March 17, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Dream Homes at 1:13 pm | Comments »
Now that we know about Ireland’s up-and-coming status, I thought we might all start moving there. Luxist had a great post up today for an estate available in County Cork.
“For today’s estate, it’s appropriate that we visit Ireland. Blairs Cove Estate has classic appeal. Expansive green lawns, a rugged coast line and plenty of old stonework contribute to the charm of this property that overlooks Dunmanus Bay in West Cork. The estate includes a period Georgian house, a separate four-bedroom cottage, a courtyard with four apartments and a restaurant that seats 85, stables, and a greenhouse on 4.5 acres of land. The restaurant has been in business for over 25 years and Blair’s Cove is a popular sight for weddings. Ancient stone walls, colorful gardens, ponds and a cobblestone courtyard complete the classic picture. The main Georgian house was built in 1786 and has both formal and informal living areas and an added conservatory. It has five bedrooms. This estate is listed at 3.5 million euros.”
Not to shabby of a price for such a highly ranked country & for such a beautiful estate. I know I’m thinking about it!
March 17, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Reasons To Travel, The Reasons Why at 1:06 pm | (2) Comments »
Ireland has passed out both the United States and Japan, the Emerald Isle rose last year to eight place in a prestigious world table for human development.
The 2005 Human Development Report, published by the UN, found Irish people to be the second wealthiest in the world, with a GDP per head of $37,738. Ireland is also one of the most unequal in terms of wealth, however, with a high percentage of the population at poverty levels.
But, it looks like the Irish are living it large with their new ranking. High spending is prevalent and new upscale restaurants and hotels are popping up all over the place. Since 2002, the country has risen 10 places in the ranking of economic performance, life expectancy & education standards.
It’s a good time to be Irish and an even better time to visit Ireland. From Celtic ruins to modern accommodations, this is a beautiful country to experience. Book your Ireland vacation package now & have yourself an even better St. Patrick’s Day!
March 16, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Gadgets at 2:28 pm | (3) Comments »
The robotic world is taking us over- from furry, barking robotic suitcases to the Robo-cat. Although the new product by Omron, NeCoRo, (derived from the Japanese word for cat) cannot walk or respond to commands; the robotic cat offers emotional feedback with feline sounds & movements, such as purring when stroked. Hmmm, I could rent myself out as a robo-cat and get stroked and petted, sounds like just the life I need.
“Individual contact was our priority,” said Toshihiro Tashima, head of Omron’s e-pet project. “If you hold it a lot, it’ll develop a gentle personality; but if you don’t play with it much, it’ll ignore you.”
Sounds a little bit like my personal life….. Getting a real hold on these furry little creatures may prove to be a difficult task. Only 5,000 of the felines will be up for sale in Japan. But sometimes if you work a little harder on something, you appreciate it more. Again, that sounds like my personal life….
Cost of these robotic critters, $1,530.
March 16, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 2:13 pm | Comments »
Ever wish you didn’t have to take off your shoes at the airport? Or fool around with lost luggage, missed flights due to traffic or not getting the reservation you wanted at an upscale restaurant? Think Bill Gates or Indian steel giant Laklshmi Mittal have worried expressions about these travel inconveniences?
Being a multi-millionaire or billionaire not only entitles you to less worry lines, but also the tools you need to travel well. While most of us have to worry with cheeky hotel clerks, sloppy rent-a-car associates and busy travel agents, the richer-than-us folks have people working behind the scenes to bring them trouble-free travel. From private flight crews, concierges, chefs, limousine drivers, personal assistants and pilots; the upper crust enjoy a fine and carefree holiday.
The luxury that tops the list for me is a private plane which is why I like the Gulfstream 200. This jet offers the range and comfort of a large cabin business jet for a midsize cabin price. In addition, an impressive cruise speed of 540 mph makes the Gulfstream 200 ideal for nonstop transcontinental travel.
Passenger comfort is one of the many hallmarks of this super midsize business jet. Its spacious cabin seats nine passengers comfortably and offers 6’3” of stand-up headroom, which exceeds all other aircraft in its class and is taller than most large cabin jets. Furthermore, the fully heated and pressurized baggage compartment in the Gulfstream 200 is the largest in its class with 150 cubic feet of space. Offered in the U.S. by NetJets Aviation.
Think you’re ready to give up the rush to the airport, ticket agents, lines and coach seating? Sign me up! Cost, $2.5 million.

