good luck deluxe

Don’t fire that driver, butler, or sloppy personal assistant just yet. You just might be able to salvage the situation. With the Starkey International Institute for Household Management, there’s hope!

On a yearly basis, the Starkey International Institute instructs more than 100 personal service pros then assigns them and other elite household staff in service positions around the world.

The Institute’s century-old Georgian mansion in Denver, Colorado is where students train and learn hands-on from A-Z how to offer superior personal service to their employers.

Click here for Starkey’s HOW TO ENROLL page.

So you can breathe a sigh of relief now that you don’t have to have “the talk” with your maid or chef today. Send their lazy butts to Starkey International! If they refuse to go, I’m sure Starkey has just the replacement solution!

Starkey also provides on-site personal service consulting and private instruction for homes and estates, residential communities, corporations, preferred hotels and bed and breakfasts around the world.

For my readers who are seeking elite EMPLOYMENT such as this, click here to learn about Starkey International’s available domestic staffing employment positions.
The best part? Excellent pay!

Good luck to all!

Hey PETA fanatics, don’t beat me with a stick for posting about this beautiful leather luggage. I’m just the messenger!

Uppercase sells the cutest merchandise! Few words need to be said about these travelers’ treats!

Distinguished Mini Case

Refined Trolley Case

Sophisticated Briefcase

Another from the Sophisticated Briefcase collection

Can Uppercase’s products get any cuter?!

In the interest of informing all of my readers (not just my supremely affluent, well-heeled bunch), I thought I’d share today’s lucky find: Yachtstore, Ltd. - luxurious yacht vacations for all!

I also realize that my most elite demographic may have the means to own a yacht, but might not welcome the maintenance and responsibility.

Well, have no fear, because Yachtstore is here!

How it works, per their site…
Despite its reputation as an exclusive treat for the rich and famous, chartering a luxury crewed yacht offers a unique vacation experience, comparable in price to first-class ski, golf and beach resorts. In fact, yacht charters are available in most parts of the world for as little as $200 per person, per day.

Yachtstore makes arranging your first yacht charter easy. Combining decades of experience with access to every charter yacht and crew worldwide, we deliver the information and services necessary to walk you through the process and send you on the adventure of a lifetime.

In preparation for planning the perfect yacht charter getaway, there are a few things to consider:

* Is there a special destination you have in mind or a region you’re interested in exploring? Escape to the warm trade winds and azure seas of the Caribbean, or marvel over Alaska ’s unique wildlife and dramatic coastline.

* Do you have a specific type or size of yacht in mind? Our charter fleet spans the globe and includes luxury yachts from 70 to 200 feet, comfortably accommodating large or small groups, with room for the number of crew that will best meet your needs.

* What are your sporting and recreational requirements? Perhaps you’d like to have a small runabout onboard to explore the beaches and quays of the Abacos? If you’re interested in diving, we can arrange for a certified SCUBA instructor to be available on your charter yacht.

In addition to addressing your personal tastes and comforts, our charter specialists provide you the added assurance of matching your specific needs to the most appropriate, experienced crew available. This includes complete, competent vessel maintenance and navigation, food service tailored to your requirements, etc.

Once you have selected your charter yacht and destination and finalized the details of your trip, Yachtstore’s charter specialist will prepare a formal yacht charter agreement and deposit request in order to hold the charter yacht and crew for the dates you’ve chosen. We will thoroughly review region-specific details such as taxes, insurance and gratuities.

Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your yacht charter vacation and ready to begin planning the next!

Hey, they don’t have to convince me any further. I am sold!

When folks tell me they’re antique collectors, I have to see what they’re collecting with my own eyes before I ooh and aah with them.

It has happened more than once when I’ve ventured down into someone’s dusty basement to view their crusty “prized possessions” that s/he picked up at some
flea market, and I can’t believe what I am seeing…and what they even bothered
paying for.

“This, right here, is extremely valuable and rare,” they boast. In my mind I’m thinking, “No, that’s just junk…collecting dust.”

But enough about that tomfoolery…

I just spent the entire morning ogling the site of M.S. Rau Antiques and I have loved every minute of it!

Pictured above are Sévres Porcelain Baluster Urns.

Sévres Cupid and Psyche Biscuit Figures

Sévres presents a classic mythological love story as the subject of this lovely pair of unglazed porcelain, or biscuit figures. Cast after models by renowned sculptor
Étienne-Maurice Falconet, famous lovers Cupid and Psyche rest on cobalt ground quatrefoil stands. Their cherubic features exhibit the sweet elegance and coyness which is characteristic of Falconet’s work. Inscriptions in French on each base.

Wedgwood Rosso Antico Club Jug

A fine Wedgwood rosso antico jug, beautifully enameled in the colorful famille rose style with gilt accents. An unglazed dry-body red stoneware similar to basalt and caneware, rosso antico was developed between 1765 and 1770, and was usually made into tea sets, vases, plates, and jugs. Wedgwood began decorating its red stoneware with enameled flowers after Josiah Wedgwood II introduced this peony pattern in 1810. Impressed WEDGWOOD with a crescent moon on the base.

