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Most Expensive Fast & Furious Luxury Cars 2006

March 10, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Fast & Furious Cars at 12:59 pm | (10) Comments »

I know, I know- I’ve been on a ‘most expensive’ kick lately; but I think I’ll end it this week with a bang. Here are the most expensive luxury cars of 2006, put out by Forbes this week. Enjoy the true eye candy!

#10: Maybach 57 S Maybach’s new model, the 57 S, is designed to be a sportier alternative to its other cars, the 57 and 62. Cost, $367,000.

#9: Porsche Carrera GT Some automotive publications claim Porsche has stopped selling its Carrera GT supercar. But at press time, Porsche confirmed that its $440,000 flagship convertible is still available in the U.S. Cost, $440,000.

#8: Maybach 62 Maybach’s 62 ultra-luxury sedan is made by Mercedes-Benz, which has shocked us by proving that a car that is this expensive to build can turn a profit. Cost, $385,250.

#7: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren A mainstay on our lists of the world’s fastest and most expensive cars, the delightful SLR McLaren is about as comfortable and sophisticated as a street-legal racecar can be. Cost, $452,750.

#6: Koenigsegg CCR Koenigsegg’s CCR uses an 806-hp V-8. Cost, $545,568.

#5: Saleen S7 Twin Turbo Saleen’s S7 Twin Turbo has fallen to fifth place from first last year, because all four nameplates ahead of it in this year’s ranking are new. But the S7 remains one of the more recognizable (that’s a relative term here) models on the list. Cost, $637,723.

#4: Leblanc Mirabeau Leblanc is ramping up production of its new Mirabeau supercar. The company hopes to make the vehicle street legal for the U.S. by the end of 2006 or early 2007. Cost, $645,084.

#3: Ultimate Aero The most expensive American car is also the fastest. Automaker SSC estimates this vehicle is capable of hitting 260 to 273 mph on the track. Cost, $654,500.

#2: Pagani Zonda Roadster Pagani is a boutique automaker that builds radical-looking racecars. This version of its Zonda flagship has 650 hp. Cost, $668,000

And the Number 1 Most Expensive Luxury Car of 2006 is (drumroll please)…….

#1: Bugatti Veyron With its notorious production delays finally over, Bugatti’s Veyron is now on sale in Europe–and the company wants to bring it to the U.S. Cost, $1.2 million.

Now that you’ve probably picked out your favorite, my recommendation is to call a billionaire on the top 2006 list and beg for one!

Who’s Who in the Billionaire World

March 10, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Chasing the Greenbacks at 12:10 pm | (1) Comment »

Today Forbes came out with the 2006 list of Billionaires.  I kept looking for my name, hoping, searching, getting worried, anxious, wishing- but alas, I could not find it on the 2006 list, there’s always next year. 

The list is up 102 from last year, with 793 billionaires listed, I’m sure the NAGG’s are already on the case.  The fortunate who made it on this year’s list are worth a combined $2.6 trillion, up 18% since last March.  Wow, think of all the people we could feed with that load of cash.

India is home to 10 new billionaires this year, more than any other country besides the US.  Newcomers include India’s biggest real estate developer, Kushal Pal Sigh & the liquor tycoon behind Kingfisher beer, Vijay Mallya.

China now has eight billionaires to call their own, doubling last year’s total.  Solor power mogul Zhengrong Shi joins the list at $2.2 billion.

You go girl!  Seventy-eight women made the list with Oprah Winfrey (of course), Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling & eBay’s Meg Whitman.

Who’s at the top of the list this year?  As if you have to ask.  Don’t worry, Microsoft god  Bill Gates rests high above us all at $50 billion.

 

The Most Expensive Beer, Are You a Connoisseur?

March 9, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Spirits & Palliatives at 2:52 pm | (1) Comment »

Beer is one of the oldest drinks known to man, but it takes a special person to be an actual beer connoisseur.  In my life I’ve only known a few, of course there’s always Norm & Cliff from Cheers and that guy at the bar that’s there morning, noon & night- but maybe he’s another kind of connoisseur.

The question you need to ask yourself, are you ready to pay $100 per bottle for Samuel Adams / Boston Beer Company’s Utopias beer?  It is said to be the world’s strongest and most expensive beer by far.  And it better be, by god, for that kind of cash!  This is no Bud Light.

The beer is brewed with a blend of high-quality hops and sold in an ornate copper-plated brew kettle.  The sweet flavor of Utopia is richly highlighted with hints of vanilla, oak & caramel.  It is a non-carbonated beverage and should be served at room temperature to fully enjoy the bouquet.  The production of this beer by the Samuel Adams/ Boston Beer Company was limited to 8,000 bottles- so you need to get yours today.  Cheers.

