Savor world’s most expensive breakfast at £22,000

Most of us would be able to digest this breakfast but I bet that very few of us would be able to digest its price. This is a coffee, croissant and cocktail breakfast created by the makers of Chambord. So what does this special breakfast comprise of:

Hand decorated bejewelled croissant covered in edible gold and diamonds
Kopi Luwak coffee washed down with a Chambord and champagne cocktail
Bar le Duc hand seeded redcurrant jam

The best thing is that the Chambord is served from a bottle of the liqueur encrusted with gold, diamonds and pearls worth $2.4 million and is topped up with Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque champagne.

If you are interested in this breakfast then you can order it on request out here.

Price: £22,000

Image and link source: telegraph

Brave Pumpkins

Just wanted to give a quick update on my unripe pumpkin. Two weeks ago, I had to clean up my dying squash vines and harvested all remaining fruit. This brave little guy (pictured above) wasn't yet ripe. So I placed him in a sunny, warm location and look at his progress:

It's my hunch that this will work with winter squash in general, so long as the fruit has reached a certain level of development (pretty much full size and just waiting to ripen) before it's separated from the vine.

All in all, my little volunteer pumpkin plant produced well for me this year. And although they are not ideal eating pumpkins--they are a variety sold for carving as Halloween decor--I shall toast the seeds and cook the rest down into puree to keep in freezer for use this winter.

Goodbye Summer Garden

bee balm

One last post for September before the crazy but exciting days of VeganMoFo III start a frenzy of posting (or at least that is my intention). It just sort of struck me today that summer 09 is indeed over...and while I love October (my favorite month), I still feel a bit nostalgic for the lovely summer days and evenings in the garden.

Aside from vegetables, my garden is a disorganized collection of various and sundry. It's topsy-turvy, jumbley-bumbley, and we like it. I love being in the garden any time of year--and there is still a lot of autumn gardening to do--but I wanted to stop and remember some some of the fellows who only hang out there during the fine months:

german camomile

echinacea

lavatera

cheery snap dragons
(They remind me of "Animal" from The Muppet Show.)

And, speaking of dragons...

dragon fly


sweet pea & anise hyssop


apple blossom petunias


chocolate cosmos and coreopsis

When I was a child, I thought common morning glory was the most beautiful flower I had ever seen. I thought it must be the sort of thing that angels wear in their hair. I was upset when I found out that people curse it as an invasive weed. Well, if you have clay soil, it is...but it's still beautiful and I let it grow in the wild parts of my garden:

And now for the mystery flower...can anyone identify this one for me? I don't have a clue what it is:

Oh, and I think there's room for one last cheeky little viola:


Actually, I think I'll do one last post for September, quite appropriately, tomorrow...the ripening pumpkin...stay tuned.

Tamlin & The Fall Miniaudieres: Artistic Luxury Handbag

Is this a handbag or a piece of artistic jewelry? Bound to confuse you, this is a handbag creation by Tamlin & The Fall. Made to order, this handbag is cast using a pound of precious metal.

In the picture above is the polished sterling silver shell version of the handbag with linings available in natural rattlesnake or matte black alligator. Its tassels are hand dyed feather and this exquisite creation from Miniaudiere comes in a handmade wooden box lined in deerskin.

Miniaudiere is also available in matte sterling, solid 18k polished gold or oxidized version. If you are interested in the handbag then get ready to shell out $19,800 onwards for this piece of creation.

image and link source: luxist

Fire and Cream: The Fiery Perfume from Alexandra Balahoutis

Fire and Cream, Ever heard of such a combination? May be not and keeping this uniqueness in mind Alexandra Balahoutis has launched her range of Strange Invisible Perfumes.

Fire and Cream is part of the Strange Invisible Perfume collection. This scent is created from natural botanical essences which are completely different from solvent perfumes being sold in the market. With a base of beverage quality organic grape alcohol and organic jojoba oil extract essences, Fire and Cream is bound to create an impact in the market. It comes with layers of earthy vetiver, patchouli with soft white lavender, sandalwood, spark of orange blossom and tuberose.

1.7 fl. Oz of this eau de parfum sells for $145.

image and link source: luxist

Simple Lentil Stew

Lentils over Kamut pasta with Japanese sweet potato and zucchini

Simple Lentil Stew

1 cup celery, thinly chopped
1 cup carrot, large dice
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons oregano
1 large bay leaf
1/4 -1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
pinch of red chili flakes to taste
handful of fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cups French green lentils, dry
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups veggie broth of choice

salt and pepper to taste

French Green Lentils

Sweat off the celery, carrots, onion, garlic and herbs (don't add the parsley yet) in the olive oil. When the veggies are beginning to soften and a lovely aroma of onion and garlic emerge, rinse the lentils inwater and toss them into the mixture. Stir for a minute or so to combine all the flavors. Add the tomatoes and veggie broth, bring to a simmer, reduce heat and allow to cook for ~ 1 hour until lentils are tender. About halfway through cooking, toss in the parsley. I usually take out the bay leaf at this time too, because I don't like a really strong bay flavor. Salt and pepper to taste.

