The Chillette(s)

Chillette Suggestions for Beer Festival Attire

2008-10-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Decatur Beer Festival is coming up this Saturday, and naturally the Chillettes have some fashion advice.First off we suggest that you wear something shiny, either necklace, earrings, or this lovely "I Heart this Bar" belt buckle. What a great conversation piece...sure to attract at least a few comments.

Then, of course, are the facial adornments: these are the perfect sunglasses for the Great Decatur Beer Tasting Festival. I actually found several versions of these, but these were the most festive! Now, for the "do it yourselfer" here are beer beads that you can make into earrings, a bracelet or necklace.
Of course, it is always a good idea to purchase a Decatur Beer Tasting Festival T-shirt once you arrive at the event, but we like this pullover for "waiting to get in" attire.

If you didn't get tickets for this festival, go ahead and get your Wine Festival tickets now before they sell out: www.decaturartsalliance.org
M

A Good Deed Appreciated

2008-10-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

I went shopping at Kroger on DeKalb Industrial last Sunday night. Brought my own bags, so just carried my wallet. Unfortunately when I left the store and put my buggy in the corral outside the store, I had left my wallet in the buggy. Discovering an hour or so later that I did not have my wallet I called the store. They had it!

Went to pick it up, feeling totally lucky. Turns out one of the employees found it and turned it in. Thank you Karin. It is so nice to have good things happen and find that people are still honest and good hearted.
Hope you have something good happen to you this week!

M

Football Season is Among Us

2008-10-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, Football season has returned once again. First there was pre-season and now it is the REAL season. I know may people take the game very seriously and because of that, there are many "football viewing parties" making up the social calendar. And social is what being a Chillettes is all about. I have come up with some ways to make watching football more exciting.

Since Chillettes like diamonds and sparkly accessories, this football pendant is a must. Even better if it is crafted with gen-u-ine diamonds and not rhinestones.

This could also be cute on a bracelet- or even a lot of them on one bracelet.

If glittery footballs are not your thing, get yourself some football beads and string a necklace that everyone will envy. And to be ready for any sport, any season, pick up a "Fun Pack" of sports beadz!

Then to liven up the crowd when the preferred team nears some cheering, pass out these football maracas. Get everyone going with their favorite cheer or team song.

Be sure to be sporting your football garter underneath it all. No Chillette would be without one and you shouldn't either. (Note: they also come in other sports themes, so I will have to remember this come spring).

Now go and have yourself a great football season!

Tiaras and More!

2008-09-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Decided to "google" yoga and tiara, two things I am fond of, to see if I could find a tiara suitable for practicing yoga. I know what you are thinking, I have way too much time on my hands. That is not true- I make time for those things that are important- like yoga and tiaras. Anyway, I did not find any (surprise) but I did find some some most interesting things, items....

Behold the ipod bearing a tiara.....who would have thought? I found this at popgadget.com, a technology site that caters to women. Check it out http://www.popgadget.com. I was actually a bit disappointed in the site, as there were only a few pink or sparkly items. The pink high heel phone was fun!

And here is a Chillette Wannabe Cat! I wish the photo wasn't so small, but I bet this cat is glad she/he can't be recognized. She'd be the laughing stock of the cats on her street.

Found this great photo below at www.tiaradaymusings.blogspot.com. The slogan under the photo was "Every day is a tiara day". Got to love it. AND agree with it.

The "yoga" part of the google led me to this:

Yoga chocolate...yum! Pic taken from www.blingdomofgod.com; strange yet interesting.

So- no tiara for yoga which is most disappointing- how will the others in the class know that I am special??

TTFN

Boise Zoo

2008-09-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

My favorite photos from a recent visit to the Boise Zoo.

This guy saw us with our cameras and climbed up to the top to pose.

Mr. Squirrel seemed to be waiting for me to take his/her picture. He scurried off right after the shot was taken. He lived in the rose garden outside the zoo. Sounds a bit like Peter Rabbit, doesn't it?

