Monthly Archives: July 2012

by www.europeanconsumerschoice.org

1.PORTO, PORTUGAL 

With the variety of resources available Porto conquers all its visitors, from those who want it for its history and authenticity, to the ones who seek to explore a new, more cosmopolitan and contemporary city. Discovering Porto means discovering what makes it different : the famous Port Wine, an Historical Centre designated World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Museums, Enchanting parks and gardens, fashion boutiques by national and international designers…

2.VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Luxurious accommodation in Vienna almost invariably means living at the heart of the city. You’ll find exclusive hotels especially along the Ring, which, after all, is where most of the elegant former palaces are. The first district is home to a wealth of five-star accommodations including the Imperial, Grand Hotel, Bristol, Sacher, Palais Coburg Residenz and Marriott Vienna. At the end of 2010 the Luxushotel Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom opened in a spectacular high-rise designed by star French architect Jean Nouvel on the banks of the Danube Canal.

3.DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Make sure to begin your brief visit to Dubrovnik with a promenade in Stradun or Placa, the main street, while getting the first impressions of one of the Mediterraneans most beautiful cities. The astonishing city of stone is surrounded with 1,940 m long stone walls. A tour of the worlds second most frequented open-air museum will definitely take your breath away. The fantastic views will inspire you to take some photographs, and the sights that you will capture will continue to amaze you over and over again.

4.PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Since the Middle Ages Prague has been famous as one of the most beautiful cities of the world and has been attributed adjectives such as “golden“, “hundred-spired“, “the crown of the world“. The unique character of the city is also partly a consequence of its natural environment: Prague, similar to Rome built on seven hills, was built on nine hills along the Vltava river, which flows through the city for a distance of 31 km and forms a perfect unit with the city.  (more…)

M/Y Octopus at Canary Wharf, the UltimateLuxuryCommunity

 Only hours before Opening Cerenomy of London 2012 Olympic Games, some of the world’s best mega yachts are gathering in the South Dock of London’s Canary Wharf banking district. Enjoy!

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Official tourism spot of Region of Crete. Created for the Greek island of Crete by Teo Papadoulakis.

FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW 2012 DEFIES GRAVITY AND REACHES SUB-ORBITAL LEVELS

US$72 billion of confirmed orders and commitments by airlines, leasing companies and manufacturers

At the end of a busy trade week, orders and commitments announced at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow have been confirmed at US$72 covering a total of 758 aircraft. The figures represent a 53% increase on the 2010 show and close to the 2008 figure when sales peaked at US$88billion. To add further weight to the shows success, 20% of exhibitors have already rebooked for the 2014 show.

 Airshow organisers, Farnborough International Ltd, can also confirm that over the five days of the show, the event attracted just over 107,000 trade visitors and over 1500 exhibitors with representation right across the supply chain. Over 70 military delegations from 46 countries attended with a further 13 delegations from the civil sector.  This event saw good engagement from decision-makers with the Prime Minister opening the show, a further 6 Cabinet members making keynote speeches, as well as senior ministers visiting from the UK and overseas.

Over 140 aircraft took part in the static and flying displays at the Farnborough Aerodrome in Hampshire including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner which flew on the first three days of the show – a Boeing and FIA first – and the Airbus A380 in attendance for the full seven days. Flying display highlights included the Bell Boeing V22 Osprey, a Saab Gripen Fighter and the Korean T50 jet trainer.

bonus video:  Airbus A380 Farnborough 2012

The Airbus A380 (F-WWDD) does its validation display for Farnborough and then heads off to Fairford. Make sure you watch in HD.

by toptenz.net

10.  Rybolovlev Estate – $95 Million

This house is the most expensive single family home in the country and, since it was owned by Donald Trump, it’s obviously the most expensive home ever fought over in a divorce case.  The 33,000 square foot oceanfront mansion has become a key part of the proceedings since Trump’s ex-wife Elena Rybolovlev demanded jurisdiction due to infidelity.

This home has 18 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, and retails for $95 million, making it the most expensive single-family house in the nation…weird, we’re pretty sure we found nine more for this list.  Originally on sale for $125 million, it ended up being haggled down to a mere 95.  We guess the economy is hurting everyone these days.

