travel.yourdailyslice.com

Edgemere, Canada's Most Expensive Estate Now Luxury Condos

Back in 2006 we covered the Edgemere Estate which was, at $45 million, the most expensive residential property ever to be listed for sale in Canada. Now the Edgemere property on Lake Ontario along the Oakville gold coast has a new life as a condo project. The Edgemere Private Residences will be 30 ultra-luxurious condominiums in 10 different buildings. Units will be one-level and range from 2,000 to upwards of 5,400 square feet.

Edgemere is a storied property dating back from the Arts and Crafts Architectural Movement and featuring many historical remnants that date back to the turn of the century. These include a stone wall that defines the northern border of the property, the estate's original boathouse and lighthouse, and a carriage house and stable. As the estate is transformed over the next few years, little touches will ensure that the original feeling of the property lives on. The elegant arches from the original greenhouse will be incorporated into a new greenhouse and the keeper's lodge will become a three-bedroom guest cottage.

Each home will offer direct access to either a large private lakeside garden or landscaped terrace and entryways are private with manicured gardens and stone walls. Inside homes have large principal rooms, multiple fireplaces, custom-designed kitchens, a library, wine cellar and spa style master bathroom. Ten inch thick steel reinforced concrete floors with acoustical separation between adjacent residences and ten foot ceilings offer a sense of privacy and spaciousness. The heated private underground garage has two parking spaces and is connected to the residence with a private stairway and personal elevator. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Fall 2010. Residences range in price from $2,595,000 to over $6,000,000.

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

Edgemere, Canada's Most Expensive Estate Now Luxury Condos originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Inca Trail to remain closed into late April

Filed under: Hiking, History, South America, Peru

Last week we received the news that Machu Picchu would be reopening on April 1st after being closed for much of the past two months following heavy rains and flooding in the area. Peru's top tourist destination is generally accessible by two methods, a train to the mountaintop fortress or by making the four day hike through the Andes along the Inca Trail. While the train is set to return to service on March 29th, the Trail will remain closed until late April.

Machu Picchu itself received no damage from the heavy rains that washed out the railroad track in late January, and stranded hundreds of tourists for several days. It has taken weeks to clear the debris and rebuild the tracks, which is why the ancient site is ready to reopen finally.

Unfortunately, the Inca Trail didn't fare quite as well. The torrential rainfall washed out several sections of the route and it has taken longer than expected to get it repaired and safe for trekkers once again. Traditionally, the Peruvian government closes down the trail for maintenance in February, but due to the rain damage, that was extended through March as well. Now, travel insiders are saying that the trail should be ready to go in a few weeks time, and bookings are currently available for May. In the meantime, they suggest taking one of the several alternate treks, which offer similar experiences, and are less crowded, but don't have the big payoff in the end.

As the reopening nears, the tourist industry in Cusco and around Machu Picchu is preparing for an influx of visitors. Many of the locals earn their living directly from tourism, and it has been a rough couple of months, economically speaking, for the region. April 1st is seen as a light at the end of the tunnel at long last.

Inca Trail to remain closed into late April originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

What Hermès Plans for the Future

Hermès has been expanding steadily since it started back in 1837 as a saddle shop, today still offering long-lasting excellence in all things leather but also now large-scale items like helicopters and yachts. And it seems that growth will continue into the future, with Hermès' artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas looking to forge ahead into untapped territory, namely by expanding the innovative carbon fiber suitcase that was first introduced twenty years ago into a full line of luggage and by delving into "space and home" goods. As he said in an interview with the Wallstreet Journal "We have to reinvent ourselves. If we launch a perfume and it is like what we did in the '70s, what's the point? We are constantly reassessing who we are. Hermès is going to expand more on space and home. If you have a very large boat, what are you going to put inside?"

A beautiful Hermès leather chair and sofa, hopefully.

Hermès recently won the Luxist Awards Readers' Choice nod for Best Leathergoods Line. The company also opened its first men's store (shown above) on Madison Avenue in New York City last month.

Via JustLuxe

Filed under: Decor, Handbags

What Hermès Plans for the Future originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

On the Trail of Ghosts in Paris

Participants on the Mysteries of Paris ghost tours are taken to a variety of haunted locations around the French capital - culled from history books and locals - where they discover stories that transcend time.

Driving in Italy? Obey the traffic laws or risk getting a ticket after you get home

Renting a car in Italy? Watch the traffic regulations or risk getting a ticket after you get home from your vacation.

Rental cars: Watch for mileage restrictions

Rental cars: Unlimited mileage doesn't always apply. Check rental agreements carefully, or prepare to pay extra.

Morocco's Essaouira lures visitors with desert walks, sea air and camel couscous

Experiencing the laid-back charms and hospitality of the Moroccan port city of Essaouira.

