Rule: Women, never wear black or white to a wedding?

Reality: This rule still stands but is in need of an amendment. While it's still advisable to stay away from white dresses for fear of offending or outshining the bride, wearing black is perfectly appropriate for a city wedding or an indoor affair.

In fact, more and more brides are selecting black bridesmaid dresses as a chic and sophisticated option. Thinking about that chic black and white look, see our Chico's Irene necklace and matching bracelet.

Yellow poked dot bikini

"Cut 3,000 Calories A MonthSlim-down swaps that work with your eating habits"
by Karen Ansel, RD

In a perfect world, dropping 10 pounds over a year would be as easy as grade school math. Just multiply 10 pounds by 3,500 (the number of calories you need to burn to lose one pound), then divide by 12 months. Presto: You need to trim about 3,000 calories a month, or 100 calories a day. But in the real world, math is only half the equation. We've zeroed in on five eating "personalities"-find yours, then follow the tips for zapping about 100 calories a day without giving up the foods you love.

Swap your macaroni & cheese for veggie lasagna.Calories saved: 120Adding spinach to your lasagna adds filling fiber without extra calories. Bonus: Spinach contains potent phytochemicals that help keep your eyes healthy.
Swap your 8-oz bowl of tomato bisque for 8-oz bowl of gazpacho.Calories saved: 214. To read more visit http://www.womansday.com/health/13071/cut-3000-calories-a-month.html

Track your calories, carbs and other nutrients and find the calories you burn during exercise Welcome to our feature packed site that provides you with the tools and information you need to succeed. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain weight, make a few friends or simply track your diet and exercise, we're glad you're here. FREE calorie counter www.my-calorie-counter.com

Keep'in cool

CHICOS TRAVELERS LAGUNA BAY VIVA DRESS. NWT $98. CHICO'S SIZE 0.

A GREAT DRESS IN A SLEEVELESS STYLE WITH A KNEE LENGTH FIT AND FULLER SKIRT. THE PRINT IS A FLORAL AND LEAF DESIGN IN BLACK AND WHITE. WASH AND WEAR. THE SIZE IS A CHICO'S SIZE 0 WHICH APPROXIMATES A MISSES 4/6. NEW WITH TAG, THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PRICE IS $98. Our price only $62.99

FABRIC: 95% POLYESTER, 5% SPANDEX

CARE: MACHINE WASH

MEASUREMENTS: WAIST 28 INCHES , LENGTH 37 INCHES, HIPS 35 INCHES , BUST 30 INCHES.

New recipe from the Nugget!

When I'm not working here at http://www.chicosdeals.com/ I'm cooking up a storm and always looking for luxury meals to make at home. This barbecue oyster dish looks so yummy, I just had to pass it on to you. The following entry was taken from the ever-informative newsletter from the nugget. If you have a recipe or two that you would like to share for those hot summer nights, let us know. _V

I love to barbecue Pacific Oysters! I prefer smaller-sized, but just about any size will do — for some folks bigger is better. Use ample heat and be sure to watch them carefully. As soon as they pop open the oysters are ready to eat. Shells will be hot so please be careful handling them. Make sure all of your favorite condiments are ready to go, whether you are topping them off with our Wasabi Mustard Sauce , a compound butter, or a simple squeeze of lemon and a dash of Southern-style hot sauce — barbecued oysters are to be eaten HOT off the grill! Light beers pair nicely with barbecued oysters but the best pairing by far is a light, crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc.

- Rachael Levine, Nugget Markets' Executive Chef

Who's next?

American Idol: Season 7

Syesha Mercado was asked to leave last night on American Idol. Now it is down to the wire. All that’s left is David Cook and David Archuleta. While Archuleta sings like an angel and you just want to squeeze the sweet cheeks of his, I will make my prediction that David Cook will be the final winning vote! Both Mercado and Archuleta will have producers knocking at their doors if they haven't already. Amazing talent!

After 56 million votes, the final two predicted months ago will belt it out for the title. To read more click on http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587511/20080514/id_0.jhtml

Who do you think will take the prize home next week?

Chico's Clothing On Sale

At Less4Luxury.com Chico's women's clothing is always on sale. Your favorite one stop shop for Chico's deals offers authentic brand new with tags, Chico's items, for less than retail prices. This eBay store will be a favorite once you discover the top-notch customer service and huge selection of the very best Chico's items. Weekly on Wednesdays we feature select items on sale. Shop with us and save!

Looking for delicious food, fun and travel? Here are a few great things, perfect to fit the plans for your quick getaway or dream vacation! www.ForbesTraveler.com highlights some tasty festivals that take place at some of the most desired travel spots around the globe. In June the Lobster Festival takes place in beautiful Belize! What could be better? A tropical destination, pure paradise, while leisurely sampling this fresh delicacy? Belize offers kayaking, river rafting, rain forest hikes, and all the beach activities you can dream of. Check out this fantastic site that will help you plan your trip to Belize on a budget. Accommodations from just $21 a night! http://www.toucantrail.com/

Ever thought about going to Alaska? The Copper River Wild Salmon Festival is held in the small fishing village of Cordova, Alaska during the month of July. Enjoy the most spectacular wildlife and nature views while participating in one of the highlight events this sanctuary state has to offer! Visit the Copper River site for more details http://www.copperriverwild.org/ Cordova, Alaska is surrounded by many breathtaking sites including Child's Glacier, Crater Lake Trail leading to Mt Eyak, and the village itself is located at the top of Orca Inlet in Prince William Sound. An adventurous trip awaits!

Get Carried away!

Sex and the City is coming to the big screen in a feature film adaptation of the hit HBO television series.

The film will follow the continuing adventures of the series four main characters - Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda - as they live their lives in Manhattan four years after the series ended. Stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon are all on board to reprise their roles, while the film will be written and directed by Michael Patrick King, who executive produced the original television series.

Additionally, Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler and Jason Lewis will return as the women’s love interests. Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) has also joined the cast of the film and will play Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant, a new character to be introduced in the film. Sex and the City is scheduled for a May 30th release.
http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/


I'm really looking foward to this one. Loved the series on HBO and hated to see it end. What do you think about Mr. Big? HAH!