My brother reminded me today about this post written by Michael almost two years ago. I went back and reread it this morning and realized that it’s one that needed to be resurrected for the newer readers of Champagne Living. I hope that you’re inspired as much as I was when I first read it….

This guest post comes from one of my mentors, a man who truly understands living the good life as well as HOW to get there from where you are RIGHT NOW……

When you think about the rich — the really rich — you may find yourself marveling at their… well, their money.

Take Bill Gates. If you think $10 million is a fortune, consider this: He has 5,000 of them. If he put his money in $1,000 bills, he’d have 50 million of them!

But how much better does he live? Sure, he’s got a huge house. And a yacht. He’s probably got a jet too. But who needs that crap? Really!

If you make at least $100,000 a year ($150,000 if you are raising a family), you can live as well as Bill Gates does — and I’ll prove it to you. If you aren’t yet making that much, you’ll have to put aside this essay until you are. (If you’re following ETR, it shouldn’t take very long.)

Let’s start by identifying some of life’s basic experiences:

• sleeping
• working
• dressing
• eating/drinking
• leisure

Now the purpose of becoming rich — you would think — would be to make each of these experiences as rewarding as possible.

Take sleeping. What does a billionaire want out of his sleep time? I’d say the same thing you do: blissful, uninterrupted unconsciousness. And what will give you that (besides peace of mind, which you can’t buy)?

Answer: a great mattress.

And how much does a great mattress cost? Maybe $1,500. That means you can buy yourself a billion-dollar sleep for no more than $1,500. If you are making $100,000 a year, you can afford it.
So get rid of that lumpy thing you are sleeping on and get yourself the best mattress you can find. Then go to sleep every night content that Bill Gates can have it no better.

Buying Yourself the Best

You can pay almost any price for any thing. But after a certain point, you are no longer paying for quality, you are paying for prestige.

Take steak. Ask someone who knows about beef and you will be told that the quality of a steak is mostly a matter of the cut you buy. (Let’s face it – there’s no great skill in cooking a filet mignon.)

Order a filet at Ruth’s Chris and, for around $30, you are getting the best steak money can buy. Eat the same thing at Le Cirque and you’ll pay $75. What’s the difference?
Yes — just prestige.

The same is true when it comes to your clothing. Beautiful, comfortable clothes are not cheap, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. You can buy the world’s best pair of slacks for $150 or you can spend 10 times that amount. The difference will be the label on the waistband.

Champagne, anyone? When Consumer Reports asked a group of wine experts to evaluate a variety of Champagnes, the four that came out on top sold for less than $40. Dom Perignon, fifth on their list, will set you back $115. A better bottle of bubbly can be had for only $28.

The point is this: The best material things in life are affordable.They are not cheap — quality never is. But if you buy them selectively and use them with care, you can enjoy a life as materially rich as Bill Gates on an income that wouldn’t get him through lunch.

Your Dream House

I have lived in a three-room mud house in Africa and a 5,000-square-foot mansion — and I can tell you this: The quality of a home has little or nothing to do with how much it costs or how big it is.

Think about the houses you most admire. They are probably NOT ostentatious. One of my current favorites is a modest three-bedroom in Cleveland, which has been transformed by the lady who owns it into a museum reflecting her love of travel, dance, and learning. Every room is a gem. I am completely comfortable and endlessly amused in this rich and interesting place.

In every important way, her home is worth more than Bill Gates’s 40,000-square-foot monstrosity in Seattle — yet it has a market value of only about $150,000.

Your Car

I have a friend, a wealthy friend, who loves cars, especially sports cars. He drives a Camaro. Why? Because he says it is as good as a Corvette, a Porsche, or even a Ferrari. Instead of forking out $150,000 plus… he gets his thrills at one-sixth the price.

What about prestige? Well, you usually have to pay more for that. But if you are willing to go the classic route… and buy a car whose design doesn’t change every year or so… you can buy yourself prestige at an affordable rate. For example, I drive a mint-condition NSX that you couldn’t tell from a brand-new one. My car is worth about $30,000. You’d have to pay almost three times that amount for a new one. The same holds true for older Mercedes and BMWs.

