beauty is that ChaCha represents all things fabulous women can do for themselves and others, so there are endless writing opportunities.

Today’s blog is about how I began searching for the perfect part-time job on Craig’s List and the Atlanta Journal Constitution on line newspaper. This non-existent job incorporates marketing, creativity, public relations, sales and writing. I even looked into non-profit work since my volunteer experience is in that area of expertise. My ideal drive is within 20 miles of my house and my hours are flexible. And, of course, the pay is excellent.

Being a realist, I know this won’t be listed in the classifieds, but I still believe the opportunity is out there, even if I have to create the position myself. ChaCha Girls make their own path in life. Sometimes luck, friends, or a divine intervention push you a certain direction, but ultimately you have to work hard to succeed and create the opportunity.

While Zach Braff playing a doctor on Scrubs makes $350,000 an episode or 7.7 million a year and the women of Desperate Housewives earned $450,000 an episode for 10.1 million a year, I was just hoping to earn enough to pay for a cleaning service and a manicure once a week.

Effective July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour. Some states go as high as $8.25, with Washington state offering the highest of $8.55 an hour. I am fortunate that I don’t have to work and I can raise my children, but there is something for actually wanting to work and making a contribution to society. I didn’t graduate with honors for the heck of it!

P.S. Did you know that I also write poems, roasts, and toasts for birthdays, bridal showers, graduations, retirement, or any fun event that you desire. It is of course done in perfect ChaCha style that will delight you and your guest of honor!

If you have been out of the workforce for more than 10 years and recently re-entered, share your story and win a ChaChaBella ring that screams “Yay Me!” Or, if you need a poem for a special event, contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-07-12T07:35:00.001-07:00

I am guilty.

I have wasted more than a few hours of my life watching infomercials, and even more time, researching some of those products online. Yes, I did make a purchase (or two) but I had very valid reasons. My face was feeling tired and I needed a miracle lift that their products promised to deliver. In addition, my wooden floors needed to be super steam cleaned to prove that I was a worthy housekeeper. Who says that you and your home can’t be beautiful at the same time?
If you have ever indulged in watching the infomercial, you know you must act fast for either the extra special give-a-way or the super payment plan. I am smart enough to know that if I purchase the product days from now, it will still be honored, but it keeps flashing on the bottom of the screen that this is only a limited time offer, which definitely hastened my purchase.

Now, I am not going to reveal which skincare line I bought, but I had to watch several different famous and beautiful models tell their secrets before I made my intelligent decision. After googling all the choices and reading real user comments, it appears that each had their positive and negative statements, so I went with the best price package. I was happy with my selection but not enough to purchase again, and I think the over-the- counter products are just as successful. Perhaps, I should wait for the gift with purchases from the department stores to entice me next time. I am a true sucker!

Can you even imagine if ChaChaBella rings were on an infomercial? By the end of the show, you would have ordered the 5 must have rings to mix and match with every possible color combination outfit. The models and rings would be so dazzling that you just couldn’t decide and the super package price would have made you dizzy! Oh, if there was a “gift with purchase” special, ChaChaGirls would rejoice with “Yay Me!”

If you have ever made an infomercial purchase on something life-changing, let me know so I can check it out, and if you want to know my 5 must have rings….I am happy to share. But, respond fast, as I have a super secret blog special if you are one of the first 10 responders!

Suzanne Taylor at s@chachabella.com
Blog contributor

2010-07-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

My daughter’s toe has fireworks painted on it!

In excitement for the upcoming fourth of July holiday, I said yes to my daughter’s plea of having a graphic painted on her toes at the nail salon. I decided at age 8 it was appropriate, and at age 40, I just went with a boring French pedicure. Last year, my girlfriend had a flag painted on her toe and when she went to visit her friends in Cleveland, they were amazed by this toe trend. Trends come and go faster than you can say Pet Rock, but when they are hot, nothing can stop momentum.
Something can be hot in one place and six months later, just begin somewhere else. We are already referring to them as that “old thing.” By no means is Canton, Ga a hot trend city verse New York and Paris, but we may have a leg up on Cleveland, since we get to associate with the big city of Hot-lanta.

