What is Grace? Many years ago, when I was dissolving a marriage and trying to decide whether to leave Houston for Southern California, I came to the humbling realization that I was nothing more than a student in life. This despite the fact that I had been a college instructor and once thought myself wiser than most. Yeah right. It was such a relief to acknowledge my student status and the permission/acknowledgment…
Hidden Castle for $399,000
Though not exactly my taste, this hidden castle in Newport, Oregon is absolutely magnificent–and beyond amazing. Yahoo reports that this average-looking suburban home hides inside a Renaissance-era castle, with hand-carved columns, exotics woods, 400-1000-year old priceless furnishings, tapestries, gilded ceilings and precious luxury fabrics that run $150 per yard. In fact, the dining room draperies are estimated to have cost around $14,000. It is, in other words, a hidden castle. The…
Sounds of Silence
Instead of silence, I sometimes get lost in the luxury of listening to and re-listening again and again, certain songs. And once in a blue moon I save and share them here. This heavy metal version of Sounds of Silence, by Disturbed, deserves the saving. I love the militant and brutal style of presenting this deep classic by Simon and Garfunkel. Loved it then and love it now. Just a…
To My Fellow Passengers in Life
At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel as passengers by our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, cousins, family (chosen family), friends, children, and even the love of our life….
Miami: Playground of Rich and Famous
By Hannah Goodman of Trulia As one of the top luxury real estate markets in the world, Miami has become the playground of the rich and famous. Celebrities and business moguls alike invest in Miami real estate to get their own piece of Magic City’s incredible vistas, beautiful beaches, and nightlife. Those who seek a secure home with all of the latest technology and furnishings will find all of that…
Miami : A City for Luxury
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…
970 N. Stage Coach Lane: Tommy Bahama Home
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…
If You Hate It Set It Free
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…
In Praise of Sexy, Black Appliances
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…
Amazon Echo Review
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…
