Lamborghinis + Jets = One Very Luxe Party!
By LuxeGlobal Society Editor Margo Schwab.

There are invites and then there are some very, very coveted ‘invites.’ This invite for September 7th, 2011 was one of those very coveted invitations in Southern California.

The tease…… guests were invited to come for cocktails and the first viewing of the 2012 Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador presented by Symbolic Motors of La Jolla at Schubach Aviation’s posh new hangar at Palomar Airport.

The event was ‘luxe’ perfect as noted by LuxeGlobal Founder and CEO Robert Mani. Mani summed up it up succinctly. “A wonderful luxury lifestyle experience!”

It was indeed.

Amidst Challenger, Hawker, Lear and Citation Jets, guests mingled and enjoyed tasty mini beef sandwiches by Donovan’s Steakhouse, and very smooth St. Petersburg Vodka creations.

Among the well dressed crowd there were Melissa and Mark Grosvenor, they jet to Cabo San Lucas frequently, Bud Sittig, he’s President & Chief Operating Officer at California Pacific Airlines, Marc Chase of Symbolic Motors, Marlo Milligan, Betty Hall of LuxeGlobal, Marianna Tanguay, Henry Schubach, he’s the President of Schubach Aviation, Manda Reese, Diane and David Zeiger, Heather Wells, Phil and Kim Palumbo, and Jon Lash.

Jon Lash is LuxeGlobal’s Aviation Sales Director. Known for his passion for aviation and matching his client’s needs precisely to the right aircraft, Lash noted that this event was “an exciting aviation event!”

So true, but an automotive event too!

There was a beautiful Bugatti Veyron amidst several Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador. You could just imagine the engines purring.

There was artwork too provided by Symbolic Collection’s Bernie Chase. Amidst the art displayed were exclusive paintings and prints by Rolling Stone’s guitarist Ronnie Wood.

A great event where living with luxury was the common theme.

Something understood well by Robert Mani and his wife and business partner Susan Dunn. Mani and Dunn ‘captain’ LuxeGlobal which offers the crème de la crème in services for Land, Air and Sea, i.e. real estate, aviation and yachts / watercraft. All via a terrific global network of agents and support services.

Land, Air and Sea, Live Luxe!’

The Jewel Ball Celebrates 65 Years with Sapphire!

By LuxeGlobal Society Editor Margo Schwab.

The 65th annual Jewel Ball took place August 6th, 2011 with an aquatically inspired Sapphire theme.

670 guests arriving to the transformed La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club walked through a satin blue embellished entrance lined with ‘porthole’ aquariums of live fish.

Champagne and signature Sapphire Cocktails were de rigueur as was the who’s who of San Diego in elegant black tie attire.

Among the standouts were Emma (in Roberto Cavalli) and Leo Zuckerman, Dianne (in custom Baracci of Beverly Hills) and Jim Bashor, Jewel Ball Chair Sue Wagener (in Talbot Runoff) and her husband Peter Wagener, (they own Hotel Parisi), and Susan Dunn (in hand beaded Badgley Mischka) with her husband Robert Mani of LuxeGlobal.

That’s LuxeGlobal representing the finest in luxury real estate, aviation and yachts.

More there included Natasha Reiss and Erik Johnson. Their wedding last year at her mother Claire Reiss’s La Jolla Farms estate featured a surprise performance by the Beach Boys.

Other notables there were Darlene Shiley, Lee Clark and Jerry Pikolysky, Valerie and Harry Cooper, and Joe and Cathy Andrews.

Dinner was by the Hyatt Regency La Jolla and dancing went non-stop until 1 am with the sounds of Liquid Blue.

Major beneficiaries for this year’s Jewel Ball include: La Jolla Playhouse; REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program; San Diego Fire Rescue Foundation, San Diego Food Bank Corporation; and UCSD Shiley Eye Center.

“Congratulations to Las Patronas for another magnificent Jewel Ball” said Robert Mani. “Their dedicated and generous support of the many wonderful San Diego charities is truly appreciated.”