A few trends that have come and go in regards to toys were Bakugan (a toy that transforms into a Japanese animal) two Decembers ago. You couldn’t find them anywhere in Cherokee Country, Ga, but if you drove a few counties over or another state, the shelves were jammed pack. Silly Bands are still around, but the fevered pitch has died down in our city as it just starts in other places. You may remember the movie where parents fought over the last must-have toy. I can remember my parents searching for Cabbage Patch dolls for my sister, and that doll concept was just modernized with me searching for American Girl products that were sold out. Word of mouth determines the trends life and successes or failures. We all know what Oprah does for trends!

Trends are in all areas of life from fashion, technology, stocks, hairstyles, medine, décor, business, and of course marketing. Who would have thought that blogs, facebook and twitter would have become the norm to reach customers. Coupons can be instantly downloaded to your phones in application forms. Some trends just become reality such as every house having a phone, tv, and a home computer. In fact, we use brand name words now as actual verbs, such as I TIVOed that show or I’ll facebook him.

The best trend is beautiful quality, which is timeless. ChaChaBella jewelry is not only for weddings, but beautiful gifts for all the women in your lives. We love being voted #1 wedding favor by brides on weddingwire.com, but more importantly, ChaChaBella is ChaCha Timeless. We are constantly reviewing new crystal colors and keeping up with fashions, but friendship is the true sparkle of our company. That trend will never go out of style!

Win a free ring by retelling your funny story of finding a hard to locate trendy item in time for a special occasion. Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-06-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"
is a quote from the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare. Its interpretation is meant to say that the names of things are irrelevant. If you are recently getting married and are changing your name, sometimes the name can be easier to spell or say, and other times it can be more difficult. Obviously, we can’t pick our mates based on their last names - that would be really shallow! All new brides take pride in their first signature; whether it is 5 letters long or fifteen! I must admit I got an easy pronounciation, but sometimes common names are a hindrance too. I went from Rogoff to Taylor. So, when I used to be the only Rogoff in the phone book, I am now grouped with a long list of Taylors, and there are even three other Suzanne Taylor’s in my small town, so it can be confusing.

Of course, we all know the turmoil of naming children (or pets if that applies) and choosing the perfect name to represent their future personality. Some people choose names early on, and others wait to they see their baby, in order to make sure the name fits the child. Many parents have no option. They have a name that must be passed down, or family names that need to be utilized. My son’s name is Ethan Cole. We needed an E after my grandmother that passed away and Ethan is the only E that we could agree on, and Cole is my mother-in-law’s maiden name, which we wanted to honor. My daughter is named Jessica (called Jessie) just because we liked unisex names. No rhyme or reason. Her middle name is Neill, my husband’s middle name, which we opted over my middle name of Paige, since his is a family name. Maybe, I can convince my daughter to use her surname and call her daughter, Taylor Paige if that sounds good with her future unknown 5 or 15 letter last name.

Did you know how Heather Roe Thompson, the owner of this company, named ChaChaBella? She has twin boys, Chase and Chandler and took the first three letters of their names to create her totally female company! Now, that’s creative! Recently, I went to a tour of Sweetwater Brewery, a local Georgia brewery. Some of their beer names were Road Trip and Happy Endings. When asked how they came up with their creative names, they said they sat around a table and brainstormed. So, some things aren’t rocket science. Other companies do tons of research before launching a name to make sure that the public opinion is favorable, and that the name conjures up the image they want to be associated with their company or product. All I know is that my husband could have had a horrible last name, and I would still have married him and a ChaChaBella ring by any other name would still be ChaCha fabulous!

