Luxury Living Blog

Super Bowl 44-Another Fabulous Finish

Saints Win Super Bowl 44It’s another Super Bowl that will go down as a “thriller.”
And one with a few twists, some trickery, some bold decisions, and, ultimately, a popular outcome.

The New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl 44 in Miami on Sunday,  completing a fairy tale march to the title—in their first-ever appearance in the title game.  It seems to be going down well with football fans everywhere, who are agreeing that it’s about time for this long-suffering franchise that was once affectionately known as the “aints”.

Colts fans were stunned and mortified when league MVP and traditionally bullet-proof quarterback, Peyton Manning, was unable to engineer a touchdown from only a few yards out in the dying minutes,  and then when he tossed an errant pass that was intercepted and returned for a Saints touchdown that locked up the New Orleans win.

One of the keys to the Saints win was their ability to control the ball and eat up time in the second quarter, thus keeping Manning and his powerful offense watching from the sidelines, and unable to add to their lead.  
 
As well,  the Saints coaching staff staged a bold gamble to start the second half,  by calling for an “on-side” kickoff,  where they were able to recover their own kick, and thereby kept the ball,  and again, prevented  the Colts offense from taking to the field.

New Orleans quarterback, Drew Brees, finished his stellar season by posting some impressive passing numbers, and getting his team downfield and into the endzone when opportunities presented themselves.

He called it “a win for a community that needs a lift and deserves a championship.”

Peyton Manning was disappointed at not being able to win a second title in four years, but admitted that the Saints “deserved to win, and were clearly the better team in this game.”

As for South Florida and the staging of the Super Bowl,  the weather co-operated,  the patriotism and pre-game festivities with songs by Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood was well received, the laser-charged halftime concert by the legendary rock band, “The Who,” was suitably impressive,  and the game was well-attended.

Next year, the big game moves to the new “cathedral” in Dallas known as “Cowboys Stadium” and the capacity will allow for 100 thousand fans to be there.  

Here’s hoping that Super Bowl 45 will be as interesting, tight and exciting as the last three Super Bowls have been!
 

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Super Bowl 44-The Most Popular & Sexiest Football Game of the Year

Each year, football season comes to an inevitable climax with the NFL Super Bowl Championship Game.  Suddenly, all of the regular football season events are dominated by an excitement and series of sexy commercials and even the Lingerie Bowl.

Sexy Super Bowl Commercials

This is the time of year that you cannot turn on the television without seeing something about the competing Super Bowl 44 teams, their coaches, families, background, and of course-the occasional and delicious sexy Super Bowl commercials. 

Yes, marketers worldwide use this time to capitalize on the popularity of the big game, including Victoria’s Secret.  Idea-how awesome would it be if the Victoria’s Secret models played a game of football for the Lingerie League?  Yes, it is tackle football, but we have a feeling that a fellow model, lithe and lean in her unmentionables, will not cause any serious bodily damage to breech your contracts.  We can dream. Victoria's Secret Models

Another perk of Super Bowl time, other than the obvious game, are the often-humorous commercials.  Advertisers pay top-dollar this time of year, most especially during the actual game.  A 30-second ad during the Super Bowl game can cost about $3 million dollars.  The price is drastically increased due to the high volume of exposure the ad receives, and advertisers are happy to pay it. 

Come back and let us know what your favorite Super Bowl commercials and events were this year, leave your comments below!  We will definitely be sharing ours!

 

 

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The Lingerie Bowl-The Super Bowl’s Favored Halftime Show

What is hotter than a girl who loves football?  How about a model that plays football, during Super BMiami Lingerie Bowl Teams owl halLingerie Bowl Teams Competeftime, in front of millions of viewers-in her lingerie.  Yes, the Lingerie Bowl began in 2004 at Super Bowl XXXVIII, and its popularity is literally on the rise. 

This tradition is as hot as the Victoria Secret Super Bowl commercials.  The girls are scorching on the field, sporting sexy little nothings and looking absolutely adorable with the football face paint.  We are curious how many viewers are actually keeping score, or if anyone bets on their favorite team.  Is it possible to have a favorite team?  We like them all. 

Super Bowl 44 will mark the 6th season of scantily clad models meltiLingerie League Game Miaming the hearts of football fans everywhere via a game of tackle football-think “Jell-O-wrestling” or “mud-wrestling”.  There is just something innately attractive about a girl getting down-and-dirty in the name of sport.