To view more coverage of the Jewel Ball please visit Jewel Ball Sapphire at http://www.thesocialdiary.com/JewelBall2011.html

Robert L. Mani of LuxeGlobal and Susan Dunn

Jerry Pikolysky, DDS, with his wife Lee Clark

Raul and Lisa Albanez with Jennifer Greenfield (Jewel Ball Chair 2009) and Richard Greenfield (top orthopedic surgeon!)

Lisa Casey and attorney David Casey

Trevor and Shawn Roger with Keith and Erin Wyer

Dianne and Jim Bashor

Jim and Heather Skeen with Cathy and Joe Andrews and Elizabeth and John Andrews

Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters

Debbie Turner and Conrad Prebys

Robert Mani and Susan Dunn, with Marilyn and David Dunn

Dr. Cristina Vasile, and Dr. Robert Weinreb, Director of the Shiley Eye Center with Marilyn and David Dunn

Susan Dunn with her father David Dunn

Caroline Nierenberg (Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe is named after her) with her son Will Nierenberg & his girlfriend Paula Baldin

Linda and Don Swortwood

Diane Clarke (center) with Leo and Emma Zuckerman

Kleanthis and Gaylene Xanthopoulos

Robert Mani and Susan Dunn with Valerie and Harry Cooper

Jewel Ball 2011 Co-Chair Pat Marsch with Jewel Ball 2011 Chair Sue Wagener and Jewel Ball 2011 Co-Chair Elaine Murphy

Erik Johnson and Natasha Reiss

Harry and Valerie Cooper

In matters of business and economics, it’s hard to wrap one’s head around the idea of a global economy. The concept is quite vast and requires boundaries which are sometimes literal – meaning geographic. No matter what the individual outlook is for any given country, there is one consistent truth: people around the globe are driven by a need to expand, communicate and do business with the rest of the world. In this, the most advanced technological age, there has never been a greater time of opportunity to do so. LuxeGlobal, Inc., a San Diego-based real estate firm with global reach, has been doing just that with great success

There are thousands of articles, videos and products to help you with the mechanics of your golf drive. Most focus on techniques, from “how to fix your stance” to “how to keep your arms straight and locked for optimal distance”. Very few offer exercises or nutritional tips that help strengthen the body and ultimately result in maximal drive distance. Through proper exercise and nutrition alone, I can teach you how to add 10-20 yards to your golf drive in just 4-6 weeks. Read on…

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the same energy at the 18^th hole as you had at the 1^st? The nutrition part is simple chemistry; start eating correctly, as I will guide you (below), and body fat will drop and energy will explode throughout your body. The exercise part is not so obvious. Why? There are all these “so called experts” who will tell you it is all in your “core”.  Yes, I agree that the “core” (abdominals and lower back) play a vital role in the golf drive, but they are far from the “end all, be all” to increasing drive distance. A combination of balance, strength and flexibility must exist. These factors begin at the Achilles’ heel and travel all the way up to the Trapezius muscles in the neck. The 6 key muscular body parts that must be trained for achieving optimal strength and flexibility for a powerful and accurate golf drive are : 1)Quadriceps (legs) – 2)Gluteus (buttocks) – 3)Hip Flexors (hips) – 4)Back – 5)Abdominals – 6)Shoulders.

I’ve laid out one precise exercise for each body part listed above. These exercises can be done with only body weight and simple rubber bands. With high repetitions, you will get the perfect combination of strength building and dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretching is a stretch that is in constant motion. Unlike a Static stretch, where you hold a given position without moving for a specified amount of time, dynamic stretches have a lower injury rate and are pivotal for proper warm ups before a golf game.

1) Quadriceps (legs) – Body Squat. Here is a body weight squat that will build leg strength without harming the connective tissue (ligaments and tendons). This can be done with bands.