This gets better the longer it cooks, and even better the next day. I add the cumin to give it a "meaty" dimension that my husband likes (or at least that's how he interprets it). If you are going to cook this down for a while, a nice slosh of red wine tossed in towards the end wouldn't go astray.

Blackberry becomes world’s most expensive phone

Ever thought that a Blackberry would sell for $200,366? Alexander Amosu has made that possible and created what it says is the world’s most expensive diamond encrusted Blackberry.

This personalized handset has been crafted in solid 18 carat yellow gold with 4,459 brilliant cut diamonds worth 28.43 carats adorning it. It comes inscribed with your name and you can also avail a 24-hour global concierge service. Only three handsets have been created and one of which has already been purchased by a client in Middle East.

image and link source: bornich

The $500,000 wedding gown from David Tutera

I believe this is just the tip of an iceberg if you are looking for some pricey wedding gowns. This is the platinum wedding gown which was showcased at the David Tutera by Faviana wedding dress collection runway show on September 22 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

You must be wondering what is so special about this gown? It comes with ten feet of platinum chain, 33 carats of diamonds, 145.84 carats of aquamarine, white keshi pearls and adorned with a stunning white south sea pearl pendant suspended from platinum. It’s matched with platinum colored tulle veil and bouquet. Priced at $501,640, it can be purchased at Michael C. Fina at 545 Fifth Ave New York, NY if you are interested.

image and link source: luxist

Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph Commemorative Edition: Get the Obama watch

Luxury good sales have nosedived in the recent past, all thanks to recession but the same cannot be said about Jorg Gray, high end luxury watch maker. Jorg Gray watch was gifted to US President Barack Obama by the Secret Service Agent on his 46th birthday. The agents had been looking for something good looking, rugged and highly accurate and for this reason Jorg Gray watched got a nod.

The 6500 Chronograph Commemorative Edition is only available at the Secret Service store with the agency logo on the front and sells for $325. It sports the date of Jan. 20, 2009 when President Barack Obama was sworn in as the president.

At $325, I would say it’s still a bargain.

image and link source: usnews

Di Murini Spotlight Mastectomy Lingerie Collection: The Luxury Lingerie

If you are a woman who is rich and if you are looking for mastectomy bras then you would not go for something which is cheap. Keeping in mind the needs of rich women out there, Di Murini has launched its limited edition Spotlight mastectomy lingerie collection which comprises of Swarovski crystals adorned mastectomy bras.

The Spotlight mastectomy lingerie has been designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and to raise money for charity Against Breast Cancer. The bras are priced at £1200 and 50% of the profits would go towards breast cancer research.

Siam Sparkle Bra

This is a red satin bra with over 1500 Swarovski crystals and is matched with matching briefs.

Night Sky Bra

The Night Sky Bra is available in clear midnight sky color and can be worn with high waisted trousers and sheer blouse.

image and link source: lussorian

The Diamond Encrusted Vintage Headphones

Check this only if you have deep pockets!! Here is a vintage headphone encrusted with diamonds and gemstones. This headphone weighing one kg was created as a part of image makeover of Elva Hsiao. Priced at S$13,000, these vintage headphones were decorated personally by Elva and stylists.

Definitely it could be a great possession to flaunt but may not be suited as a head gear since it weighs 1000 grams.

image and link source: yahoo

Penthouses selling for $39 Million in Hong Kong

At a time when economy is reeling under recession and property prices are tumbling like pack of cards opposite seems to be happening in the land of Hong Kong. Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd which is the largest developer in the world by market value has shot up the prices of two of its penthouses in Hong Kong by 50% to a record price of $9,700/sq ft as demand for luxury apartments has started to shoot up.

Each unit is being offered at a price of $39 million each covering a total of 4,000 square feet on three floors with an outdoor garden and swimming pool.

I just wonder why god gives all the money to just a few!!

image and link source: bloomberg

Wanna live next to Obama?

Good news for all those people who are big fans of US President Barack Obama and would like to live closer to him. Obama’s neighborhood property is up for sale. This is a 17 room, 6,000-square-foot home at 5040 South Greenwood in Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood which is bang next to the Chicago residence of Barack Obama.

The owners Bill and Jacky Grimshaw haven’t decided on a price tag for the property and are seeking offers from the prospective buyers. A vetting process has been initiated for the interested buyers and property tours will be offered to them twice a week through early October.

People who are interested in this piece of history can check out further details out here.

image and link source: 5040 Greenwood

This is world’s most expensive dog!!