 

Most Expensive Toys, Think Your Kids Are Worth It?

March 9, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Tremendous Toys at 2:32 pm | (5) Comments »

FAO Schwarz is always a kingdom of goodies, no matter your age- and these two “toys” are no exception.

The 3-D Motion simulator is excess in enjoyment, and in your wallet.  This aviation-quality simulator seats eight for CD-ROM-driven excitement.  This monster of fun includes space trips, roller coasters, slot car races, glacier adventures and many more. 

So, if you have the money and not the time, lock the kids inside and let them enjoy Six Flags without ever having to wait in line or find a parking space. As a special bonus, custom exterior options are available. Cost, $300,000.

 

 

You saw it in Big and now it’s time to have your very own, I don’t think I could count how many time I’ve wished I could run & slide on this bad boy.  The Dance-On Piano is a great toy to bring home to the children that have everything. 

Let the kids relax you (yeah, right) with their own version of “Chopsticks” or any other fanciful tune with the over 22-foot long keyboard which lights up after each step.  A fabulous invention, now if they could only come up with a dance-on Michael Jackson that says “Just beat it” after each step we’ll have just about all I need.  Cost, $250,000.

 

What Ever Happened to the Most Expensive Painting of 1990 – 2004?

March 8, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Artsy Fartsy, The Reasons Why at 1:28 pm | Comments »

“I’ve done the portrait of M. Gachet with a melancholy expression, which might well seem like a grimace to those who see it. . . . Sad but gentle, yet clear and intelligent, that is how many portraits ought to be done. . . . There are modern heads that may be looked at for a long time, and that may perhaps be looked back on with longing a hundred years later.”  -Vincent Van Gogh, June 1890.

Before Sotheby’s sold Garcon a la Pipe by Pablo Picasso at auction from John Hay Whitney’s estate in 2004 for $104.1 million, the most expensive painting in the world was Vincent Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet which sold for $82.5 million at Christie’s in 1990.  The history of the painting is a bit queer and worth looking into. 

Portrait of Dr. Gachet was painted by Vincent around 1890 during one of his frequent stays at the nuthouse.  He painted this touching picture of his doctor looking quite exhausted, probably from hearing more than he bargained for about Van Gogh’s fascination with the color yellow. 

Japanese business man Ryoei Saito, who paid $78.1 million for a Renoir just two days after taking ownership of the Van Gogh, bought Dr. Gachet May 15, 1990.  I feel like Saito could have used his own trip to see Dr. Gachet.  Soon after purchasing the painting, Saito threatened to have it cremated with him after his death, for to spare his heirs from having to pay an exorbitant inheritance tax.  He died six years later and Dr. Gachet remains missing to this day. 

North Carolina Mountain Estate, Bring the Family

March 8, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Dream Homes at 12:38 pm | Comments »

 

The ‘Glowing Hearth’ estate is a monster of a mountain retreat. With 5 cottages, a 5600 square foot family mansion and room for the whole family, even if you’re Greek.

Located in the upper Western corner of North Carolina, where summer temperatures rarely reach above the 70’s, and high in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains at a 3600-foot elevation sit 40 acres of expansive, bucolic real estate comprising this family complex.

 
This Estate Includes:

• A luxurious 5,600 square foot family mansion with every amenity.
• Five individual 1500 square foot, two-bedroom, two-bath family cottages
• A four-acre barnyard complex complete with llamas, miniature donkeys, a pony and goats.
• A 950-square-foot barn, tack room, loft, baby animal paddock, three fenced and gated pastures equipped with electricity and running water
• A 40,000 gallon Koi pond fed by an on-site spring, stocked with 200 Koi fish.
• 25-acre wooded forest with winding hiking trails and campfire and picnic sites.
• Children’s playground complete with climbing wall, swings, slides, basketball court, and 25-foot play fort.
• All-underground utility wiring. No phone, electric or cable wires appear above ground.
• Two fresh spring wells produce all of the pure, high-quality water needed for the entire estate.
• Graded roads complete with softly glowing old fashioned street lamps connect all of the facilities for easy access. 

The Main House
 
Seven sets of 8-foot-high French doors in the Great Room open onto a continuous 165 feet of wrap-around deck. The deck is 10 feet wide with 15 foot high ceilings. The Great Room itself measures 43′ x 24′, is over 1,000 square feet in area, and has 26 foot high, exposed wood beam ceilings. A massive stone fireplace rises the full 26′ to the ceiling. Light flows in through huge palladian windows onto gleaming wood floors. 
  
The master suite is located on the top floor for privacy and every room has 10-foot ceilings. This suite is 1,050 square feet plus 306 square feet of balconies, and includes the master bedroom, a library, master bath, large walk-in closet, two balconies and a catwalk that overlooks the Great Room 12 feet below.
 
