There's certainly no shortage of luxury options in Canada.  World-class cities like Vancouver, Toronto and others provide a wealth of luxury living and lifestyle opportunities.  One company offering a taste of the high life in Canada is renowned automaker Mercedes-Benz, which has been operating in the world's second largest country for over 50 years.  Along with the quality automobiles expected from the brand, Mercedes-Benz Canada deals a very unique key chain.  The cost of the Luxury Key Ring is a whopping $17,500 CAD.  Yes, I just used a comma when writing the price of a key chain. And no, that price does not include a new car – key ring only. The platinum key ring has a brushed finish with the Mercedes logo engraved on the side. It also holds keys.

For the past few years, I've been hearing great things about Austin.  Apparently it's the place to be - brimming with live music, local artists, unique boutiques and hip restaurants.  A friend of mine just got back from Austin (and is now determined to live there) and raved about Uchi, a sushi restaurant set in an old refurbished home in the city.

I suppose I shouldn't simplify Uchi - the restaurant offers much more than sushi.  The menu is described as expanding on the Japanese tradition with new flavors and influences.  Diners can enjoy sushi, but can also choose from an eclectic menu with options such as seared Hudson Valley foie gras with fennel marmalade, or cured moulard duck breast with heirloom tomatoes, live basil, dried blueberries and vanilla oil.

Now I have to go to Austin.

Lying on the ground and gazing up at a starry night sky is a singular experience.  Whether looking towards the heavens to contemplate the meaning of life, or simply to relax and enjoy the composition of the cosmos, absorbing the view of a clear, bright sky can be magical.  Now, that magic can be recreated in your home.  StarMurals are unique five-dimensional works of fine art that reproduce the night sky anywhere you wish.  Be mesmerized by star clusters while in bed, soak in a comet as you bathe in the tub, or be surrounded by galaxies as you watch a movie in your home theater.  The secret formulation of materials used in creating a StarMural causes it to be invisible during the day or in normal room light, but glow all night long.  "The Startist," Rip Read, will travel anywhere around the globe to create one of his out-of-this-world masterpieces. A StarMural sure beats those blacklight-activated, plastic glowing stars you affix to the ceiling.  Learn more about the murals and contact The Startist here.

The last thing I think of when I look at this picture is Manhattan.  And I think that's the point.  Parsonage Point, a private 2.58-acre peninsula with 950 feet of water frontage, is the perfect getaway from the stress of New York City.  While it is super-secluded (it's surrounded on three sides by water and on one side by conserved land), the property is only 35 minutes from the city! The property is listed with Houlihan Lawrence.  Check out more gorgeous pictures here.

Kenneth Roberts was a prominent author of historical novels, including Oliver Wiswell, Lydia Bailey and Northwest Passage, which inspired the 1940 film of the same name starring Spencer Tracy.  Now there is an extraordinary opportunity to own the renowned author's former estate.  Roberts' historical fiction writings were often set in New England, and many times depicted his home state of Maine. Looking at the 70 breathtaking acres in Kennebunkport on which he used to live, it is easy to see how Roberts gained inspiration from New England's amazing landscape, in addition to its rich history.

Two months before his death in 1957, Kenneth Roberts received a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for "his historical novels which have long contributed to the creation of greater interest in our early American history." Your chance to own not only this remarkable estate, but also a piece of that history, is offered by Pack Maynard and Associates Real Estate.

Sedona's best boutique for luxury Native American-style accessories is Garland's Indian Jewelry.  The shop's collection includes rare creations from Zuni, Hopi and Navajo artists as well as other local craftsmen.  Designs range from simple silver studs to ornate turquoise belts, and all are one-of-a-kind.  The turquoise cuff pictured left is just one example of these elegant pieces.  If you travel to or live in the Sedona area, make sure to stop in this store and pick up some local flair.

Spring has sprung and summer is ready to...do whatever summer does. Simmer? Sizzle?  Whatever the word, temperatures are finally going to start to rise. Soon I'll be able to wheel my grill out of the garage and onto my deck for some serious barbecuing. Unfortunately for owners of the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen & Entertainment Center, their BBQ isn't nearly as maneuverable as mine.  However, what it lacks in mobility, it more than makes up for in pretty much every other category.  This luxurious creation boasts not only a professional-grade grill, but also a cocktail center, built-in beer tap and integrated bench seating.  Two waterfalls set the mood and a fireplace warms the chilly evenings.  And what would the great outdoors be without an auto-rising 42-inch plasma TV?  Probably not as great as they could be.  Manufactured by Cal Spas, this oasis provides the ultimate in outdoor luxury entertaining (as its name implies, I suppose).

After looking out the window and seeing the dreadful snow in April, all I can do is think about getting away to a warmer, more charming place.  If you're anything like me, you'd take your tax return money and head to the South Pacific, where you will find Polynesian heaven at the Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa.  The resort features 120 suites and villas, two of which are directly over the South Pacific waters.  Each suite has mahogany furnishings, traditional Indonesian canopy beds, Italian marble baths and private balconies.  If you do stay in an overwater villa that you find hard to escape, no worries because the Nui Resort can offer you breakfast serviced by canoe. You cannot leave this island of paradise without making one visit to the Mandara Spa. The spa offers exotic treatments used with ingredients like coconut milk, ginger, and Tahitian grapefruit.  Located at the hilltop with a 360-degree view of the islands, the Mandara Spa has 3 bungalows built on top of the black lava hill.  If you feel the need to be more energetic you can take a swim in the 1,000 square meter infinity pool or try an afternoon of windsurfing, snorkeling or scuba diving.

After working up an appetite after a nice relaxing day at the spa or an adventure filled day on the white sand beaches, you'll want to be sure to complete your evening with dinner at one of the four amazing restaurants that Nui Resort & Spa has to offer.  The Nui features French, Mediterranean and Polynesian cuisines, suitable for every taste. These gourmet meals can be served as you enjoy a spectacular sunset view, or by torch light to create the perfect ambiance!

Although the freezing temperatures here in Chicago would indicate otherwise, spring is now upon us. Baseball season has begun, trees are blossoming, and (eventually) the outdoors will once again become enjoyable to experience. Spring also brings the return of birds, and a sure-fire way to ensure a lovely and lively backyard is to install a bird feeder. With a pleasing design and striking colors, the Egg Bird feeder will catch the eye of humans and birds alike. 

Named one of Fortune Magazine's 2004 Best Products of the Year, the J Schatz Egg Bird Feeder features weatherproof aluminum perches that can accommodate at least four birds. It is easily hung from a sturdy aluminum cable, and the glossy surface and round shape also prevents squirrels from stealing all the food. Honestly, that seems a bit unfair to me (maybe take the squirrels out for ice cream once a week to repay them), but the Egg Bird Feeder really is too aesthetically pleasing to pass up, and is sure to create vibrant and exciting atmosphere in your yard.

Exploring the wine caves of Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa Valley is precisely my idea of adventure. With opera music echoing in the background, a candlelit tour through this amazing winery is not to be missed. We were lucky enough to go on a guided tour with one of the vineyard owners, sampling fabulous wines from various barrels throughout the caves. With every sip I listened intently, and I was most impressed that there was not a single ounce of snobbery served along with it. He was just a knowledgeable guy who really enjoys his job (who wouldn't?). I will be sure to return to Del Dotto Vineyards; it was one of the highlights from our trip to Napa.