9.  Silicon Valley Mansion — $100 Million

As the most expensive single-family home in the US, this house… wait, didn’t we just say that the Rybolovlev Estate was the most expensive single-family home ever?  Well, okay, this one went for 100 million so I guess it wins.

With 5 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, and an indoor and outdoor pool , it’s all-in-all a pretty fancy house.

8.  Fleur De Lys — 125 Million

Despite being marketed as the world’s most expensive house, the Fleur De Lys somehow only falls on number 8 on our list.  Wow, that’s weird, huh?  It’s almost like people on the Internet are wrong.

Fleur De Lys has 41,000 square feet and 15 bedrooms, but apparently no bathrooms, which we think is a huge oversight either by the architect or the person writing the articles we’re using as sources.

7.  The Manor — $150 Million

Here we are, finally, the most expensive residential real estate listing in the US.  $150 million.  Feels pretty good to put that part to rest, doesn’t it?  Thanks, Aaron Spelling, for having the (7th) most expensive house in the world.

This house features 56,000 square feet, 123 rooms, a bowling alley, an ice rink and allegedly an entire wing devoted to Spelling’s wife’s wardrobe. (more…)

by 101holidays.co.uk

1. Spain

Spain has long been a  favourite of British holidaymakers, and it remains our number one holiday destination. In particular, the Balearic islands of Mallorca and Ibiza are perennial big-hitters (not forgetting Menorca), along with Canary Islands such as Tenerife, La Palma and the beautiful lesser-known La Gomera. Other great beach destinations include the Costa de la Luz andCatalonia.

Northern Spain is overlooked by most tourists, even though it combines magnificent empty beaches with rolling countryside, mountains, medieval towns and buzzing cities. It’s authentic, great value and the food is superb.

There’s a lot more to Spain than beaches. There are great walking holidays in the north andcycling in Catalonia. The rise of low-cost airlines has benefited city breaks in places like Palma andSeville – both of which are rich in culture. Meanwhile, lesser-known islands such as La Palma in the Canaries are well worth a visit.

For sporting holidays you can’t beat La Manga Club which has world-class tennis facilities and three championship golf courses. You can also explore Spain on a luxury rail holidays using the superb state-run trains such as the Transcantábrico and La Robla.

2. France

The relationship between the British and French may have had its ups and downs over the years, but our love of all things French shows no signs of abating. From the Channel ports to the islands of the Mediterranean, Francophiles are never short of new destinations to discover.

Among our favourite holidays in France are the beaches of Corsica and Ile de Ré. You can visitMonet’s Garden in Giverny, take a cycling holiday, a golfing holiday or a battlefield tour.

If you’re looking for an excuse to crack open a few bottles, take a wine tour or a champagne weekend. Or relax and watch the countryside roll by on a luxury hotel barge with gourmet meals, fine wines and excursions all included. Destinations include Burgundy, the Canal du Midi, Provenceand Gascony.

In the French Alps you can ski on a budget, or with a family, plus they make a great destination insummer.

You can visit Disneyland Paris with the kids or rent a French chateau.

Even in winter you’ll find long days of sunshine on the Cote d’Azur. Take a short break in Nice.

3. Great Britain

No list of holiday destinations for UK travellers would be complete without mentioning our own great country: not just England, but Wales, Scotland, Northern Island and some of our lesser known islands such as the Scilly Isles and the Isle of Wight.

The UK’s most popular tourist destinations include Devon and Cornwall, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dorset, East Anglia and Scotland.

Britain offers many interesting holiday experiences. You can rent a lighthouse keeper’s cottage or sleep in a log cabin in a secluded forest or take a boating holiday on one of the UK’s many canals and rivers.

In the Highlands and Islands of Scotland you could take a whisky tour, ride a steam train on theWest Highland Line or take a tour of Mull where you can see minke whales, otters, seals and porpoises. Take a city break in Edinburgh or rent a big house in the countryside. You can even rent a Downton Abbey-style historic house sleeping 6 – 60 people. Perfect for birthdays or anniversaries.

4. Greece

Holidays in Greece are all about simplicity. Despite a recent proliferation of five-star hotels, it is the whitewashed villas, the friendly tavernas, the hot sun and blue seas that keep us coming back year after year. Even Greek food is a masterpiece of simplicity, both traditional and healthy.