If you are getting married soon and are changing last names to something more challenging than your maiden name, let me know and you might be the winner of one of our easy to pronounce rings! Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-05-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with a Yenta, and I couldn’t wait to share her information with my ChaCha girls.

My amazing conversation was with Alison of The Wedding Yentas, a new company that writes a blog about Jewish weddings and provides ideas, photos, explanations, and information on Jewish wedding traditions. In addition, their website has a vast vendor directory that can help all brides, but the daily blog articles specifically references Jewish wedding traditions.

If you aren’t familiar with the term Yenta, the old school Yiddish definition (which is derived from German and Hebrew vocabularies) is busybody. Today, the word translates to mean an endearing person who knows a lot of people and many things, and who shares that information with her circle of friends. Alison and her friend/business partner, Nicky, who was also her wedding photographer, created this new company, The Wedding Yentas at www.theweddingyentas.com, and they share their expert knowledge about Jewish weddings and traditions. When they got married, there was no one-stop website that answered their questions in a modern way, so they created this company. ChaCha girls love women who solve problems! Both women are the kind of Yenta you want to know, because their blogs will make your wedding easier if you are a Jewish bride or having an interfaith ceremony.
Many brides have traditions they want to preserve in their wedding ceremony or reception. If you have never been to a Jewish wedding, it is deep in tradition. You may not be aware, but many Jewish brides can’t get married on Saturday afternoon, because it is the Sabbath, a holy day, and no weddings can occur until it is dark. Hence, they covet the three-day holiday weekends so that their guests can enjoy a Sunday wedding, and not rush back to work the following day. Brides of all faith love the three day weekends, as it makes great anniversary weekends too, and that is why they book up so fast.
My wedding was interfaith as my husband’s family is Christian. We had a rabbi and a minister preside over our service. One of the main traditions is to sign the Ketubah, which is the Jewish version of a marriage contract. It is signed, framed and displayed like a piece of art and they are very personal. This isn’t your traditional over the counter marriage certificate, which is also required by United States law. Jewish marriages are constantly reminded of their promises to each other every time they pass their Ketubah, and many brides search for new, modern phrases as no bride wants to be referred to as property or being owned. My Ketubah is on my bedroom wall. Do you know where your certificate is located? I hope it isn’t in the junk drawer of your kitchen!

Another Jewish tradition is having the bride and groom stand under a Chuppah (a bridal canopy), which is a cultural symbol representing the new happy home that the bride and groom will build and create together. The Chuppah is covered on top as a symbol of security and protection and is open on all sides so that family and friends will always feel welcome

Jewish brides also circle their future husbands seven times, which is an omen of good fortune, linked to the seven days of creation. The circling is also a means of protection, from evil spirits and from the temptations of the world. It also creates space, space from their families and space together. I only hope no one faints or gets dizzy after that practice, as that would be a wedding coordinator nightmare!
Jewish grooms step on a glass at the end of the ceremony and the reasons for this are so varied that I refer you to The Wedding Yentas’ website, www.theweddingyentas.com/traditions/kiss-my-glass. The key is making sure you pick a glass that is breakable (I think we used a lightbulb as a substitute) instead of your fine crystal. Judaica shops have specific glasses for this purpose.

I refer you to the Yentas for more information, as they are the experts and their website has the resources to help make the process easier. Oh yeah, and if a Yenta says that the ChaChaBella ring is a must have, you better listen up!

If you have had a Jewish wedding or an interfaith wedding that comes with a funny story about a traditional element, share with me and you will be blessed with a ring of your choice! I only hope your Chuppah didn’t fall down or you got dropped during the Hora!
Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com.

2010-05-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

My friend’s husband said, “If you can’t fit it in a backpack for camping, you don’t need it.” Well, I guess I went camping ChaCha style, because two car loads later, I felt like I had almost everything. My children were excited to camp on Mother’s Day weekend with our neighbors (33 people in total!), so I was going to make sure we were over-prepared. Isn’t that a girl scout motto?