Remarkable Intense Yellow Diamond Ring - $795,000

An absolutely stunning and remarkably rare Internally Flawless, Natural Fancy Intense yellow diamond weighing an incredible 20.01 carats. Internally Flawless colored diamonds are the most rare and amazing of all gemstones and the designation of Natural Fancy Intense is one given to an extremely few stones, especially those weighing more than 5.00 carats. To find a stone of such substantial size that is both Internally Flawless and Natural Fancy Intense Yellow is to find a level of perfection and beauty that is seldom equalled. The yellow diamond is set in platinum and 18K gold and flanked by two trapezoid-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carats of E-color, VS1 clarity. The yellow diamond is certified by the Gemological Institute of America.

Victorian Ruby and Enamel Bracelet - $48,000

A Victorian ruby and enamel bracelet with 28.00 carats of rubies and 5.00 carats of diamonds set in 12K yellow gold.

Ladies, the jewelry on the M.S. Rau Antiques web site is enough to stop your heart!

M.S. Rau Antiques carries an impressive line of goodies from the finest makers of treasures known to (wo)man: Sévres, Wedgwood, Royal Vienna, Meissen, Minton, Belleek, Majolica, Staffordshire, Provenance, Steins, Newcomb Pottery, KPM, Old Paris, Hester Bateman, Paul Storr, Paul de Lamerie, Gallé, Lalique, Quezal, Baccarat, Webb, Moser, Mary Gregory, Opaline, Fabergé, and much, much more.

I almost don’t even know what to do with myself after beholding such opulence!

You know what a designer furniture fiend I am. Two of my favorite classic furniture makers are Baker Furniture and McGuire Furniture, sold by Kohler Interiors. They sell fabulous chairs!

Baker and McGuire have absolutely incredible furnishings. Jaw-droppingly, heart-stoppingly so!

Baker’s Historic Charleston Collection

For $23,786 as the suggested starting price, the name does NOT do this Baker piece justice: “Commode”

Baker’s Jacques Garcia Collection: the Eugene Chair

Baker’s Stately Homes Collection: Lion’s Head Chair

Stately Homes Collection: Upholstered Parlor Chair. I love the feet!

Baker’s Milling Road Collection: Queen Bed

As for what McGuire Furniture has to offer…

Look at this Portico Teak Arm Chair, designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy:

An Outdoor Look at the Portico Teak Chair:

Copper Repoussé Lamp:

Santa, are you listening?

Tic-Tock Couture Florals in Los Angeles sure knows what to do with flowers!

“Bended”

“Modern”

Tic-Tock is the first florist to make me actually consider liking -
maybe even loving - roses! Here is the cold, hard evidence…

“Elegance”

“Rustic”

“Glass Garden”

OK, so roses might not be so bad after all…

Father’s Day is coming up… Either of these estates will make a great gift for good ol’ Dad!

Yachter’s Dream: This $7,500,000 waterfront estate (shown above) on
San Juan Island, Washington is the perfect playground and entertaining haven
with its deep water dock, heated eight-car garage, and a full English pub!
The five-bedroom and nine-bathroom home also features bay views, a media
center, art room, library, solarium, chef’s kitchen, a gym, multiple fireplaces
and 11,120 sq. ft. of living space. Click here for details: http://homes.realtor.com/prop/1068163064

Boat and Mountain Sports Haven

Located in the picturesque mountain resort town of South Lake Tahoe, California, this $4,495,000 lakefront property not only offers its own expansive dock, but it’s also just minutes from the famed ski slopes. Boat lovers and mountain bikers can enjoy this four-bedroom and three-bathroom home that overlooks water on 3.5 sides but stays warm with multiple fireplaces. Access to the community’s tennis courts, pools and spas is also included. Click here for details: http://homes.realtor.com/prop/1059537213

I just found someone their dream home! Remember to invite me to the housewarming party!

SOLD! This piece was bought by one of my readers the day after I posted this.

I am ECSTATIC to feature my best friend Laura Mangual-Ritz’s newest oil painting, Under the Tuscan Sun.

Laura is very modest and humble about her ability and talent as an artist, but I’m NOT modest about what my soul sister can do. I love this painting!!!

The colors are so rich, and the brush strokes add such texture and vibrancy to the painting.

Benefactors and appreciators - visit Laura’s web site to learn more about her quality work and to see which pieces are available for purchase.

Readers - appreciate artists while they are ALIVE!

I found this bit of news for all you ladies who loved Victoria magazine and wondered if you’d ever get to enjoy it again.

I had wondered what the heck happened to this beautiful lifestyle publication. Well,
now I know!

Per the Hearst Corporation site:

HOFFMAN MEDIA, LLC AND HEARST MAGAZINES FORM JOINT VENTURE TO RE-LAUNCH VICTORIA
The Magazine about Romantic Living to Debut October 2007

Birmingham, Ala., April 26, 2007—Hoffman Media, LLC, publisher of the successful magazine Cooking with Paula Deen, today announced that it has partnered with Hearst Magazines to re-introduce Victoria, a magazine that ceased publication in 2003. The two companies have formed a joint venture for the purpose of publishing Victoria and ancillary media products and events under the Victoria brand name. Owned and operated solely by Hearst from 1987 to 2003, Victoria will now be entirely under the direction of Hoffman Media, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

Under the terms of the agreement, Hoffman will handle all editorial, production, distribution and advertising for Victoria. Hearst will contribute the Victoria trademark, copyright, URL (www.victoriamag.com), subscription database, and access to historical content of both editorial and art.

