Updated Luxury Blogs

by Roberta Murphy The Luxury Blog Directory (or L-List), started by the inimitable Paul Johnson, continues to grow and re-seed itself in separate locations. I have tried to pull the listings together once again. This time, to make sure all are included, it might be wise to make sure your luxury blog is included below and if its not, add it (as long as it is luxury-oriented). And if there…

March 16, 2007
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BluWood: No More House of Blues?

by Roberta Murphy What if there were a wood treatment that not only disgusted termites, but repelled mold and fungus as well? This dream is now a reality at least for those fortunate custom home builders and remodelers who are able to demand their choice in wood. Though it makes for colorful framing (think Smurf blue), Bluwood has captured the interest of homeowners who wish to avoid the hazards of…

March 11, 2007
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Luxury Travel Deal

by Roberta Murphy This is a short-notice deal, and reservations must be made by March 24, 2007, but what a great opportunity to steal away to Puerto Vallarta for a weeklong tropical vacation. According to Forbes Traveler, this all-inclusive package runs $999 and includes both airfare (from a number of West and Midwest airports) as well as accommodations and meals at the four-and-a-half star beachfront Marival Resort and Suites. Ideal…

March 10, 2007
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Phone-y Luxury

by Roberta Murphy Talk about tiny phones! This petite model might even fit in a jeweled Judith Leiber evening bag or in form-fitting European pockets. The amazing C3 camera flip phone from Pantech (see photo on left with phone on keyboard) measures just 1.69. by 2.72 inches and weighs in at just 2.5 ounces. Its no fatty, either, measuring just 0.8 inches thick. Billed as the worlds smallest camera flip…

March 9, 2007
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Luxe, Luxe Luxury Blogs

by Roberta Murphy What a terrific idea! The  List is being developed and will hopefully provide a roundup of the top luxury blogs in the world. Upon its approximate completion, the luxury shopper should be able to find everything from fabulous jewelry, to top shelf travel to ultra luxurious global real estate. Here is the starter list, along with instructions for adding luxury blogs. Please add any favorite luxury…

March 8, 2007
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The Snoring Room

Snoring Room
February 28, 2007

by Roberta Murphy While going through a luxury home in Del Mar recently, our client was surprised to discover a snoring room off the opulent master suite. It measured perhaps 8 by 10 feet, and was furnished with a simple twin bed, a lamp and an easy chair. The room bore no resemblance to the larger bedroom, and at first glance might have been perceived as the proverbial dog house…

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The Self-Service Spa?

by Roberta Murphy In an emerging trend, more and more upscale spas are offering a self service option. Perhaps they are hoping to appeal to the spa-shy or those who might see the spa visit as a social opportunity, where friends or significant others can apply treatments to each other. Wrap your pampered brain around this scenario reported by The Wall Street Journal: At Manhattans Townhouse Spa, you can receive…

February 26, 2007
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For Those Speechless Moments….

Hallmark Display
February 21, 2007

by Roberta Murphy Hallmark, you’ve done it again. All right. You must have known that I suffer from occasional bouts of bumbling wordlessness when: Someone confesses to being diagnosed with cancer. When infertile friends share they are considering adoption after years of infertility. A family friend shares his Alzheimers diagnosis. Our neighbors announce their divorce. My brother-in-law loses his job. Life surprises. It appears Hallmark Cards is going to allow…

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The Valentine Winner: Long Lasting Roses

Last night I wrote about  Kohler’s $6000 overflowing bathtub that has been added to my Dream List, but now have a more practical and traditional suggestion for Valentine’s Day.  How about some award-winning and long-lasting flowers? Our friend, Marian Meyers with the infectious smile and impeccable taste in wine and food, owns FlowerGram, an online service that just took top honors in beauty and lasting floral freshness. It was a War of the Roses contest conducted by New York’s…

February 14, 2007
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The Ultimate Valentine Bath

Proposed by Roberta Murphy It’s probably unrealistic to wish for one of these on Valentine’s Eve, but it never hurts to dream (or hint!). I love the sexy looks of Jan Puylaaert’s illuminated tub, but Kohler with its patented SOK Tub for Two probably takes the honors. Note how it can be filled from an overhead fixture—and how champagne bubbles are generated with the touch of a switch. Kohler’s exquisitely designed and…

February 13, 2007
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