Five families spent the night and many others came to visit on Saturday. After my husband assembled the tent and built the fire, I came in with the two queen air mattresses, sheets, comforters, and extra pillows. He may have given me looks that showed he was a manly man and didn’t need all of that, but I know his back appreciated it the next morning. My son wanted to know why he needed so many clothes and after his third outfit in one day got wet, I just smiled and said, “Mommies know best!”

We had more than enough food to feed the entire campsite, let alone a small nation. The chip selection alone rivaled Walmart’s aisle ten! When you hike, swim, and bike all day, appetites are fierce. Or, the exact opposite, when you sit around in a fold out chair all day and stare at a fire knowing you can’t do laundy (but thinking about all the stuff you will have to wash upon return), clean out a drawer, or empty the dishwasher, you just eat all day too! I of course not knowing what my tastebuds might crave, had a sampling of everything from sweet, salty to sour. In addition, I brought several different alcoholic beverages to choose from and those mixers. I would like it to be written that next year, I am bringing a blender, but thought I might get too many looks from my fellow neighbors on camping trip round one. I know my limits of being an over-doer. One friend did have a welcome mat outside her tent, and I will file that away as a future camping necessity.

We were on Red Top Mountain on Lake Allatoona in Geogia. The weather was a Chamber of Commerce weekend, warm 2 days and cool the third, with no rain in sight. I know we were only thirty minutes from civilization but it seemed much further as all four of us slept within an arms grasp of each other…perhaps, that made it the perfect thing to do Mother’s Day Weekend, except for the side effects of those campfire beans!

If you have a ChaChaBella camping story to share, the winner will receive a ring that represents the color of nature!
Send submissions to Suzanne at s@chachabella.com.

2010-05-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I am stuck in Paris! Yes, an unprecedented explosion of an Iceland volcano has sent ash into the air closing airports across Europe and stranded me in Paris with me my four college girlfriends. I know, break out the violin, as I have it so rough!

My sorority sisters and I decided to see if we could celebrate the big 4-0 with a bang by planning a trip to Europe. The depth of organizing a trip of this magnitude, figuring out a date, using our frequent flyer points, agreeing on a place and organizing child care is so enormous, that it was a miracle that the trip happened at all- and then to get additional days due to cancelled flights, was unprecedented. As my husband said, if a natural disaster happened on his Keys trip with the boys, I would have said, “Walk Home!” Well, I couldn’t swim back to the USA and he sensed my anxiety, so he told me to just enjoy my extension as eventually I will return home to reality.

Of all the natural disasters to occur, a volcano eruption never entered my mind and I am a planner! I wanted to enjoy the extra days, but I was a little stressed about my return to the United States. The news in Europe was much more exaggerated then here as the trains were striking (because they could) there were no rental cars left to travel to Spain (the only open airport), experts predicted another eruption (hence closing airports longer) and Paris isn’t the cheapest city in the world either! Since my friends and I are all positive, we actually thought our flight on Tuesday wouldn’t be canceled and once it was, we had to deal with the reality of we could be here a few more days. Now, we were in the backlog of people whose flights had been canceled since Friday. After phone calls to the airlines and rebooking back up flights, we tried to enjoy the rest of our extended trip by drinking, eating, and shopping - a girl’s favorite activity!

For those of you that maybe just planned a wedding, I know it is hard to imagine, but the girls that you just had as your bridesmaids could very well be your best friends in another 25 years. There is something about old (my friend likes to say dear because it sounds better) friendships and the comfort of knowing each other so well. Getting stuck was a joy with my friends and in true ChaCha style, we embraced a situation we couldn’t control with a few tears, but mostly laughter. We were part of a world wide event, the closing of European airport in April 2010. Needless to say, we all got home safely, on different days, on different flights, on different airlines with none of us flying directly home anymore, but with transfers, yet we are all happy to be back on this side of the pond! In looking back on the trip, the airport closing is one small part of the trip as the memories we made in Provence and Paris will make my 40th birthday unforgettable!