Founded in 1987 by Nancy Lindemeyer, Victoria was the authority on romantic living, including home and garden, fashion and beauty, food, home decorating, collectibles and profiles of remarkable women. Its mission was to create a community of kindred spirits – those who recognize the importance of beauty and manners and traditions in daily life. In its new form, Victoria magazine will once again take its place as the official guide to gracious living.

Victoria will be published bi-monthly with its first issue hitting newsstands in October 2007 with a November/December issue. The magazine will carry a cover price of $4.99. Hoffman Media’s launch plans for Victoria include heavy newsstand distribution, strong internet presence, and targeted direct mail campaigns. The ultimate goal for the launch of this bi-monthly magazine will be to reach 250,000 paid copies after just two issues.

“Victoria magazine had a unique editorial perspective and a loyal readership since its very first issue in 1987,” said Cathleen P. Black, president, Hearst Magazines. “Because of its success in the niche women’s lifestyle market, Hoffman is the right publisher to bring the Victoria brand back to life in its new format and we are confident that Phyllis and her team will do a great job.”

While Hearst ceased publication of Victoria following the June 2003 issue, the brand has lived on through a series of branded books published by Sterling Books.

“Women across the country have longed to have their beloved Victoria back and now they will,” said Phyllis Hoffman, CEO, Hoffman Media. “Victoria is a perfect fit for our roster of lifestyle titles that share a similar editorial and demographic focus. We’re thrilled to be working with Hearst to revive this brand for a more targeted audience of women.”

I’ll continue poring through Veranda in the meantime. But when October rolls around, wild horses won’t be able to pull me away from my Victoria mag…not even (gasp!)
Town & Country!

What girl doesn’t like to lounge in bed on a Sunday morning snacking on scones while flipping through the pages of Victoria magazine? My prayer has been answered!

I told you before that not many material things move me. The item has to be exceptionally beautiful for me to even look at it, let alone gush over it.

Well, Alan Friedman is making this girl gush…and blush! Alan, you are officially my absolute favorite jeweler. We’re going to be great friends, you and I.

What unusual-looking, exquisite jewelry this designer sells! Honestly, these sparklers take my breath away. My only concern is not having enough room on my site to post all of these phenomenal pictures. I don’t know which picture to post first!

I usually take into consideration that I might bore my readers with a plethora of photos, but this time I don’t care. Diamonds come first, readers are second. There’s no such thing as etiquette and manners when I’m dealing with ice and rocks.

Here are some nice JUMBO pics for your eye-feasting pleasure!

PLATINUM & 18KY SPESSARTITE & DIAMOND BRACELET SET WITH A RARE SUITE OF SEVEN OVAL SPESSARTITE,AND ACCENTED BY THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-SIX COLORLESS DIAMONDS=5.47CTS TW AND TEN RBC RUBIES=0.20CT TW SET IN THE CLASP.

18K RING SET WITH 19 BAGUETTE DIAMONDS=2.60CTTW AND 148 FANCY PINK ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS=2.95 CTTW.

18K RING SET WITH 4 RBC DIAMONDS=0.12CTTW AND 4 SAPPHIRES=0.20CTTW AND 4 YELLOW SAPPHIRES=0.20CTTW AND 4 RUBIES= 0.20CTTW AND 4 TSAVORITE=0.20CTTW

PLATINUM AND 18K YELLOW GOLD RING SET WITH ONE PEAR SHAPED EMERALD=2.52CTS, NO EVIDENCE OF CLARITY ENHANCEMENT, GIA #10749415 AND ACCENTED BY 57 RBC FY DIAS=0.38CTTW AND 121 RBC DIAS=2.51CTTW.

18K RING SET WITH 27 FANCY YELLOW ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS= 0.40CTTW AND 58 RBC DIAMONDS= 0.50CTTW.

18K YELLOW GOLD RING SET WITH 12 RBC DIAMONDS=1.28CTTW AND 108 RBC DIAMONDS=0.63CTTW.

(Per site, this description pending)

18KW/R PEARL AND PINK DIAMOND FLORAL EARRINGS, BEZEL SET IN THE CENTER ARE 2 FANCY PINK DIAMONDS = 0.18cttw, ACCENTED BY 16 5.5 - 5.75MM WHITE CULTURED PEARLS

PLATINUM AND 18K EARRINGS SET WITH 2 OVAL CUR SPINELS=2.04CTTW AND 2 FY TRILLIANTS=0.39CTTW AND 4 RBC DIA =0.25CTTW AND 93 FY RBC DIAMONDS=0.54CTTW

Readers, I kid you not - my heart is racing, my breathing is shallow, and my pulse has quickened after ogling those pics.

I say YES to VVS!