Plan Your Dream Spring Vacation

After having spent some time in a cubicle, or maybe confined to your car cruising the highways in a 100 mile radius of your home, standing night after day in a retail brick and mortar, or staring at your pc in "the home office", you may have been pondering a lovely trip or two to take away the blues of monotony.

While the present economy leaves many of us questioning the practicality of that "special voyage", we can still plan the darn thing! Who knows, there are better odds than lotteries where others have been brought riches...

So for the ladies reading who are dreaming and for those of you worrying about attaining, here is a perfect vacation (in the making)

First off...what is the issue that Americans are most concerned with? ECONOMICS Well let's be women of the world concerned with economics and more. GOLD is an area of interest. And, did you know, you can visit those places that gold is most commonly found?

While a home atlas was used in the above picture, it does highlight best in dark yellow, where the mineral is found in abundance.

More to come...

Chico's Deals

Every Wednesday is our BIG sale that runs for a whole week!

This week we are featuring our Chico's tops at 15% off. There's something for everyone. Check it out! Here's just a sample of what you will find at www.less4luxury.com . Chico's deals from left to right...Chico's sizes 0, 1, 2 and 3.

Springtime Celebrations

Here it is already, the last day of April 2008, and many of us are gearing up for the festivities that take place this time of year. Weddings, birthdays, graduations, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo and more have many of us searching for that perfect gift, outfit, or dish for the occasion. Whether hosting or attending, we all want to make an impression and remember these special events fondly. Get started at http://www.less4luxury.com/ where you are sure to find something beautiful to wear at a great price.

If you are hosting a party, there is a delicious, healthy, refreshing dish that will delight all your guests who love seafood and mexican cuisine. This recipe will leave them wondering if you had the event catered...

Coconut Lime Alaskan Halibut Ceviche(recipe comes from Chef Liz Ozanich at McCormick & Kuleto’s in San Francisco)
1 pound fresh Alaskan halibut

1 1/2 lemons, zest and juice

1 1/2 limes, zest and juice1 ounce fish sauce (Vietnamese or Thai style)

1/2 bunch cilantro

1/2 ounce Chinese chili garlic paste

6 1/2 ounces canned coconut milk (unsweetned)

1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger
Slice the halibut into small bite size slices. Whisk together all the rest of the ingredients and marinate for at least 4 hours in a non-reactive bowl in the refrigerator. Serve with plantain chips or tortilla chips.Courtesy of Amy Sherman's blog at Glam.com (see links for details)

Now for the perfect gift...something special to give that will be remembered. Decide on your budget and look for something that fits the occasion. For example gift certificates to ticket outlets make fabulous graduation, birthday, engagement and Mothers/Fathers day gifts. If you know that special someone's taste in music or favorite sport's team, you can take it one step further and buy the actual tickets. Online ticketbrokers offer great selections, often allowing you to purchase premium seats, even front row, in many cases. StubHub is a good source for this (see our links for details). If you are looking for that special something to bring as a gift for the host, check out the Putumayo Presents CD's. Not only will you give a a gift they will never forget but they can get the party started with their new tunes! Caution: Once you get started on this world music, you may never stop... Happy spring parties!

Better Late than Never

The latest CD by Tari LaCourt....Better Late than Never

Tari LaCourt: Lead Vocals

Paul Cotruvo: Lead, Rhythm, and Acoustic Guitars

Danny Deshara: Acoustic Guitars

Mike Emerson: Keyboards, B3, Grand Piano

Tim Wagar: Bass

Paul Revelli: Drums

John Duarte: Percussion

Tom Poole: trumpet

Michael Peloquin: Saxophones, Harmonica

Nicci Welsh: Cello

Background vocals provided by: Leeann Christopherson, Calvin Tillery and Mz Dee.

Special Appearance by Tommy Castro

A little lady with a BIG voice, and can this artist sing the blues. Each cut on this album is rockin! Her range from pop to gospel will entertain over and over. My favorite was her version of Stormy Monday (live at Copia).

This girl sounded like she brought down the house!

The original song "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just As Bad)", also known as "Call It Stormy Monday", or just "Stormy Monday", is a blues song written by T-Bone Walker and first recorded in 1947. Confusingly, it is also sometimes referred to as "Stormy Monday Blues", although that is actually the title of a different song, a #1 R&B hit recorded in 1942 by Earl Hines and Billy Eckstine; Walker titled his song as he did to avoid the name collision.

Arm Chair Traveling

With gas prices soring, it is making it difficult for many to afford trips these days. I am totally hooked on Huell Howser's "California Gold". I'm a fifth generation native Californian and I was amazed on the places that Huell visits right here in my state. It is mind blowing if you think about, how much we actually have right in our own back yards. One of my favorite's is when he found each of California's five corners. He also has the DVD's available....it definitely would be well worth getting. Here is the link to his site. http://www.calgold.com/.

But the one place on my list of "things I have to do before I die", (that Huell covered) is to go to San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja to have an encounter with the curious gray whales. http://www.starrsites.com/acsmb/

Move over Huell, I want your job.........LOL

Who started Earth Day?

The first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, was initiated by Gaylord Nelson, who was a U.S. senator from Wisconsin and is sometimes called the "father of Earth Day."

Nelson's objective was to organize a nationwide public demonstration so large that it would get the attention of politicians and force issues of environmental protection into the legislative forefront.

The first Earth Day, coordinated by Harvard Law student Denis Hayes, was celebrated by more than 20 million individuals. That Earth Day is credited with spearheading the modern environmental movement.

Soon after the celebration of the first Earth Day, the following actions were taken by the U.S. government: the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the creation of the President's Council on Environmental Quality; and the passage of the Clean Air Act, which established national air quality standards.