How to snag the best airline seats

How to find the best airline seat, and hold onto it.

Limited Edition Lord of the Rings Sword

The Lord of the Rings trilogy has inspired a great deal of impressive movie memorabilia and collector's items, and now master swordsmith Peter Lyon has added Strider's Sword to the mix -- the sword Aragorn carried when he lived as a ranger in the wilds. Designed by Ben Wootten and made in New Zealand, it's available in a limited edition of only 10 -- just 3 of which are still available. All are delivered in a wooden display case along with a certificate of authenticity and a DVD about the making of the Master Swordsmith's Collection. $8,000

Via Bornrich

Filed under: Gadgets, Art

Limited Edition Lord of the Rings Sword originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Burberry Sport Eau de Parfum

Burberry has come out with a set of fragrances to compliment their new performance wear collection of apparel named Burberry Sport. The men's version is a union of marine breeze and juniper berries with a woody base and top notes of ginger, wheatgrass, and grapefruit. For women (the packaging is mostly white instead of black) it has magnolia and honeysuckle paired with a base of musky cedarwood and top notes of mandarin, ginger and sea salt. They certainly sound fresh and sporty, buy them from Burberry.com for $57-$78.

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Burberry Sport Eau de Parfum originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Catherine The Great's Brooch For Sale At Christie's

Usually when we talk about big stones for sale at Christie's we are talking about expensive diamonds but the upcoming sale at Christie's New York on April 22 will feature one amazing emerald. The large emerald and diamond brooch adorned once adorned one of the world's most powerful and ruthless female leaders ever to live, Catherine II of Russia. She ascended to the throne in 1762 and her long reign marked a time of Russian expansion and success. She was also a noted jewelry collector with the resources to acquire the world's best gems. This brooch was given to Sophie Dorothea, princess of Württemberg, as a wedding gift on the occasion of her marriage to Catherine's son and successor Tsar Paul I in 1776. It has a hexagonal cut Colombian emerald estimated at between 60 and 70 carats. The stone is surrounded by rose and old mine-cut diamonds set in silver-topped gold. It is estimated to sell for $1 million to $1.5 million.

Of course no Christie's sale would be complete without a huge diamond and this sale has a historic beauty. The Emperor Maximilian Diamond is one of two large diamonds that the the Archduke Maximilian acquired in Brazil in 1860 before he was named Emperor of Mexico at Napoleon's urging. Later Napoleon dropped support of Maximillian and the young emperor found himself facing the firing squad. Legend has it that he was wearing this stone in a small pouch around his neck when he was killed. The stone was given to his wife, Princess Charlotte of Belgium, who later sold the jewel. The cushion-shaped diamond has been owned by famed diamantaire Laurence Graff and by Imelda Marcos. It is also estimated to sell for 1 million to $1.5 million.

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions

Catherine The Great's Brooch For Sale At Christie's originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Thousands of BA flights canceled as crew on strike

Retiree Richard Moore arrived at Heathrow with a suitcase of summer clothes for a Miami cruise only to be sent to Denver. Susan Danby wondered if plans for a joint 50th birthday celebration in Las Vegas would be a losing bet.

Thousands of BA flights canceled as crew on strike

Hats Made of Roadkill by Aspiring Fashion Designer

Aspiring fashion designer James Faulkner will be debuting a collection of hats at a fashion show in May that's sure to turn heads, but not for all the usual reasons. The hats feature bold designs made of roadkill and consist mostly of the remains of foxes, magpies, rabbits, wood pigeons, pheasants, mallards, crows and peacocks -- the one shown in the picture above is red fox and ostrich (yuck) and there are 35 others. Faulkner has been making the roadkill hats since last year (May 2009) when he noticed a dead magpie and was inspired "to make something beautiful out of something gruesome." The fashion show will mark the end of an 18 week milliners course that Faulkner has been attending.

Via Bornrich

Filed under: Apparel

Hats Made of Roadkill by Aspiring Fashion Designer originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Corum Miss Golden Bridge Watch

The best part about Corum's Miss Golden Bridge watch is that it isn't just about the cool movement inside. The ladies' mechanical watch has an extremely elegant shape that looks as smooth as it feels. Coming in 18k red or white gold, the case is 21mm wide by 41mm tall. You can see that the case is fitted with four sapphire crystal windows on each side of the case. This is to provide a proper view into the famous Golden Bridge movement done exclusively by Corum. The thin and tall movement is really hard to make, and thankfully easy to love. The movement bridge itself is nicely hand engraved, which contrasts well with the simple polished case. While the watch is hard to read, that is something that you can say about most haute horology women's watches. Two dark-toned skeletonized hands are placed in the middle of the movement.