Performance of the exercise: Start with your feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.  Place your hands out in front of you.  Keep your back straight and abdominals tight.  Bend your knees and lower your hips and buttocks straight down towards your heels.  End in the bottom squat position (visualize a catcher in baseball sitting on his heels).  You should be sitting on your heels, resting just on your toes.  As you push back up, drive your heels back to the floor and stop the movement just before your knees reach the locked-out position.  Repeat in a fluid motion and do not pause in the bottom position.

(Exercise factors #2 and #3 combined in 1 exercise)

2) Glutes (Buttocks) and 3)Hip Flexors (Hips) – This exercise is the Pelvic Lift. It builds strength through the glutes, hips and lower back.

Performance of the exercise: Lie flat on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the ground.  Your hands are at your sides, palms down on the floor.  Start the movement by squeezing your buttocks together and then raise your pelvis straight up toward the ceiling until your back is straight.  Lower your pelvis and buttocks back to the starting position and repeat.

4) Back (Lower, Middle and Upper) - Bent Over Row (rubber bands)

Performance of the exercise: Stand in the middle of a band with your feet just slightly wider than shoulder width.  Bend over at the waist, keeping your back straight and chest facing the floor.  Cross the band and let your hands hang down towards the floor.  Raise your elbows towards the ceiling and pinch your shoulder blades together.

5 ) Abdominals (Abs) – The Bicycle - A phenomenal exercise that works the entire abdominal wall, sides and hip flexors.

Performance of the exercise: Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head for support.  Your feet are up and legs are bent to a 90 degree angle.  Simultaneously bring your right elbow to your left knee as you straighten out the right leg.  In a fluid motion, switch to a left elbow /right knee combination.  Keep the movement fluid and constant.  Visualize that you are pedaling a bicycle.

6) Shoulders – Side Lateral Raise (rubber bands) – This exercise works the medial deltoid (side of the shoulder) with only minimal weight and high reps. The medial deltoid is the main part of the shoulder used to drive the club head.

Performance of the exercise: Simply stand in the middle of an exercise band. Hands are at your sides, palms facing your body. Slightly bend your elbows and then raise the backs of your hands toward the ceiling, stopping just higher than your shoulders (ending in a “T” position).  Repeat the motion up and down in a fluid rhythm.

Perform these exercises using only your body weight and/or bands.  Follow this routine 3 times a week.  Each exercise is as follows: 3 sets per exercise / 20-35 repetitions per set. Stay consistent with this exercise regiment and in 4-6 weeks you will be astounded by the strength and athleticism you have gained, and, as promised, the increase in distance on your golf drives.

Article by: Abe Fuentes

Click Here to Learn More About Abe Fuentes

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Buste de femme souriante Signed lower left Picasso Oil on board laid down on panel 30 1/4 x 22 1/2 in. Painted in 1901

In May 2010, a painting by Pablo Picasso sold for $106.5 million, becoming the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction, breaking the previous record set only a few short months earlier with the sale of a bronze statue by the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti which sold in February 2010 for $104.3 million. Additionally, works of art by renowned masters of the European and American genres routinely fetch amounts exceeding $20 million at auction. The aforementioned examples illustrate the powerful possibilities inherent in acquiring art as an investment and with the following I will present to you a few tips, a brief summation of art investing and important considerations based upon my years of experience.

Fernand Léger (1881-1955) La racine noire et fragment d’objets Signed and dated lower right 43 – 50 F. LEGER Signed dated and titled (on the reverse) oil on canvas 28 3/4 x 36 3/4 in. Painted in 1943-1950

When considering art as an investment, you should keep in mind a few parameters. First, buy what you love, not solely what you think is a good investment.  After all one of the great intangibles about art is the joy of living with it. Buy quality first and foremost and be prepared to hold on to your acquisition for long periods. Leave trading and speculating to the art dealers.  Additionally, try to make informed decisions using available resources such as price databases, art advisors, auction houses, etc.  Knowing what to buy and what not to by and from whom, is crucial. Finally, as a rule of thumb, do not invest more than 10% of your net worth in art.