It is the islands that attract the most visitors. Corfu’s villas never lose their appeal. If you’re looking the quintessential small Greek island, we recommend Paxos, which has no airport and is a great place for lazy days, boat trips and lovely villas.

If you fancy being slightly more active, the Lakitira Beach resort on Kos, just off the Turkish coast, offers a wide array of watersports. Or learn to sail in Greece.

Crete is the largest and arguably the most interesting of the islands. Steer away from the tacky resorts and stay at one of these stylish houses for rent or family villas.

Mainland Greece offers a wonderfully diverse range of holiday options. Relax by the pool at the beautiful Sani Asterias Suites.

And the recent economic crisis in Greece shows no sign of toppling the country as one of the best European holiday destinations.

Find more holiday ideas in Greece and our pick of the best Mediterranean holidays.

(more…)

by bornrich.com

1. Marie Antoinette Necklace

Price: $3.7 million

The very first and the most expensive piece of jewelry in this list is a stunning necklace that belongs to Marie Antoinette who was the fifteenth and penultimate child of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria and Emperor Francis I. The dazzling necklace is adorned with numerous white diamonds along with two rare yellow diamonds in oval shape, and on stunning exceptional pink diamond at the bottom. The diamonds are perfectly set on the platinum and weigh 8.05-carat. The white pear shaped diamond is set like a droplet at the bottom and weighs 7.06-carat alone, and the rare yellow diamonds weigh 5.24-carat.

2. Queen Mary’s Diamond Riviere and La Peregrina Pearl

Price: $1,828,224

England’s first female ruler Queen Mary was certainly known for all the riches she had. One of the most exclusive jewels that she possessed during her rule was this beautiful Diamond Riviere. This stunning diamond Riviere is made of dazzling 34 old cut authentic diamonds set beautifully in gold and silver. The gorgeous piece was gifted by the queen to her granddaughter Princess Margaret, and dates from about 1900. Another stunning piece that belonged to her was a necklace “La Peregrina” of pearl which is one of the most famous pearls in the world with a recorded history of nearly 500 years.

3. Princess Margaret Diamond Monogram Brooch and Poltimore Tiara

Most expensive jewelry of royal families

Price for Brooch: $344,448

Price for Poltimore Tiara: $1,704,576

Princess Margaret, granddaughter of Queen Mary, the younger sister of Elizabeth II and the younger daughter of King George VI, was enriched with all the riches in the world. Being from such a royal family, she possessed some of the best jewelry in the world amongst which were Diamond Monogram Brooch and Poltimore Tiara. The tiara was designed in old cut diamond clusters along with dazzling diamond-set scroll motifs. The special feature of this stunning tiara is that it can be converted to a necklace and eleven stunning brooches. The Brooch was designed with the initial letter of HSH name ‘M’ monogram beneath a coronet. The striking brooch is set with with single and circular-cut diamonds, 2.7 cm. high, in original fitted blue leather Collingwood (Jewellers) Ltd.

4. Duchess of Windsor’s jewels

Price: $12,417,369

Wallis Spencer, later the Duchess of Windsor was an American married to Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom and the Dominions, abdicated his throne to marry her. As she got married to him, she was entitled to all the beautiful jewelry and one of this stunning jewelry was bracelet that broke all the auction records as it was sold for $12,417,369. The bracelet is a Cartier-designed diamond panther bracelet and is adorned with ruby, sapphire, diamond and emerald.

5. Emerald and Diamond Tiara

Price: $12.76 m

This beautiful tiara belonged to Swedish princess, and the Countess Consort Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck who was known for her rule Ostfriesland as Regent. The tiara made of Shizuka Diamond is approx 101.27 carats in weight and was sold by Sotheby’s sale of Magnificent Jewels.

(more…)

by squidoo.com

Let’s start out with what’s up with fashion color trends…

The big color trend for 2012 spring/summer is mint green… Yes you read right – mint green is the biggest color trend for the up coming season. The racks will be full of fashions that all done up in a soft whimsical version of mint green .

Another color trend being you will see this spring, especially in handbags and shoes is neon’s. Such as bright blues, yellows, greens, oranges, and hot pinks.

Do you Crochet? Well it’s back… Crochet vests are big this spring, maybe you can look to the back of your closet . maybe you might have a bit of a crochet number lurking.

