It’s an understatement to say that having some sort of an estate plan can help benefit your heirs and the various causes you support. Passing along your assets is better left to your own wishes and desires than the legal court system.

But rather than tangible assets such as money or possessions, ethical wills bequeath values, beliefs, and ideals to loved ones.

If you want to pass along your personal ideas and values, in addition to a financial inheritance, then you will need to create an ethical will.

An ethical will is a written document that includes instructions for life, morals, values and family stories that one generation hopes to pass on to the next. Ethical Wills are gaining in popularity today as some people want to find a way to leave their loved ones with “values” instead of just “valuables.”

Unlike a last will and trust, ethical wills are not legally binding documents. Ethical wills can come in a variety of forms, from a short letter to a lengthy autobiographical statement, from an audio-recorded message to a bound album.

Some people will choose to share their own ethical wills during life, usually at an important date, such as an anniversary or family milestone like sending children to college or at their own retirement.

Ethical wills have now seemed to have gone mainstream. They are a way to share personal life experiences, lessons and ideals with the people you love. Drafting an ethical will can really help you clarify and articulate what’s important to you, how you want to be remembered and the qualities you hope your family will embody for generations to come.

An important aspect of an ethical will is you are not telling anyone what to do or think, but rather providing your loved ones with a specific reminder of you and your personal beliefs.

An ethical will can also offer practical guidance to your heirs. You can use one to assist your family in understanding how you want them to handle emergencies or any changes in circumstances, such as the need for any special financial or medical assistance.

If an ethical will is right for you, then please take the time and create one. But first , you should make sure that you have an estate plan. If you already have an estate plan, then make sure it is up to date.

Remember, an ethical will is not a legal document and is not enforceable by our legal court system. Therefore, an ethical will can not be used in place of the financial documents detailed in your own estate plan.

One of the primary hiking destinations in the Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe is to beautiful Lake Aloha.

Lake Aloha lies in the shadow of magnificent Jack’s Peak, and can be easily categorized as one of the most scenic alpine lakes in the entire Lake Tahoe area.

It’s a rather large lake and is scattered with islands. Lake Aloha has a wonderful shoreline that is both stunning and quite explorable by foot.

A hike to Lake Aloha begins at the Echo Lakes Trailhead. Be aware, that is isn’t an easy hike. The first couple of miles, you will experience a hiking trail of loose rock.

If you want to bi-pass the rocky trail, you can choose taking taking a water taxi to the upper dock. The cost is only $10 per person, each-way. You will be left off near the Desolation Wilderness sign.

Hikers will experience a variety of terrain. One moment you will walk through the dense woods and the next, you will pass through small pastures.

The pastures are alive with color and aromas. You can view several types of wildflowers, including such as fuchsia paintbrush, lilac daises, and tiny yellow lilies.

Due to the elevation and unpredictable, it’s probably best you attempt the hike to lake aloha between July and early October.

Remember that all hikers who plan to hike into the Desolation Wilderness, must fill out a day pass.

You can reach Lake Aloha by taking Highway 50 from South Lake Tahoe to the intersection with California 89 on the west side of the lake. Continue on another ~10 miles, then make a right on Johnson Pass Road. Next you will turn left onto Atwood Road, then follow it to the Echo Lakes Chalet.

Photo: Breguet

Last week on June 26, was the “Tourbillon Day” which celebrates the anniversary of the patent of the iconic tourbillon watch.

Back on June 26, 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the revolutionary tourbillon mechanism, which neutralized the effects of gravity. The result was amazing precision in future mechanical timepieces.

This incredible watchmaking invention was an engineering feat and truly recognizes Abraham-Louis Breguet as one of the most innovative figures of all time.

So to celebrate “Tourbillon Day, luxury watch brand Bruget held events its luxury boutiques in New York City, Las Vegas and Bal Harbour. Bruguet guests had the unique opportunity to view the luxury brand’s extensive collection of tourbillon timepieces, as well as take part in a champagne toast.

A tribute to honor the innovative work of Abraham-Louis Breguet has been created by titled, “Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon.”

This incredible exhibition highlights the lasting legacy of the Abraham-Louis Breguet, plus the impact he made with the tourbillon in modern watchmaking. The exhibition started in Geneva, Switzerland back in January. It’s a worldwide tour throughout 2013. For the U.S. the following exhibition dates are scheduled:

· Breguet Boutique Rodeo Drive: Oct 3-19, 2013
· Tourbillon Boutique Chicago: Oct 24-29, 2013
· Breguet Boutique Fifth Avenue: Nov 7-17, 2013

During Baselworld 2013, Breguet launched its new, ultra-thin Tourbillon 5377 watch. The stunning timepiece features a slim case that measures only 7mm in thickness. The dial is in both 18K gold and silver. It also houses a movement that’s only 3mm thick! However, the most impressive component of the watch aside from the tourbillon is a periphery rotor which oscillates around the side of the case allowing the wearer an unobstructed view of the movement.