In fact, in terms of “living rich,” you should never buy a new car. You’ll save a bundle by purchasing a late model vehicle with low mileage. If you shop around, you can find a five- or 10-year-old car at 25 percent or 30 percent of the new-car price, and it will be just as good.

Your Wardrobe

What does it cost to dress like the world’s richest people? Much less than you think.

If you can forget about brand names and focus on quality, you will save thousands. Aswith cars, you’ll do better by going for a classic look. That way, you won’t have to discard perfectly good items simply because the width of the lapel or length of the hemline is no longer “in.”

The other big secret of dressing rich is this: Less is more.

Ralph Lauren — a guy who has the money and resources to dress as rich as can be — wears the same thing almost every day: classic-cut jeans and a T-shirt.

And don’t turn up your nose at high-end consignment shops. What could be more elegant than a vintage suit, properly tailored, impeccably clean?

There are many books on this subject. They all say pretty much the same thing. Having a few really nice pieces is much better — more enjoyable for you, more impressive to others – than a wardrobe full of trendy, ordinary stuff.

Want specifics? Get yourself two or three pairs of slacks (or skirts). One or two suits (or dresses). Two or three pairs of shoes. Buy only what looks great on you.

Make sure your socks are cashmere ($19.50 at Banana Republic) and your T-shirts and underwear are the finest cotton (or silk). Use only one cologne or perfume, and only your favorite personal-care products. The rule is to have much less, but enjoy everything you have.

Buy classic. Buy selectively. Insist on quality. Simple is better than complex. Understated is better than flashy. Do this and you will have what Bill Gates can afford to have: a very pleasant feeling each time you pull on your shirt or buckle your belt.

Food and Drink

Want a billion-dollar meal? Take a good bottle of wine, a baguette of freshly baked bread, some imported cheese, ham, and mustard, and go to the nearest park with a friend or loved one. You need only a knife and a corkscrew — what you have in your kitchen is fine — to prepare and serve a truly memorable meal.

Le Cirque? Well, I told you what I think about eating there. But if there’s an expensive restaurant you are dying to try, go ahead and treat yourself. Don’t do it too often, though. As someone who has eaten countless expensive meals, I know how tiring rich food can be. More important, I can remember few expensive meals that surpassed the simple wine and cheese lunches my wife and I have enjoyed when we were lucky enough to have them.

Music, Books, Movies, Etc.

With today’s technology, even a $300 boom box sounds great. So don’t even try to tell me you need to spend more than a grand on a sound system for your home. The secret is to select only the best music to play on it. Nobody — no matter how wealthy — has more than you to choose from.

The great thing about books: the best ones cost no more than the worst ones. Treat yourself richly by spending your money and time only on that which makes you feel richer afterward. The same is true for movies, theater, and just about any other form of entertainment.

There is only one extravagance you can’t buy reasonably: front-row tickets to professional basketball games. I have made the mistake of becoming a Miami Heat fan. If you are smart, you will learn to love college ball.

Your Office

Warren Buffett’s office doesn’t look like it belongs to a multi-billionaire. The walls are paneled plywood. The desk is a tabletop. He doesn’t need a cathedral-sized space and an altar-sized desk. He is not God, and he knows it.

But the room is uniquely his, with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a place for everything. The only decorations are souvenirs and other objects that inspire him. Buffett’s office looks like no one else’s. And it works for him.

That’s what you want for your office.

I’m not saying your office should not be luxurious. I am saying it should be luxurious in a personal way. You will be spending most of your waking life in your office, so put as much thought and care into it as you do your home.

Silverware

Shopping for a Christmas present for my wife, I wandered into an antique shop that specialized in silver. The proprietor, a genteel, 86-year-old lady from Georgia, showed me this and that. And then, when she sensed I was looking for something very special, took me to the back room and showed me a collection of silverware by the Baltimore-based silversmith Reed & Barton. “If you were a millionaire,” she said in her seductive southern drawl, “You could not buy a finer set of silverware than this.”