If you were stuck in Europe, tell me how you handled your situation in ChaCha style.
Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-04-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever done the “friendly wave” because you are driving a Jeep, Sea Ray boat, Harley motorcycle or something similar and see someone in the same type of vehicle?

I think this wave is more than just a “Hey, we like the same type of vehicle” as I certainly am not waving at every Chevy SUV that drives past me. I think the wave is reserved as a wave of acknowledgment that you enjoy the same attitude, lifestyle, feeling that these vehicles or other unique products provide.

So, imagine my surprise when I am at a ski resort in North Carolina, where the dress code is simpler, more natural, and of course warmer. I almost didn’t even pack a ChaChaBella ring since I knew I was wearing gloves most of the time and we were planning to eat in our cabin. But, just in case we ventured out for dinner, I wanted to have one in my purse.

I even told my brother in law that it would be a ChaChaBella free weekend. The rings are like a drug, you can’t live without one or your finger feels naked. So, when we decided to have one nice big dinner out, I donned one. My brother in law has helped spread the word about the ring in South Carolina and his female friends think they are fabulous, so he understood my obsession with breaking it out of my purse!

Anyway, as I am drinking my glass of red wine, a girl stops me and says, “Is that a ChaChaBella ring?” My brother in law says, “Here We Go…” because he knows that automatically if we have the ring in common, what else can we talk about for hours?
It is the same with the Jeep, Sea Ray, Harley example from above - the ChaChaBella ring is more than just a ring, it is an attitude and a feeling wrapped into a beautiful, unique piece of jewelry.

Needless to say, they were visiting from Charlotte and her friend knew the owner of the company Heather, and the ring started us talking. Otherwise, we would have just been a bunch of people drinking separately at the bar. It’s not such a small ChaCha world after all!

If you have been approached by anyone because of your ChaChaBella ring, drop me a line and let me know your cute story. Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-03-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

For those of you that gave up something for Lent, I commend you.

With the children counting down the days to the Easter Bunny arrives, perhaps you too are anxiously awaiting the big day to indulge in your sacrifice as well. I wonder: If after giving up something for 40 days, do you ease back into it or go for the gusto? Did you miss it so much that you will never give it up again? Or was it easy to walk away from?

Having never challenged myself to give up anything for 40 days and making myself accountable, I can only watch from the sidelines in amazement and awe. I have so many guilty pleasures…watching BRAVO marathons on TV, drinking wine, wasting water by taking baths at night, and don’t even get me started on my chocolate fixation.

I realize the basis of Lent is prepare the believer through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial and the 40 days are from the Death of Christ on Good Friday until his resurrection on Easter Sunday. So, I am not writing this blog lightly, but in tribute to those that partake in this ritual.

As a woman who was raised in the Jewish religion but married a Christian, my knowledge of Easter was limited to a bunny, dying Easter eggs, and decorating cookies. (BTW, I once went to an Easter Egg hunt where the eggs were dropped from a helicopter in the sky!) Since we have had our children and lived in Georgia, we began attending a Presbyterian church and my religious knowledge has expanded.
Last week, my daughter and I attended a 5 hour bible study on the Old Testament. Being Jewish and all, I thought it was history I should know but unfortunately didn’t; and therefore volunteered and paid to take this course on a Sunday.

I know I didn’t give up anything for 40 days, but I gave up 5 hours for God on a sunny Sunday and after not seeing the sun in several months, I thought it was some kind of a sacrifice. I felt good about myself and GOD when I was done with the course, and if I felt that good after 5 hours, I can only imagine how you feel after 40 days.

Say “Yay Me,” a popular ChaChaBella saying, if you are on your way to completing your Lent sacrifice.