(AFP/Getty)
Rich people spend millions on jewelry, estate, cars, dresses but I have never heard about filthy rich people blowing their money away on dogs!! Strange but true, a Chinese women has gone ahead and purchased a Tibetan mastiff which has broken the record as world’s most expensive dog. He is 18 months old and is 80cm in height and was bought for £350,000.

A motorcade of thirty cars arrived at the airport to welcome the new member of the family apart from banners. Certainly gold and diamonds command a price but Tibetan mastiff don’t!!

link source: timesonline

MIA

It's about 1 week I didnt post anything from the last post.

Keep thinking of new idea. But I couldn't. Do you have any ideas ? hehe :D

I'd like to say sorry to my blog readers. Hope to contribute more soon, despite exam is coming.

JkYong.

Louis Vuitton Cable Car Charm: An ideal gift for your love

Whoever has traveled to San Francisco must have talked about its cable cars which are a well recognized symbol of the city and in order to commemorate the reopening of its San Francisco store Louis Vuitton has recreated an 18kt gold cable car charm which comes studded with 55 diamonds, 12 yellow sapphires and 8 mandarin garnet. It is being sold in mini trunk case and can be an ideal gift for your loved ones.

Price: $10,000

image and link source: Louis Vuitton Review

Squash and Pickles

This weekend I had to do some garden clean up. The cucumber and squash vines were dying back pretty severely and several leaves had powdery mildew. So, I harvested all remaining fruits on those vines. Above, you can see the cucumbers. The white one is perfectly solid and good to eat; it just didn't turn green because it was growing so deep inside the vine, it never got any sunlight.


I was pretty happy with my delicata squash harvest. I like delicata, as I like pretty much all vegetables, but it's not my favorite winter squash. I grew it because I thought it had a better chance of ripening in the shorter growing season of the Pacific Northwest than say, a typically larger squash, like butternut. But now, I think that's immaterial...these delicata were set and ripening all the way back in July. They could have grown a lot bigger; they just didn't for some reason, maybe the variety (they were a bushing variety). Next year, I'll try a different kind of winter squash.

green pumpkin to ripen indoors (hopefully)

And then of course, there was my brave volunteer pumpkin vine, from which I already harvested quite a large specimen a while back. I had to cut this guy off the vine and am trying to ripen him in my sun room...we'll see how that goes.

crock pickle fixins

I decided to try some crock pickles with the fat cucumbers from my garden. I remember going to a German deli with my mom when I was kid and being fascinated by a large barrel of enormous pickles floating in an eerie brine. I always had to have one, and my mom would always oblige. I assume these pickles that I remember were crock pickles, soured in a salt brine.

I followed this recipe on Planted at Home blog. I just had to try a recipe from a lady who also likes to devour peanut butter and dill pickle sandwiches! The likes of which, I think I took for lunch every single day of my grade school career.

cucumbers in jars, along with dill weed, garlic, and hot peppers

Here they are in the brine; they should be fully sour in 3 weeks (fingers crossed) :


And then, with some pickling cucumbers from the farmers' market, I made a small batch of bread and butter pickles. Again, a childhood favorite. By the way, have I mentioned that I like pickles?

Lamborghini Mattress: Stay closer to your dreams

There are some people who love their cars more than their lives and cant stop thinking about their baby even in their dreams therefore to ensure that auto freaks like these always remain closer to their dreams Magniflex brings to you the Lamborghini bed carrying the logo and color scheme of Canino Lamborghini. At the same time it also includes a complementary mattress in the same theme.

This queen sized Lamborghini mattress is priced at $1,999 and will be exhibited at the Las Vegas Furniture Market to be held between Sept. 14 to 19.

Now stay closer to your dreams!!

image and source: LATimes

Shagreen Rubik’s Cube: Luxury which only money can buy

Christmas is just a few months away and there are many luxury items for men on the anvil which only money can buy and as a part of its Christmas 09 catalogue British Luxury brand Alfred Dunhill has launched a Shagreen Rubik’s Cube which has been created from Stingray skin and is modeled on the 1974 invention of Erno Rubik.

The handmade cubes have been polished to one of six brilliant shades and you can have one for just £995.

image and link source: lussorian

Homemade Ginger Ale

I never buy any canned sodas, but sometimes a fizzy drink hits the spot on a warm day. Soda is easy to make at home, by just mixing any kind of syrup you like with sparkling water. I love ginger, so today, with the warm sunny weather returning to the Pacific Northwest, I decided to make some ginger ale.

