I’ve been kind of bummed lately. As a sturdy woman (I really need to think of a better word than sturdy – homely? hefty? houndstooth?) I’m quite fond of shoes because unless you buy some sort of gold gladiator knee high, trussed-up shoe you aren’t going to look like smoked pig product.  I’ve grown a little fond of buying shoes online because, well international styles are different from what we have out here and it means I never have to leave the comfort of my laptop.

I keep finding gorgeous shoes that aren’t in my size (11) or when I do find them in a size that will fit my huge feet the website doesn’t ship them out here.

So anyways, here is a few from my wishlist of when i’m rich and I can have an experimental foot transplant OR I get some awesome robotic feet that shrink and expand to fit any size shoe.

Seychelle Oxford (I found these and the other shoes on Modcloth (www.modcloth.com) but the Seychelle website has them in a few different colours. Me want all.

Chinese Laundry (also Modcloth – These are quite similar to a pair I tried on at one of those Italian Leather shoe sales they hold at the Sydney Hilton every so often. Only those were about 3 inches higher and were predominatly patent black leather. They were also $300 more expensive than these)

I would cut my toes off for any pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes who seems to only make shoes up to a size 10. I was contemplating it for awhile until I saw a lady wearing flip-flops without any toenails and i freaked out at that. There is something so magical about that Unicorn heel. Considering I never like unicorns when I was younger. I think I saw a pair of shoes out here that had a similar ruffling in a lavendery colour but I mean UNICORN HEEL.

Also speaking of shoes Sputnik the cat ate two of my pairs of shoes. Sure he is the size of dog but it doesn’t mean he should chew on my shoes, you know. I’ll take photos and show you the damage when I remember.

Also let me express my fondness for Modcloth. I love that website so much. I’ve never found a website that i’ve wanted to buy so much stuff from, daily. I wish I’d thought of it first.

Yesterday, an oil tanker headed to the US from Saudi Arabia was hijacked by Somali pirates.  The attack was another addition to the long list of such incidents in the past decade (10 ships have been hijacked in just the last two month). 

The pirates have increased their capability and range over time.  They now mount attacks from mother ships stationed in the middle of the ocean, from which they launch smaller vessels against their targets.  The tanker captured Sunday was seized 600 miles off the coast of Somalia where the pirate bases are located.

Piracy has flourished in the Indian Ocean between the Gulf of Aden and the Seychelles islands despite increased naval patrols.  This trend may be the result of a flawed strategy pursued by concerned powers.  Navy vessels from the US and other countries cruise off Somalia’s coast and other parts of the ocean looking for pirates, but the area that the US Fifth Fleet and foreign navies have to patrol is 2.5 million square miles, which makes their task daunting to say the least.

A better method of combating the pirates would be to set up a convoy system like the Allies did in World War Two to reduce the effectiveness of German submarines.  A convoy strategy would force hijackers to take on warships rather than evade them as they have been doing.  The odds that pirates could successfully capture oil tankers or other vessels that were guarded by destroyers are very low, so using convoys would almost certainly limit the ability of the hijackers to kidnap people and disrupt trade.

Mark’s Journey: Are You Ready to Take on Life Now?

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” –John F. Kennedy

Seize the Moment and Soar! by Avivaphi

As we wrap up the Thanksgiving weekend, it is imperative that we remember to be aware of not only good things we are grateful for, but also of people whose lives have blessed and touched ours. I am thankful for all the good Samaritans, friends, family and other notable people for being there, over the years, in times of great need or for showing sheer courage by embracing life and teaching us to do same.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am continuing the interview series started several weeks ago with a particularly heartwarming interviewee. Today, we meet an extraordinary young man, Mark Lewis, whose poignant story will touch your heart. I met Mark via Darren Rowse’s Problogger community and was immediately struck by his positive attitude and take-charge-of-life healthy approach.

Mark has taken what some might consider an insurmountable condition and created a positive company that reaches out to encourage and give others hope. He tells part of his compelling story of tragedy and triumph here and on his blog, and shares the meaning behind his company message: Take on Life.

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” John Milton

Mark Lewis in Charge: Lewis Sailing via M. Lewis

Foundation Questions:
Tell us a bit on your background: Who are you? Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in a small town just south of Boston, Hingham, Massachusetts – that is, if you consider a population of 20,000 small. I spent most of my summers as a youngster on the water; working, fishing, and sailing. You could say that the great blue runs through my veins.

