Ooh look at those celebrity mansions – Jealous…me?

 

According to celebrity gossip website TMZ, actor Nicholas Cage has had to auction off his two Malibu properties. They were worth a staggering $8,878,886.82!  He also lost his Bel Air mansion (pictured) earlier on in the week. 

There were no takers on the properties auctioned at ‘only’ $10 million each…but how devastating this must be for Cage who is allegedly suing his former business manager for leading him to financial ruin.

However, this got me thinking whether money really leads to happiness? Imagine having an extravagant mansion, overlooking a glorious landscape view, with enough room to invite all of your friends and family around to. Would all of the space and luxuries, complete with swimming pool, tennis courts, a games room, a cinema room etc etc really make you happy?  

Of course it would!

Here’s a selection (from flickr and google images) of  the finest celebrity homes: 

Michael Jackson's Neverland!

The world-famous Neverland Ranch in California. So big it needs its very own train station. Not only a gigantic mansion but also private fun fair, zoo, swimming pool and guest house. The photo above is just stunning with that massive sparkling lake and surrounding greenery. 

J-lo and Mark Anthony's mansion!

Wow! J-Lo’s LA mansion looks like a princess castle, it’s beautiful… And look at all those security camera’s around, there are rumours that after their twins were born the couple had security guards and signs warning trespassers to keep out.Ooh  but can’t we just have a swim in that pool? 

John Travolta's home

Well this is truly unique. You can’t help but laugh at the jumbo jet parked up outside…most homes are lucky to have a driveway big enough for a couple of cars!

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's family home

Absolutely huge! This is such a great family home…so much space for the kids to run around and make lots of noise playing. Could you imagine how long a game of hide and seek would last?

Eddie Murphy's mansion

If you thought Will Smith had a big home then check out Eddie Murphy’s…it looks more like a holiday resort! Definitely boasts the best swimming pool so far!

The Beckham's Hollywood house

And finally, you can’t look at celebrity homes without having a nosy at the Beckhams.This was their house in Hollywood, however it has supposedly been bought by close friend Tom Cruise who wishes to use it as a guest house. Oh to be a celebrity…or at least friends with one! 

Seen any bigger, better or more extravagant mansions than these then let me know!

Review: X Factor Live at Wembley Arena

Photos captured by Caitlin King

My boyfriend eventually received his Christmas present last weekend. Yes, I had bought him, well us, tickets to X Factor Live show at Wembley Arena. Like millions of Brits, we had spent our Autumn Saturday evenings watching the X Factor. I was supporting the winner and lovable geordie, Joe McElderry, whilst he was supporting Essex boy runner-up Olly Murs. As this year’s X Factor had been bigger than ever, I had to get hold of tickets to see the contestants live…

Lloyd Daniels opened the show making all the teenage girls go crazy and was followed by the other finalists who took it in turns to take to the stage in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Presenter Jeff Brazier got the crowd lively throughout the concert by praising them for being the best crowd and starting off a mexican wave around the Arena. Contestants also had a brief interview with him. Joe thanked the crowd for voting  him to be the winner. My favourite interview was when second runner-up Stacey, known for her ‘dippyness’, giggled ”This is so amazing, I was never even chosen for the school play!’

Olly- Twist and Shout

My boyfriend absolutely loved it when Olly came on and even tried to imitate his unique dance style. Tried definitely being the right word to use! But Olly really did have a way with the crowd as he worked the stage with ‘Twist and Shout’  and ‘Fool in Love’. It must have been such a close call between him and Joe for winner.

Jedward- Ghostbusters

However, it was cheeky twins Jedward that the crowd really went crazy for as they ran, jumped, flew through the air and, just about, sang and danced! Their performance of ‘Ghostbusters’ was so theatrical with a massive blow up ghost on the stage and the boys pretending to destroy it with water pistols…you’ve got to love them, haven’t you?

Stacey Solomon- Who wants to live forever

There were also stunning performances from Stacey and Lucie and a particularly moving moment when Danyl began playing the piano and singing ‘I’ll get by with a little help from my friends’.

He was joined by Jamie and Olly as the chorus kicked in. What a fantastic experience these, once ordinary, people are sharing together.

Joe- The Climb

The best act was saved until last as Joe came on for the last half an hour of the second half. He appeared on the spotlit stage in the centre of the arena, was lifted into the air and flew to the main stage singing his debut single ‘The Climb’. He sang favourites such as ‘Sorry seems to be the hardest word’ and ‘Don’t stop believing’. He has such a beautiful voice and really did deserve his title as the winner.

You are not alone

The concert finished with all the finalists on stage singing their number one charity single You are not alone. It was an amazing night proving how true stars can be found in talent show contests. I wish them all luck in their future careers.