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.

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 ChaChaBella 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.