During my early years in college, at Northeastern University, I learned that I could travel and get academic credit at the same time. This was a revelation to me. Shortly after, I learned about my university’s work abroad program and signed up. I spent six months in Belfast, Northern Ireland working for Price Waterhouse Coopers. During that time, I applied for Semester at Sea (the premier shipboard program for global study abroad) which offers a study voyage around the world. Upon my return from Belfast, I started working on my next work abroad experience in Australia.

Midway through the voyage around the world with Semester at Sea, I found out that a company had hired me in Melbourne, Australia; sadly, it was a position that I would never get to fill… My Semester at Sea voyage ended, approximately 60 days after we left Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, when I suffered a catastrophic injury in the Seychelles. I broke my neck in a swimming accident in the Seychelles and was dealt quadriplegia for the rest of my life. Up until this point, who I was mystified even me. Part of the reason I wanted to travel the world was to find myself. I found myself in the Seychelles on October 26, 2001 at approximately 6:30 PM.

Who am I? I am simply someone who has learned a few of life’s lessons. I have had some of the greatest highs that life has to offer and I have also had some of the greatest lows life has to offer. In the end, you have to take on life because with every low there is a high. I live to spread that message.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.” Soren Kierkegaard

Dare to Care: Take on Life... Niagara Falls by LifeCreations via Flickr

What do you do for a living?
I run Take on Life which sells apparel spreading the message – Take on Life. I accept life’s lemons as challenges that exist only to make our life better and more enjoyable. I live with passion and purpose and encourage others to do same.

My goal is to make a living encouraging people to love life, pursue their ambition, and follow their heart. My company and products convey this message powerfully. I am also taking time to pursue an MBA at UMass, Boston. The program has proven beneficial to my business – Take on Life.

Why did you choose the path you now follow?
I have always felt the urge to start and run my own business, but the path itself chose me and I accepted it; I accepted the challenge.

When did you decide to make key changes in your life?
I am constantly making changes. Don’t get me wrong, I’m content, but I think I can do better. I can do better for myself. I can be better for others.

Share your world view: How do you live your life and manage your household?
I live my life for the moment, and the moments to come. My approach is: Never neglect the present and always have hope for the future. And if life throws you a lemon, just roll with it.

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Follow Your Passion: Singing Santas at Trafalgar Sq in London via SCAD Industries

Reflective Questions:
What motivates you to get out of bed?
Carpe diem. ~ Seize the Day!

What makes you happy/laugh?
My friends and family make me happy. I make myself laugh; seriously, I’ve done some silly things.

What makes you sad/mad?
There is much that makes me sad or mad. However, I don’t tolerate people that take advantage of me. There is no reason you can’t conduct your life and business with people as a win-win.

What would you do differently with your life if you had the power? With the world if you had the choice?
A tough question. As much as I want to say I wish things were different, I take on life with more enthusiasm and ambition than I ever did. I have a greater impact on people as I am than if I had a particular power: the power to walk; the power to be truly independent; the power to get myself out of bed every morning. In the end, I have the power I’ve always asked for; the power to help and inspire people to do more for themselves.

“A man’s indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude.” –Ruth Benedict

Follow the Road to your Goals...

What guiding principle(s) do you follow to make your life meaningful?
I take on life with passion and purpose. I don’t think you can live a happy life without either one.

What word(s) of advice would you give to others today?
Don’t simply live to survive, live to take on life.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who enriched people’s lives by sharing happiness and opening doors to new experiences and opportunity.

Happiness is…..?
Me.

Mark Lewis continues to take on life and teach others to live a life of passion and purpose through his company -Take on Life. He writes a terrific blog and you may connect with him via his blog or by becoming a Take on Life fan on Facebook.

What are your thoughts on Mark’s inspirational life and interview? Do you have a similar story of courage to share? Do share your feedback with us. Thank You!

