I'm still not entirely sure why someone would wait in line for hours to buy the latest gadget. But last week as I passed the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue, I saw the line of consumers awaiting the opportunity to get their hands on the new iPhone 3G snake down the street and around the corner.  

The answers to why hundreds (thousands?) of people would wait in such a line could vary, I suppose:   the simple desire to be one of the first to own the phone, they actually need the various features to support a hectic work schedule or everyday lifestyle, they are coerced by intensive hype, etc, etc.  Whatever the motivation, one thing is certain - people love their iPhones.

Because it is such a precious commodity, owners will want to be certain their phone is protected.  One way to ensure a minimum of wear and scratches is to invest in a Case-mate diamond iPhone case.  The $20,000 sheath is outfitted with 42 diamonds set in 18K gold on a carbon fiber leather case.  And in the spirit of the rush for the phone itself...quantities of the luxury case are extremely limited, so if you want one you should act fast!

 The St. Petersburg area is somewhat of an untapped, hidden gem — where great values and immaculate properties are available at implausible prices. In the face of economic uncertainty, Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg and Clearwater continue to blossom with glittering waterfront luxury estates, condominiums and homes.

Smith & Associates cover the area and specialize in luxury, beach and bay properties. Several properties currently on the market that illustrate the appeal of the area include this magnificent Mediterranean estate located in Tierra Verde and a St. Petersburg old world-style estate with stunning ocean views. This positive, upward movement in the market coincides with the endless number of amenities the area has to offer, including a relaxed southern charm feel, beautiful parks and architecture, unsurpassed restaurants, fabulous shopping, world recognized beaches, exciting nightlife and year round outdoor activities.

 

The St. Petersburg area is even more attractive to new and potential residents because the local government and community are open to this growth and balance it by striving to plan and preserve the historic and resort style character of St. Petersburg in particular. In addition, St. Petersburg is considered one of the hottest labor markets in the country and one of the most cost effective regions to conduct business.

 

Discover more about properties in this region.

The hamburger has come a long way since it first debuted in the late 1880’s – so much more than the traditional ground beef patty, bun and fixings such as lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mustard. Today it’s found its niche in the world of fine dining and haute cuisine. Kobe burgers are now a standard selection on many high-end restaurants, ranging from $22 to upwards of $125. Of course these burgers are made from the best beef and are accompanied by the finest cheeses, truffles and foie gras. 

Several establishments have capitalized on the luxury burger craze even further by weaving vintage wines into the mix. The Fleur de Lys – located in Las Vegas, NV – serves a Kobe beef patty complete with black truffles and truffle sauce served on a brioche truffle bun. The price tag: $5000. The top-notch burger isn’t the reason for the high price tag, but rather the bottle of 1990 Chateau Petrus. The Palms – another Las Vegas establishment – is offering a unique “combo” in pairing a $6 Carl Jr. hamburger with a 24-yeard old bottle of French Bordeaux. The cost of this fine grouping: $6000.

There are private luxury homes, and then there are private luxury homes.  An exclusive sanctuary in Golfo Marinella, Itay is definitely at the pinnacle of the privacy spectrum.  The private island near Porto Rotondo off the Emerald Coast of Sardinia is the ultimate hideaway, surrounded by the sky blue waters of the Mediterranean with rugged mountain peaks forming one side of the picturesque horizon.  The four hectare (approximately 9.9 acre) island is comprised of white sand beaches, natural granite sculptures and expansive juniper garden.

On the island are multiple accommodations, including a grand main home, villa set among natural gardens and two separate guest dwellings.  The price of this singular property is given upon request from the listing's broker, Immobilsarda SRL.

I try to keep my closet organized, I really do.  Behind the large sliding doors are shoe racks, tie and belt racks, shelves, organized clothes hanging on wooden hangers, et cetera, et cetera.  Inevitably, however, there will eventually be a balled up t-shirt on the closet floor or a wire hanger from the dry cleaners pressed against the wall behind the tiered rows of footwear.  Perhaps I need some guidance from a qualified member of the National Closet Group.

The NCG is a professional association comprised of top independent closet companies throughout the United States and Canada offering innovations in their field.  While I could certainly benefit from their expertise, the NCG caters to everyone, including the luxury home owner.  The Luxury Siena Collection is offered exclusively by NCG members and was born through a desire to create a closet system combining advanced engineering with exquisite design.  Available in many styles from traditional to contemporary and accompanied by a wide selection of finishes and design elements, The Siena Collection can be completely customized to meet the needs of anyone looking to add luxury to their closet. 

To search for a National Closet Group member near you, click here.