May 20, 2013 by Shulie Lo

Gretchen Rossi Is Engaged – She Proposed!

    Congratulations, Gretchen Rossi! She’s newly engaged to her boyfriend of four years, Slade Smiley. Gretchen picked out a gorgeous black-gold band shimmering with black diamonds and proposed to her sweetheart on top of the AT&T building in Los Angeles. The Real Housewives of Orange County star says, “I don’t do anything by the book.”

    A few days after their engagement, Smiley went and chose a whopping 4-carat yellow diamond engagement ring surrounded with a diamond halo and planned a surprise for Gretchen herself.

    Source: Travis Jourdain, Life&Style

    Source: Travis Jourdain, Life&Style

    She liked it, so she put a ring on it! Congratulations to the happy couple!

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      May 20, 2013 by Tracey Lyles

      10 Places to Avoid on First Date

        I am the queen of first dates and while I normally like to keep the initial encounter low-key and casual (aka The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), just so we can feel each other out and see if there’s any face-to-face chemistry and other commonality, lately I’ve been letting the guy decide when and where we’ll meet. And let me just tell you, I’ve been asked on some funny, weird and umm, shall I say “interesting” first dates.

        Thus, I decided to have an impromptu pow wow with some friends to come up with this list. Without further ado, here are the 10 Places to Avoid on a First Date. Ladies and Gentlemen, listen up and take notes.

        1. Spa–Don’t do it! I know it sounds tempting and very hard for a girl to ever turn down a pampering opportunity, but it’s a little too soon and too intimate for him to see you when you’re most vulnerable (in a white towel and robe with those funny-looking spa slippers!).

        2. Gym–Yes, health and fitness should be at the top of everyone’s priority list but c’mon. I’m sure she’s going to put a lot of effort into looking good for you, so don’t mess it up by suggesting that you two go get hot and sweaty at the dang gym. Have some class.
        gym2

        3. McDonald’s–This is a tough one because personally Mickey D’s is one of my favs, especially since I’ve discovered the delicious Oreo McFlurry thanks to my niece Jordan. BUT…first impressions are everything so try to turn it up a notch when picking a place to get some grub.

        4. Parents’ House–Well! Let’s see…talk about awkward. I don’t care if you need to stop by for a “quick minute” and I can wait in the car, it’s a no-no. I don’t want to meet your parents or be anywhere near them on the very first date. Got it? Good.

        5. Strip Club–Just don’t! Need I say more? Okay, okay since you asked let me paint a picture: How embarrassing would it be if when you two arrive, all the employees know your date’s name? Be careful. I’m just sayin’.

        6. Church–Unless you met there, this might not be an ideal first date. You want to make sure that both of you can be comfortable and focused on each other. At church you should be focused on praise & worship and hearing the sermon, not that fine specimen or PYT sitting right next to you.

        7. Political Rally–She’s a democrat. He’s a republican. She’s for same-sex marriage and he’s not. She detests recreational weed smoking and he thinks it should be legalized. Get my drift? This can only lead to a heated debate between the two, maybe a fight, and there will be no second date.

        8. Movies–This one’s a bit controversial but I’m just going to put it out there. There’s no way to tell if you two have anything in common if you can’t talk to each other. Skip the movie, go to lunch instead. Or even a drive along the coast or casual stroll at the park would be more effective.

        9. HomeTown Buffet–Never heard of this place? Good! Of course you want to be full and happy with each other but this restaurant is questionable. The food is okay (well, if you’re 5 or 85, mashed potatoes are mashed potatoes, right?) but definitely not a place she’ll rush to tell her friends about.
        Buffet

        10. Funeral/Wake–Casket, tears, people passing out and lots of emotion. Consider meeting up with each other afterwards to get some ice cream or other treat that will make you both smile. Better yet, how about making the first date another day?

        Do you agree or disagree with our list? Any places on your DON’T list for a first date? We’d love to hear!

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          May 16, 2013 by Tracey Lyles

          Engaged Couple of the Week (A Match Made in Heaven)

            ENGAGED! Congrats to Raven Davenport & Clarence Thomas of Pearland, Texas.

            ENGAGED! Congrats to Raven Davenport & Clarence Chatmon of Pearland, Texas.

            Engagement Date May 12, 2013

            How did you two meet? We met at a local church in the Houston area. He was the guest musician for my church choir. The church’s regular organist was unavailable to accompany the choir for an outing so he called Clarence to play for us. After the end of the church service, Clarence was determined to make his way towards my direction, lol.

