by Audrey Ross Miami is quickly becoming a global city known for its luxurious residences. According to the Frank Knight, LLP’s wealth report, Miami ranks number 7 in the top 10 list of cities that matter the most to high net worth individuals, and it is expected to remain on the top 10 list of global cities through 2025. New York and Miami are the only two USA cities to make…
Once in awhile, a listing comes along that that will literally blow your socks off and force your feet into flipflops. That’s what a Tommy Bahama home would look like to me. This gorgeous single story custom pool home in Fallbrook offers breezy 360 views plus luxurious upgrades and extras that we can only begin to describe. And more photos will follow in the next few weeks as the listing prepares…
I really and truly have and do love all our pets–except for one. Our dogs are named family members and so have been our birds–namely parrots and parakeets. Many years ago, our two younger sons acquired their very own parakeets at the same time. Eric nurtured his bird, played with it, taught it tricks and called it Puff–who went on to live 14 wonderful years. Mark-the-Younger at the age of…
by Roberta Murphy In Praise of Black Appliances Several years ago, we sold a luxurious oceanfront condo in San Diego. The buyer, from Palm Springs, loved the views, the spaciousness of the remodeled unit and the highly upgraded kitchen. The only thing she couldn’t stand was the stainless refrigerator (which the seller was happy to take with him). In fact, she wanted to replace everything with black appliances. I asked why…
by Roberta Murphy My new best friend in the kitchen is Alexa, also known as the Amazon Echo. She plays my favorite music, answers quirky questions, reports weather, and was amazingly simple to set up. The 360 sound is very good and carries well throughout the downstairs area–and even carries well into the back patio and yard area. Alexa’s size is both elegant and unobstrusive, with a diameter of a little…
by Roberta Murphy I’ve loved the idea of a treehouse since a young kid. Never had one, but imagined how I might climb up to my hideaway and maybe stay there forever. Am still fascinated with ideas of small homes and a treehouse, but not quite ready to actually live in such a primitive abode. Until now. Check out this Italian treehouse, appropriately called 25 Verde–and discovered on Australia’s Outdoor Design….
by Scott Murphy Oh, don’t we wonder what products are the hottest luxury brands for 2015? Don’t we wonder how to keep our closets and wardrobes current with the latest–and wondering why brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are becoming passe? It may partly be because these luxury brands have become so common (thanks to millions of knockoffs) and are hence less rare. And that’s what is most desireable in a…
by Roberta Murphy A couple of evenings ago I had the surprising privilege of experiencing the INSANE BUTTON on the Tesla P85D. Friends and dinner guests arrived for dinner and somehow the conversation turned to cars, with me lamenting how youngest son had totaled my hybrid and how I would be eternally grateful that no one was injured. A hybrid is only pale green for these greenest of friends. She drives an…
by Roberta Murphy I love to go the Ruth’s Chris in Del Mar, Donovans in La Jolla and other fine steak houses–and always wonder how they get their perfect steaks. Of course, the meat is prime quality, but I’ve also heard it’s their 800-degree cooking surfaces that allow the steak to arrive so hot inside. The problem for me is tht I don’t have any surface in my home that even…
by Roberta Murphy Life can throw curve balls at any age. Yesterday, I received a call regarding an old and recently widowed friend who, a year after wife’s death, is now transgender. I’m pretty accepting of most life choices and lifestyles, but to switch genders at 72 or 73 is kind of …a shock. Especially when this friend has been in your family’s life for 25 years. But hours to…