Here at http://www.less4luxury.com/ we are doing our best to keeping it "GREEN". At the end of our work day, we make sure that we turn off our computers. I recently came across an informative blog. 21 Practical Ways to Help the Environment. Please check it out for more tips. www.practicalenvironmentalist.com/21-practical-ways-to-help-the-environment

There are only 24 hours in a day...Make them count.

Today’s woman faces more demands then ever. Let us help, with our on-line store http://www.less4luxury.com/ we have many suits, pants, tops and jackets so you can dress for success at the office, home and play.

From the convenience of your computer, shop for quality, brand new with tags Chico’s clothes for women, without even stepping foot outside. Our friendly customer service is here to answer your questions five days a week.

Here's another helpful hint: Most of us are always complaining that there just isn't enough hours in a day. Have you ever thought about acquiring a personal assistant?

Just think, your very own personal assistant to make your calls, get things done and help you get organized.

• Are you a business owner who needs virtual assistant help only an hour or two per week or month?
• Local Government municipality requiring administrative assistance?
• Recuperating from an injury and require temporary help with home or shopping needs?
• Need a special gift purchased or shopping research done?
• Are you a senior who needs help with groceries, banking, personal shopping and other errands?
• Perhaps you are an Executive that would like to free up an extra few hours each week.
• How about assistance in programming numbers and/or recording messages on your new phone?
  
  Is life passing you by and are you missing it? Are you a career professional with an aging parent? Ready, Set, Go ...
  
  The client options are unending. Can you afford just pennies a day in order to gain more time and freedom in your life?
  
  National directory for Concierge Services: North America: United States
  
  http://www.dmoz.org/Business/Business_Services/Office_Services/Concierge_Services/North_America/United_States/
  
  
  
  

A New Way To See Yourself

In my spare time away from our store http://www.less4luxury.com/ , I like to read. My last book was by Taylor Hartman, "The Color Code: A NEW WAY TO SEE YOURSELF, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS, AND LIFE". While there are hundreds if not thousands of self help books out there. I could not put this book down. This was truly life changing for me. Go ahead, take the test, and find out what makes you (and others) tick. By answering the 45-question personality profile, you will no doubt gain insight and illumination that will start you out on a thrilling journey of self-discovery. Chick here. http://www.thecolorcode.com/

The Color Code: A NEW WAY TO SEE YOURSELF, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS, AND LIFE ….by Taylor Hartman

Taylor Hartman's The Color Code: A New Way to See Yourself, Your Relationships, and Life introduces a fresh method for analyzing your own personality and behavior--as well as those of people around you--and then utilizing that knowledge to improve workplace and personal relationships. The author, a psychologist and leadership coach, offers a remarkably astute system for grouping everyone into categories denoted by a color: red (power wielders), blue (do-gooders), white (peace keepers), and yellow (fun lovers). He then explains how to ensure that all possible alliances between them function at optimum effectiveness.

You can find this book at Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0684848228/ref=dp_olp_1

What do you think??

Chico's Clothing to Fit Your Lifestyle

Chico's fans know just what to expect from the quality clothing brand they have counted on for years. Fabrics, patterns, prints and colors that are exclusive to Chico's, stand out and allow you to dress with exceptional style, without straying from the class and sophistication that you love.

Spring is here and there are hundreds of items available to add the touch-ups you need to make your wardrobe suitable for warmer weather. Whether your needs are for casual, dressy, career or travel, Chico's is sure to fit you just right.

While many of us are planning for travel as tax season comes to an end, others may be thinking more frugally. Have you decided to put off your big spring trip for later in the year? If so, you can still have fun on a weekend trip. Sunset magazine suggests the top 10 destinations that are eco-friendly, which include a lovely Santa Barbara winery. Southwest Airlines is offering specials to the always-exciting city of Las Vegas~where you are sure to find great dining and shopping~if gambling is not your cup of tea. Wildflower viewing this time of year can make for a relaxing and slow-paced getaway, AAA Via Magazine highlights the best spots to visit for blooms.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/getaways/04/04/spring.flings/index.html#cnnSTCText?iref=werecommend

http://www.viamagazine.com/weekenders/wildflowers_spring08.asp

Visit us at http://www.less4luxury.com/ for all of your Chico's clothing needs, where you will pay less than retail for beautiful, authentic, brand new with tags, Chico's items!

Chico's Clothing for Spring

To all you Chico's gals out there searching for great buys, you must visit ebay store Less4Luxury! Not only will you find hundreds of brand new with tags items, but jewelry and accessories too. This is the greatest time of year to spruce things up a bit and add a few new favorites to your already stylish wardrobe.

Those of us familiar with Chico's clothing know that brand new items from Chico's will last for many years! Not only does Chico's stay true to the classic styles we all love, but there are pieces that can carry you through all seasons and keep you looking up to date.

When you find the time to browse at http://www.less4luxury.com/ be sure to add us to your favorites, for there are new items arriving regularly. Browse with ease as you navigate swiftly through our categories and receive your item promptly with our fast shipping and top notch customer service.

We look forward to hearing from you, so please don't be afraid to leave a comment here. Happy Spring shopping and may you find all the latest and greatest Chico's clothing that you have been searching for!

Done shopping? Take a look at some other fabulous stores online. Spring has sprung and there are some flowers blooming now that are delightful in a vase at home. Take a look at these beautiful Italian glass vases...

Go to http://www.artofvenice.com/ for more

These are beautiful and unique pieces to accent your home and would make precious graduation and wedding gifts! Chico's Designs tend to bring an Italian Art flare to their jewelry~