The following facts regarding art investing may be helpful to you in formulating an informed decision. Historically, economists had done little research on art as an investment. About twenty years ago, Drs. Mei and Moses from NYU created various art indices that track the performance of the art market as a whole over the last 150 years, as well as track segments of the art market such as Impressionist/Modern, Old Masters, Contemporary, German Expressionism and American.  Over these long time frames art as an investment has outperformed bonds and has produced returns essentially the same as the S&P 500; about 10% compounded annually. Currently, the size of the art market worldwide is estimated to be $22 billion per year.

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Buste Ancien Signed with the initials HM 5/10 (on the base) Bronze sculpture with brown patina 24 1/2 in. high Edition 5/10; Valsuani foundry stamp (on the base) Executed in 1900

You do not have to buy masterpieces to participate in the art market.  Mei and Moses found that lower priced art generally outperformed higher priced art.  The best performing segments of the art market over the last 50 years have been American paintings before 1950 and Impressionist and Modern art.  Contemporary art is by far the most volatile with huge swings in prices and as a result risk. Art as an investment is negatively correlated with the performance of stocks and bonds and thus can provide a useful hedge to a portfolio.  Often the best time to but art is immediately after a stock market collapse where money is fleeing stocks and looking for a safe haven.  There were dramatic increases in the price of art after the October 1987 crash and immediately after 9/11, and most recently in 2009 and 2010.  Investors today see art like they might gold—a tangible, hard asset that can perform well in inflationary conditions and can hedge against currency risks.

Alice Neel (1900-1984) The Baron’s Aunt Signed lower left NEEL Oil on canvas 38 x 22 in. Painted in 1959

Today, art collectors have online databases at their disposal such as artnet.com, artprice.com and others that they can use to get historical auction price data on thousands of artists over the last 50 years or so.  The art market is becoming more transparent and efficient due to these tools. Banks are increasingly offering art advisory services to their high net worth clients regarding the purchase and disposition of their art assets.

Kees Van Dongen (1877-1968) Recuerdo de Toledo Signed lower left Van Dongen; inscribed on the reverse Recuerdo de Toledo 1908 Oil on canvas 39 3/8 x 39 3/8 in. Painted in 1908

It is important for you to keep in mind possible problems with art as an investment.  The market is relatively illiquid and more variable than the stock market.  You can be somewhat  assured that you can buy IBM stock today and sell it within 1% of your purchase price tomorrow– not so with art.   Finding a buyer willing to pay your price is always an issue. Furthermore, there are inefficiencies in the art market.  Everyone can agree on the value of IBM stock at this very moment, but with art, personal preferences come into play and subtle variations within an artist’s oeuvre can mean huge differences in prices.  Also, there is no broad, transparent marketplace for art like there is for stocks such as the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.  A purchaser generally has to rely upon layers of middlemen. This is also complicated by the fact that most art is one of a kind and it is difficult to extrapolate the value of one painting based upon the selling price of a seemingly similar work. Variability in condition of the art is also a large factor affecting price and value.  Additionally, art prices are linked to tastes and fashion, which can change very rapidly.

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) Albinos Study Signed lower right Andrew Wyeth Watercolor on paper 13 3/4 x 20 in. Painted in 2002

However, the advantages to art investing are many. Living with art is rewarding and enriching in itself and much more of a pleasure to look at than a stock certificate and with some diligence and luck can be a very important part of your portfolio.

Click Here for more on Author James Carona

The International Wine & Food Society is the world’s oldest and most renowned gastronomic society.  The Society’s mission is to promote education, understanding and appreciation of both wine and food by bridging connections between individuals who share these pleasures. The International Wine & Food Society was founded in 1933 by André L. Simon, CBE, Legion d’Honneur, who was renowned as a bibliophile, gourmet, wine connoisseur, historian and writer. The society has expanded greatly more than 75 years after its founding. Now global, it consists of more than 6,000 members in 130 branches in 30 countries. The San Diego branch held a holiday dinner December 17^th at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club.