if the gold case and beauty of the movement at all angles isn't enough for you, drop some extra cash for the diamond studded version with 90 diamonds all over the case. Some say that diamonds sell more women's watches than interesting mechanics - but what happens when you have both as is the case here? Price for the Corum Miss Golden Bridge watch starts in the $25,000 range.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Corum Miss Golden Bridge

Filed under: Timepieces

Corum Miss Golden Bridge Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Photo of the Day (03.20.10)

Filed under: Asia, China, Photo of the Day

This photo by Flickr user jwannie is entitled "How to build a salad tower." The bright oranges and yellows caught my eye when I fist saw the thumbnail and that's why I clicked on the image. As for what a salad tower is and why it's so comical, I defer to the accompanying blog post on frites & fries for a full explanation.

I recently received an e-mail forward from my dad about the Chinese Pizza Hut salad bar from a Chinese colleague. The Pizza Huts there typically offers a salad bar but you can only fill it once in a small salad bowl - I think the salad is a free with purchase type of deal. To get their money's worth, some people use their fantastic engineering skills to build salad towers.

I support this ingenuity 100%. You get way more food for your money and it's salad, so it's healthy. Way better than those Domino's Pasta Bread Bowls.

Have a photo of some food that used for an impromptu game of Jenga? Submit your images to Gadling's Flickr group right now and we might use it for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (03.20.10) originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Burberry Check Print Knotted Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Of course Burberry never seems to get it wrong, this time doing understated and timeless chic in a mix of signature checks and finely arranged knots in the Check Print Knotted Shoulder Bag. Primarily khaki with hints of red, white, and gray in the oversized pattern, this versatile day bag has goldtone hardware, a small but prominently placed logo plaque, and a single rolled leather handle. Made primarily of cotton with calfskin leather accents, it features a zip-top closure and upscale style to spare. $750

Filed under: Handbags

Burberry Check Print Knotted Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

How to Determine Your Face Shape

Whether you're deciding on a new hairstyle or buying a hat, knowing what shape your face is can help choose you the most flattering style. There are four basic face shapes: oval, round, heart, and square, plus a few sub-shapes such as triangle (or 'pear'), diamond, and rectangle (or 'oblong'). The first step to determining which you are is to get out a tape measure and write down some numbers.

First, measure across the top of your cheekbones.
Then measure across your jawbone, from widest point to widest point.
Third, measure across your forehead at the widest point (somewhere between your eyes and hairline)
Measure from the top of your face (at the hairline) to the tip of your chin.

Now that you have these four numbers you can determine which face shape you fall into:

Continue reading How to Determine Your Face Shape

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

How to Determine Your Face Shape originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW Golfsport Collection

BMW and OGIO have come together to create the BMW Golfsport Collection, a set designed to make any golfer's game more fun, comfortable, and stylish. The collection includes: a golf bag made of white or black nylon with white and silver accents, an umbrella for fending off pesky showers, a couple of polo shirts, a water bottle, a golf set (with tees, balls, divot tool, ball marker, and towel), a golf shoe bag, and a cart bag complete with rain hood and insulated compartment for beverages. The only thing it doesn't come with is clubs. Buy each piece separately for mix and match convenience, €5,00 - €195,00.

Gallery: The BMW Golfsport Collection

Filed under: Sports, Men's Style

BMW Golfsport Collection originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Netherlands says sex shows not art

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Europe, Netherlands

The beholder's eye just lost some of its decision-making power. A court in the Netherlands has ruled that private sex shows, among the major draws for Americans looking to let loose in a permissive culture ready to exploit repressed visitors, are not art. This is a departure from a 2008 ruling that called the gyrating in private booths cultural. Of course, the upshot of the change in direction is not any form of prohibition. After all, that would be counterproductive. Instead, the government is looking to maximize revenues. As "culture," the sex show fees were taxed at 6%, but having lost this status, a 19% rate will apply.

The case was Belgian but has implications for the Netherlands. According to the ruling, the lower tax rate only applies to art forms in which people participate together. One-on-one performances don't apply ... do don't try to rationalize your lap dances as an alternative to MoMA.

The finance ministry hasn't wasted any time, with a spokesman saying that sex biz bosses need to start shelling out at the higher rate.

Netherlands says sex shows not art originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Escape the snow with the Adventures In Travel show this weekend in Chicago

If you are in Chicago this weekend, and looking for a way to escape the snow, then consider heading over to the Donald E. Stephens convention center for the 2010 Adventures In Travel show.

At the show, you'll find 100's of exhibitors showing off their destinations, and handing out information that can help you decide where to head this vacation season.

The show is also home to several fantastic seminars, with speakers like Sean O'Neill of BudgetTravel.com and Zac Sunderland, who is the world's Youngest Solo Circumnavigator.