The new Tourbillon 5377 watch by Breguet will be available for sale in 2014.

If you have always desired to own a luxury watch, please contact The Life of Luxury by using the below form:

Summer and libations – it doesn’t get any better than that! It’s time for celebrations and parties – these two great brands are ideal for any social occasion: Sauza and EFFEN Vodka.

The #1 cocktail in the U.S. is the margarita and Sauza wants to support the popular cocktail demand with their latest innovation – Sauza Sparkling Margarita.

Sauza Sparkling Margarita was just introduced in time for summer. It’s a ready-to-serve drink that will keep you from playing bartender all evening long. Simply chill, pour and add a fun straw or two!

Available in three delicious flavors, Sauza Sparkling Margarita comes in Wild Berry, Original Lime and Mango Peach. It’s terrific for any occasion, no matter if you’re at home or on-the-go.

EFFEN Vodka has all the right recipes to ensure your next party is the one everyone talks about the following Monday at work. Drink recipes feature refreshing EFFEN Cucumber Vodka as well as the light and sweet taste of EFFEN Black Cherry. Each choice offers a little something for every palette.

Try these delicious, cocktail recipes from EFFEN Vodka:

EFFEN® Summer Storm
1 1/2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
1/2 part DeKuyper® Peachtree Schnapps Liqueur
1 1/2 parts Fresh Apple Juice
3/4 part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
6 Basil Leaves

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle basil, lemon, and simple syrup. Add
remaining ingredients over ice. Stir and strain into a low tumbler over ice.
Garnish with Basil.

——————————————————

EFFEN® Black Cherry Bloom
2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
1 part Fresh Blood Orange Juice
3Ž4 part Lime Juice
3Ž4 part Agave Syrup
3 Fresh Strawberries
3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle all ingredients except vodka. Add vodka
and shake with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a
mint leaf and strawberry.

——————————————————

EFFEN® Spring Breeze
2 parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
1 part Pineapple/Basil-Infused Simple Syrup (* see below)
2 Cucumber Slices
Soda

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle 2 cucumber slices. Add vodka, lime juice
and simple syrup and shake with ice. Strain into a tall Collins glass
filled over ice and top with soda. Garnish with cucumber slices.

——————————————————*

* Pineapple/Basil Syrup
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Fresh Pineapple ­ Cubed
8 Basil Leaves

Method: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil,
and then add basil leaves and pineapple chunks to simple syrup. Let infuse
for 1 hour.

——————————————————

Photo: Pale Cloud

The British fashion label Pale Cloud is recognized as a luxurious children’s brand that combines both contemporary design with classic elements.

As its popularity increases, Pale Cloud has become the first choice of many royals and celebrities for dressing their daughters for those special occasions.

A recent example is Lady Louise Windsor, who is the granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II, wore the Aida Coat from pale Cloud to Trooping the Colour parade in London.

Hollywood celebs Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dressed two of their lovely daughters in Pale Cloud for Angelina’s 38th birthday celebrations in Berlin. Their daughter Viviene wore the Charlize Jacket and Zahara wore the Audrey Dress.

Anja is the daughter of Victoria Secret Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, and she was wore a Pale Cloud Janice Dress at her recent school graduation in Los Angeles.

In addition, Princess Isabella of Denmark wore the beautiful Talia Dress to the 1st birthday party of her brother Prince Vincent and and sister Princess Josephine.

Pale Cloud will continue to gain media exposure as the children’s couture brand sees increased media exposure from their clothing line being worn by additional royals and celebrities.

Do you desire the latest luxury fashion? Let the experts at The Life of Luxury help you locate and purchase that ideal, fashion garment or accessory. We work with many of the top lxuury brands in the industry and often get incredible deals.

Photo: Lexus

The latest Lexus model, the new GS450h is a midsize luxury hybrid vehicle that provides almost everything someone would want in a  luxury car –  a smooth ride that’s loaded with luxurious features.

This Lexus hybrid has an electric motor built to generates about 180 horsepower from its batteries. It runs quiet, then will jump into electric mode for acceleration. Need a little more power? The gas-powered 3.5-liter V6 engine provides 338 horsepower.