            How did he propose? He stated that he searched for me most of his life and did not want to continue to live without me being his wife. He asked if I would be Mrs. Chatmon. I said, heavens yes! lol

            What do you love most about your engagement ring? I love that my engagement ring is unique! I have not seen my ring on anyone else.

            Clarence bought Raven's beautiful diamond engagement ring from Robbins Brothers Houston.

            Clarence bought Raven’s beautiful diamond engagement ring from Robbins Brothers Houston.

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              May 15, 2013 by Tracey Lyles

              Stylish Engagement Ring Tips from Marketing and PR Exec at Tacori

                I just love TACORI! But what stylish woman in her right mind doesn’t?! The exquisite designs are in a class of their own and the people behind the brand are equally as fascinating. Just to give you a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of this leading bridal and fashion jewelry designer, thought I’d do a fun Q&A with one of the women in charge, my friend and well-respected colleague Michelle Adorjan, SVP of Marketing and PR for Tacori.

                Tracey: What’s a typical day at the Tacori Headquarters for you?
                Michelle: A typical day at Tacori is never typical! Some days, I’m meeting with our Design Team to see new styles and hear the design inspiration behind each piece. Other days, we’re planning Special Events for our clients, and still other days, I may be on Twitter or other Social Media outlets for breaking news or general inspiration.

                No matter the day, I’m always trying to figure out ways to connect our customers (and future clients) with Tacori’s beautiful designs.

                Tracey: Are you engaged? What type of engagement ring do you have?
                Michelle: I’m happily married for almost four years! I wear Tacori – of course. :)

                My husband actually proposed with an heirloom ruby and diamond engagement ring – his grandmother’s – so there was a lot of emotional significance to the proposal. After the proposal, he said that he wanted me to wear the heirloom ring until I had a chance to choose the exact ring style that I wanted to wear in the future. (him knowing that I’ve always wanted to wear Tacori!)

                So together, he and I worked with the Design Team at Tacori to create a one-of-a-kind ring, and I wore the heirloom ring until my Tacori design was ready.

                It’s truly an amazing honor to wear a piece that Tacori designed just for me, and which symbolizes the love and connection I have with my husband.

                Tracey: Of all the Tacori styles out right now, which one is your favorite?
                Michelle: This is such a hard question, as each Tacori design is really a small work of art. For engagement rings, I’m attracted to classic designs that have a bit of an unusual twist – something that you don’t see every day and which are really distinct to the woman who wears Tacori.

                The ring that I am surprised to love is this style from our “Dantela” collection. It’s absolutely beautiful – and so unique with a pear-cut diamond!

                Tacori Pear-Shape Design from Dantela Collection

                Tacori Pear-Shape Design from Dantela Collection

                Tracey: If a lady is unsure of her engagement ring style, what can she do to narrow down the options?
                Michelle: This is a great question, and we have created an “Engagement Ring Quiz” to help! A lady just needs to answer five simple questions about her style, and Tacori helps direct her to a particular look from Tacori that she might like.

                Based on feedback that I’ve seen on Twitter and Facebook, I think this fun quiz may actually be pretty accurate! You’ll have to leave a comment below and let me know if we got it right for you?
                Tracey: Ha!!!! Okay will do!!

                Tracey: Is it okay for a woman to let her man know the exact ring she wants?
                Michelle: Absolutely! We believe that the “5th C” in the ring search is Communication! (the 4 other C’s being: cut, color, clarity, carat weight)

                When a couple is planning their lives together, we believe they should absolutely be communicating together about their wants and needs. An engagement ring is an important milestone in a relationship for both him and her, and it’s an important conversation to have for many reasons!

                Tracey: Is bigger always better?
                Michelle: When it comes to diamonds and engagement rings, and in fact most things in life – I believe that quality is always the most important factor.

                The engagement ring is a very special promise between two people, and any decision should not be about size or money – it’s about love and commitment, and those principles should guide the day.

                Tracey: Thanks Michelle! As always it’s a pleasure chatting it up with you!
                Michelle: Likewise! Talk to you soon. We’re long overdue for another “Coffee Break.”

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                  May 14, 2013 by Shulie Lo

                  Tacori Trunk Show at Robbins Brothers San Diego

                    San Diego Tacori Trunk Show

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