Both the master bedroom and library have two sets of French doors that lead out to their own private balconies. The expansive 21.5 x 16.5 master bedroom easily accommodates oversized bedroom furniture as well as a sofa and chairs for an intimate bedroom seating area. The library features a cozy fireplace, all custom cabinetry and bookcases and includes a mini fridge. 
  
Relax and entertain in ease, comfort and privacy at your family retreat. Your family is close to you without being on top of you. Each has their own oasis within the compound.
 
Included in this real estate offering are three maintenance vehicles, a 425 John Deere riding tractor, a Ford F-150 pick-up truck, and a housekeeping van complete with vacuums and cleaning supplies for each residence.

One question, What else could you possibly need?  This property has just recently been reduced to, $5,850,000.  I don’t know about you, but that rocking chair looks like it was made just for me.

Domaine Romanee Conti 1997, A Truly Romantic Wine of Spirit

March 7, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Spirits & Palliatives at 3:17 pm | Comments »

Domaine Romanee Conti 1997 is a palatable, spirited wine for the sincere enthusiast. This French red Burgundy smells of berries, spices and leather. The darkest red color of all, it hints at flavors of soy sauce, flowers and licorice.

The aroma is rich and penetrating without being too profound. On the nose, the wine is sharp, as if it were “double-locked” in its tannic coating (gangue).  The “enigmatic” character of this wine finds its full expression in this wine, even if we detect some hints of liquorish typical of La Tâche.

The Romane Conti is a rare wine that has carved a niche for itself along the years. At over fifteen hundred dollars a bottle, it no longer has anything to prove. Consistently, the Romane Conti fetches prices around the thousand dollar mark no matter the vintage. Great potential, reserved, its length and “thickness” on the palate announce interesting developments … if you are patient enough to wait!  Cost, $1500 +.

The Who-Would-Have-Thunk-It Robotic Doggie Suitcase

March 7, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Gadgets at 3:05 pm | (2) Comments »

I have a new favorite site, BornRich.org.  It has the best luxury items from robotic doggie suitcases to a Rolls-Royce.  I couldn’t resist this doggie suitcase post, not only is it adorable, functional and luxurious- it’s robotic too, and that make all the difference to me.  I heart laziness.

“All of us loved the Fido robotic suitcase, but I bet you might not have thought of any more advancement on that front! But, Samsung-Italia is now developing another Fido concept that will recognize the owner’s voice from up to 450 meters away. And, this time the bag will bark and follow the master’s voice just like your little poochie. And, if a stranger makes any attempt on the bag then the bag begins to bark with an intensity of 197.5 decibels. So, just think it this way, you have to look for your little poochie if you could not find him anywhere, but same is not the case with Fido luggage. And why not, it’s robotic after all!! Don’t forget to check-out the excellent demo at the translated version of Samsung-Italia here!!”

A barking mad suitcase!  Who would have thunk it, besides Tim Burton?  I think it’s absolutely fabulous and I want three- one in pink, one in pink and the other in pink.

Hit the Road with Louis Vuitton Spring 2006 Wedges

March 6, 2006 | Posted by Allison as For Her at 2:58 pm | (1) Comment »

Louis Vuitton is getting back to the classic style of life with the Spring 2006 line.  This beautiful wedge sandal is just what you’ve been looking for and will be perfect with any outfit- dress it up with a BCBG dress or dress it down with your old, trusty jeans.

With shiny gold metal links and golden studs that secure a cut-out natural leather flower, these are a lovely Vuitton specimen.  They are finished with a lacquered 4″ wedge heel and a Monogram flower stitched on the insole, leather sole.  Available in Rose & Yellow, made in Italy.  Cost, $640.

A Perfect St. Patty’s Day Awaits You

March 6, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Reasons To Travel at 2:25 pm | Comments »

Luxist has a fabulous idea for St. Patrick’s Day this year, March 17.  Why not treat yourself to a real Irish holiday? 

“In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday, how about a stay at one of Ireland’s premier castle hotels, Ashford Castle. Situated in near Cong, in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is a wonderful place to experience the luxuries of country living in a structure that parts of which were begun in 1228. Some enhancements have been made since the dark ages, notably bathrooms and electricity. The hotel is on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake and features elegant grounds perfect for an afternoon stroll. As a former guest of the hotel, I can attest to the warmest service and delicious dining that the castle offers. By the way, if you can’t make it to the castle soon, rent “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne. It was filmed in the village of Cong and on the castle grounds in 1951. If you can, arrive by helicopter to get a bird’s eye view of the castle and grounds.”

The best of both worlds, bathrooms, electricity and history dating back to 1228.  What more could you ask for in an Irish holiday?  Room rates vary from $400-$600.

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