Luxury Living Blog


Welcome to our luxury living blog. Here you will find information on exotic cars, luxury car rentals, top 5 and top 10 lists, luxury news, events, stories of unbelievable wealth and much more. You can find out what the most expensive entrees and drinks are, and even read up on some bizarre foods. We scan the globe to discover what the latest luxury news holds, and pass on our plethora of knowledge and tips to our awesome readers and fan base. Hear of something exotic and interesting? Drop us an email and tell us about it! Where money is spent, the world is watching.

This Week in Chicago: Labor Day 2010

This Week in Chicago: Labor Day 2010

Everyone loves three-day weekends and this weekend should be no different for Chicago residents.  The weather forecast looks promising and no work on Monday is always a good thing no matter what happens outside.  For those of you who still do not have any plans this Labor Day weekend, head north of the city a few miles to Union Square for the North Coast Music Festival.  The music starts Friday and continues until Sunday night and the lineup is quite impressive for such a grass-roots festival.North Coast Music Festival

Overshadowed by Lollapalooza, North Coast Music Festival is often unheard of and flies under the radar of most Chicago residents.  Only truly devoted musical fans are taking notice of the excitement that North Coast Music Festival is bringing to Chicago this summer.  Look for headliners Damian Marley and Nas, The Chemical Brothers, and Umphrey’s Mcgee to put on an impressive show as always.  However, some of the smaller stages will also be showcasing the up and coming artists from around the globe.  There will also be a special Red Bull Local Stage this year featuring all the local talent trying to break through into the music scene and make it big.

Tickets are still available for just a single day or for the entire 3-day weekend.  The festival kicks off Friday at 5:30 P.M. and continues into Sunday wrapping up at 10:00 Sunday night.  For those of you who want even more music, check out the after-party schedule and follow your favorite artist to some late-night spots for even more of your favorite music.  Want to avoid the lines and chaos of public transportation, contact Imagine Lifestyles Chicago for a luxury chauffeur service and ride to and from the festival just like the artists. If you are in the city let us know and you can check out our fleet of Chicago exotic rental cars.

 

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Luxury Fishing Boat Charter-The 51’ Hatteras Rental

Looking for something different to do as Labor Day and summer draw to a close?  Escape the Miami and South Beach heat with a fishing boat charter!  Our 51’ Hatteras charter is awesome for that day trip out to sea on the marbled Atlantic coastline.

If you haven’t indulged, the view of Miami from sea is absolutely gorgeous.  Just a few minutes offshore in a luxury fishing charter makes you feel like you have escaped into a new world.  It is similar to that fee51' Hatteras Fishing Yacht Charter Miamiling we all get when we drive to the Keys for a long weekend, feeling a million miles away from our everyday worries and responsibilities.  Not to mention that the waters of South Florida and the Caribbean are famed for our large game fish, abundant marine life and natural reefs!

A custom motor yacht made for fishing is a perfect way to draw a memorable close to a hot summer with friends and family.  The 51’ Hatteras yacht charter is just the right size to easily maneuver the intercoastal and Ocean, while still providing an air-conditioned salon to retreat from the heat on deck.  There are also two elegantly appointed staterooms, should you wish to spend a romantic night floating through the shimmering lights of the intercoastal. 

This South Florida fishing charter is also good for small trips to your favorite local islands, for a weekend escape.  Do not let the size fool you, it feels spacious and comfortable onboard, both above and below deck.  If you would like to explore in our luxury fishing charter, we can make your fishing trip to the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and other remote paradises a reality today!
 

 

Also check out our luxury yacht charters and luxury car rentals South Beach and Miami, New York, LA and now Chicago!
 

 

 

 

 

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Can You Just Break These Million Dollar Bills, Por Favor?

While most of us are aware that a million dollar bill fails to exist in U.S. currency, a woman in the United Arab Emirates is now painfully aware of the fact.  Sure, there are novelty million dollar bills.   Sadly, I am not joking.

A man from the Ivory Coast is now in police custody after attempting a completely ridiculous monetary scam at UAE’s central bank.  According to reports, the man successfully persuaded a woman to exchange two phony $1 million dollar bills, a task he offered her a 30% cut to complete. 

Light bulb lady, when someone offers you money to do things they could logically do themselves, it is a fat scam.  Perhaps the lady was momentarily seduced by visions of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and that overdue pedicure to realize that she would never see a penny of that imaginary money.  Well, she can still indulge in a Ferrari rental, for far less. 