Ginger Syrup

1 cup water
2/3 cup agave nectar ( I used an organic amber one)
generous 1/2 cup ginger, thinly sliced
15 peppercorns
20 cardamom pods
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lime juice

To make the syrup, combine all ingredients in a sauce pan, bring to a simmer and let it cook gently for 20 - 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the syrup steep while cooling. When cool, strain out the ginger, peppercorns, and cardamom. Add in lemon and lime juice and store in the fridge until use. To make the ginger ale, mix 2 parts syrup with 4 parts sparkling water, or adjust to taste.

ginger syrup mixture

This turned out with a nice gingery and slightly spicy flavor. The ginger is not super strong. The next time I make it I think I'll add more ginger and more pepper, or maybe a different type of pepper, to give it a real bite. Also, this turned out pretty sweet with the agave, so next time, I might lower the amount to 1/2 cup.

This would also make a great mixer for a spicy cocktail.

Vertu Ascent Ti Mixed Metal Collection Phone

If you have never owned a Vertu phone then count yourselves among the losers who call themselves part of the ‘luxury brigade’. Vertu has been the choice of the rich and famous ever since it was launched and continuing with its tradition of being available only to the elite class Vertu has launched its Mixed Metal collection for their Ascent Ti line of phones.

You need to check out its Knurled version which includes knurled rose gold side panels along with rose gold keys along with a specialized knurled rubber back. Its other version in titanium and gold comes with brushed titanium with yellow gold screws and knurled rubber back keys.

These Special Edition Vertu phones are available only at Vertu stores.

image and link source: sybarites

She

By looking her gorgeous smile,
you can know she's a true "angelic" girl,
an adorable girl.
A kind of person that makes you feel good with her every time.

Knowing her is a great pleasure in my lifetime, perhaps for you too.

In our life journey, friends do play an important role as they affects
your fate,decision,mind and others...

I'd appreciate that and thanks a billion to her.

=]

With the best regards,
JkYong

Vamp NOS CD Player: The Midas Touch

Some things in life are better if they are enjoyed in the most luxurious fashion. Check out this top loading CD player from Vamp which comes with a smooth gold finish and its not just about looks, its about performance too.

This gold finish CD player comes with wooden side panels with a small front panel. It is available with a LCD display matched by basic indications with transport control buttons, set of unbalanced line level analog outputs, USB input and coaxial digital output. Vamp NOS CD Player includes height adjustable feet and is a wonderful product in terms of style and performance.

Priced at €5,500, it’s something which can only be afforded by the best of the best.

image and link source: abouthifi

Saving Seeds: Coriander

I tried to harvest all my spring-crop cilantro before the weather got really warm this summer, but some of it managed to send up seed stalks before I could get to it. No worries, when a crop goes to seed before you can harvest it, there's an opportunity for seed saving. In general, I try to save some seeds from non-hybrid varieties that I especially like and/or do well in my garden. In this case, I wasn't planning on saving seeds, but got some anyway.

Dried seed stalks:

When the seeds were fully formed and beginning to dry, I pulled out the stalks and let them dry in our sun room...they've been drying in there for the past week or so.

In British English, the fresh herb and the seed are both called coriander... but here in the US, we tend to call the fresh herb cilantro, while the dried seed is called coriander. I can't remember whether this particular crop was a hybrid variety or not, so I'll just use the seeds in cooking.

I'm not sure why, but it seems like I always have several packets of cilantro, basil, and carrot seeds in my seed box, even though I never remember buying them. Anyway, I've planted more cilantro for an autumn harvest....these little guys will probably be ready to harvest sometime in October:

Coriandrum sativum

And finally, here's my cat, Cheeky. She is really funny, and can always make me laugh. She's in the neighbor's tree that looks right into our sun room. She looks kind of crazed, but she's really ok. She is in the middle of a "meow" in this photo, calling out a little "hello" when she saw me through the sun room window.

Cheekiandrum Funnivum

Alfa Romeo MiTo Denim Collection: Luxury Jeans for a cause

If you have the money and want to put it for some good cause then go ahead and get yourself a pair of jeans from Alfa Romeo MiTo denim collection as the money collected from the sale would be used towards charitable causes. In this case the proceeds from the sale would go towards Jeans for Genes charity.

This is a limited edition skinny fit jean which comes with high quality leather waistband and Alfa Romeo red stitching. It also features DNA buttons which adjust the responsiveness of the accelerator, brakes and traction in order to suit different driving conditions.

Contribute to the cause by buying this limited edition jean at £75 a pair. You can get more information about how you can purchase the Alfa Romeo MiTo denim collection at www.mitojeans.co.uk.

image and link source: autoblog

Gresso Grand Monaco Flash Drive Collection: The Flashy Drives

If you want your flash drives to be really flashy then check out Grand Monaco Flash Drive Collection from Gresso. You can choose from their Double Security and Classic model.

The USB Flash Drive has been created from light weight titanium superalloy with case getting extra protection with high tech ceramic. They come with carbon inserts which have been touted by F1 engineers as the best material to be used in racing car body.

The Double Security USB drive retails for $500 and it includes twin flash drives with 32 GB memory capacity whereas the Classic USB which is available in a slim square shape retails for $200.

image and link source: luxurylaunches