It cost me $4,500. Nothing to be sneezed at, but that was for 14 place settings and a lot of serving pieces. Just think about it. You can own the finest silverware that money can buy — antique silverware, at that — for $4,500. Such a set of silverware could last you all your life, could give you endless pleasure and make even your ordinary meals elegant. The Queen Mother herself couldn’t do better.

I’m thinking about getting rid of the rest of our silverware and using only this. That’s how much I like it.

Reaping the Well-Deserved Rewards of Living Rich

If you fill your life with the best of everything, but you are too busy to enjoy it, you’ve missed the boat.
So do this…

Think about your schedule and pick yourself a half-hour a day to do nothing but enjoy yourself. (For some people, this is easy. For others, it’s tough. If it’s tough for you, tell yourself you’ll work smarter this way.) During this half-hour, do something a billionaire might do.

• Sip a cup of espresso.
• Have a Cognac.
• Contemplate your good fortune.
• Breathe deeply. Smile.
• Then get back to work.

It’s All Entirely Within Your Reach

The way you dress, the way you eat and drink… even the home you live in… can be as good as any billionaire’s. Spend time shopping. Limit your possessions. And take a half-hour a day to really appreciate the good things you have. That’s all there is to it. (Oh, yes. And don’t scrimp on the mattress.)

[Ed. Note: For even more advice for how to "live rich" check out Michael Masterson's book Living Rich - How To Enjoy A Billionaire's Lifestyle On A Working Man's Budget. It comes free with your subscription to our Liberty Street League service, which is dedicated to helping you make money in small business, investing on and off Wall Street, real estate, and much more. Find out all about it here.]

This article appears courtesy of Early To Rise, a free newsletter dedicated to making money, improving healthsecrets to success. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com. and

Ponce de Leon came in search of the fountain of youth.  While he and I have something in common, we’ve both “discovered” Florida  neither of us have yet to find the fountain of youth (and believe me, I’ve drank from quite a few fountains in my time). I may not have found the waters that are supposed to restore youth with a single drink, I have found products that help a little.

• Creams & lotions
• Eating well
• Exercise
• Bioidentical hormones

are just a few of the ways that I’ve learned to slow down the clock a bit. I’ve heard rumblings about the controversial HGH, and wanted to learn more. I grabbed a copy of Anti-Aging Cures: Life Changing Secrets to Reverse the Effects of Aging by Dr. James Forsythe, with a Forward by Suzanne Somers. I learned most of what I know about BHRT from Ms. Somers’ books, and figured if she was on the bandwagon, I should take a look.

Broad “A” reviewer over at The Review Broads and my best friend for many years, read the book as well and she’s been on bioidenticals a lot longer than I have. Here’s what she had to say:

This book creates its own maelstrom of fact and is of great interest to those of us who are in the “drug pocket,” where Medicare will not pay for drugs that our doctors have stated are necessary to keep down our blood pressure, to help us lower our cholesterol, to keep those with depression and bipolar and other medical issues on a downward spiral.

 

I could not put it down.  If we do not inform ourselves of our rights to the best health and lifestyle possible, we fall into the role of victim.  I believe this is an important volume, and whether you agree or not, I suggest that you read it.  I don’t have the answers, nor do I know the “real” story, if there is a “real” story.  I do know that pharmaceutical companies are the money barons of our time.  They also do much good.  Dr. Forsythe steps into the periphery of this “war” of facts, natural versus pill, and I appreciated his insight.  Do I know the answers?   Absolutely not.  I can tell you that I use alternative, natural medicines, and have no idea if they are safe or not.  You have to do your own research here, and make your own decisions.  Many believe that the FDA is outdated and based on the profits of the political leanings of the money machines – the Big Pharm companies.  I believe this is not a black and white issue, and that anti-aging is a new and exciting realm in our world today.  What are the answers?  You have to make your own.

There is a LOT of controversy surrounding the use of HGH, and while the benefits are easily seen, the FDA is always the slowest to come around. This has landed Dr. Forsythe in hot water, as he uses it regularly with patients. According to the doctor some of the benefits of using this hormone are

• clear, wrinkle free skin
• a healthier libido
• higher energy levels
• stronger bones
• a more efficient heart
• better memory
• better eyesight and hearing
• lower cholesterol
• increased muscle mass
• lower body fat
• stronger immune system
• and the list goes on and on

The cons of course of just as obvious and include an price of about $6,000 per year and the fact that there have been some negative side-effects (which this doctor claims are from giving incorrect dosages).