Let’s jump right to the purchase price. The Lexus GS450h starts at $58,950. Of course add some nice luxury features and you can easily tack an another $10k to your purchase reprice. The rear-drive GS350 begins at a base price of only $46,900 and comes with a 306-horsepower V6 engine.

The Lexus car adaptive variable suspension offers a drive mode option allowing the driver to decide between Normal, Eco or Sport SS acceleration mode. In addition, the electronic variable speed automatic transmission helps improve gas mileage and removes the gear shifting feel.

The default mode is Eco which is perfect for your basic city driving. Saving gas is a big plus. In Normal mode, you get a little more pick-up, and still get gas performance in the 40-45 mph range.

Inside, Lexus GS450h does not disappoint. A nice brushed metal trim highlights the dash, doors and wheel. You will also find two easy-to-see round gauges for easy viewing plus a power tilt/telescope steering wheel.

The driver’s seat comes with three memory settings and the armrest on the console slides back to display a power rear sunshade button.

Seating is made of soft, two-tone leather. It’s perforated and features 18-way driver adjustments to help with increased lumbar support and side bolsters.

If you really want the best in amenities, the choose the luxury package which includes: 3-zone climate controls, front and rear heated seats, a sunshade plus adaptive Bi-LED headlamps.

IF you make a lot of long distance trips than consider the $2,000 pre-collision system. An audible alert notified you if a danger is detected, provides brake assistance in addition to monitoring the driver’s eyes to detect if they are closing due to drowsiness. Now that’s a cool feature!

Other features include a lane departure warning system for $500 and a

The Lexus GS450h ride is smooth and controlled and the engine provides plenty of power. The luxurious leather seating and upscale interior offers a stylish look that will impress your friends.

If you need help locating the best deal on a new Lexus GS450h Hybrid car, then please contact The Life of Luxury by using the below form.

For an unbelievable experience, consider a stay at the newly opened Red Frog Beach Resort. The luxury resort is found the beautiful Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, off the scenic northern coast of Panama.

The luxurious Red Frog Beach Rainforest Resort & Marina is a a unique Caribbean island oasis that features stunning accommodations amongst unparalleled natural beauty.

The resort is quickly destined to become Panama’s premier Caribbean beachfront destination. Bocas del Toro hass become even more popular among travelers who are looking for a laid-back nightlife and/or a bio-diverse, pristine and protected natural environment.

The Inn at Red Frog Beach offers its guests to stay in a private room in a large shared Villa at the top of the island. The hill-top Honeymoon King Suite has an infinity edge pool with lush garden surroundings and fabulous views of the turquoise blue Caribbean below.

The upscale Villas have two to six bedroom floor plans, private pools and sweeping ocean views. The Jungle Lodge is an authentic, eco-friendly accommodation set inside a secluded Jungle Village.

All the accommodations have direct access to the beaches, nature paths, an activity center with a beachfront breakfast included.

Features miles of lush rainforest, Red Frog Beach also offers an adjacent national marine park, outstanding recreational activities plus amazing island location with several fabulous beaches including its namesake beach-designated as “One of the World’s Best Secret Beaches” by The Travel Channel
and “One of the Hottest Beaches in Central America” by Frommer’s Travel.

Now is your chance to visit Red Frog Beach Resort and stay in one of the resort’s luxurious villas set amid unspoiled natural beauty.

You can now enjoy two nights “on the house” when you book a seven nights by August 31 and stay by December 19, 2013.

To take advantage of the Grand Opening special offer at Red Frog Beach Resort, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Cyprus, is the small but alluring Mediterranean island that is very famous for the sincere warmth and hospitality of its people.

Available for sale are stunning luxury, Cyprus villas that offer spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Designed by SB Architects, these incredible seafront villas come with a spacious contemporary design and lush landscaping.

For the best in beachfront living, enjoy sensational sea views and everything Cyprus has to offer. the ideal location makes this project the finest destination for holidays, permanent living and investment.

Located near the seaside city of Limassol, the Cyprus villas are nestled amid a low-density mix of private residences and holiday homes. Yet the villa complex still maintains a sense of owner privacy and complete tranquility.

Each of the luxury villas that are available for private ownership, range between three and five bedrooms. Plus each has its own maids quarters. You will find floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the stunning Mediterranean Sea views. There are protected verandas and carefully planned outdoor areas – each with a private plunge pool.

These appealing villas feature fully-fitted kitchens, marble floors, European oak parquet, in addition to beautiful marble bathrooms.

Owners will be able to take advantage of accessing superb leisure and wellness facilities, from several nearby high-end hotels including the luxurious Four Seasons.