If you gave up something unusual for LENT, you might be the winner of ChaChaBella ring as your reward, even if you went back to it after your 40 days. Send me your story at www.chachabella.com and since ChaChaBella is an equal opportunity business, if you aren’t Christian and have a good story of something you gave up, send it in as well.
Contact Suzanne at s@chachabella.com

2010-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

I am no expert on St. Patrick’s Day, but it helps break up the month of March and I am always looking for a reason to celebrate.

The Irish have generously shared their patron saint, St. Patrick, with us and welcomed us into their pubs across the United States. No other holiday appears to be as tolerant of others as St. Patrick’s Day. Our only requirement is to wear green clothing, and have a willingness to toast and drink with the Irish. In America, we wear green so we don’t get pinched, which is just a silly tradition. But, we also punch people when we see a Volkswagen Beetle, so we are easily amused. Some people say that we wear green because Ireland is nicknamed the Green Isles. In Ireland, they wear the colors from the flag which is Green for the Catholics, Orange for the Protestants and the White for the peace between them.

I can remember as a youth searching for the mysterious four leaf clover or shamrock! While many like to claim a mythical explanation for the existence of four-leaf clovers, a simple genetic mutation is the real cause. According to legend, on a four-leaf clover, each leaf stands for something. One leaf symbolizes hope, one is for faith, another for love, and the fourth is, of course, for luck. Some people are just born lucky, but my dad used to say - and I think he stole the line from Benjamin Franklin- “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” For example, when I played golf in my youth and I would make a 20ft putt, my friends would say, “You am so lucky” but in reality, I practice 20ft putts for more than an hour a day for a week. We all know inherently lucky people, maybe they found a Shamrock, which is hard to do, as it is estimated that there is only 1 out of every 10,000 clovers!

One of the things that the Irish are known for are their great toasts. You may even remember some of the limericks from the movie Cocktail starring Tom Cruise as an Irish bartender. There are so many Irish Blessings that it is worthy of a google search for a good laugh. I enjoyed this one very much:

There are 4 things you must never do: lie, steal, cheat, or drink.
But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love.
If you must steal, steal away from bad company.
If you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away...
Brianne Kelly Darragh

For those Irish brides or ChaChaGirls out there, I would love to know a toast you used at your wedding or at a birthday party. The best one will earn a green ChaChaBella ring, as that is a must wear on St. Patrick’s Day!

Contact Suzanne, where my non-Irish eyes are always smiling, at S@chachabella.com.

2010-02-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sonya Carter is one of our new favorite photographers! She absolutely understands how to capture the perfect moment - whether it's your wedding day, your baby's first portraits, or a family snapshot.

Check her out online and see for yourself how she turns everyday moments into magical works of art.

2009-09-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

ChaCha Brides - We love seeing the new, distinctly different bouquets available today. This one, from Heaven on Earth Floral in Peoria, IL, is dramatic, bold and, oh so very unexpected. Check out their website to see some more brilliant ideas!
(And- uh-hum, don't forget to add your CCB Bridal Package of Rings to match your super cool bouquets.)

2009-08-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Woo-hoo!
ChaChaBella is featured in the summer editions of Southern Bride Alabama and
Southern Bride Midsouth Magazines! It's always good to be noticed, and when you're as sparkly as ChaChaBella - the attention just keeps coming!

Thanks to all our fans and readers for this much appreciated attention! We love sharing our passion for celebrating friendship and rockin' our super cool bling with all of you!

2009-04-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

It's Official!
The Number One Must Have for Spring is:
The Super Sparkly Cocktail Ring!

Get your Must Have now - from the trendsetter, ChaChaBella!
We're celebrating the month of April with the Linda Roe -

As The Little Black Dress of ChaChaBella - it goes with everything.

Super Cool, Super Fun - Just like this month's birthday girl - Linda Roe.

Happy Birthday to our Favorite ChaCha Mom!

2009-03-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

Happy First Birthday to our little miracle ChaCha Baby,
Chloe Soleil!