In fact, the Lingerie Bowl has experienced such success that an actual “Lingerie Football League” began in 2009, with 10 teams competing (see lower 2 photos at right, taken last week at a Lingerie League game in Miami by Imagine Lifestyles).
We will continue to update as we attend games (it is a rough life).  In the meantime, let us know your thoughts to our questions above: Lingerie Football League Game Ball

1.    Is it possible to have a favorite Lingerie League team?
2.    Would you bet on your Lingerie League team as you would your regular NFL team?

Post your comments below, we can’t wait to read them!

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Be the First to Drive the Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin fans can relish the prospect of being among the first in the United States to drive the new Aston Martin Rapide. 

Yes, there is only one dealership in the U.S. where you can call and arrange an appointment to drive this exotic specimen. There is, after all, only one four-door luxury sports sedan that can be called an Aston Martin2010 Aston Martin Rapide.

If you are amped up and aching to be one of the lucky few to slide behind the wheel of the Aston Martin Rapide, you better put a rush on that.  This luxury event is being held February 8th and 9th only, from 10 am to 7 pm and space is certainly limited. 

The 2010 Rapide made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in concept form, and now it is en route to showrooms. 
Several components of the Aston Martin DB9 made their way to the Rapide, such as the classic Aston grille, covered headlights and fender vents.  The 2010 Rapide also features essentially the same 5,935cc V12 engine as the DB9, although output is expected to increase to approximately 500 horsepower. 

Well, if you are not picking up the phone to make an appointment to test drive this uber luxury car, you can always pick up the phone for one of our Aston Martin rentals-you will get more time with it and it is not an exploding offer. 

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Exotic Car News: The Maybach Laundaulet

The lid, and top, are now off of the new Maybach Landaulet-a luxury car adding to the very definition of the luxury car.  The art of creating majestic automobiles has been furthered a bit with its introduction.

Maybach Landaulet Exotic Car This is a unique and plush exotic car, with a very special convertible design.  With the open-top Landaulet tradition, the top can be opened fully for the rear passengers, while the chauffeur or driver’s compartment remains completely enclosed.  Kudos, Maybach-we find this to be quite cool!

The opulent interior boasts decadent armchair seating, upholstered in luxurious white leather. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile in an environment of  utmost sophistication and exquisite style.  The aesthetics of this luxury car speak for themselves, so lets get down to specifications.

The Landaulet features a V12 biturbo gasoline engine capable of 604 horsepower with a 5-speed automatic transmission.  Integrated features include the ESP Electronic Stability Program, ASR acceleration skid control and a braking system adapted to increase the power reserves.  These features work seamlessly with the ultra-sensitive AIRMATIC Dual Control air suspension and the exclusive 11-spoke, 20-inch wheels to give you phenomenal handling and directional stability. 

Six very enthusiastic thumbs up from the gearheads here at Imagine Lifestyles-exotic car rentals and luxury lifestyle source.

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Top 10 Culinary Styles in South Beach

Exotic Restaurants in South BeachLuxury restaurants are concepts that never go out of style in fashionable South Beach.  The great international flavors of the world meet here, hook-up, and produce infusions so stellar, the area has become famous for it.  Yet inventive and upscale cuisine does not come without a price tag. 

Luckily in South Beach, you tend to get what you pay for, and what you pay for is an exquisite culinary experience found no place else.

Some of the top styles of culinary offerings in Miami include:

•    Chinese
•    Cuban
•    Haitian
•    French/Bistro
•    Italian
•    Japanese

•    Mediterranean
•    New American
•    Nuevo Latino
•    Pan Asian

In Miami you will find the above types of cuisine, and any infusion of the above.  Let’s explore some of the restaurants and influences:

Chinese.  Three upscale Chinese restaurants in South Beach right now are Miss Yip Chinese, Mr. Chu’s, and Philippe Gansevoort.  Miss Yip blends Eastern tradition with Miami flair, and is modeled after a Shanghai teahouse.  Insider tip:  savvy locals know there is an after-hours club called Buck 15 hidden just above Miss Yip.

Cuban.  There is no shortage of cuisine from our Cuban population, it is everywhere and it is amazing.  Two options in South Beach include Larios on the Beach and Puerto Sagua.  Larios is owned by Gloria Estefan, and serves up the Miami vibe, beans and rice, salsa music and more. 

Haitian.  In trend-obsessed South Beach, international restaurants come and go with the tides-not so with Haitian restaurant Tap Tap.  Indigenous Miami cuisine is served up here daily, and it was founded in 1994 by Haitian documentary filmmaker Katherine Kean.  Tap Tap is part art gallery and cultural center, making it aNobu South Beach medley of cultural experiences and flavors.