The Rose Garden.....

This is one of my favorites...I saw one of the zookeepers cleaning the inside of the cage. I thought it would make him laugh if he saw me taking his picture as if he were one of the zoo residents. He did laugh, but unfortunately the glare made it hard to capture his face. (He was cute, too!) The result is interesting, yes?
And last but not least, the river running through the middle of the zoo......
TTFN

It's been a long time......

2008-09-20T14:40:00.001-07:00

Wow- I can't believe it has been almost two months since this Chillettes has posted- I should be seriously chastised. A lot has been going on and I have thought of posting, but there is so much fun to be had, I haven't made myself sit down and type and upload photos....

Went to Boise Idaho- very pretty city. Lots of public art, so much so that they have a brochure that shows you where it all is. This is my favorite, on the side of my hotel:

The "Boisians" are also excited to have a library, as seen below!

Stay tuned for photos from the Boise zoo....not as boring as you may think.
TTFN

New York

2008-07-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

I recently went to New York City with my two teenage boys. I was quite surprised that they wanted to take a trip with me at all, but I suppose the lure of the BIG city got them enthused. It was their first time there, and we played tourists from day one until we left.

Matthew's request was to visit Times Square and 42nd Street. Here he is feeling the power of the city....

....and this blogger trying to get in on the action!

My two boys, Andrew and Matthew, who will be quite appalled that I have put their photo on my blog!

I could not resist the lure of the Statue of Libery's Crown (tiara?). I definately think they should consider making a version in green sequins!

Matthew and our our new friend, Sito, from Japan. We met him while standing in line for tickets to "The Statue" and had fun getting to know him while visiting Liberty Island. He was on a three month tour of the US on his own. Quite an interesting man.... retired and now owns a restaurant in Japan. We lost him on our way to Ellis Island - he found another family to hang out with.

Chillettes on the 4th of July

2008-07-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Fabulous Chillettes celebrated the 4th of July in style by participating in the City of Decatur Parade. Although all were present, not all of us were available to wave to the adoring fans from the Official Chillette Vehicle.Violette and Tiffany Dawn were escorted by Captain Bill, who came all the way from Gainesville to show off his favorite ladies.

Kirk (Mr.Bambi Jo) showed off his new Smart Car, while Bambi Joe herself (in the tiara, of course) showed off her four grandchildren.

Alma (a Chillette Fan and Friend) assisted Moanique in keeping the paradegoers under control. She was wearing her wonderful smile as usual.

Although not officially IN the parade, Moanique sported her new red sequined tiara while working. Notice the adorable matching red purse,purchased at the Decatur Arts Festival.

The Flamingo Queens gave the Chillettes a run for their money - seen here taking up the rear ofthe parade.

And what would the 4th of July be without Decatur's Fire fighters, seen here relaxing before the big parade!

Fireworks as seen from the top of the deck.

A Trip to Gainesville

2008-07-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

Ah yes- a trip to the BIG city of Gainesville, where our precious Tiffany Dawn lives. Nothing like a girl's weekend to wake up the inner self and remind us of who our true friends are. Even though we are separated by miles, our hearts are never far apart.

Now- for dish on the trip! We traveled to the BIG city and had BIG plans. First, food and wine; then a concert. Here is Bambi Jo talking musical talent to a soon to be dance partner. And what a great dancer he was!

Tiffany Dawn spent some time networking at the concert, as Chillettes are apt to do. Isn't she pretty?

Violette was longingly awaiting the performance of The Jesters, while Bambi Jo tunes up in the background. Unfortunately, Moanique was so busy taking photos, there are no tell-tale ones of her to be shown. (Or were there, and she just didn't like them? No one knows for sure except this writer!)

Unfortunately, the concert was held outside, and for the first time in over a month, it rained cats and dogs. But not to be discouraged, we danced the night away indoors.

Saturday, we visited Cottage Garden Antiques- not sure if it should be called a store or not - maybe a cross between an upscale junkyard and unbelievably creative yard art.