Not sure what is more ridiculous, that he attempted it, or that someone fell victim to it!  It is unclear whether the bills were to be traded for U.S. bills or UAE dirham.  Both phony million-dollar bills boast the portrait of George Washington from the $1 dollar bill (at least they got the 1 part correct) and are predominantly black and white on the front.  Can you imagine the audacity of the creator of these bills, not only are they unrealistic, but crudely manufactured!  Inevitably, the teller tipped off the proper authorities and the situation was dissolved, along with the perp’s dreams of wealth.

The National newspaper quotes Col. Rashid Mohammed Bursheed, head of organized crime, as stating that the suspect claimed he thought the bills were authentic.   Right.  And that was certainly not Paris Hilton’s purse. 

 

Well, that draws a close to that fiscal fiasco, but check out our fleet of luxury rental cars and other cool stuff on your way out!

 

 

Fake Million Dollar Bills in UAE

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Ask Imagine: I Need A Wedding Chauffeur

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I am planning my wedding for next summer in the Western Suburbs of Chicago since my family is originally from that area and I am looking to surprise my Fiancé with an exotic or luxury car at the wedding.  I am looking for something that will give me plenty of room since I will have on my dress.  Do you have any sports cars that would allow for enough room for my wedding dress and some bags of clothes for after the reception?  My wedding will be next August so I hope I have plenty of time to make a reservation.  Let me know your thoughts please Imagine Lifestyles.Bentley GTC

Sincerely,

Cindy – Biloxi, MS

 

Dear Cindy,

Thank you for taking the time to send us your inquiry.  We will do our best to assure your wedding vehicle choice is a great success.  It looks like you have a few basic preferences and that will not be a problem.  For a sports car with room to spare, we would recommend the Bentley GTC rental car.  An absolutely beautiful car for picture taking and driving off from the ceremony, the Bentley is a very popular wedding rental for us.  The Bentley also will fulfill your request for a sports car.  Although it might not appear as such, the GTC has 552 horses under the hood and will provide all the speed you need to get to the reception on time.  Finally, since you mentioned you would be getting married in August, the Bentley GTC has a drop-top, which will make for some beautiful picture opportunities for the wedding party.  Let us know if there is anything else we can do for you Cindy and please check out our fleet of Chicago exotic car rentals.  Contact Imagine Lifestyles Chicago to set up your luxury chauffeur today!

Sincerely,

Imagine Lifestyles

Labor Day 2010-No Sleep Till Miami!

This Labor Day weekend things will be scorching as usual in South Florida, especially Miami!  For those of you looking for a hot weekend slam packed with hot celebs and events, look no further than ‘No Sleep Till Miami’, a music infused event being held September 1st-5th in Miami Beach.

Artists and locations so far include:

Wednesday 9/1/2010: 
AfroJack Vs Steve Aoki @ Mansion Nightclub, South Beach

Thursday 9/2/2010:
Joachim Garraud, Felix Cartal, Autoerotique and Sonicc @ SET Nightclub, South Beach
Busta Rhymes @ Mansion Nightclub

Friday 9/3/2010: 
Chuckie @ Cameo Nightclub
Snoop Dogg (full performance) @ Mansion Nightclub
Magic Chris @ SET Nightclub

Saturday 9/4/2010:
Roger Sanchez @ Mansion Nightclub
Pete Tong @ SET Nightclub
Fabolous @ Cameo Nightclub

Sunday 9/5/2010:
Paul Van Dyk @ Mansion Nightclub

More events and artists could be named, but so far this is the lineup.  As you can see, Mansion, SET and Cameo seem to be the nightclubs to be and be seen at this Labor Day weekend in Miami, as all will be hosting the hottest rappers, celebs and talent for the entire weekend! 

Get at us for the best luxury hotels, exotic rental cars and luxury rentals to top off your hot Miami weekend.  Hey, its not like you really want to roll up to one of these clubs in your Volvo…use one of our Escalade rentals and do it up some, it is a holiday!  We just do not recommend letting Lindsay Lohan ride with, or holding Paris Hilton’s purse.  Ever.

Luxury hotels like the W South Beach may be filling up rapidly, so make haste!  Know that the culinary creativity, world-class shopping, entertainment and life that is Sobe will be on fire this weekend!  For more information on the shows, call 305-531-5535.  For information on our badass luxury rentals, call 305-432-3205 and check out our fleet of Miami Luxury Rental Cars!