The color that jumps out at the head of the line for this spring when it comes to neon shades, is orange! Less face it there is no other color that can make a loud fashion statement as bright orange. So need a new handbag or a great pair of shoes? Make it orange.

Belt bags are one of the great big trends… However, I am not talking “fanny packs’…Stick to the new small square flat belt bags – so cute, and less weight to carry on that shoulder.

Feet need a rest This spring kitten heels are big… The kitten heel is a good choice this spring. They are feminine, and classic, as well as comfortable.

Creamy neutrals, all done up to give you a very feminine look. Flowing pajama – styles, tunics. All meant to be classical, and again comfortable.

Think whimsical pattrens. From bird prints to deers, fruit, feathers, you name it, tops with whimsical prints are big. You will see everything from blouses to dresses all sporting Whimsical prints.

Stripes – Stripes seem to hold a place in fashion year after year. You can’t go wrong wearing stripes, from head to toe…

High-Waisted flare pants are so big this spring… The pant that Katharine Hepburn made so popular, is back… I suggest you pair this style of pants with a great heel, just to give the old look a bit of flare. The new flare pant as a rule have loops for a skinny belt, so you can flash up the look with a flashy thin belt.

Mint IT’s So Hot For Such A Cool Color

 Sundresses Are So Trendy This Summer – This Is A Sundress That Will Keep You Minty Cool…

This Creamy neutral Sheath is all done up to give you a very feminine classical look…

note the wonderful natural drape at the bottom of the skirt.

This soft blue pastel suit shows a bit of a shoulder pad to sightly broaden the shoulder line.

Fashion Trends You Need To Know About…

Designers this spring and summer are utilizing heavenly fabrics, light as a cloud so to say… – and putting out some wonderful heaven inspired designs. Soft and feminine dresses, and blouses, to make you feel like a bit of an angel.

Designers have not left all you little devils out. This spring and summer you will see a big come back in red! A bold color that is not just for you red hot gals.

Many fashions this season will be sewed up with the up most intricately, touting pleats, folds, and draping. Giving references to ancient Greece and Rome.

The oh so sexy one shoulder look is also big for this summer. Lots of designers have given the a two-sleeve look the cold shoulder …

The Katharine Hepburn’s influence as always still reigns. You will continue to see tailored blazers, cute fitted cardigans, and ties …

As mentioned above florals are so big this spring and summer…You will see the racks over loaded with wonderful floral’s, from soft muted pastels, to South Pacific inspired with bright and bold floral’s – just about in every shade you can imagine…

It seems more than a few designers are adding the sexy silk robes look to their line this spring. Not to mention drawstring shorts, and vertical stripes. The pajama party look with an elegant twist…

Spring fashions will burst out with vivid colors…

The Black And White Of It…

Color was everywhere on the runways for spring/summer. However , many top designers mixed in black and white creations, and also dull neutrals seem to hold on this season.

Photo – This great design is by Michael Kors. Note how he incorporated lace in the skirt, and mixed it all up with a sporty strip mix at the top.

Lace is big this season, it is being used as never before. It is popping up not only in evening wear and lingerie, but ready to wear- not to mention its covering shoes, and handbags, you name it…

Check out the fab handbag – bright white clutch with shiny chains. The biggest trend in handbags this spring/summer – short strapped oversized handbags or totally over sized clutch’s… Another big trend in handbags that was evident on this springs runways, lots of shiny hardware.

Black & White And All Mixed Up !

Note how the designer mixed the fabrics and patterns in a way that complimented one another perfectly.

Stripes Are So Hot For 2012 !

Check out the classic looks, and the bold looks in stripes for spring.

One of the big trends this season is anything striped… Expect to see lots of stripe, not only on wonderful nautical knit tops, but dresses, handbags, and even shoes…

Check out photo above outfit of “Michael Kors” design – He used a very simple classical nautical striped top, and mixed it up with a long button cardigan, and flare a-line skirt … The results – a chic casual look.

Stripes Of A Bolder Nature – were all over the New York Runways for spring 2012….

Add a pair of lacey pumps to a tailored suit or wear them with a great pair of jeans… Anyway you look at it – you are going to add a bit of glam to an otherwise perhaps boring outfit.