The owner had a great knack for taking seemingly unwanted items and putting them together to make seriously creative art.

Saturday evening brought us to Lake Lanier for dinner on Tiffany D's friend Bill's houseboat. Bill was the perfect host and acted as though he had celebreties on his boat. Oh wait-he did! Did I mention that he brought us all a dozen roses on Friday night? He won my heart right then and there. And that was before he told us how pretty and lovely we all were! Oh why doesn't he have a brother??

This Chillette finally got a break from her photographic duties and had an adult beverage on the boat. She also learned how to make mojitos (Captain Bill was busy captaining, so someone had to learn how, and quickly, I might add).

Captain Bill and TD on our way to an island for dinner.

Moanique, Tiffany Dawn and Captain Bill enjoy the breeze.

And last but not least, a precursor to the 4th of July: The Stars and Stripes

Stay tuned for 4th of July in Decatur report.....coming soon.

Rodney the Watch Cat

2008-06-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

Rodney is my cat who likes an adventure as much as, if not more than, The Chillettes. My Neighbors, who moved and I miss them very much, took this photo while we were out. I thought he was being a good boy and guarding the house, but they said he was staking out the squirrels. To my knowledge he has not caught one yet.

He has brought home several chipmonks which my son Andrew has had to catch or chase out of the house.

We do beleive Rodney is a bit touched, as he jumps up inside walls trying to catch things we cannot see. But hey, he does guard the house and he is able to get down from the roof by himself!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend and staying cool.
Moanique

I Met Carl Hiassen!

2008-06-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

I had the priviledge of meeting Carl Hiassen on his recent visit to Decatur to promote his new book The Downhill Lie. Having read many of his fiction books, this was a great evening for me. Such titles as Stormy Weather, The Lottery Winner and Nature Girl have given me many hours of entertainment.

When I first heard he was coming to town, courtesy of the Georgia Center for the Book, I immediately contacted my friend Joe and let him know that I was ready and willing to volunteer at the event. Held at the GA Perimeter College Decatur Campus, many fans showed up to hear Carl talk about his new book, as well as answer questions about his writing, his appearance on The Colbert Report, and of course, his new book on golf. I was thrilled to be the "bodyguard"; standing at the signing table holding the fans back while they waited for him to sign their books. In true Chillette style, I wore a lovely pink apron that coincidentally matched the book!

The Downhill Lie is actually a journal of his return to golf after a twenty five year hiatus. He said that he doesn't know why he took up a sport in middle age that he wasn't any good at as a young man. Like his fiction books, the new book is humorous. If you are not familiar with him, Carl is a columnist for the Miami Herald. His columns are wonderful and can be found in some of his "collections". I highly recommend his books for entertaining as well as enlightening reading.

During his talk, Mr. Hiassen was questioned about his recent appearance on Colbert. He said that while in the green room before his interview, Colbert comes in and says "Remember that I stay in character during your interview, and that character is an idiot. Talk to me like you are talking to a drunk". As a fan of both Carl and Stephen, I enjoyed hearing about him. I always wondered how the people he interviewed on his show felt about his behavior. Now I know that they are educated on what to expect.

Mr. Hiassen is NOT a fan of Disney and lamented that he had not been banned from Disney World after writing unfavorably about "the mouse". He has a friend that has been banned, and he is very envious. I know how he feels. After a few visits with my children, I have absolutely no desire to return.

If you have not yet read Mr. Hiassen, I urge you to rush out and get at least one of his books. Great summer reading.

I came away from the evening with a great Father's Day gift as well as my own copy personalized to "my bodyguard". I now have an even bigger crush on him!

Me and Carl- aren't we cute together? Too bad he is married!

"Chillettes Is Smart!" says an awed fan

2008-05-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

From the fashion wire services
Dateline Scottdale, Georgia, May 21, 2008

It is often lost -- in the worldwide chatter about the beauty, fashion sense, and sparkling personalities of the Chillettes -- that they are, in fact, among the most brilliant of women as well. All have graduated from prestigious universities and have pursued lofty careers in addition to their singing/performing careers. As one impressed fan put it, “Chillettes is smart!”