Mansion Nightclub South Beach Labor Day

 

 

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

Steam Powered Cars, That’s Hot

Steam powered engines were quite popular for a brief time around 1900, but lost its grip to the internal combustion engine.  External combustion engines are nothing new, and if Cyclone Power Technologies Cyclone Power Technologies Mark V Steam Enginehave their way, the steam-powered car will once again be as popular as gasoline-powered vehicles.

The gas powered cars eventually won the contest, as they were more convenient, with low maintenance and boasted better performance than the steam powered variety.  Prior to the electric starter, however, steam power was the champ.

Cyclone Power Technologies have developed a compact car that will burn any liquid fuel, kicking out 850 foot-pounds of torque at startup.  The Cyclone’s Mark V engine is about the size of a lawnmower engine, and features a closed loop water system, alleviating the need to tote along extra water.  And Oil?  No need!  The vapor drives and lubricates the pistons, freeing you from the oil crisis.

This technology may not be embraced quickly, as the automotive world is still taking tentative baby steps toward a greener future.  So how does it work?

There is a combustion chamber perched on the motor, where fuel is ignited and used to produce superheated steam.  The steam then coils within the combustion chamber, within just a few seconds.  Unlike the old steam powered automobiles, the startup is reached within 5 seconds, with full power available after about 15 seconds.  The six pistons form a radial configuration, hooked to a patented spider bearing which in turn rotates the crankshaft.  Like an electric motor, the Mark V engine reaches max torque at low RPMs, eliminating the need for a transmission.

After the steam is heated and used to power the pistons, it goes to a condensing unit where it is cooled and returned to liquid form, where it can be used again.  The Mark V can be powered with as little as four gallons of water, that is around 30 pounds!

Like I said, steam power, electric motors and other forms of hybrid technology remain in their infancy.  There are, of course, issues with steam power that need to be tweaked.  For example, the high-pressure superheated system could escape containment and be harmful.

I am picturing myself pulling up to a gas station and filling up with water.  Imagine if all the world’s cars, SUVs, luxury rental cars and more were powered by water!  I somehow just cannot picture a steam powered Ferrari just yet, but I dig the idea.  The environmental impact would be astonishing.
 

 

Cyclone Power Technologies will be ironing out the bugs, and I will keep you updated on this exciting historical yet futuristic auto technology.
 

 

 

 

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Boutique Hotel Hides Within Chicago

Chicago’s Hidden Gem:  The Hotel Burnham 

Located inside one of Chicago’s oldest skyscrapers that once housed office buildings now houses one of the United States best boutique hotels according to Conde Nast.  The hotel is named for David Burnham, a famous Chicago architect, and is located on State and Washington right across from Macy’s, formerly the also-famous Marshall Fields.  Much of the original architecture was preserved in the 1999 renovation and is very evident as you walk into the main lobby and see all of the marble wainscoting on the walls and ceilings.  The rooms offer guests a very European feel and are placed inside the former offices of Chicago businessmen and executives alike. One can feel the glamour of this boutique hotel inside and out.   On some occasions parked outside you spot a Lamborghini, Aston Martin or Bentley. 

Hotel Burnham Chicago Ill

Most often when visiting Chicago, people think of the Peninsula, Ritz, or Trump as the place to stay for top-notch luxury and style.  Boutique hotels might not carry the weight of the corporate global name but that does not mean they cannot compete with the heavyweights of the hotel industry anymore.  Chicago has recently seen an increase in the amount of boutique hotels opening in the city and will most likely continue to do so as their popularity and success increases.  Next time you visit Chicago give Hotel Burnham a chance and see what happens.  If it is anything like what all the travel magazines and industry publications have to say you will not be disappointed.  

 

 

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Ask Imagine: Labor Day Residence Rental Miami

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I will be in Miami for a week to celebrate Labor Day with a group of friends.  I do not think a traditional luxury hotel will suffice, and would prefer a residence rental Miami style to ensure that all of my guests are comfortable.  What luxury hotel also offers residence or condo rentals?

  I would also prefer that it be located within proximity of South Beach’s nightclubs, restaurants, shopping and hot spots. 
 

 

Thanks,

Scott, Manhattan

 

 

  

Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

Hello Scott,

Thanks for seeking us out for advice; we strive to be the source of luxury living in Miami, New York, Chicago and LA.  A Labor Day trip to Miami is always a great idea to draw a close to summer, and we are happy to give you some tips for your stay!

I am going to recommend that you stay at the Setai South Beach or the W Hotel South Beach, as both are in prime locations and offer luxury condo rentals with Oceanfront views.  There are one and two bedroom luxury condo rentals available within the residence sections of both hotels.  The W Hotel enjoyed its South Beach debut just this year, so everything is state of the art and brand spanking new. 

