Oh, the Rich has such expensive birthdays

This entry is about birthdays, and features the most expensive party, birthday gift and even most expensive cake. Birthdays are really special, so take a look at what some have done to make it even more special…

Most expensive birthday – $27.2 million

The Sultan of Brunei might have turned 60 this year, but his 50th birthday has to be the most memorable of all. After spending millions on caviar and the best champagne, the Sultan had to go one step further and fly in Michael Jackson for three performances that cost him 16 million dollars. Some of the guests included Prince Charles from England, and when you’re inviting royalty to your birthday you might as well host the most expensive birthday party in the world.


Most expensive birthday gifts in 2006 – Beyonce Knowles’s $1 million car

When Beyonce Knowles turned 25, boyfriend Jay-Z wanted to make her feel extra special, and so bought her a 1959 Rolls Royce convertible with an estimated value of $1 million. The car is iconic and a really expensive gift, but when it comes to gifts Mariah Carey’s has to be the most expensive this year. Mariah was preparing to perform in Madison Square Garden, when Prince Azim from Brunei, presented her with a $5.4 million necklace and matching ring.


Most expensive cake – $1.65 million

Delicious diamonds! Taking six months to create, this fruit filled cake is the proud work of an experienced Tokyo chef. Covered in 223 diamonds and unique patterns, the outside is a sparkling extraordinaire that will dazzle just about any party. Imagine the surprise on the face of your guests when you enter a room with this cake!


Most expensive birthday card – estimated at $56,000

A former art college secretary arrived at her surprise 70th birthday party, and found something more surprising than she could ask for. When former student, Damien Hirst sent her a birthday card, he tried to make the occasion extra special by sending one of his ‘dotted’ paintings instead. On the painting he wrote her a special message, and the painting is thought to be the most expensive birthday card in the world.

In the Luxury of the African Bush

Seeing that the long winter cold is upon us once more, we thought that this week’s entry should be about a place where you can bake under the sun and indulge in an adventure. So this week we’re taking you on an African Safari…


Singita Private Game Reserve - Ebony Lodge – $2,010 per night

Wake up to the sounds of the bushveld (bushy grassland)! In the center of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, the Ebony Lodge is sanctuary of luxurious open air suites on the banks of the Sand River. Surrounded by Jackalberry trees and mountains, guests can view the Big 5 as they roam freely, while being treated to the best in leisure and everyday excitement. When not going on game drives to see some of the largest animals in the African bush, you can relax in the health spa or sip on cocktails under the sun while experiencing the best in African culture.


Londolozi Tree Camp – $1,916 per night

Londolozi is a 34,589-acre safari camp, hidden in the boughs of native African trees. The Tree Camp is a romantic camp with spacious living areas that lead out to a wooden deck shaded by an ancient Ebony tree. Each suite is a private oasis and has its own splash pool, and guests can enjoy Pan-African cuisine on an amazing game viewing dining deck while watching an African sunset in the distance. Some of the activities include bush walks and 2 game drives per day, but it’s the calming atmosphere of the camp, which truly makes Londolozi one of the most sought after safari destinations in Africa.


Royal Malewane – $5, 073 per night, max. 4 people

Relaxation in the shade of Acacia thorn trees and bold panoramic views! The Royal & Malewane suites are surrounded by the untamed African bush, and offer guests the best in an African safari. The reserve’ssuites are the largest of its kind in Africa, and complimentary services include a private butler & chef, private game drives as well 4 massages per suit per day at the spa. When guests are not embracing the bush by foot or going for a game drive accompanied by the only surviving Master Tracker in Africa, they can relax at their suite and experience ultra luxurious living areas that reflect the African culture and its glory.


Ulusaba Rock Lodge – estimated $5000; per couple for 3 nights.

Owned by Richard Branson, Ulusaba is a reward winning private game reserve. The reserve consists of two lodges, with the Rock Lodge being the most phenomenal. The views stretch for miles and guests can experience everything, from open 4x4 game drives to moonlit bush dinners. With the best in world class luxury, and a chance to see magnificent animals in their natural habitat, guests at Rock lodge experience what a majestic experience a safari really is. Ulusaba is also a wedding and honeymoon hotspot, which caters for a most unforgettable day in the heart of the African bush!

The Ultimate List of Sought After Collectables

Have you ever collected items that you find interesting? This entry is all about rare collections that aren’t just astonishing, but also extremely valuable… This is the ultimate collectable items in their respective categories. You might buy them for their sentiment or aestectic value, but these items are great investments. Lock them up in a vault, because their dollar values are guaranteed to just accumulate over time.


The Pond-Moonlight Photograph by Edward Steichen – $2,900,000

A ‘click’ that became a legacy! The Pond-Moonlight by Edward Steichen has become the most sought after photographs ever, when it sold for more than 2 million dollars in February this year. Taken on Long Island in 1904, the photo is a moonlit scene with trees emphasizing a dream like feel. Private collectors have been hungry to own this photograph that became valued for its rarity due to its early demonstration of color auto chrome. Only three copies of the Pond-Moonlight exist today; 1 is owned by a collector, whereas the other 2 are on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, and the Museum of Modern Art. Imagine being the owner of a 2.9 million dollar photograph…


American ‘Double Gold Eagle’ coin, 1933 – $7,600,000

One of the most valuable coins ever created! This is one of the most desired gold coins of all time since only 3 exist today. The Double Gold Eagle coin was introduced in 1933 by Theodore Roosevelt to mark the glory of America, which was designed by Saint- Gaudens. Unfortunately Theodore’s cousin, Franklin Roosevelt, ordered them to be returned a quarter century later, only to be melted into golden bars. 2 Coins can be seen in museums, 1 was previously stolen and now belongs to a private collector. The Double Gold Eagle coin certainly maintains its value due to its historical significance and everyone can see its brilliance, just by looking at it!


T206 Honus Wagner tobacco baseball card – $1,270,000

Said to be the greatest Baseball card collectible of all time! In 2000, the T206 Honus Wagner sold for more than 1 million dollars, and is 1 of only a few Honus Wagner cards still in good condition. When Cigarette Company, Sweet Caporal and Piedmont started giving out packets with Baseball cards, Wagner requested that his card be pulled and this resulted in the card being so rare. If you’re a serious Baseball card collector then you might want to add a Honus Wagner to your collection!


Signed copy of "Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984)", George Orwell – $26,000

The most expensive signed book to date! Just after the book was published, its author, George Orwell died in hospital and only signed a few copies. Fans of the author have since been craving to find signed copies, and its rarity has grown stronger and stronger. Nineteen eighty-four is a novel that depicts a dystopian struggle and is one of the authors most successful books. The most expensive copy ever sold has the inscription “For Elly with regards, Geo Orwell” in it. There are numerous signed copies by some of the most celebrated authors like J.R.R Tolkien, and if you can get your hands on one of these books you won’t only have a collector’s item, but also an extremely unique book.