Today more evidence of the ingrained Chillette genius comes to us with news that Bambi Jo Chillette has been named “Outstanding Student” in her basic statistics class (Math 1431) at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus. Bambi Jo was stunned when she received notification of her award, saying “I love statistics, and my instructor Mrs. Davis, and my fellow students so much, and I had no idea that I was the outstanding student among so many bright classmates! I want to thank my husband Kirk, my daughter Laura and son-in-law Douglas, my sister Chillettes Tiffany Dawn, Moanique, and Violette . . .” The rest of her statement was lost when this reporter had to leave the scene. We are fortunate, however, to have two pictures from the great day of the Award Ceremony and a statement from Tiffany Dawn Chillette.

Tiffany Dawn was the only one of her Chillettes sisters who could attend the Awards Ceremony, but Bambi Jo was overcome with gratitude to have her beautiful Tiff D with her. Tiff D remarked on the fabulous diversity of the presenters and the award recipients, and exclaimed that it was possibly the most well-produced awards ceremony she had ever attended. "The speeches were short and sweet, the outstanding students were obviously very smart, and the ceremony was over in less than an hour. I wish more awards ceremonies could be that well done and brief, given how many I have to go to every week."

Bambi Jo

Things My Mother Never Told Me

2008-05-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

She must have done it in the privacy of her own room. She couldn’t have done it in the bathroom because there were 5 of us (three girls, my mother and father) all sharing the same small bathroom. Time in the bathroom was a premium. I never saw her do it. But now I know she must have. Even into her 80s her face was smooth and free of unsightly whisker hairs; her upper lip was clean; no long strands coming from her nose; and her eyebrows did not touch in the center. I know she must have plucked feverishly when no one was looking.

Being a Chillette, it is important to put my best face forward. And that face must be free of hair. So naturally, I have to pluck. Constantly! I have found that the very best place to pluck is the car, in the daylight, using the rear view mirror. Things appear bigger in the rearview mirror. That wonderful natural light coming in and shining on my face in that crystal clear mirror makes finding those little hairy demons much easier, and so gratifying.

So on some bright Saturday morning, if you happen to drive by my house and see me sitting in my car crying, it not because I am fed up with my dear mate and I am going to leave him once and for all. No, it is because I am plucking my nose hairs. Plucking nose hairs makes me cry, and scream some times, although not because I am sad to see them go. Clipping with scissors just doesn’t get the job done. One thing my mother DID tell me was “beauties must suffer.”

Although looking in the mirror is a MUST when plucking eyebrows, I have perfected chin, nose and upper lip plucking while working on the computer, or watching TV, or reading. Sometimes I get bored reading all those long admiring emails or watching commercials, so scanning my face with the constant motion of nipping tweezers is a fun way to divert my boredom. I have found it actually helps me concentrate.

For convenience, place a pair at every location -- the car, your desk, your night stand, your bathroom, your dressing table, right beside the TV remote. And please do buy the best you can afford. There is nothing worse than coming up empty handed while plucking with a bad pair of tweezers that lets the hairs slip out of their grasp. Grabbing onto a hair, pulling, and feeling the painful release is quite satisfying. My favorite kind is slanted flat-edged tweezers. They have a wider area for grabbing and you can place them against your face in constant pinching motion without the fear of puncturing your pretty face. I also have a pair of medical quality “dressing” tweezers with serrated teeth that have awesome pulling power. I am quite attached to this pair.

Darlings, please do not keep this dirty little secret of plucking from your daughters or nieces. You much teach them well. They need to know we all have them and we all pluck them.

Violette

Can Hair Rollers Be the New Trend?

2008-04-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ah- a photo of Tiffany Dawn was posted with her hair in rollers - beautiful as usual. Now I see that the roller trend has taken on a life of its own. Observe: both Carmen Electra and Eva Longoria have been photographed pre- hair do. Of course these two women, like TD, look beautiful at any stage of the game.

But not this "beauty".

Before you know it, women everywhere will be seen in rollers. Personally, I didn't even know that women used these ancient torture devices any more. I recall in high school, we didn't have any choice, and actually went shopping with these in our hair. The invention of the electric rollers, and then the most amazing steam rollers enabled us to set our hair in a few minutes and forego actually sleeping on rollers. No wonder so many women turned to valium - it was the only way they could actually rest.

But now I see that the trend has returned, although I can't understand it myself. Is this a movement back to the 70's along with those dreaded bell bottoms and tie dye? Oh yes- tie dye has come back as well as madras shorts. I actually have one of my tie dye shirts from the 70s, but as you would expect, it is studded with rhinestones.

So ladies,next time you are called to make an announcement on stage, feel free to wear your rollers. But like this star, I would suggest wearing your darkest glasses so as not to be recognized. What was she thinking?

Rhinestone Decor

2008-03-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

What did we do before "google"? Why, there is such a wealth of information out there- and my favorite search involves the word rhinestone. Tonight I was inspired by some photos of decorating with rhinestones. I had seen something very similar this afternoon in a magazine, so sure this must be the start of a new trend. AND the Chillettes must take credit for the proliferation of this sparkly wonder.

The teacups filled with rhinestones as a centerpiece solves that age old problem of what to do with all those glimmering treasures when you are not wearing them. Now you know! Use them throughout your home and add a sparkle to your decor. The arrangement above would look especially nice in a guest bathroom or on a dressing table. A clever way to store your jewels, yes?

Using your jewels to fill a goblet or large serving bowl is another option. Mingling them with other sparkling jewels is acceptable if you do not have an adequate supply of rhinestones. (If this is the case, I advise you to get out this weekend and search for those perfect pieces to accent your wardrobe...and to add decor...)

Imagine what an eye catcher this would be as the centerpiece for your next dinner party. Place silky napkins with elastic rhinestone bracelets as napkin rings and your table will be complete.

Well- not completely complete- the addition of candles would make it complete. Rhinestone "studded" candles would be ideal.

Here are a couple that I found....

A Birthday Amid Tornados

2008-03-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Dawn successfully celebrated her birthday despite the tornados that came through the area. TD and the Fabulous Chillettes began with a brunch at Violette's house, then out for a mega shopping afternoon. Junkman's Daughter was our first visit, then off to Howell Mill for some serious shoe shopping. Found a couple of shoe stores and found many bargains. While in the first store, we hear on the radio that a tornado is heading our way. Bambi Jjoe takes charge and locates the bathroom that we are going to hide in...Violette stand under a doorway for safety....Tiffany Dawn and I continue trying on the cutest shoes we can find. Needless to say, the threat passed and we were not harmed. Shopping continued, then more wine and dinner. Then off to Paris to dance (no, not the real Paris- the club in Decatur). We ruled the dance floor- especially since we were the only ones on it.

Tiffany Dawn is having a birthday!

2008-03-08T04:23:00.000-08:00

The Chillettes enjoy celebrating, and what better time than a birthday? Well, Tiffany Dawn is having one (we are not sure which one) and we plan to spend a good part of the weekend celebrating her birth- for what would the Chillettes be without TD? Which reminds me- she did try to quit once. Yes- sad but true. When Tiffany Dawn moved to Gainesville, she decided she would have to quit the Chillettes. This was a big decision, since we were still performing at the Big Chill then. She came to us with a large shoe box filled with her momentos. Included were a tiara, her lovely "fuzzy" red animal prit scarf, her banner (from the 4th of July parade) and other Chillette-like items. Well, we flat out refused to have her quit! But somehow, I still have that box in my closet. It has been added to over the years, and now inlcudes quite a variety of tiaras, including that new one from Party City that lights up! I am looking forward to wearing it to osome very special occasion.