Admission is $15, kids under 16 are free. The show is open today (Saturday) till 5pm, and tomorrow from 11am till 4pm. For more information on the show, head on over to their site.

Escape the snow with the Adventures In Travel show this weekend in Chicago originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

How to Take a Compliment

Compliments are a part of life, and although you might not always feel you deserve them learning to accept a compliment graciously is a life skill you'll never regret.

Be grateful The best thing you can do when someone compliments you is to simply say 'thank you.' And smile, because smiles work wonders.

Reciprocate if and when appropriate. If you've just won an amazing award you can say "thank you" and leave it that, but if it's something simpler like a friend complimenting your new haircut say thank you and then return the favor by complimenting her scarf or new shade of lipstick.

Don't argue or try to invalidate the compliment. For example if someone says "Good job!" don't counter with "I could have done better." Accept the compliment for what it is and don't make people work to get their point across.

Be sincere Be genuine in your response, not absent-minded or mechanical. Really mean it when you say thank you, and if/when you compliment them in return.

People sometimes feel that when they accept a compliment it makes them seem self-centered or arrogant, but really when people argue or negate positive acknowledgments they just come off as insecure, uninterested, or rude even. It's much better to be a well-rounded, balanced individual that can appreciate when someone is making a kind gesture.

Filed under: Wealth

How to Take a Compliment originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vacation homes and social media worth a million dollars

Filed under: North America, United States, Internet Tools

Did someone mention a travel slump? Second Porch, up in Portland, Oregon, must not have received the memo.

Damned memos.

The new company just picked up $1 million in A-round financing (an early round, for those not of the finance world) which was led by the Oregon Angel Fund. Translation: a few people are making a seven-figure bet on a travel company in a shitty market. And I think it's pure genius. Now is the time to make a play in the travel market, as there's nowhere to go but up. Also, Second Porch has a nice social media connection which is not only all the rage with the kids right now (and the Baby Boomers and everyone else, for that matter) but has demonstrated continued potential for the travel and tourism industry.

The premise behind Second Porch is straightforward: these guys want to harness the power of social media to make it easier for you to book a vacation home. The company has put together a free Facebook application - a portal into the vacation home rental process. End-user ease, however, is only part of the plan. Second Porch CEO Brent Hieggelke says, "The typical Facebook personal network comprised of 'friends of friends' reaches almost 17,000 people, all of whom can be vouched for by a friend in common. For a homeowner, this is an obvious opportunity to find prospective guests to rent to with a higher level of comfort and peace of mind."

Right now, Second Porch has only 1,100 fans and 2,450 users ... but give it time. A million dollars buys a lot of friends.

Vacation homes and social media worth a million dollars originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lakeview Avenue, Estate of the Day

Oprah Winfrey's fomer agent, manager and adviser, attorney Jeffrey Jacobs has some swell digs in Chicago. The Chicago Elite Street column reports that Jacobs has put his duplex penthouse co-op on the market for $5.75 million.

He bought the unit in 1999 and has renovated the elegant four-bedroom abode which was designed by architect David Adler designed. The building is right on the park and has a skylight and big windows show lake and city views. The apartment has a grand staircase which cures upward to four bedrooms plus a nursery/office. The home has a new kitchen, breakfast room and an adjacent family living room. That Oprah money has done this home well, it is exquisitely designed. The formal dining room with faux columns, a piano and a view of the lake and the curved wood-ceilinged billiard room are particularly delightful. It is listed with realtor Janet Owen.

Gallery: Lakeview Avenue

Continue reading Lakeview Avenue, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates

Lakeview Avenue, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Skype Access uses your Skype credit to access 100,000 paid Wi-Fi hotspots

Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Internet Tools, Middle East, Central America

Trying to make a Skype call on the road at a hotspot? Up till now, you first had to pay to access paid Wi-Fi hotspots - which often meant having to pay for an entire day just so you could make one phone call.

The new Skype Access service takes care of this by combining Skype calling with hotspot access.

When you use the most recent version of the Windows or Mac Skype client, the application will offer to take care of paying for your hotspot access. Accessing paid hotspots costs $0.19 per minute - which is substantially cheaper than the $15 or $20 charged by many public paid access points.

A list of all the supported Wi-Fi hotspot providers can be found here. All the major providers are covered, including those at airports and hotels around the world.

At the moment, Skype Access is not (yet) available on their mobile clients, but hopefully that is only a matter of time.

Being able to make a Skype call, and pay for both the call and your hotspot access from your Skype credit is a brilliant idea - and one that will make phone calls on the road even easier. Click here to learn more about the new Skype Access feature, or to download the latest version of Skype.

Skype Access uses your Skype credit to access 100,000 paid Wi-Fi hotspots originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments