by Roberta Murphy More and more, we are receiving requests for homes in San Diego that will accommodate all living generations in a family. It’s an emerging trend and one which might grab the attention of builders in years to come. Much of the recent regrouping of families, thanks to a dismal economy, comes from boomerang kids. There are estimates that over 50 percent of recent college grads are returning…
Jeff and Rocky Turner Jeff and Racquel Turner are two favorite people of mine. Not because Racquel has a heart as wide and deep as the Mississippi River –or because Jeff so unselfishly shares his technological expertise with so many. Rather, they both hold out a helping hand to people and causes that can use a lift. A few years ago, Rocky realized that orphaned girls in Africa were missing…
by Roberta Murphy Most of us grew up believing that education and earning power were irrevocably shackled to each other, and where one went, the other inevitably followed. These days, we’re not so sure. Especially with the number of billionaire dropouts. Below, a partial list of billionaires who dropped out of school and went on to become outrageous successes in the technology, entertainment and fashion fields. 1. Sir Richard Branson dropped out…
by Roberta Murphy We are seeing luxury scaled down on many fronts, and luxury hotels and timeshare resorts are taking it on the chin as well. For the first five months of this year, according the the Wall Street Journal, U.S. hotel occupancy has declined 53 percent. This is the lowest drop in occupancy since 1987, when Smith Travel Research began tracking these numbers. While both luxury and budget hotels…
In the blogging world, an absence of six weeks is almost unforgivable. But had I draped a black cloth over it on April 24, 2009 you might have understood. That’s the day my Dad and best friend, Bob Michelson, died in Encinitas, CA after a lengthy illness. It’s really tough to become an orphan when the last parent exits–especially if the relationship has been a close one. I shared this…
by Roberta Murphy According to Forbes.com, now may be the best time to make some of those major purchases wise shoppers have been putting off for so long, particularly if one has the luxury of capital. The Forbes list: 1. Homes. Low prices fueled by foreclosures and short sales, coupled with low interest rates and possible income tax credits, make this an opportune time to shop real estate. 2. Cars….
by Roberta Murphy Magic must be in the air. Even our middle son Eric — who has never, ever cottoned to bagged lunches — packed one the other day and probably saved at least $5. This college student works part time, but last week discovered the agony of having to pay $1,800 or so for a new bumper and rear quarter panel that met a brick wall when he was…
by Roberta Murphy This video really has nothing to do with luxury, luxury homes or anything of the sort. But, it has a lot to do with a big, big heart, quick action and enormous courage–and the compelling story of how one dog bravely saves the life of another. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2qSakxWt54[/youtube]
by Roberta Murphy I am still chuckling over the wit and common sense of Wanda Sykes as she rants at Jay Leno over a Government bailout plan that has most eyebrows raised: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXznKV7rw7k[/youtube]
by Eve Sieminski As summer hurls to a close, I had to review one of the best white wines I have ever sipped. I stumbled upon the Zolo Torrontes one day at our local Costco. What caught my eye was the markdown. The week prior this wine was $8.99 a bottle–and now was only $4.97! Even at that price I was skeptical, because I am not a fan of South…