PHOTO CREDITS:
Ruby Throat Humming bird by Avivaphi ~ via Google Images
Mark Lewis Sailing ~ via M. Lewis
Niagara Falls ~ via Lifecreations on Flickr
Singing Santas at Trafalgar Sq in London ~ via SCAD Industries
The Road ~ via Google Images

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank

Teaching children how to dance on a tropical island with a deep culture of music and rhythm isn’t the worst job in the world. Publicity for the Seychelles speaks about ‘Paradise, 1000 miles from anywhere,’ and it’s no lie. Think coral and granite islands in turquoise seas, palm trees and rainforests. Here there is no debilitating junk food, and entertainment is more about participation than consumption. What did young people in such an environment need from outsiders? It’s true that the guitarist Chris Mullett, my co-founder at Flamenco Express, and I have performed and taught all over Britain and Europe since 1996. But what could he and I teach these young people about rhythm that they didn’t already know? Shouldn’t ITALS they END ITALS by rights be teaching ITALS us END ITALS? And, specifically, what did flamenco have to offer them anyway?

Nevertheless our job during three separate trips in 2006, 2007 and 2008 was to teach flamenco workshops at the International School Seychelles. The total number of students in each of our groups was about 20, ranging in age from 6 to 18. We also had to produce a televised performance at the end of each week-long visit. This wouldn’t be an easy task in the UK, let alone in a place where few of the children have ever seen flamenco and many speak only French or Creole. And the only shoes they wear are flip-flops or trainers. (Leather doesn’t last long in the rainforest.) But rhythm is a universal language, and Seychellois have a lively culture. Music and dance is an integral part of people’s lives. The music heard on the streets, in the markets and at parties is similar to Jamaican reggae, but based on the same rhythm as tanguillos, which is a flamenco compass (or, again, rhythm). Seychelles is a culture so steeped in rhythm that wherever there’s a
group of people someone will have a drum or sound system, and there will be dancing whether the music plays or not.

On the main island, Mahe, dancers and drummers arrive on the beach on Wednesday nights. The drumskins are tuned by the driftwood bonfires, and inside a pulsating circle the dancing goes on into the night. Dance has always been taught in all of the schools, and a country with a population of only 40,000 has a national dance academy. In addition the African, Asian and European cultural heritage has produced a range of local dance forms – in particular the moutia, sega, and contre-dance – which are still alive. Moutia is possibly the most widespread; it combines rhythm and song, as does flamenco.

But I didn’t know any of this when we first arrived. If I had I would’ve been less apprehensive about teaching flamenco in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The fact that the classes were over-subscribed two weeks before we left London was not a help.
Our days started early, and by noon we’d already done two 90-minute workshops. The children were always enthusiastic and eager to learn. Because of a healthy diet they’re fit and slender, and their stamina and concentration is truly amazing.

Every year each group we worked with consisted of equal numbers of boys and girls, and each year studied different rhythms, or compas. They tackled tangos, farruca, fandangos, and guijarras, which are various flamenco rhythms, dances and songs. Using palmas (hand clapping), picas (finger clicking) and footwork they worked on complex co-ordinations and rhythmic patterns. Wearing whatever kind of heeled shoes they could get hold of, they devised their own choreography and chose their own steps. At the end of each week they always produced enough material for the half-hour performance. It was a real challenge for them, but they relished it and sweated to be as good as they could be. On the night itself they were pure magic, the boys in their brightest shirts and the girls with the roadside frangipani in their hair. They always made me cry.

Some children stand out in my memory. Harry was a newcomer to Seychelles, big for his age and slightly defensive in his strange surroundings. He seemed to be a natural choice for dance captain and rhythm leader, and this role turned him from an awkward, spiky boy into a real helper who fitted in and merited respect. Alec was very concerned with perfecting the choreography, as he was convinced it would improve his skateboard technique. Jane already wanted to be an actor, and was an exemplary dance captain. She had advanced musical skills, played the drums and found that flamenco gave her new ideas. And then there was Ryan, the only student who had real problems with concentration and being still. By the end of the week he seemed to have found, in rhythm, a framework that enabled him to focus on tasks and retain instruction while also allowing him to express his creativity. He excelled at inventing patterns and teaching them to the rest of the class, and received respect in return. On the night of the performance he shone. The combination of the natural human response to rhythm, plus a sympathetic environment, had allowed him to discover skills and rewards he hadn’t known before.

It was noticeable that children gained status from being willing to help each other, and they took pleasure in doing so. Their determination can be summed up by the worried nine-year old girl who came to me at the start of the second day – after only one class of flamenco – and apologised, ‘Please. Miss Jackie, I can’t remember all of yesterday’s choreography.’ Or the two six year-olds who, when asked to be at the studio at four o’clock for final rehearsal, came to me and said, ‘We don’t know time.’ They were old enough to learn choreography but not to tell the time. Naturally their classmates ensured that they arrived at four.

Vital to the success of the entire project was the Seychelles ingredient of co-operation between the students. In the studio the children would help each other with steps, and some as young as six would translate my instructions into French or Creole for their fellow students. Others videotaped, lit and staged the show alongside a wide range of other jobs. Most striking of all was the level of unofficial, everyday and systemic help they offered for no apparent reward other than the joy of performing, respect among their peers and the satisfaction of what, from the evidence of this experience, is the natural human instinct to communicate with and assist each other. The apparent side effects of this cultural solution to the historic problems of living together are openness, confidence and a genuine interest in other people, in what they have to say and in who they are. This is a society that likes people, and especially people who like sharing. As artists and teachers we were there to share. This meant that we were also liked, or at least granted respect. We found we didn’t have to prove our point or assert our authority, which isn’t always the case in cultures that are more focused on winning and individual excellence. This openness allowed the students to enjoy flamenco and master new dance skills in a week. Their respect also extended to the art form itself, which is an essential first step and something they seemed to grasp instinctively.

Flamenco offered them another medium for their innate creativity. But they were obviously capable of taking immense joy from almost any activity, especially those involving the group. As for us, I feel we learned as much as we taught. Even spread across three years the entire experience was, and still is, hugely inspiring.

An offshore company is simple and easy to form. With increase in the demand for this type of company, many corporations have come up to make the formation of these companies easy and simple. The companies are formed outside the countries of jurisdiction for the following reasons. They are formed to help those with dire need to have a faster formation and development of companies in other nations easier. This is mostly done when the company sees some possibility of profit making in a given nation easy. Historically, offshore companies have been known to provide many services. This is determined by the reason for choosing a certain jurisdiction. The major reason for starting these companies is to help other companies acquire the assets of a subsidiary on its liquidation.

To form an offshore company, there are set rules and procedures that must be followed to legally own such companies. The following must therefore be taken into account during the formation of such companies:
- A memorandum and articles of association or the set bylaws must be given in a properly detailed document. This shows all the rights that an individual has as a member of that company. The set objectives and goals of the company and the internal activities must be clearly outlined in the Memorandum.
- Certificate of Incorporation which is issued by the Company Registry Board must be given. This serves as a proof that the company is registered and is has a good business standing.
- Appointment of an agent in the country in which the company has been formed. This helps in cases of official communications with the registry board. The agent is allowed to carry out some official duties in company.
- The official address of the company must be provided. This will act as a legal provisional for the company correspondences.
- The legal owners of the company must be identified. This is done by giving the list of shareholders of other members that have a legal link to the business or company. These are only people who are meant to directly benefit from the company.
- The names of the directors, managers and members who will be involved in the daily running of the company must be provided. This comprises of all directors, shadow directors and company secretaries.
- Finally, during the formation of offshore companies, the type of offshore company that is to be formed must clearly be shown. This is because offshore companies are found in different major types namely: an Offshore Company with a share capital, an offshore company limited by guarantee, hybrid type which is a combination of the two and finally protected cell company.

An example of an established offshore company jurisdiction is Belize. This is because it has a government registered company called Belize Offshore Formation Ltd which deals mainly in offshore company formation and registration. This company is guided by the standard set rules IBC. From this Act, an individual or group of people is able to incorporate a company. The Offshore Company Act in Belize does not allow a residence of Belize to conduct business.

We provide the following company formation services, Seychelles Company Formation |Belize Company Formation|BVI Company Formation as well as the opening of bank accounts for clients worldwide.

In case you are thinking of purchasing the new global version of Amazon’s Kindle for Christmas, be aware that there are still quite a few places that the global version will NOT work.  I was disappointed to find that the new version still will not work in my country.

Apparently the new global version will only work in SOME countries.   I thought it would be helpful to most expats to have a complete list of which countries it will, or will not work in (below).

It’s also interesting to note the PATTERN of groups of countries where the Kindle doesn’t work–some countries probably lack satellite coverage or delivery systems, while others probably don’t WANT readers to be able to download whatever they want by satellite.

STARRED (*) countries marked below indicate that Kindle needs to be ordered from a SPECIAL PAGE on the Amazon site.

The Global Kindle version DOES work in (as of Dec. 2009):

Aland Islands, Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia*, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Boznia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Leichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Moldovia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozembique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Réunion, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,  Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands – British, Virgin Islands – U.S.,  Wallis and Futuna, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The Global Kindle version does NOT work in (as of Dec. 2009) the following countries:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Antarctica, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Chad, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, French Southern Territories, Gambia, Guinea, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea – Democratic People’s Republic of, Korea – Republic of, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco (including the Western Sahara), New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Pitcairn, Qatar, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands, Sudan, Svalbard and Jan Mayan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uzbekistan,  Yemen.

I finally got time to go shopping again!  I guess it’s technically almost winter, but the weather outside says otherwise, which is okay by me!  I found some really cute stuff, below are my faves:

The holidays are coming up, which means a lot of parties and functions.  Here are a few party dress options:

Love the colors in this Max & Cleo tube dress from Sonny B. $150

Metallics are also a fun option from black for the holidays.  This Ya tube dress from Sole Searching is so cute! $49

Another option is this Max & Cleo Silver dress from Sonny B. $150

If you’re looking for a dress thats a little less flashy, but still fun, this Max & Cleo Fringe dress is perfect! Also from Sonny B., $157.50

I’m also loving this Max & Cleo classy purple houndstooth print dress from Sonny B. $110 This one can be dressed up or down!

Another fab look for the holidays is a great pantsuit, with a fun shirt.  Check out this outfit.  Grab the BCBGeneration Tuxedo jacket from Lula Balou $128….

Layer it over this BB Dakota sequin tank from Sonny B. $66

And finally finish it off with these BB Dakota skinny black pants also from Sonny B. $84

Right now Sole Searching has some fabulous necklaces that can dress up any outfit.  Looking for something edgy, yet refined? you need this gold & onyx necklace. $169

For a classier look try this impressive freshwater pearl necklace, $120, which has matching pearl hoop earrings 

or either of these Lenora Dame Pearl Necklaces $115, $120

And every lady needs a good cocktail ring.  Choose from any of these plus more at Sole Searching, $29-$39

During this time of year, I am always on the lookout for cute long-sleeved dress.  The buttons on the sleeves really do it for this Vfish dress from Sole Searching, $115

Another option to winter-ize your skimpier dresses are to layer long-sleeved shirts underneath.  The sleeves on this Mystree black shirt make it more dramatic.  From Lula Balou, $48

Turtlenecks can feel very restricting, but the cut-out lace shoulders of this XCVI shirt makes it a little more refreshing and super-cute to wear under a tube dress.  From Sole Searching, $99

Both of these shirts also play well with the trend this fall to emphasize shoulders.  Another trend that is big right now is draping.  Whether its used in more of a sporty style, like this Gado Gado skirt from Sole Searching, $69

or whether its incorporated into an every-day piece, like this Aryn K. navy blouse from Sonny B., $89, this look is always flattering.

Textures are also very happening during this time of year.  How fun is this Ya vest from Sole Searching? $49

Differnt textures and patterns are also good for outerwear, since this is the part of your outfit that people see the most when it gets chilly.  This 3 Sisters paisley coat from Lula Balou is guaranteed to be a head-turner, $248

This D.E.P.T tweed jacket reminds me of Chanel, and I love everything Chanel! Also from Lula Balou, $140

This Fumblin’ Foe military style brocade jacket is also a nice choice, from Lula Balou, $130

Another way to dress up your outerwear, is with fabulous shoes!! Boots & booties are a must!  These Seychelles black booties from Sole Searching kick booty! $115

Buckles are hot right now, especially on these Not Rated grey boots from Lula Balou, $75

These Matiko suede booties are cuties! From Lula Balou, $140

Looking for something taller and funky?  These two Irregular Choice boots are for you.  First pair from Lula Balou, $248, second from Sole Searching, $269

As far as bags go this season, faux-skin is in.  Love the utility of this Shiraleah handbag from Sonny B. $89

This Melie Bianco bag is super soft! From Sole Searching, $89

The bucket style handbag is also back.  This Melie Bianco bag has the option of using a longer strap, and I love the woven texture.  Also from Sole Searching $110.

What are some other pieces that I need this season you ask?  Well, for one, a hot mini skirt!  This  BCBGeneration body con skirt from Lula Balou is very slimming, and versitile.  Wear it with a cute top for going out, or a t-shirt to dress it down, $88

Another piece that I wear almost every day is a cardigan.  Even though I don’t ride horses, I tend to love everything equestrian, like this Charlotte cardigan from Lula Balou, with it’s horse and bridle print.  $118

And don’t forget to add a little bit of color to your winter wardrobe.  Its easy to wear all black, but its more fun to wear a color!  Try this Trinity multi-colored tank for literally a splash of color.  From Sonny B., $62.50

Well hopefully you will all leave a little bit inspired   Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels!

Sei curioso? Vorresti conoscere le isole più esclusive per cominciare a sognare il tuo prossimo viaggio?

Ecco qui un assaggio .. un elenco delle destinazioni favorite dai più ricchi e famosi personaggi del mondo.

SEYCHELLES – Cousin Island Private
Una delle più paradisiache isole delle Seychelles dove sorge un resort di altissimo livello qualitativo e dove si può ritrovare il contatto ormai quasi del tutto perduto, con una natura “amica”. Una macchia verde intenso, circondata da una lunga striscia di bianco cangiante, così si presenta dall’alto la minuscola Cousine Island. L’esclusività in questo piccolo eden naturalistico, è all’ordine del giorno visto che si può essere ospitati al massimo in otto persone, più due bambini. Quattro Ville spaziose, di circa 175mq. che richiamano il classico stile coloniale francese e che compongono la struttura principale del resort.

ISOLE VERGINI BRITANNICHE – Isola Neker
Questa è l’isola privata di Sir Richard Branson, un piccolo paradiso con spiagge incastonate tra scogli coperti da bougainvillea fiorite, una morbida collina coperta da vegetazione, un spazio intimo in cui sentirsi a proprio agio. Un resort che può accogliere al massimo 24 ospiti, persone in cerca di fuga dai clamori, come Peter Gabriel o Steven Spielberg o David Beckham. Per 47.000 dollari al giorno potrete affittare l’isola, fare uso dell’enorme villa, dei suoi dieci alloggi e sentirsi, almeno per un po, re del mondo.

TANZANIA – Isola Mnemba
Una delle tre più romantiche destinazioni al mondo: Mnemba Island è una piccola isola-resort al largo delle coste di Zanzibar. Quest’isola è una tra le mete preferite di chi cerca una luna di miele estremamente romantica. Anche se molto piccola, le spiagge vergini, la fauna marina locale e i meravigliosi tramonti rendono quest’isola davvero paradisiaca. La principale attrazione dell’isola è la barriera corallina che ospita più di 300 specie di pesci, oltre a delfini e squali.

MALDIVE – One & Only Reethi Rah
Mare azzurro, spiagge bianche, un resort incredibile, un posto paradisiaco… Un esclusivo resort della prestigiosa catena One&Only Resorts: l’unico 6 stelle alle Maldive, situato nell’atollo di Malè Nord. Una forma insolita per un’isola dove il lusso raggiunge una delle sue più alte espressioni grazie alla bellezza del luogo, alla sontuosità delle dimore, alla cura dei dettagli.

OCEANO ATLANTICO – Bermuda
Oltre ai miti e le leggende che parlano di questa zona dell’Atlantico, Bermuda offre una combinazione ideale tra passato coloniale e paradiso naturale. Ovunque si posa lo sguardo, c’è un colore che riempie gli occhi: le tinte pastello dei cottage, il rosa delle spiagge che si perde nel blu dell’Oceano, il verde intenso della vegetazione tropicale. “Realizzate i vostri sogni!”, questo lo slogan del Cambridge Beaches. Si compone di eleganti cottages sparsi nel vasto giardino e arredati con gusto. Una vacanza al Cambridge Beaches è come immergersi in un piccolo paradiso in cui tranquillità e relax si coniugano a sport ed animazione, in un ambiente esclusivo e raffinato.

CARAIBI – Turcs & Caicos
Parrot Cay è una deliziosa isola privata e disabitata delle Turks & Caicos che, è un vero scrigno di gioielli: foresta vergine, mangrovie, cactus e lagune incontaminate. Lo scenario del Parrot Cay è valorizzato dall’elegante design del resort, opera di Keith Hobbs, autore di progetti internazionalmente conosciuti come capolavori architettonici, quali l’Armani Store sulla Fifth Avenue a New York o il Metropolitan Hotel di Londra. Molto amato da artisti e stilisti di fama internazionale, è il resort ideale per chi ama la quiete, necessita di pace spirituale e di contatto con una natura incontaminata

CARAIBI – Mustique Island
Una tra le isole preferite dai famosi, famiglie reali e ricchi di ogni parte del mondo. Vegetazione tropicale e acqua azzurro turchese; un vero centro paradisiaco. Sull’isola il Cotton House, con i suoi otto cottages che sembrano emergere direttamente dai giardini fioriti sovrastanti l’Ansecoy Bay, è il perfetto rifugio e luogo colmo di magia. Resort in stile coloniale che ha puntato sulla ricerca dei particolari e sulla scelta dell’arredamento. Dice il General Manager:“il giusto cuscino consente di eleggere la Cotton House a propria seconda casa”.

BAHAMAS – Musha Cay
Isola di proprietà del famoso mago David Coperfield che avrebbe trovato questo posto chiedendo agli astronauti quale fosse il posto più bello con l’acqua più limpida che si vedesse dalla galassia e tutti hanno indicato lo stesso punto dell’Oceano Atlantico. Uno dei resort più cari ed esclusivi al mondo, posto ideale per fare immersioni. Un Paradiso per pochi eletti,  soprattutto per il jet set americano, dove una notte costa 25.000$, un prezzo che comprende qualsiasi cosa voi vogliate avere. Massimo relax e privacy in questo angolo di paradiso.

Se sei interessato a ricevere maggiori informazioni su questi resort o su queste destinazioni, contattami:
Greta Amadori – Consulente Viaggi
greta.amadori@evolutiontravel.it

Amazon's Global Kindle Reader

I heard that Amazon now has a global version of Kindle. I was disappointed to find this morning that the new version still will not work in my country.

Since I’ve wanted one for some time, but have been waiting until they got a version that would work in my country, I checked out their website this morning, only to be disappointed again. Apparently the new global version will only work in SOME countries.

In case you are thinking of purchasing the new Global Kindle for a Christmas gift this year, since the new version will only work in SOME countries, I thought it would be helpful to most expats to have a complete list of which countries it will, or will not work in.

STARRED (*) countries marked below indicate that Kindle needs to be ordered from a SPECIAL PAGE on the Amazon site.

The Global Kindle version DOES work in (as of Dec. 2009):

Aland Islands, Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Aruba, Australia*, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Boznia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Liberia, Leichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Moldovia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozembique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Réunion, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands – British, Virgin Islands – U.S., Wallis and Futuna, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The Global Kindle version does NOT work in (as of Dec. 2009):

Afghanistan, Algeria, Antarctica, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Chad, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, French Southern Territories, Gambia, Guinea, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea – Democratic People’s Republic of, Korea – Republic of, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco (including the Western Sahara), New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Pitcairn, Qatar, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands, Sudan, Svalbard and Jan Mayan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uzbekistan, Yemen.

Precioso zapato de la marca estadounidense Seychelles de gamuza turquesa con ribetes dorados y 8 centímetros de taco, disponible en otros colores y en medios números en www.seychellesfootwear.com

The Council of the European Union under the Swedish presidency, is scheduled to formally adopt the decision on the conclusion of the 6 visa waiver Agreements on November 30th 2009 at the 2979th Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting. The 6 visa waiver Agreements were provisionally applied from May 28th 2009.

Credit : The Council of the European Union

]]> http://guydinmore.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/copenhagen-hopes-fading-warns-seychelles/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:22:01 +0000 guydinmore http://guydinmore.wordpress.com/2009/11/16/copenhagen-hopes-fading-warns-seychelles/ http://animalonstamps.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/166-seychelles-2-reptile/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:46:10 +0000 fiume051 http://animalonstamps.wordpress.com/2009/11/15/166-seychelles-2-reptile/

Republic of SEYCHELLES

stamp: 1,50 rupees

year: 1993

reptile: lizard

The European Parliament (EP) discussed in plenary session on October 19th 2009 the 6 visa waiver Agreements.

The European Parliament then approved them on October 20th 2009.