The Setai offers all of the same amenities, with a serene ambiance, quite the escape just off the streets of South Beach!  When you enter the Setai, you almost forget you are in the busy district of Sobe, with the deliciously designer recessed lighting, controlled noise levels and luxurious Eastern-infused décor. 

Both the W Hotel and the Setai are beachfront luxury hotels, within walking distance to South Beach’s entertainment hot spots, sultry nightclubs, swanky restaurants and sought after shopping destinations.  Both luxury hotels South Beach also offer their own upscale dining options, nightclubs and entertainment within the hotel.
 

We hope this is helpful to you, let us know when you plan to arrive, and if we can also assist you with a luxury car rental or SUV rental for your stay.
 

 

Sincerely,

Imagine Lifestyles

 

 

 

 

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

Le Mans Into the Future Event Sparks Imagination & Green Ignitions

The prestigious Le Mans race was rather creative and forward thinking this year, hosting an event called “Le Mans into the future” prior to the 78th annual event. 
 

The event highlighted unfolding eco-friendly concepts, hybrids and luxury technology.  Eco vehicles made demonstration laps during the event, including the following models and brands:

1.    Andros electric racecar
2.    Audi R8 e-Tron concept
3.    BMW Hydrogen 7
4.    Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE
5.    Peugeot RCZ Hybrid4
6.    Porsche 911 GT3 Hybrid
7.    Secma F16 Electrique
8.    Tesla Roadster
9.    Volkswagen Scirrocco Natural Gas

 

Le Mans Into the Future EventLe Mans is not a traditional style race because the winner is the vehicle that travels the farthest distance in a 24-hour time frame.  For this reason, efficiency is the name of the game, and the “Future of Le Mans” pre-race event was entirely fitting and fun.

When you really think about it, racing is a contest of fuel economy, rather than simply speed.  The less stops a car must make, the faster they will reach the finish, assisted by their power, of course.  This theory holds true for long distance races, where it is necessary to refuel.  Efficiency is king in longer distance racing, and Le Mans seems to be embracing a future of technology and showcasing the cars that will begin to deliver that change.

Yes, it certainly seems that the racing industry has began to explore alternative energy, starting with the revolutionary and diesel-powered Audi R10 racer a few years ago.   Audi claimed all three spots on the podium that year, conquering Peugeot, who also used diesel power.

Currently, Audi, Porsche, and Ferrari have all created some form of adaption to technology, and this seems to have inspired other car brands.  Everyone is predicting a green future, brimming with luxury hybrids, alternative fuels, reduced impact on the environment and dependence on fossil fuels.  Imagine a Ferrari hybrid boasting as much power as its fuel-sipping predecessor!  Technology is advancing in that direction!
 

 

Check out our fleet of luxury rental cars, aircraft charter and yacht charters on your way out!

 

 

 

 

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals
 

Luxury Rental Item: Roll Out in a Rolls Royce Ghost Rental!

When you think of an exotic car rental, some see a sparkling red Ferrari and hear the orgasmic hum of many, many horses.  While there is certainly nothing wrong with the described mental image, some forget about the old school glamour of a classic Rolls Royce.Rolls Royce Ghost Rental Miami

You look like you have seen a ghost.  Before you get to absorbed in flashbacks of days gone by, take a gander at the modern and fresh Rolls Royce rental car, our Ghost.  

The body of the Rolls Ghost retains most of the classic design cues that we all love, yet projects a modern and edgy vibe following a makeover.  The Ghost rental is an excellent choice to impress clients, celebrate a special event, indulge in an anniversary, or be chauffeured for that intimate occasion!

Now that I have your uh, wheels spinning, you should know that the 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost rental is exceptionally smooth and silent, and every bit as comfortable as it is luxurious and beautiful.   Our clients and friends are continually surprised by the lurch-free starts and stops, and the power it produces in spite of its larger size. 

If you opt for the Rolls-Royce chauffeured, you enjoy the luxury rental car just as much as if you personally were to drive it, as the interior and amenities were made to cater to passengers.   Yes, all modern amenities, electronics and gadgets can be found in the cabin of a Rolls Royce Ghost.

Let us know when you are ready to sit in the literal lap of luxury with a Rolls rental to drive or be driven in Miami, South Beach, New York, Chicago or Los Angeles in!  To find out more about this beautiful exotic rental car, contact us for a free quote.  A Rolls rental also makes a thoughtful gift idea, don't let the name spook you.

 

 

 

 

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