I’m still on the fence about the whole HGH thing. I do know that my bioidentical hormone doctor said that because of the controversy that if he thought I would benefit from the injections (oh yes…INJECTIONS), that he would send me to an endocrinologist. So far, I haven’t jumped at the chance.

To learn more about this controversial fountain of youth. Check out Dr. Forsythe’s book: Anti-Aging Cures: Life Changing Secrets to Reverse the Effects of Aging

I received a copy of this book to facilitate this post. All opinions are strictly  my own.

The mansion is full of beautiful art work, but I realized the other day that although I do have a wall of framed photographs, that I don’t have any that are large statement pieces. That lead me to thinking that with Ben and Steph getting married this year that the one thing I’d love to have are photos of MY wedding and THEIR wedding (if it ever happens…the date has been changed at least a half dozen times).

I knew EXACTLY where to look – the online art gallery that I’ve turned to again and again to decorate the mansion (and Ben’s mini-mansion) - GALLERY DIRECT. Imagine my surprise when I found out that they’re having a  SALE RIGHT NOW on photos on canvas. While that doesn’t help me with photos of the kids, I can order one of Mr. S and I from 31 years ago.

Discount: 75% off (with canvas’ starting at $109 – you could get a canvas photo for as little as $28)

Code at Checkout: photo75

Expires: 2/1/12 (so hurry)

Free shipping
Your entire order will ship for FREE, even on oversized canvas artwork.

No hassle returns
Call it an in-home trial. If you’re unsatisfied, for any reason, you may return the artwork. Just like that.

Free image optimization
They’ll recreate your artwork on the medium of your choice, with the framing options of your choice, at the size of your choice.

I am a blogger ambassador for Gallery Direct, as such I receive artwork to facilitate my reviews. All opinions are strictly  my own.

The holidays were killer. Ben coming home to live with us after being away for ten years were worse. From Paris to the Sundance Film Festival I’ve been on the go and either eating on the run, or sitting down in sumptuous restaurants. It was FUN, I’m not ashamed to say that…but I’ve put back about seven of the pounds that I took off last year (and I hadn’t even finished losing all of the weight). So it’s BACK  ON THE WAGON for me once again.

I loved the plan that I was using before and yes I did lose weight, but you know me…I’m always game to try something new.  Plus, not every plan is best for every person…so, I’m willing to be the guinea pig (that sounds so wrong) and dedicate my life to trying different methods, all for the sake of Champagne Living.

Amway asked me to try their Nutrilite Weight Management program. It all began with a “genetic test” to determine the best course of action for losing weight for MY needs.  When the results came back, my heart sank. I was to be put on the carb reducer plan.

REDUCE MY CARBS???  Are they kidding? I’ll reduce fats, I’ll reduce sugar, I’ll reduce calories…but, if you’re taking my carbs you’re in for a fight. Thankfully, I looked over the actual diet and carbs weren’t completely taken away, just reduced. Still, looking over the diet, I’m a bit concerned. While my last program was EASY, this one involves a lots of supplements, meal replacement bars, snack bars, etc. All I can say is that if I have to give up dining out and fill my handbag with carb blockers, fiber and supplements…it better work. Plus, I already take supplements (D3, Fish Oil, DHEA, etc. in fairly high dosages per my bioidentical hormone doctor).

Still, the option of being energized, feeling full and blocking excess carbs is VERY appealing.  So, I’m taking a deep breath, heading to the grocery store to buy the food on my list for the week, hopping on the scale and starting yet AGAIN. Day 1 is coming up and my journal spells out what I should eat, along with what Amway Nutrilite supplements to use with each meal. Luckily the guide includes food exchange lists, so if I watch what I order, I should still be able to dine out fairly easily.

1-2-3-GO!

Health is the goal – losing weight is a benefit of striving for it.
Your best healthy self is just waiting to be discovered.
If you want to live with the confidence and security that you’re doing
everything you can to ensure good health – now and in the future –
there’s no time like today to start. Set small goals and build from there –
even losing 10% of your current weight helps to decrease health risk
factors and start you on the path to lasting weight loss.

