Friday, February 22, 2008

Designer Stone Pet Bowls

A new line of elegant marble and onyx pet feeding bowls have been launched by Snooty Pets. The new line called Kevy K. Designs is aiming to reach sophisticated pet owners who consider their pets part of the family and want one-of-kind, quality and elegant products to compliment their living environment.

Each stone bowl is exquisitely hand carved and polished to a smooth and seamless finish by highly skilled artist. Each bowl has its own style and unique characteristics which no two bowls are alike. "Because marble is the caviar of natural stone what better way to convey exclusivity and glamour," says Kevin Thomas, vice president of Snooty Pets. The stone range includes rich and warm colors of rare Pink and Blue along with Ruby, White, Honey, Green and Travertine.

The new line will feature three styles: Senora, Lamar and Gisele. Each style offers a unique design and will accommodate tiny to medium size pets. The four inch and seven inch height bowls will provide better digestion and proper eating posture. The solid heavy stone bowls weighting between 4lbs-13lbs will prevent rambunctious pets from moving, tipping over and damaging their feeding bowls.

The excitement of customers who were introduced to luxury pet products for the first time was the inspiration behind the Kevy K. line. Today's upscale customer desires high quality and stylish products for themselves and also for their pets. "People want to be surrounded by the things they love like art, these things make you feel good," says Thomas.
The goal of Kevy K. Designs is to create one-of-a-kind products that combine elegance, functionality and art.

The Kevy K. collection will be launched at the Luxury Pet Pavilion Trade show February 23rd and 24th 2008 at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. LPP is a gathering that provides luxury pet trade shows for the world's finest purveyors of luxury pet products.

The ultra luxury Kevy K. collection will be available at upscale pet boutiques, gift shops, pet spas and hotels nation wide.

Snooty Pets is a Las Vegas pet boutique specializing in distinctive pet accessories, classy pet beds, designer dog carriers, stylish pet clothes, chic collars, bowls, shampoos, professional grooming services and fresh baked dog treats and cakes.

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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Forbes.com Names Best Luxury Cars Under $50K for 2008

Forbes.com writer Jacqueline Mitchell has posted the "Best Under-$50K Luxury Cars", and the selection is quite diverse. She says, "You can find an Audi A3 wagon with a starting price of $25,930 and a Saab 9-3 convertible beginning at $26,000. At the top end is the Land Rover SUV starting at $44,933 and the Mercedes SLK roadster with a base price of $46,000. Add in a few select options, and you can easily meet the $50,000 threshold."


The article continues, "You are treating yourself with these vehicles," says Stephanie Brinley, senior manager of product analysis at AutoPacific, a market research firm covering the auto industry. "It is reaching a level of maturity. You've reached a stage in your life where you want a little more luxury, and you can afford to purchase a vehicle with more amenities."

Still, there's a big difference between a $45,000 luxury car and an ultra-luxury car twice its price. Take the $86,000 Cadillac XLR convertible roadster. Its standard features include 15-spoke wheels, a V8 engine, a heated steering wheel, a high-tech navigation system and a retractable hard top. Many of these are options in the under-$50,000 group.

See the winners here.
Read the full post here.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Despite Slowing Economy 'Super Rich' Continue to Spend

Consumer Spending Survey Reveals 80 Percent of High Net Worth Individuals to Increase Spending in 2008

Despite continued news of a looming recession, 80.3 percent of the "Super Rich" (consumers with net worth of $30 million plus) will increase their spending on luxury goods and services. This is according to the Elite Traveler/Prince & Associates 2008 Affluent Consumer Spending Survey conducted January 10-18, 2008. The survey polled a panel of more than 600 affluent consumers who had a net worth of at least $1 million. Overall the wealthy expect the economy to worsen in 2008. However, 84 percent of the Super Rich said the current economic environment represents an investment opportunity, and they will continue to spend more on luxury products and services and increase donations to charitable organizations more than ever before. The survey also reports that affluent consumers have little faith in the government's ability to "fix" the present economic situation.

The survey revealed that 58.2 percent of "Rich" consumers (those with a net worth from $10 to $30 million) will increase their spending on luxury goods and services. However, 21 percent of consumers with a net worth of less than $10 million plan to decrease their spending on luxury goods and services.

Does cost matter?
As expected, the Super Rich are not price sensitive as only 7.4 percent report an increase in the cost of luxury products as playing a role in their purchasing decisions. However, almost half of the Mass Affluent consumers surveyed said cost is a deciding factor when purchasing luxury goods and services in this current uncertainty.

Although most consumers shop around to find the best deal when purchasing an expensive product, that rule does not seem to apply to the Super Rich. Less than 10 percent of Super Rich consumers said they would take more time to purchase a luxury product this year but would otherwise make speedy impulse purchases. Twelve percent of Rich consumers reported an increase in the time they would take to make a luxury purchase, while 34 percent of Mass Affluent consumers would spend more time making a purchase as they balance economic uncertainty and higher costs for everyday expenses.

For the Super Rich: It's Better to Give
Nearly 70 percent (69.1 percent) of the Super Rich say they will increase their charitable giving this year, realizing their support is needed now more than ever to offset cut backs from those who have felt the pinch from a weakened economy. At the same time, 47.6 percent of the Rich will increase their charitable giving. Only 13.9 percent of the Mass Affluent will give more in 2008.

"With the Super Rich increasing their charitable giving, the good news for luxury providers is that the Super Rich believe it is O.K. to reward themselves by continuing and in fact increasing their spending on watches, jewelry, luxury autos, fashion and the like," said Gollan.

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Saturday, February 2, 2008

Expert Makes it Easy to Wine and Dine Your Sweetheart with The Cheeses of France

Acclaimed cheese expert and James Beard winner Max McCalman, author of The Cheese Plate, the definitive book on the art of creating the perfect cheese course, and of Cheese, a Connoisseur's Guide to the World's Best, has prepared a romantic plate for two that's designed with fromage lovers in mind. The plate includes French favorites Camembert, Comte and Roquefort. Paired with Champagne "...this is a very romantic plate for two, featuring three of the most popular cheeses produced in France," said McCalman.

France produces a remarkable diversity of cheeses made from goat, sheep and cow's milk, Camembert, Comte and Roquefort are just a few of the most recognized names in fromage but there are literally hundreds of French favorites to choose from, making it easy to find a special, mouth-watering selection for a romantic occasion.

About The Cheeses of France

Visit www.cheesesoffrance.com to see Max McCalman's Valentine's Day creation and ideas for seasonal Fromage Plates, everyday entertaining and unique pairing ideas with wine, liquor, coffee and more. Max offers expert tips on the art of creating the ultimate Fromage Plate experience.

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