Susan Dunn Mani, Linda Dowdy, Robert Mani

Rosalyn Hubert, Lew Dowdy

Peter Kaheny, Bruce Hubert, Paul Scripps

Jeff Wilson, Gunilla Giegerich, John Campbell, Christy Wilson

Anne and Tig Wohlford

Photos by Jon Clark; Courtesy of Rancho Santa Fe Review.

ROMP 2010 BROUGHT IN NEARLY $400,000 TO HELP THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE PROVIDE A MUCH NEEDED HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME FOR FAMILIES IN MEDICAL CRISIS!

BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ROMP 2011 “SWEET SIXTEEN” ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2011.

]]> http://luxeglobal.com/luxeglobal-events-mcdonald/feed/ 0 http://luxeglobal.com/the-art-of-fashion-show-rancho-santa-fe/ http://luxeglobal.com/the-art-of-fashion-show-rancho-santa-fe/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:47:44 +0000 robert http://luxeglobal.com/?p=1683

The Country Friends partnered for the sixth straight year with South Coast Plaza for the 55th annual Art of Fashion runway show, which took place at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and featured the fall/winter collections of Emilio Pucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John, TODS, and Versace.

The Country Friends funds more than two dozen charitable agencies each year through the Art of Fashion and other fundraisers, as well as proceeds from its consignment shop in Rancho Santa Fe, specializing in exquisite furniture, antiques, rugs, silver, china and objets d’art. Its mission is helping people to help themselves.

]]> http://luxeglobal.com/the-art-of-fashion-show-rancho-santa-fe/feed/ 0 http://luxeglobal.com/del-mar-cool-as-ever/ http://luxeglobal.com/del-mar-cool-as-ever/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:19:58 +0000 robert http://luxeglobal.com/?p=1075

One of the endless benefits of living in San Diego County is the classic summer thrill of attending the horse races at Del Mar Race Track. Nestled along the Pacific, the track boasts the slogan Where the Turf Meets the Surf. This historic landmark has been a favorite to a number of celebrities both two legged and four legged such as Bing Crosby, Ava Gardner, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and Seabiscuit. Del Mar Race Track has hosted so many super stars over its magnificent history that the track also coined the term Playground for the Stars.

In 1937, Bing Crosby opened the gates to the track and let in Del Mar’s first racing fan. A year later the famous match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti was held at Del Mar as depicted in the blockbuster hit Seabiscuit.

As July approaches excitement brews in North San Diego County as residents and tourists anticipate the approaching racing season. Opening day at Del Mar towards the end of July is one of San Diego’s most popular events. Last year, opening day brought in nearly 45,000 fans dressed to the nines in gowns, tuxedoes, and extravagant hats. The tradition of the racing hat takes on a whole new meaning on Del Mar’s opening day. Women racing fans arrive at Del Mar in some of the most beautiful and outrageous hats around. In fact, competitions are now held on opening day to award the fan wearing the most fantastic hat (dmtc.com).

Del Mar Race Track has much more to offer than simply a timeless buzzing atmosphere and horseracing. The Turf Club on the fourth floor of the spectator facility serves as a private lobby and bar where the track’s most cosmopolitan fans can mingle. On the simpler scale, the Diamond Club offers fans an opportunity to receive discounts on racetrack admission, concessions and access to Diamond Club booths. After the races, Del Mar often hosts concerts for track goers who thirst for more excitement when the horses and jockeys turn in for the night. On the weekends Del Mar offers Family Sundays where children can enjoy carnival games, go on pony rides, watch magic shows, and even get their faces painted.

Del Mar Race Track epitomizes the San Diego County love for horses, luxury, tradition, and fun. The track’s newest slogan among the many is Cool as Ever which easily goes without saying.

Article and Photos by Karen Roemer