March 15, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Let's Get out of Here Vacation Packages, Reasons To Travel at 11:05 am | (1) Comment »
Is it time to shake off the working blues? Are you truly ready to get away from it all and put yourself in the care of luxury and pampering? Look no further than Bora Bora, a South Pacific island where your dreams await you.
In the sheltering arms of palm trees and massage therapists, you will be treated royally at the Bora Bora Nui resport & Spa. Are you ready to be satisfied, relaxed, released from the drudgery of commonplace work politics? Step into the light of elegance that French Polynesia has to offer.
Drawing inspiration from a rich island bounty and the abundance of the sea, the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is pleased to offer a range of dining options created by Chef Michel Seyve that celebrate the unique flavors of the area. From unique breakfast service by canoe to gourmet cuisine by torchlight, every meal is a feast for your senses.
Relax and indulge yourself in your choice of the Beach Bar, casual & relaxed, or the Hopuna Bar, nestled between thatched-roof bungalows and offers a panoramic view of the lagoon.
Choose from a multitude of activities such as shopping in the gift boutique; pampering yourself from your pick of spa and salon treatments; take a swim in the 10,000 square meter “infinity” swimming pool; enjoy the white sand beach on this private island; take a chance with sport fishing, or shark and ray feeding, or scuba diving and snorkeling, or kite surfing and even windsurfing. Whew! Or just take it easy with your new book on a lounge chair by the ocean.
With so much to do and see, you need to get packing! Room rates range from $700-$3000 per night.
March 15, 2006 | Posted by Allison as For Him at 9:00 am | Comments »
This 3.3 oz Bond No. 9 Eau de New York may just be what you’ve been needing on the female front. Just one drop of this heavenly scent, mosaic bottle available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, will send the gentler gender your way. Be prepared for a wild night with this cologne, take special precautions, this may be one crazy ride.
Inspired by the high-speed, sense-awakening energy of New York, Eau de New York is captivatingly sexy, enticing, racy. The invigorating unisex scent is a blend of citrusy fruits, exotic flowers and fresh greens, with lingering base notes of vetiver, oakmoss and musk. A true wonder in cologne science. Cost, $200.
March 14, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Fast & Furious Cars at 2:21 pm | (1) Comment »

Picture yourself driving down the boulevard in this beautiful champagne 2001 Bentley Arnage Red Label. This is a beautiful ride, sure to please all the ladies and make you the envy of your friends.
With an 8-cylinder engine, only 14 K miles, sunroof, turbo-charged Red Label with factory navigation, DVD in headrests, satellite radio, chrome wheels, power steering & a good excuse to visit southern California- this baby has it all.
Listed on Motorzoo.com just yesterday, this Bentley is going to go fast- I assure you. Take a trip to CA and bring back a most excellent souvenir. Cost, $126,000.
March 14, 2006 | Posted by Allison as For Her at 2:01 pm | Comments »
Get lost with Derek Lam this spring in his short-sleeve empire-waist dainty white dress. Devoe chiffon with an abstract floral print makes this dress ready to wear, wherever you’re off to.
This beautiful piece accentuates any figure with a ruffled boatneck and gathered empire-waist that combines a fluffed sleeve. Perfect for the summer to come. Cost, $1750.
March 13, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Expensive Eats at 2:55 pm | Comments »
Luxist had a great product today for the vegans and fish-scared alike. I thought it was worth looking into.
“Since the ban of the beloved beluga, other caviars and caviar alternatives have been attracting more attention. Cavi-art has the appearance of caviar but there are no fish eggs involved. The caviar substitute, which is made from seaweed, is from Denmark and is fat-free, lower in sodium and inexpensive ($5.98 for 3.5 ounces). According to the Chicago Sun-Times, chefs have been using it as a garnish but like Soy Kaviar, it’s not really a substitute for the real thing. Cavi-Art comes in black lumpfish, red lumpfish, yellow lumpfish and red salmon caviar flavors.”
Well, there you have it. It you ever wanted a caviar substitute, your wait is over. Me, I’ll be sticking with the real thing myself.
March 13, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Personal Care at 2:44 pm | Comments »
Thought olive oil was just for the kitchen and oil lamp? Well, Luisa of New York is here to change your mind with their olive oil shampoo & shower gel.
Their olive oil shower gel can be used both for hair and body. It’s made with Italian olive oil, jojoba oil, and pure essential oils.
As a shower gel, this unique product is great for dry skin and sensitive skin. It’s rich in moisture and very mild. Used as a shampoo, it is cleansing and conditioning, and brings out a great healthy shine.
What else could you want? Shower on up, maybe add some basil & oregano and you’re ready for the evening! Cost, $13.