French/Bistro.  Blue Door at Delano is a lavish French influenced restaurant on Collins Avenue.  Superstar designer Philippe Starck successfully transformed the historic structure into one of South Beach’s most striking properties.  Authentic French cuisine is served here, with bits of local influence available such as sushi.  The portions are small and the price tag is high, so be prepared to pamper.   Also try A la Folie and La Brioche Doree.  Bon Appetite!

Italian.  Italian food is famous world wide for its pastas, breads and wines.  In Miami, there are a plethora of Italian options, including Café Milano, Casa Tua, da Leo Trattoria, Escopazzo, Grazie, Osteria del Teatro, and many more.  Italian is a safe “go-to” option if you are not an experimental diner, because you will always find something you like.

Japanese.  Of course we often mention Nobu Shore Club when we cover area restaurants, because it is upscale and the sushi is outstanding.  Oh and it is also inside the prestigious Shore Club Hotel, which helps its cause.  Nobu invites diners to settle into a serene environment and nosh on some seriously fresh sea fare. 

Mediterranean.  Local Mediterranean offerings include the popular Taverna Opa, Pasha’s, and Sultan Kabob.  Mediterranean fare has been adopted into Miami cuisine, and has left its tasty mark on many area dishes. 

Asia de Cuba at Mondrian South BeachNew American.  With restaurants like Bistro One at Ritz Carlton, Barton G and Santo, it is evident that American has taken a step-up in Miami.  These places serve what is now called “New American”, traditional American dishes with international Miami influences and flavor infusions. 

Nuevo Latino.  This is a new culinary concept similar to New American.  Must try’s include Antigua at Macarena, Asia de Cuba at Mondrian, Sra Martinez and Yuca.  We know you will love the Latin infused international offerings. 

Pan Asian.  From the other side of the world, Miami offers up some of the best, including China Grill, O Asian Grill and the fabulous Setai Hotel.  These offer works of art on each plate, a true taste temptation.  So if you are in Miami, welcome to a rich culinary heritage in an American metropolis, enjoy!

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2010 Pro Bowl Was Predictably No Powerhouse

Pro Bowl 2010 MiamiMaybe it should just be touch-football.  Or flag football.
The NFL's Pro Bowl, or the league's equivalent of an all-star game, was kind of a friendly, schoolyard, last-touchdown-wins, fratboy party in Miami on Sunday night. 

Fun enough for those involved, not all that entertaining for fans of the real version of the game, but a chance for corporate schmoozers and autograph-seekers to have a great time.

In this, the first year, where the Pro Bowl served as an opening act for the Super Bowl, it was a wide-open, light-tackling, high-scoring display of "let's have fun, but let's not hurt each other" football.

Spectacular long touchdowns were many, serious contact hits were few, and the AFC wound up beating the NFC 41-34 on Sunday night.

It rained for the much of the day and through the game, recalling Miami's soggy Super Bowl three years ago when the Colts outslogged the Bears.

Houston Texan’s quarterback Matt Schaub threw for 189 yards and two touchdowns for the AFC and took home the Most Valuable Player honors.  Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers also tossed a couple of touchdown passes for the NFC and Philadelphia Eagles' receiver Desean Jackson scored twice.

Organizers will call it a success, and will point to a crowd of 70, 697- the largest for a Pro Bowl since 1959 in Los Angeles, although the stadium was half empty by the third quarter, perhaps partly because of the rain and temperatures in the 60s.  The tops were definately on all of the exotic rental cars at the stadium.

The NFL sought to transform the Pro Bowl into a bigger game by playing it before the Super Bowl for the first time. In a one-year experiment, the league also moved the game from Honolulu, its home since 1980. The game will return to Honolulu in 2011 and 2012, but the league hasn't decided whether to hold those games before or after the Super Bowl. The Pro Bowl site for 2013 and beyond hasn't been determined.

While the consensus was that good fun was had by all, Miami Dolphins and South Florida organizers know they'll have to ante up if they are to continue to be considered for such post-season events.  Dolphins’ ownership has proposed adding a roof that would cover fans as part of a 250-million dollar stadium improvement plan.

Interestingly, among those watching the Pro Bowl with bemused interest, smiling at the all-offense, no-defense style game, were Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.  They'll no doubt be hoping for a little more normal NFL fare and a little more intensity next Sunday when their teams-the Colts and the Saints-clash in Super Bowl 44.