Celebrate the Lil' ChaCha Girls in your life by giving them a
Lil' ChaCha Girl Ring!

Perfect for Flower Girls, Easter Gifts or Birthday Presents - Lil' ChaCha Girl Rings make every little girl feel extra special and super sparkly - Let them shine just as bright as you!

2009-02-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Wear green that sparkles when you celebrate this
St. Patrick's Day!
Our Sandy T. ring was just featured in I Do For Brides!
This year, don't get pinched! Go Green with ChaChaBella!

2009-02-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

We found a super cool spot to have your entire wedding or your honeymoon!

What ChaChaGirl doesn't want to go to a fantastic place in the Bahamas - called
Pink Sands?

PERFECT!

Check out Pink Sands!

2009-02-04T19:15:00.000-08:00

This bracelet is a gift from me to you
Because our Friendship's tried and true!
You're amazing and thoughtful in all that you do
So, here's a little something to celebrate YOU!
It is sparkly and fun as you can see
Just slide it on and shout YEAH ME!

Hello ChaCha Girls everywhere! 2009 has started off with a "bang"! We're off to a running start with the unveiling of our new Stretch Bracelet Collection. It's the perfect on-the-go accessory -- when you need a "quick hit of bling"! Stack 2 or 3 of them to create your own unique style. Can't find one that screams "YOU"--contact one of our friendly sales representatives to help guide thru the process of creating your very own ChaChaBella Stetch Bracelet. The possibilitites are endless................ h@chachabella.com

2009-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

"PAGE"
"H BROWN CRYSTAL"
"LINDA M"

2009-01-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

Imagine carrying this precious bouquet of petite roses in creme and baby pink, with sea shells sprinkled throughout... stunning!!

2009-01-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

We just love this look! It's such a fun twist and fabulously chic!!

2009-01-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

2008-09-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hello ChaChaGirls everywhere!!! We've just discovered one of the best wedding photographers in the Southeastern U.S. This award winning photojournalist is definitely worth checking out. His ability to "freeze moments in time" truly captures the essence of each event. He definitely gets "two thumbs up." Jaxon Photography @ http://www.jaxonphoto.com/#

2008-08-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

These bridesmaids look stunning in our rings. Notice how the florist used accent flowers to match the color of the dresses. The "bling" completes the look.

2008-08-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

The "Rockin Robin" ,one of our newest additions, is pure ChaCha--extraordinary beading & turquoise crystals.

2008-08-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest pictures of Jessica Campbell, correspondent for the Lifetime Channel's "Get Married" tv show. http://www.getmarried.com/ Many thanks to the show for showcasing our jewelry. Yeah Hollywood!!!

2008-07-25T23:25:00.000-07:00

The right lighting plays an important role in most social situations. Add panache to your next party or wedding reception by adding laser graphics. They can take a party from "drab" to "fab" in no time!

Insiders Secret: Many professional DJ's already provide laser lighting for an additional fee.

2008-07-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

The "Nice Ice Cooler" by http://europeangarden.com has our vote as this weeks coolest buy. You simply pour in distilled water and freeze. You can also add any decoration of your choosing to match the theme of your party. The possibilities are endless!!!

2008-07-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

The classic silhouette of a crisp black tux and white silk dress provide the perfect backdrop for bold color in the bridal bouquet.

2008-07-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

"ChaChatini"

1 1/2 oz. Grey Goose Vodka

1/2 oz. DeKuyper Cheri-Beri Pucker Schnapps

1 splash orange juice

1 splash 7-UP

2008-07-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

This 5-layer floral topped cake epitomizes youthful elegance.

2008-07-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

Cha Cha Tip:
Use potted plants instead of cut flowers at your next party. They are comparable in price and continue to bloom for weeks to come.

2008-07-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

These stylish garden party hats are a clever and chic way to beat the summer heat.

ChaChaGirls Blog

2008-02-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Yay Us! ChaChaGirls blog has begun!