by Roberta Murphy I recently heard New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez explain how she had, after taking office, eliminated one chef, one jet and several other aircraft from the governor’s beck and call. She figured that if the budget had to be trimmed/decimated, the job started at the top. Susana Martinez is a woman after my own heart. Like the rest of us, when times get tough we shed the non-necessities…
While I thought I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die. ~Leonardo Da Vinci I’ve been haunted, disturbed and perturbed by an article I read a couple of days ago about sick babies being starved and dehydrated to death in Britain–per physicians’s orders and government encouragement. You can read the article there as I don’t have the stomach to share all the painful details here. We’ll…
by Roberta Murphy Ah… the luxury of being able to comfortably live in one of the most expensive cities in the world (so why not divide one’s time between them–just for bragging rights?:-) CNBC just released their 10 most expensive cities in the world to live where they included 200 factors such as costs for a 2-bedroom luxury apartment, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, entertainment and so on. It might come…
by Roberta Murphy Years ago, when we put our first home on the market, I insisted that the Realtor put NO SIGN in our yard. I did not want neighbors to know that we were selling or cause any disruption in our neighborhood. Our agent tried to explain the importance of a sign, but I was the incalcitrant client–and we ended up selling the home with NO SIGN. This of…
by Roberta Murphy The luxury real estate market in Paris is beginning to bulge with inventory, as wealthy business tycoons prepare to leave France and its looming tax rate of 75 percent of annual income above 1 million euros. According to France 24 , around 400-500 residences worth more than one million euros ($1.3 million) have recently hit the Paris market–and other French cities are being affected as well. But…
by Roberta Murphy Travelers from all nations once had the luxury of cruising Egypt’s Nile River, exploring the country’s ancient pyramids and steeping themselves in the mystery and intrigue of Ancient Egypt. But that was before the Great Recession and recent political and civil turmoil. Egypt had been planning on a tourism rebound in 2012, but it appears those plans have gone up in flames as Royal Caribbean International cancels…
by Roberta Murphy Construction of new luxury homes has been at a near-standstill for the last five years, but might we be seeing a resurgence of luxury apartment building in the most unlikely place: The suburbs? In the past year, we have watched and quietly commented on the construction of what appeared to be upscale condominiums in La Costa, located in south Carlsbad and just north of San Diego proper….
Where to Find Luxury Homes Under $1 Million? How far can $1 million go in today’s real estate market? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for and WHERE you’re looking. And now could be a better time than ever to shop for a luxury home. The price range of $1 million market is where affordability and luxury living meet. There are places where your $1 million can give you…
by Roberta Murphy Readers and friends, just for fun type the words LET IT SNOW into Google and enjoy the fun. And be sure to stick around long enough to get “frosted!” I live in the coastal San Diego area and miss the magic of snowflakes. This doesn’t take the place of that magic, but I love the creativity (even if there are a few nagging doubts about Google “getting”…
We welcome guest writers from time to time, and today Nisha Sharma shares her expertise in another type of luxury travel: Luxury villas around the world that might be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. This is perfect for families, groups or simply those who treasure their privacy. Luxury Holiday Villas Around the World Luxury holiday villas offer unique access to some of the most beautiful sights in…