Product was received to facilitate this review and continuing updates about this program. All opinions are my own.

I have a few good friends who are my age and single. Some of them are divorced, some are widows, while others are bachelorettes who never tied the knot. I hear horror stories on a very regular basis from two of my dearest friends. When Janet Blair, author of  Get Married This Year: 365 Days to “I Do” said that she had some great dating tips for baby boomers, I was all ears (and ready to pass the information on to my friends). But, why keep the information just between me and a couple of old pals, when my readers may be in the same position?

So, I figured I should share ~~~~

Despite the emphasis that our culture places on youth, life experience is a real asset when it comes to dating. Remember, this is your time. As a boomer, you should be blooming in at least one aspect of your life by now, even if it is just the wisdom to know that not every detail is a life or death affair. You’ve gained perspective and that will make you a great partner! Remember, as a boomer there are no excuses for not having an edge on maturity and personal development.

Appearance can be a point of stress for boomers reentering the dating scene. Try to put a positive spin on it. Think of all the great make-up and exercise tips available to you and how you’ve tested, discarded or added to your personal care routine. You’ve got looking your best down to a science. The good news is that despite how well off you are or not in the looks department, you’ve had plenty of time to pick up speed in what men want most — entertainment value.

A recent study about why men leave their wives showed it was less often for women who were younger, prettier, or sexier. They left for women who were more interesting. That’s right, women who were more interesting.

Many men tire of working at absolutely every area in their lives and are very attracted to women who can be their cohorts in fun – women with ideas and multiple topics who are capable of taking initiative and be adventurous. For baby boomers who may be slowing down professionally this is especially true.

How to be an intriguing woman and draw dates who could become mates? Here are some simple tips for keeping your dating life a peak experience:
Weed the garden – don’t keep dating anyone who doesn’t help you feel good about yourself. If you are being reasonably charming and he isn’t and he is not mate material and can’t make you laugh, by all means, quit – now. There are better men ahead and deadwood just gets depressing.

Stop shopping for love in all the wrong places — anything you’ve been trying for more than three months (except for online dating) with no return, you’ve got to give up. Repeating the same old thing hoping for a new outcome is one definition of crazy.

Prince charming doesn’t make house calls. To have a dating life, you need a life. Self assign this homework: go out at least three nights a week either with someone dateable or where there is potential for expanding your social network.

Be a social marketer. Put the same initiative you would put into finding a job into romance. Be conscious of your self-presentation, know what you want, believe you deserve it, and be diligent in putting in the time. In love and work, apply Woody Allen’s advice — success is showing up.

Show off — if you have a good body, exercise in public places, go to the beach, the gym, and hit the slopes, If you have a keen intellect and are up to date on current affairs, join a trivia team, take a political affairs class, and volunteer for campaigns, if you have a lovely home, invite people over, offer it for events, and give a “share the wealth party” where the ticket for admission is your same sex friend or acquaintance bringing a date they like very much but are not romantically interested in.

Smile frequently. If you don’t know how, practice: start with furniture, cats and dogs, children, and then make your way up to full blown adults.

Make lingering eye contact with any man you might be interested in meeting. Then look away and gdalance back again with a quick smile. Remember the lingering part. Count to ten. Women will glance and think they’ve communicated interest when in fact their eye contact was so brief, he will be positive he’s just been rejected.

Date dress all the time (yes, even when you are running to the grocery) to help attract someone to date you

Have your body speak the language of openness. Uncross your arms. If at a bar, face into the room not away from it. Open shoulders, uncrossed legs, with a full face glance is a welcome. Add a head tilt and it’s an invitation.

Fake it ’till you make it — do work on self-improvement and expanding your spirituality, education, and health level but don’t wait to be perfect. A great confidant attitude covers many a flaw

Want even MORE of Janet Blair’s fabulous tips?  You’ll find them within the pages of her newest book: Get Married This Year: 365 Days to “I Do”

While I love going on vacation, there’s still no place like home. Being on the road often, there are times that I feel like I’m living out of a suitcase and would love to be able to sprawl a bit.