Lace is a big trend for this spring and summer. Once only reserved for wedding dresses or formal wear, lace is showing up everywhere. Designers are adding lace to not only sporty shoes and handbags, but to everyday wear such as blouses, skirts, and dresses. Its trendy girls, but enjoy it while it lasts…

Pastel Leather Biker Jackets … Are a big trend this spring

Leather Motorcycle Jackets – not just for biker babes this spring…

Biker Babes… This spring swap out that blazer for a oh so cute leather motorcycle jacket. This is a fast growing trend, keep in mind its not the typical black leather type. This year designers have put out some wonderful biker inspired jackets, pastels, bright classic colors, and yes some metallic jobs… As well as fabulous white !

Paisley… This Spring Enjoy This Wonderful Ethnic Print…

Paisley is surprisingly versatile – if you learn to balance the atention- getting graphics with a tailored piece to complete the look.

Pair your paisley with neutral hues or match to the darkest color in the print.

This spring and summer paisley will be big – so add a piece or two to your wardrobe.

Paisley Prints Are Classicly Used In Spring/Summer Fashions!

Another big trend this season – Anything Paisley
Fashions that scream color and fun! Dresses, skirts, blouses, handbags, shoes, will all be out there for the pickings… Paisley will be infused into so many great fashions this season. Some designers adding Bollywood glam to infuse fun bright paisley into otherwise boring fashions. Consider adding a bit of paisley into your spring/summer wardrobe.

High Waist Pants Have Become a Big Trend This Season

It’s great to see the high waist pant come back into style. Note the oh so feminine floral blouse… High waisted pants also look great with the biker look jackets….

What’s New in Shorts This Season?

the waist- line is a bit higher…And more comfortable

This year you will see some great changes in the waist band … Last year, you had the tiny hipster waists, plunging to an uncomfortable low, so to say.

This summer look forward to being comfortable, and some what lady like… The return of a bit higher waist .

In regard to length – You will see short shorts, to knee toppers, that just hit the top of the knee. The fit on a knee topper should be straight, not tight – straight. You will also see some great cuffed shorts, very tailored, and very cute.

The Most Popular Shorts For This Summer – Boyish Styled Long Shorts ….

A great pair of “long shorts” are a summer wardrobe must.

A huge trend this summer will be the long to just above the knee boyish long shorts – paired with feminine tops. Add a great flip flops or heels, you are good to go…

 Where are shoe styles headed this spring and summer?

High-heeled cut out booties are one of the big trends for spring…

Shoes have defiantly become a way of expressing ones artistic likes… With wonderful intricate shapes, and bold colors. One must put away the old black pumps, and step into the new wonderful world of color, patterns, and crazy designs, not to mention hardware,flowers…

Shoes this season are unique, and not all that practical. Can an ordinary woman pull off the wild new look in shoes? Well maybe… But perhaps the most wild designs should remain on the on catwalk? But shop around, there are some great shoe styles out there this spring – with perhaps just a bit of quirkiness. You at least need one pair of wild artistic shoes in your wardrobe…

Blooming tootsies…
This Spring – you will see flowers popping up all over. Especially on our shoes. Floral applique’s will embellishment loads of shoes this spring. Another big trend – prints, you will be able to find lots of patterns in subtle or as extreme as you desire.

Metallic all the way…
Zip it up or buckle it in… But get your feet ready to sparkle! Be ready to see hardware this spring , in the form of zippers, snaps and buckles. This hardware will be used in a abundance not only to adorn pumps, but everything from ballerina flats to fantastic sandals this spring/summer fashion season.

Cut-Out Booties
High-heeled booties are holding on strong for 2009 spring/summer fashion season. Most shoe Designers found a way to keep booties fresh and colorful for this spring. One way was to cut away parts of the bootie, leaving lots of skin showing through the cutout. Whether it’s open-toes, cut-away sides, or cut-out heels, you can’t go wrong with a pair or two of these in your closet.

Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator Sandals have battled their way back this year…. Yes – gladiator sandals will be bigger this spring/summer than they were in the summer of 2008. Believe it or not they will be bigger ! So what will be different the gladiator sandal will sport a heavily strapped heeled. You will find the gladiator takes on color this season . Bold colors will make them even more dynamic than ever before.