Luxury lifestyle incorporates homes, second homes, travel, food, wine and other luxury indulgences.
by Roberta Murphy More and more people from around the world are choosing to spend at least part of their lives in coastal Costa Rica–and more than a few decide there just might be no better place to spend the rest of their lives. Why? 1. A warm climate, beaches, mountains, jungles–and breathtaking biodiversity. The people and government of Costa Rica are committed to preserving Costa Rica’s clean air, beautiful…
by Roberta Murphy Thompson This futuristic clock doesn’t necessarily belong in the luxury home discussion, but it certainly provides some interesting global details: Abortions are far more prevalent than marriages. There are more divorces than HIV infections. Bicycle production still far exceeds auto production. Bicycle production also outpasses the manufacture of computers. Respiratory disease is far more prevalent than STD/HIV and AIDS. Suicides are more common than violent deaths. And…
by Roberta Murphy Yesterday afternoon and evening were devoted to Leaving Las Vegas. I was tired of long lines at the airport, anxious to get back to San Diego, and was dismayed to hear the Southwest flight had been delayed two hours. I spent much of the time catching up on email, reading about Costa Rica and near the end of the wait, met David Greenberger, a real estate attorney…
by Roberta Murphy I was asked to share some simple Feng Shui tips for home offices, written by Laura Milligan over at the Bootstrapper Blog. She lists 50 great ones, but I’ll tease you with a few she has listed in her article. In spite of a personal bookshelf full of Feng Shui education, I found these suggestions particularly useful in that I am currently refiguring my own home office…
by Roberta Murphy Unless an omelet chef is employed for the next luxury brunch gathering, one might go ditzy trying to create custom omelets for each guest. This also makes it impossible for all to sit down in front of a hot plate at the same time. I love American ingenuity. This clever trick was forwarded to me by that wonderful host, Hank Holman, from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Thanks to his…
by Roberta Murphy The Acura Tennis Classic is returning to La Costa Resort and Spa July 28 August 5 -and glorious Carlsbad, CA weather should greet 56 of the top women tennis players in the world during this weeklong match. These tennis stars will be arriving from all corners of the globe, and include such luminaries as tennis divas Venus Williams and Maria Sharipova, along with Rancho Santa Fes own…
by Roberta Murphy [youtube]LGcYkSnvVDM[/youtube] Much has been written and said about Microsoft’s new surface computing technology. It is the WOW technology of the year. Sooner than many of us thought possible, this technology will first become a defining feature in luxury homes, and as adoption increases and prices drop, it will likely appear as a builder option in many tract subdivisions. Imagine interactive coffee tables that wirelessly download photos from…
by Roberta Murphy Several months ago, in an interesting discussion with Marc LaChance, I was introduced to off-the-grid homebuilding. Marc has a plan and the means to build homes where electrical, telephone, gas, water and sewer lines do not run. I saw some early plans for his homes, and was highly impressed with their beauty, functionality and earth-friendliness. It seems when one door opens in the mind, it leads to…
by Roberta Murphy Imagine a world uplugged! That future has quietly arrived with the first successful resonant transfer of wireless power over a span of seven feet and carrying enough power to brighten a 60W light bulb. This humble beginning leads ambitious minds to think of a luxurious home where cell phones, laptop computers, lamps, Roombas and even hair dryers would need no cords to operate. The Genius behind this…
by Roberta Murphy The Butler is back in demand-and in short supply. The worlds growing number of plutocrats with their enormous mansions and expansive lifestyles are actively seeking household managers to oversee the care of their luxury homes and lifestyles. These enormous residences require ongoing care, along with coordination of property and grounds service providers ranging from pool service technicians, to dog groomers and trainers, to maids, gardeners and arborists….