Global Resort Homes offers just that option, by renting out houses and condos in the Orlando area, one of your favorite vacation destinations! For those traveling with families, or in a group, this is a great and less expensive option, and personally after my week in Park City in a condo, I can say that having a huge place to relax away from the crowds makes vacationing so much easier.

I’ve yet to stay in one of their homes, but I’ve suggested it as a romantic honeymoon option for Ben & Steph when they get married later in the year. They’re planning on having a Disney honeymoon, but didn’t want the expense of staying at the park, and they wanted some quiet for the two of them to really be alone. I think that Global Resort Homes is the answer.

Global Resort Homes is your connection for Orlando vacation home rentals, just minutes from Walt Disney World. Choose from unique townhomes, luxurious condos and spacious vacation homes in Orlando, Florida, located within nine distinctive resort communities - Windsor Hills Resort, Windsor Palms Resort, Reunion Resort,Paradise Palms Resort, Glenbrook Resort, Emerald Island Resort, Oakwater Resort, Cypress Pointe and Vista Cay Resort. Enjoy beautiful Orlando vacation rentals boasting private screened pools and spas, conveniently located near Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, the Orlando Convention Center and other top destination attractions. Each resort community offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational activities to suit all ages.

To introduce you to their fabulous homes, Global Resort Homes is offering a $200 cash prize to one lucky reader of a group of blogs.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize: $200 Cash (I will offer winner choice of $100 Amex GC, Amazon GC or Paypal) – all options are via email.

This giveaway is open to US residents, 21 and over and ends on January 26, 2012

No purchase is necessary.

Odds of winning are dependent upon the number of entries received.

Void where prohibited by law

Thank you to Global Resort Homes for sponsoring this giveaway and to Deals4Dummies for organizing. All opinions are strictly our own.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (and again, and again) I HATE getting older. At least from a purely physical point of view. Those parts of your physique that were once cute and perky, now sag, clear translucent skin is now riddled with spots, and my eyes look like something out of a George A. Romero movie.

Of course, I’ve had the dark circles all my life, this is not an aging issue, but they have gotten worse…or maybe it’s the bags under my eyes that just make them look that way. WHATEVER…I hate getting old, and I’m a junkie for products that help reduce the signs of aging.

I’d heard quite a bit about Artistry by Amway, but had never given it a try…until NOW.

Unlike most eye creams, LuXury Cream LuXury Eye targets the signs of aging that impact both the upper and lower eye areas, delivering a total 360˚ transformation around the eye. The creme contains CellEffect technology, featuring Cardiolipin (worth 30 times its weight in gold), which re-energizes the skin and boosts its natural ability to repair, helping it act up to 15 years younger and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

I’ve been using it for a short time and so far I’m seeing some changes.

Most people don’t know this, but Amway’s Artistry is among the world’s top five largest-selling, premium skincare brands. When developing its products, Amway uses leading-edge science to help guarantee that all Artistry skincare products help your skin act younger.

I never expect miracles, that would be foolish (especially at my age), but I did notice that from the moment I began using Artistry’s Creme LuXury Eye…

• This eye cream is extremely emollient, so much so that I was shocked to find that the delicate skin around my eyes stayed soft all day.
• There was a slight lift to the area above the lid. My eyes are REALLY bad…if you’re using this before you get to my stage it should be more dramatic than mine.
• Some of the puffiness was reduced. I have actual BAGS which are different than puffy eyes, so it again it was less dramatic.
• While it didn’t get RID of my lines around the eyes, it did soften them….making them look less noticeable.

The cream is pretty pricey at $175, but when compared to what you’d spend if you went to a medspa for a little touch up, it’s nominal. I’m hoping that the more that I use it, the better the results, so I’m sticking with Amway Artistry Creme LuXury Eye for a while and I’ll let you know if I see any more improvement!