So, back to TDs birthday. Starting with happy hour on Friday, but only two Chillettes can make that. I am hoping they take some photos. Then all day Saturday- shopping, wine, more shopping, dinner, more wine, I hope some dancing and singing. I think it would be fun to go sing some karaoke. After all, folks outside of Decatur haven't heard us yet- why deprive them?

Now- what to get TD for her present, even though The Chillettes are presence enough!
It should sparkle or have feathers, or else just be terribly creative. Might have to make a trip to The Junkman's Daughter. Went there last week with Chappy, and bought some fun things. Got some tattoos, just in case I feel like looking old and hip.

Here is where I need you help. Where should we take Tiffany Dawn for her birthday to dance and sing? I would love your suggetions and hope to get some good ones.

Hope to have some fun photos to post after we celebrate.

A Trip to Gainesville

2008-02-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

In February The Fabulous Chillettes traveled all the way to downtown Gainesville for an outing with Sister Tiffany Dawn. The visit began almost immediately with wine, cheese, tomotoes, fresh fruit- did I mention wine? We watched Violette frost the fantastic cake she baked, then were visited by Tiffany Dawn's momma. She was so happy to meet all The Chillettes and brought a photo of her family to share. She pointed out one woman who she said was a "Stepmother" and didn't she look like one. She is so cute! Momma TD went on to explain that said stepmother had to roll her own- she evidently had a sleeping sickness and had to smoke to keep awake. I like that excuse- I will have to use it the next time someone gives me a hard time about having a smoke.

We then went to Luna's- a very nice little bar in downtown Gainesville. We had a photo op with the owner- of course he was thrilled - and settled in next to the fire. There was a piano player that really set the ambiance. Of course, The Chillettes LOVE ambiance. We then proceeded to discuss the predeliction for BIG hair in Gville. And not only on the women, mind you. The men seemed to be very proud of their hair as well. Even the ones with obvious hairpieces.

We ended the first evening watching an Italian movie about a woman who left her husband for a vacation and decided life was better that way. The Chillettes do love a foreign movie- especially with women who are strong and like to have fun!

On Saturday, a party was thrown in our honor- so we dazzled them with minks, sequins, rhinestones, boas and tiaras. Of course, we had to make a quick trip to Party City for supplies. Bambi Jo felt like a new boa would enhance her already beautiful profile, and some of us longed for a light up tiara. Alas, the light up tiara did not match the boa, so it was bought and saved for another occasion.

A Chillette Rule: You should always have extra tiaras on hand for any occasion.

We also sported the rhinestone pins given to us by Violette during the holidays. Tiffany Dawn's stated FABULOUS and Moanique's shone HOT. They were quite a hit at the party.

Did I mention that the party was all women? With the exception of Reeves- he was our personal servant for the evening. He really worked hard keeping everyone's wine glasses filled. We felt very special to have a party given in our honor. Mardi Gras beads enhanced our already fabulous sparkly, furry, feathery attire, and a good time was had by all.

All of The Chillettes look forward to our next outing in March-to celebrate the birthday of our Fabulous Tiffany Dawn.

Chillettes

2008-01-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there were four wonderful, beautiful, talented, fun women in Decatur who were asked to become The Chillettes, back up singers for Mr. Big. They performed to the amazement and envy of many. They were cheered on and admired. Chillette wannabes formed. What makes these women so wonderful, you may ask. Their style, their class, their love of all things shiny and sparkly. Their love of BIG hair, flashy clothing, and their irrisistable charm. Trashy you may ask- OH NO! They are much too classy to be trashy.

Sadly. Mr. Big and the Fabulous Chillettes do not perform in public any more. They left the stage while they were at the top. The top of what? Well- the top of the world, the top of Decatur, the top of the stage. Ah yes, it is so sad. People still long for their performances, but alas, they only perform in private. They are busy traveling the world, or their part of it anyway.

Welcome to the Chillette blog where you will learn all things Chillette. Like how to wear sparkly things, lots of red, and above all, BIG hair.