Now is your chance to own a luxury Cyprus villa (priced at EUR 4,650,000) and enjoy the exclusivity and living at its best. Contact The Life of Luxury for additional information using the below form:

Sail to Sable is a stylish, women’s apparel line that was designed by Jennifer Stocker, who is the Associate Director of Creative Services at popular GQ Magazine. She was also the former Merchandising Manager for Lucky magazine.

The Sail to Sable collection was first introduced in 2012 and the inspiration behind the fashion brand was
Stocker’s early childhood when she grew up near the water in Darien, Connecticut.

It’s a perfect match of “chic meets prep.”  This beautiful clothing collection includes classic tunic dresses, light-weight cover ups, flirty party tunic dresses and fabulous maxi tunics.

With a love for warm weather, the Sail to Sable collection was inspired by stripes, salty water, coral, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, bright and bold fabrics. It just screams summer!

Jennifer Stocker combined her distinct fashionable yet classic style along with her industry background, to create a lifestyle brand that was stimulated by the elements that reminded her of all things summer.

The meaning behind naming her company Sail to Sable is a clever one. It represents the Easternmost (Sail Rock, Maine) and Southernmost (Cape Sable, Florida) towns on the Eastern Seaboard.

The entire Sail to Sable collection can be purchased at select boutiques around the U.S. and online ($188-$248 for adult tunics and $58 for children tunics).

This is an opportunity to own a truly unique collection. Thomas Black has put his personal tennis collection – TSB Tennis – up for sale.

Thomas has been collecting tennis memorabilia for over two decades and you’d be hard pressed to locate anyone with more sporting antique knowledge than he does.

This special tennis collection consists of 147 unique tennis racquets, and includes two Thomas Tate racquets. Additional tennis pieces include racquets with fishtails, fantails and bantails. This collection surely tells a story of the development of the tennis racquet through history.

Thomas’ love of collecting began in golf, where he built a substantial collection of memorabilia before it was sold on by Christie’s at Pebble Beach, USA. Next he focused on the sport of tennis and his private tennis collection is completely unique in every sense.

There’s no doubt that the incredible level of quality runs through all of the items. Each hand picked by a man of true knowledge, vision and with an exceptional eye for detail.

It’s definitely one of the most valuable collections anywhere in the world, both in historical and financial terms. I doubt it will ever be matched again due to fact a collection of this size is so rare and the disposable nature of today’s tennis racquets.

Thomas Black was quoted, “In today’s world it would be impossible to accumulate a collection with so much depth and interesting original pieces. It is certainly a complete anthology of tennis.”

The TSB Tennis collection is made of tennis related art, racquets, metal figures, bronzes, some silver items and tennis presses. A number of racquets alone are individually estimated at over £10,000.

It will just as rare to see the collection as less than 30 people will see the TSB Tennis and only one will be able to own the unique and personal story it tells.

The Thomas Black tennis collection has been valued at over £400,000 but, as one of the largest and oldest collections in the world and with the current disposable tennis culture, this collection is priceless for any savvy buyer.

Nobody has to tell us that we’re enduring some very troubling economics times. Instead of complaining, let’s buckle down and learn from what we’re experiencing.

These days, the importance of money is at an all time high. The economic crisis is hitting many of us very hard. So it’s very important that we are prepared for anything that it might bring along with it. Teaching our own children to appreciate money and the value of money is one important way to make the financial crisis a good family bonding experience.

You, of all people, should know how much a budget can make or break your household’s financial balance.

It’s really important for everyone to learn how to budget and not waste their money on useless stuff. By teaching your kids how to better appreciate money, then you are actually helping them become better citizens, better adults in the future.

Saving is a good and simple way to begin your children’s lesson in finances. You have to make sure that you point out all of the benefits that these things do for them like it helps them prepare for something that they might need money for in the future. Whether it be something that they want to buy or some other thing they want to spend their money on, you can actually tell them all of these things to convince them that saving money today is never a bad idea.

You can let them participate when it comes to planning out the household budget as well. This makes them feel more part of the family because it lets them get involved in adult matters. It teaches them responsibility and that there are certain things that need to be prioritized over others. It also shows them that money is not something that they can have whenever they want.

Another great idea is to have them start their own small business. It could be mowing the lawn of the neighborhood, if they’re old enough, or it could be something that they enjoy altogether. For example, joining you in you rown business or store where they can sell some of the products of their hobbies for a price.

If your kids can learn all the good things that money brings, you can also teach them to become more responsible adults in the future. You should be careful never to overindulge as this might bring about a spending spree from your kids which, in light of the recent crises, you surely do not want happening.