About Amway’s Artistry

• Amway’s Artistry skincare products are guaranteed to help make skin act younger
• Amway’s Artistry is a global leader in prestige beauty, among the world’s top five largest-selling, premium skincare brands. The brand has over 40 years of experience and is sold in over 80 countries.
• Artistry’s motto is: True Science. True Beauty.
•  We believe that beauty is derived from truth. Truth that comes from careful, modern scientific discovery, and the belief that every woman’s individual beauty should be celebrated
• Amway uses leading-edge science in the development of its skincare products. In fact, Artistry skincare products are backed by the best science in the world.
• Is your skincare regimen taking the right care of your skin? The Skincare Recommender helps you to answer this question and provides the guidance you need to achieve your most beautiful skin.
• The Artistry Virtual Makeover is a fun, easy way to try on new colors for your eyes, cheeks, lips and brows and even experiment with new hairstyles!

Artistry Creme LuXury Eye

•  Unlike most eye creams, Creme LuXury Eye targets the signs of aging that impact both the upper and lower eye areas, delivering a total transformation 360˚ around the eye.
• The creme contains CellEffect technology, featuring Cardiolipin (worth 30 times its weight in gold), which re-energizes the skin and boosts its natural ability to repair, helping it act up to 15 years younger and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

I received product to facilitate this post. All opinions are strictly my own.

GIVEAWAY

Extra Entries

• Tweet me @zipporahs and @AmwayUS with the hashtag #ChampagneLivingbeautyand tell us the color of  your eyes. Example @zipporahs @AmwayUS my eyes are purple #champagnelivingbeauty
• Comment below with your tweet
•  Subscribe to Champagne Living, “Join the Clique”, follow me on facebook or twitter – all found on the sidebar (each counts for 1 extra entry)
• Tell your peeps on your blog, facebook page or twitter about this or any post (each counts for 1 extra entry) and link to us.
• Share this giveaway on any contest/sweepstakes/giveaway site for 5 extra entries..

This giveaway is open to US residents, 21 and over and ends on February 4, 2012

No purchase is necessary.

Odds of winning are dependent upon the number of entries received.

Void where prohibited by law

Whether you are a die-hard movie buff or just love the Glitz and Glam that comes with the Oscar’s, The Academy Awards is the perfect opportunity to experience Hollywood in all of its grandeur. International luxury concierge agency, Music and Commerce has complied this insider’s guide for Champagne Living’s readers who are connoisseurs of luxury looking to experience the Oscar’s like an A-Lister. From luxury shopping sprees and cocktails at celebrity haunts to the most exclusive parties that only the A-List know about.

Here’s how to spend your Oscar’s weekend in luxury!

How To Travel:

Fly Virgin America first class to LAX and get the party started right on the plane with the hottest party in the sky. Don’t forget to arrange an airport meet and greet service to procure your luggage and escort you to your chauffeured car via Royal Elite for the car service at the airport (Royal Elite, Contact: Stas Svetlichny, 323-841-5699) to the hotel.

Where To Stay:

Relive Old Hollywood glamour at the newly renovated Beverly Hills Hotel (310-276-2251). “The Ultra-Presidential Suite is brand new and is a celebrity favorite for a super VIP home away from home experience,” says Marc Hagins, Partner, Music and Commerce.

Another great choice is the brand new Bel-Air Hotel (310-472-1211), which is located in the exclusive enclave of the Bel-Air Estates. If you’re more into the ultra contemporary ambiance opt for the Mondrian Hotel or the Peninsula.

Where To Dine:

Bazaar

Jose Andres’ restaurant at the SLS hotel, The Bazaar is one of the top restaurants in LA right now. The tasting menu is to die for and the unique cocktails are unbelievable.  (Bazaar, SLS Hotel, 465 South La Cienega Boulevard  Los Angeles, CA 90048

(310) 246-5555)

Katana

The celebrity favorite Katana is THE place to catch flawless robata and sushi. The sexy interiors, intoxicating music and chic ambiance ensure for a sultry evening out on the town. (Katana, 8439 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, (323) 650-8585)

Where To Party:

The Weinstein Party

The exclusive cocktail and dinner party hosted by Harvey Weinstein cannot be missed. Harvey Weinstein is the renowned chairman and partner of the Weinstein Group, one of the premier entertainment companies in the industry. His famous “Night Before Party” is attended by all the top A-list celebrities as well as some of the most influential people in Los Angeles. It is one of the hardest invites to obtain during Oscar Weekend.

Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party

The Elton John Oscar viewing party is one of the most talked about and genuinely fun events of the year. Elton John personally greets guests and has photo opportunities with all of the VIP’s attending. The event consists of cocktails, viewing of the Oscar telecast, and dinner, followed by the famous live auction hosted by Sharon Stone.

The Vanity Fair After Party

The Vanity Fair party is by far the most popular Oscar after party. Unlike the more formal sit down dinner parties and soirées the Oscars offers, The Vanity Fair party is more laid back and fun. With a never-ending supply of champagne and sweet surprises, the late night celebration is the perfect way let loose event to mix and mingle with Hollywood royalty.

Can’t Miss VIP Experiences!

• Shopping spree on the most exclusive stores on Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills area.

• A private tour of the Paramount studios film archives, and an in-depth view of the creation of past and present motion pictures.

• Be picture perfect by hiring your own makeup artist and wardrobe stylist.

 About Music and Commerce:

Music and Commerce is one of the top international luxury marketing and luxury concierge agencies based in New York that caters to every detail of the affluent lifestyle. Music and Commerce possesses personal relationships and exclusive access to the most prestigious luxury corporations in the world. Clients include international C-level executives, celebrities and socialites.

I’ve done a lot of things in my Champagne Living career, from reviewing toilet spray to being a reporter at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. A month or so ago, I received an e-mail asking if I could assist in the Miami casting for the NEW television show that Ford is sponsoring, called Escape Routes. They wanted my social media input, as a portion of the challenges that the final contestants on the show will perform, are going to be social media based.

You and a teammate will compete against five other teams relying on your friends, fans and followers to help accomplish the route and complete varying challenges. Besides the experience of a lifetime you will be competing for cash and prizes for the friends, fans and followers that helped you the most.

It was a fun day, working with the casting crew from Los Angeles! We had about 100 auditions (potential contestants had to come with a partner and BOTH had to answer questions) held at the Hard Rock Café in Miami Beach. What a crazy day!

Ben made a quick video, so that you could see some of what the day brought…

If you’ve ever dreamed of being on a reality show, there’s STILL time to apply (via video) at EscapeRoutes.com. Let me know if you do, so I can ROOT for your team!!

I received compensation as a consultant for Ford on the Escape Routes project. All opinions are strictly my own.

I’ll have more on Sundance soon, but today I’m packing up to leave my home away from home here at The Waldorf Astoria Park City. As I’m trying to fit twice as much as I came with into the same over stuffed Briggs & Riley suitcase, I was thinking about my favorite trends for this winter.

My new MUST HAVE piece (and no I haven’t bought it yet) are these soft and elegant wraps by Red Twist that are elegantly classical, practical and made of luxurious cashmere. Red Twist wraps are a cross between a sweater and a pashmina, I’m in LOVE with them!!!

Red Twist was founded by Amy Cooper, who lived in China along with her parents for several years.

During her time there, she fell in love with the Asian cultures and food, but also with the fashion treasures she found wandering in markets and boutiques in the far corners of the world.  An avid traveler and photographer, she longed to find the perfect cashmere to wrap up in on those long flights to and from the states.  She looked everywhere–from the high fashion of Hong Kong to the markets of India—only to learn that all cashmere is not created equal.  While in Beijing, Amy stumbled upon IT–the warmest, softest and yummiest cashmere—the cashmere she had been searching for.  So she did what any cashmere-lover would do, she had it made into a wrap to accompany her on her travels.

After frequent inquiries into her wrap (including one airline stewardess who wanted to buy one mid-flight), Amy decided to start Red Twist.  Each wrap is lovingly made in Beijing from luxurious Mongolian cashmere and is one size fits all.

These are on my must have list this year, and they’re something that I’ll still be wearing ten years from now!

You can learn more about Red Twist wraps, as well as how Amy is giving back to young women by donating a portion of each purchase to the Josephine Charles Foundation at REDTWIST.COM

I’m off to spend the next 12 hours in airports & on planes! I’ll be back tomorrow with more of Champagne Living.