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Ask Imagine: South Beach Sushi for Super Bowl Week

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

My girlfriend and I just made it to Miami for Super Bowl week.  We previously read in your luxury blog about the Top 5 Luxury Restaurants in South Beach, and are thinking of trying some of them.  We are hoping to get into Nobu, as we love sushi, but are unsure of how difficult it will be to get in on such short notice and during Super Bowl week.  I will call Nobu today, but in the event that we do not get in, are there any other good sushi restaurants we can hit?

Thanks guys,
Adam, New York

Hey Adam,

First off, thanks for following our luxury blog, you have exquisite taste friend.  Nobu is an excellent luxury restaurant, and we hope you are able to experience it while you are in town.  We recommend calling in, and letting them know you are very flexible for anytime this week, and only require a table for two.  Good luck, if you score a spot you will truly enjoy it!

As for other Asian-influenced restaurants, there is never a shortage of those in South Florida, as fresh seafood is an industry here.  Some great alternatives to Nobu include:

•    Shoji SushiImagine Lifestyles Luxury Living
•    Sushi Rock Café
•    Sushi Samba
•    Sushi Siam
•    Blue Sea-Delano Hotel
•    Bond St-Townhouse Hotel
•    Doraku

These are all on Collins Avenue or Lincoln Road in South Beach, peppered among the luxury hotels and boutiques.  If you two happen to be “foodies”, remember that Miami is the melting pot for culinary design, including some of the world’s best international offerings:

•    Chinese
•    Cuban

•    Eclectic
•    Haitian
•    French/Bistro
•    Italian
•    Japanese
•    Mediterranean
•    New American
•    Nuevo Latino
•    Pan Asian

So enjoy Super Bowl 44 week in Miami new friends, let us know how your upscale dining adventures turn out! 

Best,
Imagine Lifestyles

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The Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe-What’s in Your Garage?

Everyone loves Lamborghini, but not everyone can own one.  The luxury manufacturer that is Lamborghini has made a living out of setting hearts ablaze for their brand, and show no signs of stopping anytime soon.  The Gallardo LP 560 Coupe is one such model.  Don’t pretend you never fantasized about driving one, if you read this blog, you have!

The Gallardo Coupe is an impressive addition to the Lambo family, with the classically futuristic lines that define a Lamborghini, yet with new modifications that show the brand continues to perfect itself. 

 

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560 Coupe Rental The Gallardo LP 560 boasts a powerful 5.2-liter V10 engine, delivering 560 horses that are evenly distributed over four wheels for a smooth ride.  This is a provocative 40 horsepower improvement from the Gallardo predecessor. 

Additionally, the LP 560 has lost about 44 pounds, which enhances the power-to-weight ratio, boosting overall performance.  (No, it was not the “South Beach Diet”).

Not impressed?  The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560 hits the 0-60 mark in roughly 4 seconds…that isn’t enough time to process a thought.  It tops out at around 202 miles per hour, can your car do that?  You can either tweak your engine, or rent ours to experience the thrill of the Lambo.

Unbelievably, this exotic is suitable for long-distance driving, despite its extreme performance capabilities. The Lamborghini Gallardo rental is ideal for long cruises along Ocean Drive in beautiful South Beach Miami for both business and pleasure trips-find out for yourself!

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Exotic Spa Treatments-Queen Conch Shell Scrub?

We at Imagine Lifestyles love all that is luxury living, so when we heard about this ultra-luxe spa treatment, we decided to share it with our fans.  In Turks and Caicos, a new trend is cracking open-a Queen conch shell scrub. 

You can find this aqua exotic treatment at the Regent Palms in Turks and Caicos; just ask for a 30-minute Mother of Pearl body treatment. Queen conch shells are found in the shallows of the Caribbean and southern AtlanticQueen Conch Spa Scrub seas where the waters are tropical and warm.  These mollusks have large shells lined with pink tinted mother-of-pearl. 

Natives to the area have long utilized the conch shell lining for health benefits, because it is rich in proteins and anti-aging keratins.  It is also one of the main area exports.  When ground up properly, these abundant mollusks also make the perfect low-impact exfoliant. 

So at the Regent Palms, they will hand-crush queen conch shells and mix them with aromatherapy oils.  This process creates a gentle scrub packed with essential vitamins that revitalize the skin after the dead skin cells are polished off.  The new skin revealed is lavished with these anti-aging natural vitamins and essential oils, generating a healthy glow that begs for the beach.

If you are thinking that an exotic escape is in order, and we have tempted you to pamper yourself, let us know if we can help you with your air charter, yacht charter or exotic rental car needs during your escape. 

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